Riga has long been known as one of the greatest cities in the Northern European region that hides many spectacular secrets. However in the past decades, the strength of the city has been forgotten. There are several reasons why this has happened but we will not go into details right now. Instead, we will look at the hidden treasures or treasures which are not adequately addressed in the modern times of the city.
Let’s say if you had only 1 day in Riga, how would you spend it? Urban Treetops offer two ways of exploration:
- The Tourist Stuff and Places to Visit
- The Community, The Other Side and The Secrets
Either way, you need to think out of the box when you plan your vacation or a weekend getaway to Riga. The main goal is to enjoy the city as much as you can and to feel the community vibe.
The Tourist Stuff and Places to Visit
Urban Treetops has made up a list of places tourists usually, visit in Riga. Of course, it is not only limited to the places that we have listed bellow, but it is a good start!
Dome Square
A place for major events and it holds a historic significance. The largest square in the Old Town of Riga that includes many architectural masterpieces (almost all of the buildings are pre-war). We could say that the main building is Riga Dome Cathedral. Note: You can check out the viewing deck of Riga Dome Cathedral that offers great views of Riga.
St.Peter’s Church
The 13th-century church dominates the skyline of Riga. From the 72 meters high viewing deck you can see spectacular views of Old Town, river Daugava, and contemporary Riga. Additionally, the whole historical meaning of St.Peter’s Church is priceless. St.Peter’s Church is one of the most known symbols of Riga.
Jacob’s Barracks, The Powder Tower and Sweedish Gate
To make it more convenient, we combined these three landmarks into one visit because of close proximity to each other, located on Torņa Street. Jacobs’s Barracks built in the 18th-century are a unique place that divides the Old Town from modern Riga. Barracks used to hosted armies but nowadays the building has found different purpose – great cafes, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. On Torņa Street we can also visit two historically significant landmarks: The Powder Tower and Sweedish Gate.
Freedom Monument
Financed by public donations and built in 1935, the freedom monument is one of the most significant symbols in Latvia. The 42.7 m tall monument symbolizes the guardianship of independent Latvia. The three golden stars on the top of the monument represent three historical regions – Latgale, Vidzeme, and Kurzeme.
Town Hall Square and The House of the Blackheads
After being destroyed in World War 2, Town Hall Square and The House of the Blackheads has been reconstructed since then. Surrounded by beautiful architecture and historically significant landmarks and buildings Town Hall Square attract large amounts of tourists. This place is always busy no matter what time of day it is. Right next to Town Hall Square and the Old Town you can find a Promenade along the right bank of river Daugava where you can make fantastic pictures of the left side of Riga.
After being destroyed in World War 2, Town Hall Square and The House of the Blackheads has been reconstructed since then. Surrounded by beautiful architecture and historically significant landmarks and buildings Town Hall Square attract large amounts of tourists. This place is always busy no matter what time of day it is. Right next to Town Hall Square and the Old Town you can find a Promenade along the right bank of river Daugava where you can make fantastic pictures of the left side of Riga.
The Old Town, Art Nouveau, and Wooden Riga
With non-stop tourist flow The Old Town (a.k.a. “Vecrīga” in The Latvian language) is a truly unique historical place not only in Latvia but in the Northern Europe. The whole Old Town area is included into UNESCO World Heritage List. Additionally to spectacular buildings, Old Town is offering plenty of great places to eat or to have some Latvian beers. Outside of the Old Town area we have the center neighborhood which is rich with Art Nouveau buildings. Additionally, to Art Nouveau buildings a second redemption has been given to wooden housing. A renovation project is being implemented in a specific neighborhood of Riga called Wooden Riga – definitely worth a visit.
The Community, The Other Side, and The Secrets
To feel the community vibe of the city you really need to jump into the action. There are several cool places that Urban Treetops recommend to visit to get the sense of the community in Riga. So let’s start our tour in Riga by visiting:
Riga Central Market
One of the largest marketplaces in the Europe was opened in 1930. Since then it has been irreplaceable artery of the city providing the local residents with various food commodities (meat, vegetables, milk products and fish). Nowadays the central market also serves as a place for tourist attraction. Ceaseless hobbling and bustling vendors create a lively sense of community.
Do not forget to visit all market pavilions and to buy some delicious snacks in the market! You can also find local products made in Latvia – like homemade honey and dairy products!
Spikeri Quarter and the New Promenade
Where can you find a place for creativity combined with beautiful architecture? Well, you do not need to look far – Spikeri (in The Latvian language: Spīķeri) is the place for that! Historically Spikeri is known as a trading place for various commodities and the aesthetic looking brick buildings were built in the 19th century. Nowadays the whole Spikeri Quarter area has been included in UNESCO world heritage list. Valuable addition to the Spikeri Quarter has been the brand new Daugavas Promenade.
Here you can just relax, enjoy the waterfront, do some light jogging or cycling. As well as eat some healthily and delicious snacks bought in the Central Market which is right next to Spikeri Quarter.
More information about Spikeri Quarter you can find in the video bellow:
Spīķeru kvartāls from Arterritory on Vimeo.
The Bergs Bazaar
The multifunctional building complex was built in the end of 19th century by one of the first Latvian real estate developers Kristaps Bergs. With excellent restaurants, boutique shops and great summer concerts and events, The Bergs Bazaar is one of the coolest places in Riga. You will have a feeling that you are in a pre-war Europe and certainly, the community vibe is nothing but awesome in The Bergs Bazaar.
Miera Street
From the Latvian language known as Peace Street, is one of the most alternative sites to visit in Riga. Almost every European city has that hipster place and Miera Street (Peace Street) is that place in Riga. Miera Street is offering local artistic stores and coffee shops. Additionally, it has a good community vibe and great summer festivities that are quite unique! You definitely need to visit this unusual place that will help you to get to know the other side of Riga. Do not forget to check out the architecture around Miera Street, as it is located in the neighborhood of Riga center. On Miera Street you can also find the famous Laima chocolate factory and store where you can buy the sweet product.
Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum
Opened in 1924 and located on the coast of Jugla lake in Riga, the museum represents the traditional Latvian values, culture, lifestyle and thought process. By exploring the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum you are going to learn about rural ways of living in Latvia from the 17th century to beginning of 20th century.
Latvian National Museum of Art
After completion of the gut renovation and reopening the museum to the public in 2016, Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA) has gained well-deserved recognition both locally and internationally. The museum fulfills the mission preserving and popularizing Latvian art as being the largest depository of professional art in Latvia. Definitely worth a visit, high level of quality and remarkable artworks.
Green Spaces and Park
Riga is also well known because of its green spaces and gorgeous parks that were planned before World War 2. Thankfully, until nowadays the city has been able to preserve the design, planning, and infrastructure of the green spaces and parks.
Few of the most famous parks and green spaces that you should visit: Bastion Hill, Vērmanes Garden Park, Esplanāde, Lūcavsala, AB jetty, Viesturs Garden Park, Grīziņkalns Park, Ziedroņdārzs Park, Kronvalda Park, Arkādijas Garden Park and Victory Park, and many other green spaces.
At the end of the whole tour, you will be surprised how diverse are the neighborhoods and communities in Riga. We hope you will enjoy it and if you have any questions feel free to ask Urban Treetops! Most importantly share your adventures and discovered secrets in Riga with your friends and family… and be a part of building a great community in Riga!