Best of Riga free walking tour

What will we visit on this tour?

• Meeting point:

  Old Riga, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-105...

  Old Riga, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

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  We meet on Alberta laukums, the Old Town square right across from the train and bus stations. I will be wearing an orange hat

• 1
  Outside visit

  Alberta laukums

  Riga began 1,000 years ago at this site, on the shores of a lake which has mysteriously disappeared... We see some fine old warehouses and talk about the sailors and merchants who made Riga one of Europe’s greatest ports.

• 2
  Outside visit

  St. Peter's Church

  This beautiful church has dramatic stories of fires devastating the steeple, history-changing sermons and champagne glasses smashed for a good cause!

• 3
  Outside visit

  Cat House

  Next to the ancient Guild Halls, the black cats on the roof of this pretty yellow house embody Riga's in-your-face attitude.

  Show 9 more stops

• 4
  Outside visit

  House of the Black Heads

  The magnificent merchants' clubhouse is the home of the world's first Christmas trees!

• 5
  Outside visit

  Riga Cathedral

  This is the biggest medieval church in the Baltics. It boasts a world-famous organ and an intriguing story of why it is three metres lower than the rest of the city. And discover why the family on the bank across the road are naked!

• 6
  Outside visit

  Saeima

  Latvia's parliament and the 1991 Barricades Monument are reminders of the nation’s long, brave struggle for independence. I share some jokes about communist leaders and talk about the Singing Revolution and non-violent protests against tyranny.

• 7
  Outside visit

  Powder Tower

  Together with the remnants of the old city walls, this impressive tower reminds us of what life was like in medieval Riga. Dirty, smelly, but well defended!

• 8
  Outside visit

  Freedom Monument

  This striking monument symbolizes Latvia's struggle for freedom. I'll tell you about the impressive sculptures, how it was saved from Soviet demolition, and its role in bringing down the Evil Empire.

• 9
  Outside visit

  Bastejkalna parks

  This lovely park boasts canals, sculptures, flowers and... beavers!

• 10
  Outside visit

  Embassy of Russia

  Reflecting the passionate politics of Latvia today, we see a huge, ugly picture of Putin facing the embassy and learn why it now sits on the Street of Ukraine's Independence...

• 11
  Outside visit

  Alberta iela

  This small street is filled with outrageous Art Nouveau buildings from the turbulent turn-of-the-century. Half-human sphinxes, lions, butterflies, trees Greek and Norse Gods are just a few of the bizarre ornaments.

• 12
  Outside visit

  Riga Art Nouveau Center

  This ship-shaped building is home to Riga's most beautiful staircase. We stand in this gorgeous space and discover the rich cultural life of the time it was built. Painters, writers, architects and composers...