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No minimum number of attendeesNo minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
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Free booking and cancellationFree payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
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I'm not the youngest guide around, but hopefully my experience can compensate for the grey hair!:) I was born in Australia, but moved to Latvia, my parents' homeland, in 1994. I've worked as a journalist, a translator and a guide, and have lived through some huge changes in this amazing part of the world. My passion is showing visitors around this country, especially fascinating Riga and beautiful Jūrmala. I have tons of history, stories, images, songs and jokes to share with you - so come and join me for an in-depth but fun journey!:)
Riga is a beautiful city with amazing history!
And this tour is the perfect introduction to this fascinating place.
Find out how trade shaped Riga, as we explore handsome warehouses and merchants' villas.
Discover the amazing things hidden under the cobblestones, from ships to jewellery.
Learn about the miraculous rise from the ashes of St. Peter's Church and the House of Blackheads.
Hear legends of the world's first Christmas trees, famous black cats and intoxicating Riga Black Balsam.
Enjoy spectacular Art Nouveau architecture and lovely parks.
Plus, I'll tell you about life in Latvia today.
And get great tips on other places to enjoy in Riga and Latvia.
Join me for a unique journey through an incredible city!
We meet on Alberta laukums, the Old Town square right across from the train and bus stations. I will be wearing an orange hat
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.
This beautiful church has dramatic stories of fires devastating the steeple, history-changing sermons and champagne glasses smashed for a good cause!
Next to the ancient Guild Halls, the black cats on the roof of this pretty yellow house embody Riga's in-your-face attitude.
The magnificent merchants' clubhouse is the home of the world's first Christmas trees!
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!
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.
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!
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.
This lovely park boasts canals, sculptures, flowers and... beavers!
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...
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.
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...
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
