Attractions
Dom Cathedral
Dating back to 1211, the red brick Dom (or Dome) Protestant
Cathedral is a highlight of the historic centre of Riga. The
cathedral is situated near the Western Daugava River and boasts an
incredible organ with over 6,500 pipes built in 1844, stained-glass
windows...
see full detailsRiga Castle
Riga Castle (or Riga Pils) was built in 1330 on the site of the
original settlement of the city as a residence for the master of
the Livonian Order, and later it served as the base for the city's
occupiers throughout its history....
see full detailsOpen Air Ethnographic Museum
The Open Air Ethnographic Museum is a fascinating reflection of
the traditional Latvian way of life. Set on 247 acres (100ha), the
museum consists of farmhouses, fishing villages, windmills and
other historic buildings that have been relocated here to create an
outdoor exhibit. Visitors...
see full detailsCentral Market
One of the oldest and biggest of its kind, Riga's Central Market
dates back to 1201 and is a riot of sounds, sights and smells.
Anything from fresh fruits, cheeses and whole sheep carcasses, to
appliances, clothing and CDs are on offer, usually...
see full detailsThe Museum of the Occupation of Riga
Latvia was occupied from 1949 to 1991 by two successive regimes,
in the forms of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. This well-curated
museum conveys what life was like during this time, and serves as a
memorial to those who died or fled as...
see full detailsArt Nouveau Architecture
Riga is the world's best preserved open-air museum of Art
Nouveau (also known as Jugendstil) architecture, which dates from
the early 20th Century. The style is characterised by unusual
shapes, curved and organic arches, gargoyles and carved faces, and
flamboyant cornices. Over 30 percent...
see full detailsMotor Museum
What is undoubtedly eastern Europe's finest motor museum is
tucked away on the outskirts of Riga, and makes for an essential
outing if you enjoy classic cars and Soviet history. The museum
contains Molotov's limousine, Stalin's bombproof sedan, and the
wreck of Brezhnev's car...
see full detailsJurmala
Jurmala is the main holiday resort town in Latvia, the place
locals go to when they want to relax, catch a tan and enjoy a spa
treatment. The beaches are very good, including the Baltic's only
Blue Flag beach, and the seafood restaurants...
see full detailsLatvian National Opera
The Latvian National Opera building is a magnificent
19th-century structure, that's home to the National Opera, Ballet
and Orchestra companies. Built in 1863 by the St. Petersburg
architect Ludwig Bohnstedt, the building - columned and colonnaded
- is not only incredibly photogenic, but lays...
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