Latvia is located between Estonia and Lithuania and lies on the Baltic Sea. The country’s landscape varies from wide, sandy beaches to beautiful and dense forested areas. Its cities are full of history and fascinating architecture, including the capital, Riga, with its famous art nouveau and wooden buildings. Riga also has a medieval Old Town, which is fascinating to visit as well as a huge Central Market, perfect for browsing unique items to take home. Museums in the capital include the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, where you can learn more about the people of the country, their food, music, and crafts. Learn more about this fascinating country by doing the best things to do in Latvia.
1. Step into Arsenāls in the Latvian National Museum of Art
The award-winning Arsenāls Exhibition Hall at the Latvian National Museum of Art is housed in an important architectural monument. The building was originally a customs warehouse (or arsenal) in the early 19th century, designed in the late Russian Classicism style and adapted to make it ideal for a museum. Its mission is to collect, preserve and research Baltic and Latvian art treasures dating from the 18th century until the present and to make them available to the public.
Arsenāls Exhibition Hall
Address: Torņa iela 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Arsenāls Exhibition Hall
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 6pm; Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 4 EUR (4.43 USD)
2. Swing by 'Milda' the Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument in Riga is affectionately known as “Milda,” and stands above the city, between Central and Old Riga. It was erected in 1935 on the spot where a statue of the Russian ruler, Peter the Great, once stood. The monument honors soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence. At its base is an inscription reading “Tēvzemei un Brīvībai” (for fatherland and freedom), along with granite friezes showing Latvians fighting and singing for their freedom. At the top of the monument stands a female statue holding three gold stars. Her name is “Milda” which, at one point in time, was a common name in the country. The monument is permanently guarded by two soldiers, who change the guard each hour between 9am and 6pm. Bring your friends and family to check out this monument of honor.
Freedom Monument
Address: Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Freedom Monument
3. Join Sherlock Holmes in the cobble-stoned Jauniela (from USD 154.0)
Jauniela (or New Street) is one of the most picturesque streets of Riga. It is located right in the heart of the city, between Town Hall Square and Dome Square. The street is lined with many attractive art nouveau buildings, as well as many restaurants and quaint boutiques. Interestingly, this street is quite famous as it has been used in a number of Russian films. British people will recognize this street for the television series, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson” that was filmed here. In that series, Jauniela was transformed into Baker Street in London.
Old Town And Art Nouveau Walking Tour Of Riga
Duration: 3 hours
4. Delve into the past at Latvian Museum of Natural History
Latvian Museum of Natural History is located in Riga. The Riga Balto-German Intelligentsia founded the museum and a library in 1845 to form part of the Riga Naturalist Society. The museum houses the oldest collection of natural history exhibits of the Baltic States. The various exhibitions that you will come across are namely: Mineralogy, Plants and Fungi of Latvia, Geology of Latvia, Amber Through the Ages, Humans and the Environment, Evolution of the Earth and its Biosphere, About the Earth, Sun and Us and other fascinating subjects.
Latvian Museum of Natural History
Address: Krišjāņa Barona iela 4, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Latvian Museum of Natural History
Opening hours: Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: From 1 EUR (1.11 USD)
5. Make your way to the Old Town of Riga (from USD 94.0)
The Old Town of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of history, beauty, and fabulous architecture. The medieval buildings are a pleasure to view, including the famous Three Brothers – a series of three houses which are three of the oldest homes in Riga. There is also the House of the Blackheads to visit, which was originally built in the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads. These were a group of unmarried ship owners, merchants and foreigners living in Riga.
Shore Excursion: Riga Highlights Tour
Duration: 4 hours
6. Be mesmerized by the sheer brilliance showcased at Latvian National Opera
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet has a season running from September to June each year. During the season time, one can witness more than 200 performances, including around six new productions in ballet and opera. The theater pays tribute to Romantic and classical operas and ballets, including modern productions, children’s performances, and original local works. This is a fantastic activity to be accomplished with the family.
Latvian National Opera
Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Latvian National Opera
Price: From 7 EUR (7.74 USD)
7. Explore the exhibits at Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum (from USD 175.0)
This unique, open-air museum is nestled on the banks of Lake Jugla and is around a 30-minute drive from the center of Riga. The exhibits in the museum were collected and curated only prior to the war, meaning that they are mostly in excellent condition. The museum features 18 historical buildings, representing 4 provinces of Latvia, namely Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Latgale, and Zemgale. Some of the buildings were built between the 17th and the early 20th century. Here you can see how Latvian people lived their lives and how they evolved over a period of time.
Private Trip to Latvian Open-Air Museum and Riga Motor Museum
Duration: 4 hours
8. Check out the collection at Seaside Open Air Museum in Ventspils
The Seaside Open-Air Museum opened in 1962 with a portion of the exhibits showcased out in the fresh air, and the balance inside the exhibition hall and gallery building. The exhibits include over 20,000 items relating to life in Latvia and to fishermen and farms. Among the many exhibits is a windmill brought from Piņķi (pictured here) and a needle used by fishermen to attach floats to their net. A narrow-gauge railway also runs on the site where it was built by the German Army in WWI. During summer, demonstrations by weavers, craft workers, and potters can be enjoyed at the museum.
Seaside Open Air Museum in Ventspils
Address: Riņķa iela 2, Ventspils, LV-3601, Latvia
Website: Seaside Open Air Museum in Ventspils
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
9. Discover a different way of life at Araisi Archaeological Park
The Araisi Archaeological Park is set on a lake and is a reconstruction of a 9th-10th century lake settlement from the Viking era. On the site, medieval castle ruins can be found as well as the dwellings dating back to the Stone and Bronze Ages. Also on site are various artifacts dating from the ancient Latgalian people who lived on the site. These artifacts include various tools. The medieval castle stood on the lakeshore from the 14th to 17th centuries. At present, during summers, folk concerts, and events are held at the castle.
Araisi Archaeological Park
Address: Āraišu ezerpils, Āraiši, Drabešu pagasts, LV-4139, Latvia
Website: Araisi Archaeological Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2 EUR (2.2 USD)
10. Swing by the fabulous Latvian National Museum of Art
The Latvian National Museum of Art consists of four museums, along with Arsenals Exhibition Hall, mentioned under number one above. These include Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, Latvian National Museum of Art, Art Museum of Riga Bourse and Museum of Romans Suta and Aleksandra Belcova. This museum houses the largest number of professional art in the country. The aim of the museum is to educate the society and stimulate interest in art in Latvia.
Latvian National Museum of Art
Address: Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
Website: Latvian National Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3.50 EUR (3.80 USD)
11. Be fascinated at Latvian Railway History Museum
The Latvian Railway History Museum is a seven-minute walk from Old Town Riga across the River Daugava. It is located next to the National Library. Among the fascinating railway and train exhibits in the museum, certain interesting facts are revealed, including the fact that the Latvian railway network used five different track gauges in the past. You would also get to learn that during the 1930s in Latvia, railway tourism became a popular thing, with people catching trains to the most scenic areas of the country in summer and winter. The trains even included a dance car to let the celebration begin even before arriving at the destination.
Latvian Railway History Museum
Address: Uzvaras bulvāris 2a, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1048, Latvia
Website: Latvian Railway History Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 3.50 EUR (3.8 USD)
12. Learn about Soviet aircraft history at Riga Aviation Museum
Unique in the Baltic countries, Riga Air Museum is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The museum features the greatest collection of Soviet aircraft in or outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Among the aircraft on display are civil planes, bombers, and fighters, dating from the 1960s. A variety of gliders, helicopters and military vehicles are also available to view along with details relating to Soviet aircraft history.
Riga Aviation Museum
Address: Riga International Airport, Ziemeļu iela 12, Lidosta “Rīga”, Mārupes novads, LV-1053, Latvia
Website: Riga Aviation Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 7 EUR (7.74 USD)
13. Gaze at the beautiful Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral
Riga’s Nativity of Christ Cathedral was built in the Neo-Byzantine style between the years 1876 and 1883. The design was by Robert Pflug and Nikolai Chagin, while interior decorations were done by August Volz. All this happened while Latvia was still part of the Russian Empire. During the Soviet era, the cathedral was transformed into a planetarium, but it has since been restored to its original splendor.
Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral
Address: Brīvības bulvāris 23, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6:30pm; Sat: 7am - 7pm; Sun: 6am - 6:30pm
14. Check out Riga Castle by the River Daugava
Riga Castle stood tall by the banks of the River Daugava in Riga for over 700 years. The construction has seen destruction and wars, but today in its renovated state it is home to the President of Latvia. The initial foundation stone was laid in 1330 and the castle was destroyed a number of times during constant battles with the Rigans. The castle was later taken over by the Polish, the Swedish and Russian administrations, in the given order. The President of the Republic of Latvia moved in during 1922. During the Soviet Era, the castle was known as Pioneer Castle and was the home of the Young Pioneer organization.
Riga Castle
Address: Pils laukums 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Riga Castle
15. Enjoy the beauty of Latvian University Botanical Garden
Latvian University Botanical Garden began to develop in 1922 in another location. However, later in 1926, it was moved to its current address. The garden features thousands of common and rare plants, flowers and trees. There is a pond on-site, as well as a butterfly house and a large palm house, which includes an ancient tree that was believed to have been extinct for hundreds of millions of years before it was found in 1994, in a remote area of Australia.
Latvian University Botanical Garden
Address: Kandavas iela 2, Kurzemes rajons, Rīga, LV-1083, Latvia
Website: Latvian University Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: From 3.40 EUR (3.76 USD)
16. Schedule a visit to the castle ruins of Cēsis and Sigulda (from USD 207.11)
If you can, grab the opportunity to see beautiful medieval castles. Cēsis is located in northeastern Latvia and is famous for its 13th-century castle, which has since been rebuilt several times. Nowadays, a visit will reveal beautiful wall paintings, towers with views and eerie dungeons. In the surrounding Castle Park, there is an old brewery, a church, and a cemetery, as well as Castle Manor House which houses Cēsis History and Art Museum. Sigulda is less than an hour’s drive from Riga and is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, and dotted with ancient castles. Sigulda stands in Gauja National Park and overlooks the beautiful Gauja River.
From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour
Duration: 10.0 hour
17. Reminisce the past during a Genealogical Ancestry Tour (from USD 539.88)
Did your ancestors live in Latvia? If so, you can enjoy a Genealogical Ancestry Tour of the village or town that your ancestors lived in. A professional genealogist will help you discover your Latvian, German or Jewish heritage. You will travel to the town or village in question and visit the local museum to uncover pictures and documents relating to your ancestors and visit their home, school or university. Along the way, you will interview the local inhabitants to find out more.
Latvia: Genealogical Ancestry Tour
Duration: 12.0 hour
18. Go kayaking on the Abava River (from USD 292.78)
Head out from Riga to explore a nature trail in Čužu Purvs Nature Reserve. This will be a delightful visit to the rare wetland habitats, among beautiful scenery. Then jump into your kayak for a kayaking adventure on the Abava River. Learn about the environment while paddling amid beautiful scenery, stopping to check out fascinating spots like Devil’s Cave, Devil’s Stone and Velnala. At the end of your trip take a dip in the river.
From Riga: Abava Valley Tour
Duration: 1.0 day
19. Be fascinated by the beautiful Rundale Palace (from USD 291.69)
One of two baroque palaces in Pilsrundale, Latvia, Rundale Palace was built over two periods. First, between 1736 and 1740, and then again between 1764 and 1768. The palace can be seen 12 km (7.5 mi) to the west of Bauska. The beautiful interiors were decorated between 1765 and 1740 by Francesco Martini and Carlo Zucchi, two Italian painters from St. Petersburg and Johann Michael Graff, a sculptor from Berlin.
Latvian Palaces and Medieval Castles Private Trip
Duration: 8.0 hour
20. Check out the fabulous Bauska Castle (from USD 297.0)
Bauska Castle dates back to the 15th to 17th century period. It is nestled among remarkably beautiful scenery. The castle is a good example of military architecture and was built in two parts – one was the fortress, while the other was the residential castle, protected by bastions, walls, and earthen ramparts. The castle is close to Bauska town, which lies between the rivers Musa and Memele.
Latvia Castles: Private Tour with Bauska Castle from Riga
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
21. Relax by the beautiful Baltic Coast (from USD 216.87)
Head out from Riga to the Kolka Horn on the Gulf of Riga, set in beautiful coastal scenery at the spot where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf. Here you will witness stormy waves on one side and calm seas on the other. Beautiful Gipka Beach lies along the coast backed by forested areas. Head further down to White Dune of Purciems and Evazi Steep Nature Trail, with beautiful coastal forests along the way.
Baltic Sea Coastal Scenery and Cape Kolka From Riga
Duration: 11.0 hour
22. Find time to drop by Riga Film Museum
Riga Film Museum features a small film theater room for film screenings, as well as a cinematheque, with a number of important foreign and Latvian films. The museum does not have a permanent exhibition, as such, but frequently curates unique film shows with information about directors. The collection includes around 32,000 world film and Latvian film details, along with photographs, documents, costume sketches, and sets, as well as film equipment.
Riga Film Museum
Address: Peitavas iela 10, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Riga Film Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 6pm; Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 6pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: From 3.50 EUR (3.87 USD)
23. Spend an eerie time at Soviet Secret Bunker
Located 75 km (47 mi) from Riga, a massive nuclear bunker was constructed in 1968, hidden beneath the Ligatne Rehabilitation Center. This was the command center and shelter for the communist leadership in Latvia. It was built just in case a chemical or nuclear war broke out. The bunker could accommodate 250 people for 3 months. It still bears the nickname Pansionat (Pension House). All the original equipment and interior have been preserved and the bunker is located 9 m (30 ft) underground, 5 m (16.4 ft) of which is made of concrete and steel plates. To add to the experience, visitors can experience a typical Soviet meal in the bunker’s canteen, with pre-order.
Soviet Secret Bunker
Address: Līgatnes pagasts, LV-4108, Latvia
24. Soak up the steam at Sauna Museum (Pirts Muzejs)
2011.gadā atvedām pirti no Audriņiem. Celta laikam no dzelzceļa gulšņiem - drusku ož.
Posted by Pirts muzejs on Monday, 4 November 2013
Sauna Museum was established in 2008 and consists of six historic, and one newly built sauna. All the saunas do work, but the owner recommends using the Black Bath, the newly constructed sauna. Plans are afoot to expand the Sauna Museum to offer twenty different saunas, from all over Latvia. The museum is open all year round, but entry may be restricted during deep snow or a big frost.
Pirts Muzejs
Address: Sējas novads, Pirts muzejs (3,097.31 km), 2142 Seja, Latvia
Website: Pirts Muzejs
Price: 2 EUR (2.20 USD)
25. Pay attention at Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation
Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is the oldest of its kind in Latvia and the Baltics and is also among the oldest museums in Europe. Set in Old Riga, the museum is located in an architectural monument built between the 13th and 20th centuries. History in the museum itself relates to the 18th century and includes natural science and art collection belonging to Nikolaus von Himsel, a doctor in Riga who lived between 1729 and 1764. The museum also incorporates the Riga numismatic collection of the City Coin Cabinet.
Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation
Address: Riga Cathedral, Palasta iela 4, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
26. Meet the wildlife at Riga Zoo
Riga Zoo is home to more than 400 species of wild animals and is located in Mezaparks. This wildlife zoo is constructed fascinatingly under a row of pine trees by the shores of Lake Kisezers. The zoo has a number of endangered species and is involved in the preservation of the species. The zoo has a Tropical House, Giraffe House, and a Tiger House. There is also a Rural Farmstead, where children can meet farm animals in a petting zoo. Among the many species housed here are the Galapagos tortoise, Turkmen markhors, Bukhara urials, Amur tigers, Arctic foxes, and Mackenzie valley wolves, as well as the largest marsupial, the red kangaroo.
Riga Zoo
Address: Meža prospekts 1, Ziemeļu rajons, Rīga, LV-1014, Latvia
Website: Riga Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 7 EUR (7.74 USD)
27. People watch in Vermanes Garden
The second oldest park in Riga, Vermanes Garden is a leafy and lush green place to be in the heart of the busy city. The park has a number of walking trails and features many benches, perfect for relaxing and people watching. The historic open-air stage in the park hosts a number of concerts and dance events throughout the year. Children have access to a fun playground with swings and other attractions. The park was built in the early 19th century and is named for Anna Gertrud Vermane who donated a piece of land and money for the park. A statue of Vermane can be seen in the park. Other sculptures include a Four Seasons fountain, a monument to Krisjanis Barons, a collector of folks songs and majestic stone lions.
Vermanes Garden
Address: Tērbatas iela 2D, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Website: Vermanes Garden
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
28. Explore the Russian neighborhood in Riga (from USD 18.45)
Visiting the Russian neighborhood in Riga gives a taste of life during the Soviet era in Latvia and some of the history of this difficult era. In the neighborhood, visit some of the socialist structures and streets that have changed little since the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. Explore the maze of narrow streets and see the market stalls, soviet tower blocks and crumbling wooden houses that remain from those times. Enjoy a snack, or drink along the way at one of the many Soviet-style bars and cafes.
Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat
Duration: 1.0 hour
29. Plan a day at Turaida Museum Reserve (from USD 251.57)
Turaida Museum Reserve lies 50 km (31 mi) from the city of Riga. Here you will be able to see a rich array of architectural, archaeological, art and historical monuments dating back to thousands of years ago. Monuments of interest that you can visit are: Turaida Stone Castle, Church Hill, the Rose of Turaida Memorial, Folk Song Hill, and the Folk Song Garden, all within the reserve and set in a beautiful country surrounding. As can be seen from the images here, winter is also a beautiful time to visit Turaida Museum Reserve.
Turaida Reserve & Deer Safari on Latvia Winter Tour
Duration: 7.0 hour
30. Breathe in the fresh air at Gauja National Park (from USD 186.82)
The Gauja National Park is located in northeast Lativa and covers a large area of Gauja Valley. Besides the natural aspect and wonderful landscapes, the park contains a number of historical structures, including the 13th-century Medieval Turaida Castle in the town of Cesis with its tall tower, and the Turaida Museum-Reserve. Another Livonian Order castle can be seen in Sigulda Town. Another fascinating place to visit is Folk Song Park, which contains granite sculptures relating to Latvian folklore.
From Riga: Gauja National Park Full-Day Hike
Duration: 1 day
Explore the beautiful Latvia
Whether your choice is to visit fascinating museums, art galleries and beautiful architecture of Riga and the other big cities, enjoy the sea air at the beach or explore beautiful nature in the national parks of this interesting country, you can’t go wrong by reading up on some of the best things to do in Latvia.
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