Best Places To Visit In Riga, Latvia

Riga is possibly the most lively town in Riga, the capital of the Baltic States, and there are numerous things to explore and enjoy in this amazing city. Whatever you're into and what you enjoy doing, the trip to Riga is sure to be a success by visiting these breathtaking sights.

Vecrīga

The historic centre in Riga on its right bank, Daugava River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest Riga houses and churches are on these cobblestone streets and lively squares.

Vecriga is full of nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. In a cafe, you must take a bite of the dessert named Vecriga, made of puff pastry stuffed with vanilla cream and curd and topped with sugar for icing.

Rozena iela is such a narrow street that it is possible to touch both sides when you walk. The famous Skarnu Street has an arts and crafts market to purchase exquisite souvenirs.

The Great and Small Guild Halls go back to when Riga was a bustling Hanseatic City and a major trading hub across the Baltic in Northwest Europe.

Note

When submitting your visa application, a flight reservation provides details such as the departure and arrival dates, flight numbers, and the airports involved. This information allows the authorities to assess the purpose and duration of your stay and whether your travel plans align with the stated purpose of your visa application.

Art Nouveau Architecture

Riga can be described as an Art Nouveau wonderland, with more than 800 buildings and more than a quarter of its inventory that date back to the early times of the movement towards the beginning of the 20th century.

It is the biggest collection of Art Nouveau architecture. It is easy to recognize by its curving doors and windows, a wealth of floral reliefs, female-themed sculptures, animated gargoyles, or Romantic nationalist designs.

Art Nouveau returned because Riga's economy was growing, and the bourgeoisie needed beautiful homes. This was when the movement was at its peak.

Town Hall Square

Sitting on Riga's Town Hall Square and gazing at the Town Hall and House of the Blackheads, It's awe-inspiring to imagine that these landmarks are only 20 years old. The renovation is flawless, and the plaza boasts the grandeur appropriate to a grand. The Occupation Museum is now in the small, dark Soviet building called "House of the Blackheads." It looks like a sore.

The Roland Statue depicting a mythological warrior, is a landmark of historical German towns, symbolising the city's Mediaeval rights. Also, watch for a small stone sign in the ground. It shows the exact spot of what is thought to be the first decorated Christmas tree, which was put up in 1510 by The Brotherhood of Blackheads.

Albert Street

If you're short of time to search for Latvia's Art Nouveau marvels, there are several clustered on Albert Street, which acts as an outdoor gallery for architecture. One of Albert Street's amazing aspects is how fast these buildings were built. Eight Latvian state monuments were on the road between 1901 and 1908.

Mikhail Eisenstein, Konstantins Peksens, and Eizens Laube designed the street. The monuments at 2a, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, and 13 are the most important sights. The reliefs and sculptures on the facades feature Romantic Nationalist motifs and Art Nouveau mythological characters.

Nativity Cathedral

Nativity Cathedral was converted from Orthodox to Lutheran during WWI. However, following its wartime period, the church went to be converted to Orthodox. The magnificent architectural work is a must-see spot in Riga that will awaken you.

National Library Of Latvia

The National Library of Latvia is one of the most gorgeous buildings in Latvia. It is an architectural marvel. Once you have enjoyed the building, you may be enthralled by the interior even more! To learn about Latvian culture, visit Latvia's National Library, which has volumes on everything.

Freedom Monument

East of Vecriga This solemn monument commemorates the soldiers killed during the fight against Soviet forces in the Latvian War of Independence (1918-20). Its height is 42 metres. Freedom Monument (1935) has copper Liberty statues with three gold stars on red granite and travertine.

The monument is still the focal point for commemoration ceremonies held in the city. The main building's 13 reliefs depict Latvian heroes, mythology, and historical events, including the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the War of Independence.

St. Peter’s Church

Another prominent landmark of the urban skyline is the towering 123-metre spire with a steeple that rises above St. Peter's Church. It is located in The Old Town; from the top of this spire, you will get the most stunning views of the city's historic streets below.

While the views are stunning, The church itself is worth a visit; it's among the oldest structures in the Baltics. It was built during the 17th- and 13th-century; the magnificent red brick structure showcases a variety of architectural styles, including Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque elements on display. The interior is minimalist and plain, St. Peter's Church is a mere walk from some of the city's best attractions.

Bottom Line

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for visa applications may vary among Schengen member countries. It’s advisable to consult the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to ensure you fulfil all the necessary documentation, including proof of accommodation for a visa, passport, photographs, flight itinerary, and criteria for a successful visa application.