About Riga

Riga is a beautiful and charming city that has been placed in the top six of the European Best Destinations 2024 survey, upstaging cities such as Florence and London. The “historical heart” of Riga is found in Riga Old Town that has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town winding paths hold an abundance of fascinating historical buildings from the 15th through 19th century, including diverse and fascinating architectural styles. Riga is also reknown for its extensive Art Noveau district with many buildings considered to be true pearls of this style. In addition, is the renovated National Museum of Art, Opera House, many art galleries, outdoor events and a contemporary art scene.

Riga is the capital city of Latvia and is located at the site where the river Daugava flows into the Gulf and further into the Baltic Sea. Riga was originally founded in 1201 as a member of the Hanseatic League, and since that time has continued to be an important port city and trade center. Riga has been at the cross-roads of many historical events and is rich with cultural influences from various European regions, including Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting that from 1901 – 1912 the major of Riga was of Scottish descent.  The contemporary Riga of today is a bustling center for culture, education and economy, with many interesting and diverse start-up companies.

The cultural and architectural scene in Riga is as varied as its history. The city is celebrated for its extensive collection of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, making up more than a third of the buildings in its central area. This places Riga among the cities with the largest collections of Art Nouveau architecture globally. The Jugendstil movement, flourishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is noted for its elaborate details, facade decorations, and innovative use of shapes and materials.

Art Nouveau in Riga represents more than just an architectural trend; it symbolizes the city’s cultural flourishing during a time of significant economic expansion, at the turn of the previous century. This style is marked by decorative elements, floral designs, and symbolic references, often drawing on nature, mythology, and local folk lore. Among the major landmarks in Riga Old Town is the Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads. The original House of the Blackheads was constructed in 1334 as a place of celebration for merchants, and later became a meeting place for the merchants of the Guild of Blackheads.  The currently standing House of Blackheads is a reconstructed version of the original, which was bombed to a ruin during World War II.

The Latvian National Opera and Ballet was constructed in 1860 and is the venue for world-class opera and ballet performances throughout the concert season. Riga is also known for its many parks, places to leisurely stroll, as well as summer-time outdoor cafes. 

Riga offers a wealth of experiences for visitors, blending historical discovery with contemporary leisure. The Riga Central Market is one of the biggest in Europe and invites visitors to indulge in the local cuisine and products. The Riga Central market pavilions are interesting architecturally in that during World War I they served as German Zeppelin hangers, but in the post-war years were reconstructed in Neoclassicism and Art Deco styles.

Informative materials are availabe here

General Info

District guides, for example, the Agenskalns area Pārdaugava | LiveRiga / Āgenskalns Market | LiveRiga or the Old Town of Riga The Old Town | LiveRiga