Riga Discovery Tour Small-Group Walking Tour

Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Riga that’ll introduce you to the city’s architectural style, historic sights, cultural heritage and local traditions. 

Your Riga tour begins with a visit to the Riga Panorama Observation Deck, in a building that holds the nickname of “Stalin’s Birthday Cake” and is one of few sites remaining from Riga’s Soviet past. From this high perch your guide will give you an overview of the city, pointing out places of interest such as Pardaugava, Riga Port, the Central Market and Mezaparks.

Back on ground level, we’ll have a short stroll through Riga’s Moscow district, home to the Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum, and the creative neighbourhood of Spikeri. Our walk will lead us straight to Riga Central Market, where you can experience daily life for Rigans and maybe even taste some seasonal products that are sold here.

Afterwards we’ll walk to the major historical and cultural attractions in Old Riga and the surrounding area. Wander through Town Hall Square to find Blackhead’s House, a stunning Gothic building with a Renaissance façade. Step back in time on Skarnu Street, the Convents yard and Jana yard. There is also plenty of time to see the Latvia National Opera, Livu Square, Cats’ House, The Dome Square, Riga Cathedral and Parliament House. Right before leaving Old Town, we’ll walk around the Monument of Freedom, where Latvians gather to remember those killed in the War of Independence. If you want to find out more about Latvia’s 50 years of occupation, your guide can show you the way to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, so you can visit later during your stay.

You’ll also explore the Art Nouveau district, a stunning area with excellent examples of Art Nouveau architecture. This is a great place to grab dinner later, and your guide can help you to arrange for a reservation in one of the charming restaurants in the district. Just ask!

From there, we’ll jump on a bus to reach the final stop of your Riga tour. Your guide will lead you to a creative neighbourhood about a 10-minute drive from the city centre. This area is home to various local business, including small shops, bars and cafés. As well, the famous chocolate Latvian factory Laima is located here. (If you want to visit the shop, just let your guide know.) To finish the tour we’ll grab some delicious locally brewed beer and snacks and chat about any other things you may want to know about Riga for the rest of your stay.