Āgenskalns: Ideas of tomorrow meeting yesterday’s romance

Walking distance – 7km
Map – here

Getting there is easy with many trams, trolleys and buses passing through – Āgenskalns is a center in its own right. Although renting a bike or electric scooter is always a good idea, for exploring these streets and parks we would suggest using your own two feet. Just like many poets, writers and artists who have lived here over the time did.

Starting point – National library

No need to take the transportation as it’s just over the Stone bridge leading from old town. However, if you choose to take transportation, then 1st tram would be the best option for getting there. Best time to visit – Wednesday to Friday at around noon. They have a collection of over 4.2 million books and publications. The building itself inside and out is a work of art too, being acknowledged as one of Top 10 most spectacular libraries in the world according to the BBC.

Nacionālā bibliotēka

Adress: Mukusalas street 3

Railway museum (Dzelzceļa muzejs)

Right across the street from the immense library building there’s a far less impressive premises with a museum inside, dedicated to the history of the railway in Latvia. Although it doesn’t look like much from the outside, in this simple construction there are many exhibits that will raise the interest of anyone even remotely curious about trains and transportation as well as those enjoying history.

Dzelzceļa muzejs

Address: Uzvaras bulvaris 2a

Uzvaras parks 

The biggest park in Riga also comes with quite some history. Name of the park translates to park of victory and it was established in 1923 in order to honor Latvian victory in the fight for freedom at the end of World War 1. This is also the place for last known public execution which took place at the end of the second World War. 

Although there’s a long history with this park being formed by the many wars Latvia has gone through over time, there’s nothing to remind of it here anymore. Last left monument of such nature was destroyed in 2022 and currently the city is planning to have either a sports or culture venue located here. Currently, however, if you happen to be here during spring time, then you’re in luck. That’s when Sakura trees, which were planted to honor Latvian friendship with Japan, are blossoming.

F. Brīvzemnieka primary school

Opened in the beginning of the 20th century, it was designed and constructed as a school. Today it reminds us of a more colorful, modern version of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As far as we know there’s no magic being conducted in its premises but nevertheless it is a magical building with a modern European standards area for sports and activities.

Address: Zellu street 4

Bar “Pils”

Although you can have a drink anywhere really, it’s always just a little bit more cozy when the place has been designed specifically for the reason why you’re there. This bar is one of the most magical places in the whole of Riga but in order to truly understand the vibe you must get there first. Wide selection of beers and spirited drinks, unique design and interesting people. It might not be the most latvian place around but hey, we’re going European here so enjoy!

Pils

Address: Eduarda Smilga street 35

Eduarda Smiļģa museum

If you’re into theater, then you’ll surely be happy to visit this museum. There’s an exposition dedicated to each of the most important theater’s throughout the history of Latvia. 

Stunning photos, paintings and sculptures that will help you understand the origins of artistic self expression through presenting life in Latvia. And the location itself is mesmerizing too, with a very unique aura helped by some impressive monuments in a green, romantic garden.

Smiļģa muzejs

Adress: Eduarda Smilga street 37

Āgenskalns market

Yes indeed, it can’t be all parks and bars and endless walks so Āgenskalns has prepared just the right place for you to have a little rest from all of that. This newly renovated marketplace with a luxurious vibe thanks to the magnificent chandeliers and elegant design has a lot to offer. 

More than 30 different latvian sellers from meat and cheese to our own coffee, snacks, sweets and beer. Almost everything here is made in Latvia so make sure to visit this place for an authentic taste. Meanwhile on the second floor you’ll find multiple options for a delicious meal or simple snack to continue the road.

Āgenskalna tirgus

Address: Nometnu street 64

Nometņu street 45

This building will surely catch your eye as you pass it by walking down Nometņu street. It’s one of the many jugendstil architecture monuments of Riga and although it might not look like much at the time being, there are still old carvings, sculptures and magnificently looking doors that are a work of art.

Address: Nometnu street, 45

Kūkdari: сoffee with a great view

Place that seems like something out of a fairytale with multiple architectural romanticism buildings and a couple of coffee shops in the midst of them. This might just be the perfect spot to stop and simply enjoy the brilliant atmosphere because as far as Agenskalns goes, it won’t get more romantic than here. And just to emphasize the contrasts of this neighborhood, you’ll have two humongous recently built twin towers standing in the background, reminding of how much the architecture has changed over time.

Address: Nometnu street, 1

Holy trinity orthodox church

The current baroque-style eccentric building was completed in 1893 but the history of churches being located here goes way back to 1453. That being said, this square surely has a very special vibrant energy about it. Noticing this building won’t be a challenge with the expressive pink walls and blue onion domes brightening up the entire neighborhood. On the inside it’s just as typically looking orthodox church as on the exterior so feel free to step in and see for yourself!

Address: Meza street 2

Kalnciema kvartāls

One of the most lively cultural places in Riga, with many concerts, events and fairs being organized here on a regular basis. Every Saturday, Kalnciema kvartāls is filled with local artisans and farmers coming from all over Latvia. There you may try some of our local cuisine or even participate in a workshop.

On a more regular basis, there is a wooden architecture centre, art and design gallery, vine shop and a lovely restaurant located in the territory. Renovated wooden buildings were originally constructed in the 19th century and have now been acclaimed as a heritage of wooden architecture.

Address: Kalnciema street 35

Water tower “Alise”

Originally constructed in 1911, this water tower did serve its purpose until the 1970s but for more than 50 years now  it’s standing tall as an architectural monument. For a while it was used by musicians and those who have played there say that the acoustics are very good. However currently the future of this magnificent construction is under question mark due to ownership problems. Most of the locals, including us, hope that it will be opened for visitors soon.

Address: Alises street 4

Bridge to nowhere

Now wait a second. Is this a name for a movie or a song? How can there be a bridge that leads to nowhere? Isn’t the whole purpose of bridges to have a start and ending point? Why else would there be a bridge? A lot of questions, not enough answers but one thing we can promise – this truly is a bridge that leads to nowhere so watch your step!

Address: Daugavgrivas street 29a

Bank of Latvia, Riga branch

Believe it or not, this building was finished in 2001. At the time Bank of Latvia was holding all its cash assets in the safe hands of Germans but obviously that wasn’t a long term solution. Designed by a team of Latvian architects with help from German specialists who advised on all the security matters to make this bank even safer than the ones in Germany. At the time it seemed like a spaceship among all the old 19th century wooden houses but by 2023, the neighborhood has caught up with modern solutions of this building..

Address: Bezdeligu street 3

Latvian State historical archive

Unfortunately this building is closed for public visitors due to the confidentiality of documents dating from 1220 to 1945 that are stored inside. Originally this building, built in 1913 was used for a pawn shop but then in 1931 all of the documents, originally held in Riga castle, were brought here.

Address: Slokas street 16

Kalnciema ezītis miglā 

If you spend enough time strolling around the city of Riga, there’s one logo that you might notice more often than others. A hedgehog holding something that looks like a martini glass. It might just as well be cosmo or any other fancy drink but what it really is – is a symbol for good quality food and drinks to be found inside of a nicely furnished bar. 

In this particular location you even have a chance to have a meal while sitting in a vintage tram. Seems like a lovely ending for such a fulfilling adventure. Although, most of the time Ezītis is where the party gets started!

Kalnciema ezītis

Address: Slokas street 17