What to do (watch and eat) in Riga if you are here for the weekend

Take a walk around Old Riga

The historical and geographical hub of Latvia’s capital is Old Riga (also known as Vecrīga). A tiny piece of mediaeval Europe with cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, tiled roofs, historical buildings that appear out of nowhere, and the key tourist attractions.

House of the Blackheads 

The House of the Blackheads is located on the lovely Town Hall Plaza. It was initially constructed in the 15th century. Nevertheless, the building was totally destroyed during World War II, thus, the building is a 1999 reconstruction.

The Blackheads society formerly rented this space (they were unmarried merchants, whose patron, Saint Maurice with a black head, gave the name to the order). The Blackheads’ former home is now a museum, music venue, and performance space for official gatherings.

What else is interesting about this historical place? Firstly, it has an incredibly beautiful facade. It harmoniously combines styles and techniques typical for different eras. Furthermore, it is easy to imagine yourself as an important person invited to a grand event here. Thirdly, inside the house of the Blackheads, you can look at a number of ancient relics: from silver snuff boxes to paintings and ceramics. Last but not least, we sincerely hope that you may be fortunate enough to attend one of the events that frequently take place here.

Address: Rātslaukums 7

St. Peter’s Church

This church is named after the main patron saint of Riga – St. Peter. This is the tallest church in Latvia with a spire of 122 metres, which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.  

Everyone who comes to this church for the first time is impressed by its interior: the chapel of the Blue Guard, a wooden altar, restored stone, wooden epitaphs and a huge bronze seven-headed candlestick. 

You may go to the observation deck and get a wonderful view of the city from a high point, look at one of the temporary exhibitions, or even listen to the church service. Another fascinating fact: the clock on top of this cathedral plays the music of the Latvian folk song “Riga dimd” five times a day – make a wish if you happen to be there at the time!

Address: Skārņu iela 19

Get to know Latvian art

There are a huge number of museums and galleries in Riga: here you can see everything from ancient artefacts to modern art. If you only have a few days, we recommend visiting three museums of our choice to get the most comprehensive picture of what is going on within the Latvian art scene.

Zuzeum

Janis Zuzans, a well-known collector of Latvian, Russian, and foreign art, created the Zuzeum Art Center in 2017. It holds the world’s greatest collection of Latvian art. There are more than 20,000 pieces on display! 

There’re also a lovely cafe, a bookshop, a magnificent roof terrace that opens in summer and a sculpture garden. Lectures, film screenings, musical evenings and master classes are often held here. Exhibitions are changed several times a year.

Address: Lāčplēša iela 101

National Art Museum

At the end of the 19th century, the grand opening of the Riga Art Gallery took place in the building of the city women’s gymnasium. Today it is called the Latvian National Art Museum. The museum has two collections: Latvian and foreign art. More than 5,000 objects of painting, graphics and sculpture from the middle of the 18th century to the present day – and temporary expositions as a bonus.

Address: Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1

Art Museum Riga Bourse

Art Museum Riga Bourse has the Baltic States’ greatest collection of foreign art. Members of the Riga City Council, mayors, and local businessmen attempted to gather the collection in the 19th century. The building was designed as a Renaissance palace to represent wealth and grandeur.

Nowadays, the museum hosts international and temporary exhibitions. However, there are also permanent exhibits here: for example, many items of German porcelain, objects of Indian, Chinese and Japanese life and culture. 

So, it will take you a long time to explore the entire museum (try to find a mummy – it is also here).

Address: Doma laukums 6

Tale a look at the authentic Riga

You walked around the Old Town and looked into museums. What’s next? What else is definitely worth visiting in the capital of Latvia?

Riga Central Market

The Riga Central Market pavilions are among the largest and oldest in Europe. Once, they were used as hangars for airplanes.. There is an abundance of fish and meat, as well as seasonal fruits, berries, vegetables, and even flowers. Take a look here for a jar of blueberries, delicious churchkhela or the famous Riga herring with cottage cheese. However, you are unlikely to go to a restaurant after visiting this market, since you will not be able to leave without tasting the goods.

Address: Nēģu iela 7

Splendid Palace

Splendid Palace is the oldest cinema in Riga. It was built in 1923: a neo-Baroque facade, huge halls, red velvet curtains and paintings by Hermanis Greenberg on the ceiling. 

This cinema’s repertoire comprises the best feature films, arthouse cinema, festival movies, opera and ballet recordings. Lectures and events, such as ArtDocFest, are also frequently hosted here.

Address: Elizabetes iela 61

Get closer to the Latvian heritage

If you want to learn even more about Latvia, take a trip down Albert Street and see the stunning architecture. Besides that, try to attend a performance of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. Long-standing traditions and history are given fresh life here.

Albert Street

Riga has almost 800 buildings built in Riga Art Nouveau style. Albert Street is home to the brightest and most well-known of the amazing buildings of this style. There are no photographs or videos that can express the grandeur and splendour that exist here. Each building is a distinct architectural masterpiece, created in its own colour scheme, in accordance with a distinct idea and intriguing solutions. Be ready to spend a long time admiring the details on the exterior of the houses on this street!

Address: Alberta iela

Latvian National Opera and Ballet

The Latvian National Opera and Ballet appeared under the name of the Riga City Theater in 1863. During the fire of 1882, most of the theatre burned down and after reconstruction, in 1919, the theatre was at the disposal of the Latvian opera troupe. 

Today, you can see both classical opera and ballet productions, as well as modern avant-garde performances. An average of 5 new opera and ballet performances are staged here every year. 

You can also come here on an excursion to learn more about the history of this place and admire the architecture.

Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 3

Taste the flavour of Riga

Acquaintance with the city will be incomplete without visiting its most delicious gastronomic points. Now we will share our favourite local restaurants, cafes and coffee shops.

Restaurants

Barents

Barents seems to have collected all the best things that the North Sea and the Scandinavian region have to offer. Here, the dishes are prepared from seasonal vegetables and seafood obtained from local farmers and fishermen. Lobsters, sea urchins, oysters and other delicacies can be tasted here.

Address: Smilšu iela 3

The Сatch

Traditional Japanese cuisine in a modern way in the Riga Art Nouveau district. Cozy, very tasty and a huge lack of tables – it is better to book it in advance.

Address: Antonijas iela 12

Snatch

Italian cuisine in the center of Riga. Interesting menu and delicious cocktails – look here for a delicious dinner, smoothly flowing into a cocktail evening.

Address: Elizabetes iela 39

Katkevich

This is a small cafe with emerald tiles, carved wooden chairs and its own bakery. Bread is baked here with love and knowledge. The menu is small but delicious: there are various branded sandwiches (with freshly baked bread, hummus, goat cheese and caramelised butter), several salad options, a large breakfast named “farmer” and even French onion soup.

Address: Lāčplēša iela 114

Burzma

A stylish food hall on the top floor of the Galerija Centrs shopping centre. In one place – 10 restaurants and bars, as well as a stunning view of the rooftops of the old town. Oven-baked pizza, traditional Latvian, Mexican, Asian and Georgian cuisine, as well as the best cocktails. It is good to come here for a business lunch or a big group of friends to please everyone at once.

Address: Audēju iela 16, Galerija Centrs

Coffee shops and bakeries

Kalve

Kalve Coffee Roasters is a favourite coffee shop of locals. This place once started with the business of roasting coffee beans. There is really good coffee here – from espresso to espresso tonic – and delicious rolls.

Address: Stabu iela 38

Mīkla 

Have you already visited the Latvian National Art Museum? You are probably hungry now? Great news for you – you are very lucky today! There is a wonderful cafe with Scandinavian cuisine right next to the museum. You will definitely not be disappointed with excellent coffee and a cozy, stylish interior.

Address: Dzirnavu iela 42

Better Bread

Organic flour and gluten-free desserts are what the Better Bread family bakery is proud of. A large selection of desserts and pastries made from organic products is complemented by very tasty coffee.

Address: Dzirnavu iela 31-1B

Kūkotava

This coffee shop is famous for its incredible donuts with a huge amount of cream and fresh berries and nuts. Every season, something is built on the display here: from the fairy garden in summer, to the decorations from the story of the Nutcracker for Christmas.

Address: Tērbatas iela 10/12