What to visit in Latvia. Beautiful places in Latvia. Religious buildings in Latvia

If you want a change of scenery for a couple of days and are thinking of flying to Riga, winter should not scare you. We’ve compiled a damn dozen life hacks that will help you spend your time comfortably and interestingly. Go!

House of the Blackheads

One of the most famous and “postcard” buildings in Riga is the unique and elegant House of the Blackheads on Town Hall Square. Since October 2017, it is finally open to tourists. Now you can not only take a selfie against the background of the facade and look at its textured details, but also go inside. Beautiful halls await there, in which the current leadership of Latvia still holds diplomatic receptions. You can explore the interiors on your own or with a guide. The new museum is open daily except Mondays, but may be closed for private events.

The history of the House of Blackheads is long and interesting. It was built in the 14th century and almost immediately came into use by the Blackhead Brotherhood, an association of merchants and shipowners. For hundreds of years, the building hosted musical concerts, dance balls and special events. During the Second World War it was badly damaged and was rebuilt almost anew in the 2000s. And almost immediately it was occupied by the President of Latvia, whose palace was under restoration until 2016. Now the presidential offices have been vacated and are available to visitors. The entrance ticket costs six euros.

Christmas markets

In Riga, Christmas is celebrated for real - just like in Germany or Switzerland. In the central squares of the Old Town there are stalls with New Year's souvenirs and decorations, Christmas music is playing, and there is a delicious smell of sweets and mulled wine.

Riga History and Navigation Museum

The streets of old Riga are too nice to spend time indoors. But when it’s cold or wet, museums become a good alternative to walking.

Where to ski, skate and sled

Mezaparks is the closest place to Old Riga for real winter fun. This is a forest walking area in the north of the city, on the shore of Kišozero (in Latvian - Kišezers). There are paths and picnic areas here. In winter, a skating rink is poured here and slides are built, a cross-country ski track is laid out, and equipment rentals are organized. The entrance ticket will cost two euros. Equipment rental - from two euros per half hour. Detailed price list is available on the website sniegaparks.lv; The Russian and English versions are quite abandoned, but the Latvian one works.

Another interesting place for cross-country skiing enthusiasts is the track in Bikernieki Forest. In winter, it runs along the Bikernieki Ring automobile racing track, so the environment is quite unusual. In the evenings, the lights above the ski complex are turned on. Equipment rental operates in the building of the Riga Motor Museum. The ski center welcomes visitors until 21:00 on weekdays and until 22:00 on weekends.

Winter life of animals

The zoo in Riga is not bad, and it is especially interesting there in winter. There are usually few people, and you can calmly walk around the pleasant, clean area. It is curious that in cool weather they are especially active. Enclosures with wild cats and forest birds are very interesting. And you will also see that llamas, alpacas and even zebras and peacocks are not afraid of snow. If you want to warm up, go to the “Tropical House” - to see exotic animals. The zoo is open every day. Admission for adults is six euros, for children four euros.

Ice Sculpture Festival

45 kilometers southwest of Riga is the city of Jelgava, which annually hosts the only ice sculpture festival in Latvia. Not only amazingly beautiful sculptures are built here from ice, but also a bar for adults and slides for children. In the coming season, the ice show will take place from February 4 to 11, 2018, for the 11th time.

Sabji and Dal

You can dilute the laconic Baltic atmosphere with something exotic in the Indian restaurant Indian Raja (Skarnu street 7). It is located in the heart of the Old Town, right at the entrance to St. Peter's Cathedral, next to the monument to the Bremen Town Musicians. Book a table by the window to admire the cold Riga from a warm restaurant, while the enticing aromas of paneer, dal, malai kofta and hot flatbreads are lavished on your table. Hot and spicy dishes provide great warmth in cold weather. At the Indian Raja restaurant they speak Russian. Opening hours: daily from 12:00 to 23:00.

Baltic weather

In winter in Riga, the air temperature can be anything from -20°C to +10°C. Remember: there is a sea nearby, from which there can be good wind. Therefore, you should dress as closed, warm and comfortable as possible. And choose waterproof shoes. Even if the forecast looks good to you, it will most likely feel colder, since the humidity in the city is high.

However, in nature in winter it is usually white and very beautiful. Therefore, many people prefer to quickly do what they need or want in central Riga and go out of town.

Meditative Jurmala

Jurmala is a resort area of ​​several villages on the shores of the Baltic Sea, about 20 kilometers from Riga. Easy to get to by minibus, train or taxi. The most popular place is the village of Dzintari, where the famous Jurmala concert hall is located. There are no special attractions in Jurmala, but if you are attracted by cute resort houses, tall pine trees, an endless sandy beach and the absolutely incredible Baltic Sea, which is even more impressive in winter than in summer, be sure to come. And before your trip, have a snack in Riga; Jurmala is quite deserted in winter and you may not find a pleasant cafe or a suitable restaurant right away.

From winter to summer

The Livu water park in Jurmala is open all year round. Inside there are swimming pools with fresh and sea water, fun slides, a water bar, saunas, a jacuzzi, and also a warm outdoor pool. Spend your time here actively and happily. The water park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. In winter, tickets for adults cost 18.5 euros for two hours, 22 euros for four hours and 25.5 euros for the whole day. Discounts for children, pensioners and families.

A complete spa holiday

Riga residents know a lot about spa holidays. You will be offered to warm up in saunas, relax in a jacuzzi or enjoy a massage in several spa hotels, the best of which are located in the already mentioned Jurmala. If we exclude the New Year holidays, prices in spa hotels are lower than in summer, and the atmosphere is much calmer and conducive to complete relaxation.

Shopping: profitable and practical

Riga is a great place for shopping at any time of the year. The city has many shops - both familiar international chains and unique ones - with designer clothes and jewelry, cosmetics and accessories. Prices are usually more reasonable than in Russia or Western Europe. Sales usually take place before Christmas and New Year's holidays, as well as towards the end of February.

Shops are also a great place to temporarily shelter from bad weather or warm up if you've been walking a lot and are cold. In shopping centers - for example in Stockmann next to the train station or in Galerija in the very center of the Old Town, you can not only shop, but also have a tasty snack. In Galerija, check out the Vina Studija wine bar on the ground floor.

…What can I say: Riga is a very cool city. We stayed here for three and a half days, and during this time the capital of Latvia gave us many unforgettable impressions. Finding yourself in the whirlwind of its narrow streets, you seem to fall into some other reality, where the air is filled with the amber light of forged lanterns, and the songs of street musicians seem to intertwine with the songs of the Baltic wind. I won’t hide: I liked our trip to Riga. Therefore, writing this article, replaying the memories of those days in my head, is somehow especially warm and pleasant.

I hope yours trip to Latvia you will like ours no less than we do. And in order to help you make your trip a little more interesting and brighter, we have prepared this short review for you, collecting in it all the interesting activities and entertainment that you definitely need to devote time to while traveling around the Latvian capital.

16 things to do during trips to Latvia

• Stay in an old mansion.

This option will allow you to feel like a real resident of this city for a short time, will help you better understand it and feel its atmosphere. By choosing an apartment instead of a standard hotel, you get a chance to “peek behind the scenes” and see the city as the locals see it. Moreover, you can live in one of the houses in old Riga for very little money. You can find a good option, as well as save a little, by using the AIRBNB website (which, by the way, offers a small bonus to all new users of the project. To receive it, just register using this link).

From the window of our apartment, for example, there was such a stunning view. It’s always a special pleasure to greet the morning looking at such beauty.

• Wander around the old town.

Well, there’s probably no need to explain anything here. The Old Town is the real heart of Riga, its soul and its main center of attraction. Therefore, you are unlikely to miss these places. In this place, the present and the past intertwine with each other in the most bizarre way. Replicas of ancient buildings stand side by side with original buildings dating back hundreds of years. And cute street cafes, original art installations and modern cars of wealthy Riga residents surprisingly harmoniously complement the image of old squares and alleys.

However, you will probably note all this without me. Therefore, I will not burden you with all this unnecessary information in vain. Instead, I’d better throw in a few photos here, which will probably convey the atmosphere of these places much more eloquently.

• Take photos on the narrow streets of Riga.

Do not know, what to do in Riga? Have a little photo shoot for yourself! The capital of Latvia is a surprisingly photogenic city. Therefore, anyone can find some interesting shots for themselves. In general, all fans of VKontakte and Instagram will definitely like it here.

Dedicated to the upcoming release of the film “Spectre”...

Lady with a handbag

• Feel like a movie character on Jauniela Street.

It just so happened that two cult films were filmed on this picturesque street during Soviet times. At one time, the famous Baker Street from the epic film about the famous detective Sherlock Holmes was located here. And also the Flower Street of “Swiss” Bern, which is familiar to us all from the TV series “17 Moments of Spring”.
Without visiting this place, trip to Riga will definitely be incomplete.

• Make a wish at the monument to the Bremen Town Musicians.

Like in many other cities, there is a place in Riga where flocks of tourists rub/twist something together, hoping that this non-trivial ritual will fulfill some of their deepest desires. To believe in such things or not is everyone’s business. But it’s definitely worth visiting the Riga monument to the Bremen Town Musicians. At least because it is one of the most popular and “photographed” monuments in Latvia.

The monument is located behind St. Peter's Church (in the Sk?r?u iela area). In the photo its location is marked by a group of tourists

His wish fulfillment system is quite simple - make a wish and rub the nose of one of the animals. Well, the higher you reach, the faster your wish will come true. By the way, reaching the rooster is quite difficult (even with my height of 195 cm). But it's definitely worth a try. Even if it takes some time. In general, it will be what to do in Riga.

• See the famous Riga spiers.

In general, there are only four main “high-rise buildings” in the capital of Latvia – St. Jacob’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, Dome Cathedral and Riga Castle. It was these buildings that were the main symbols of old Latvia in Soviet times. Their images were used almost everywhere. And over time, the panorama of the city topped with sharp roofs became so popular that other buildings were often counted among the Riga spiers.

Today, in addition to the four main buildings, the expanded list also includes the spiers of the Riga Academy of Sciences, the Church of St. Magdalene, the Anglican Church of the Holy Redeemer, as well as the thin needle of the Riga TV Tower. Which one should you pay attention to during trips to Latvia– decide for yourself.

Riga Castle

The buildings with the four main spiers of Riga can be found at: Herdera laukums 6 (Dome Cathedral), Skarnu iela 19 (St. Peter's Church), Jakaba iela 9 (St. Jacob's Church), Pils laukums 3 (Riga Castle). The best view of all Riga's spiers opens from the left bank of the Daugava.

• View Riga from above.

By the way, many high-rise buildings in Riga today have observation decks. But most of them have an entrance fee. You can climb the tower of St. Peter’s Cathedral for 7 euros, the observation deck of the “Stalinist high-rise” Academy of Sciences (Academy Square, 1) for 4 euros, and the platform of the Riga TV Tower (Zakusala Island) for 3.70 euros. The last option may seem the most tempting (especially considering the fact that the Riga TV Tower, with a height of 368 meters, is officially considered the tallest building in the Baltics). However, I would strongly advise you not to choose it. If only because the windows in this building are constantly dirty.

Academy of Sciences of Latvia and Riga TV Tower

Instead, it’s better to go to the Panorama cafe, located on the roof of the Galleria Riga shopping center (Dzirnavu iela, 67) or to the pretentious Riga Sky Line bar in the Latvia Hotel (aka Radisson Blu Hotel). You can come here on weekdays completely free of charge. Better spend the remaining money on coffee. All kinds of cocktails there are expensive (9-12 euros).

Hotel Latvia on Brivibas Ave. View from Cafe Panorama

• Listen to the melodies of street musicians.

I don’t know why, but trips to the Old World are always associated in my mind with the music of street musicians. A few months ago we listened to a cool street concert during a trip to Warsaw. This time we came across an equally interesting performance by street musicians in Riga. The guys were playing Pharell Williams' “because i'm happy” on the trumpet. And some little EU citizen was dancing in the background. In general, it was great.

• Wander through Riga's parks.

Autumn in Latvia is very picturesque. We especially liked the park next to the Freedom Monument (on Brivibas Avenue). Ponds, bridges with locks, ducks running underfoot and a huge amount of yellow, red and orange colors around - it looks very beautiful.

• See Riga through the eyes of a local resident. After all, someone like real Riga residents will be able to show you all the most hidden corners of this city, tell you about the legends of old Riga, show the city “from the inside”, the way it appears to ordinary residents of Latvia. In order to move away from the traditional format of excursions, some time ago, on the basis of the Tripster project, a whole series of unusual custom tours from “local residents” were created. Today they enjoy stable popularity in Riga. View the full list of such non-standard excursions. If finances allow, do not miss this opportunity.
• Visit Riga's Art Nouveau neighborhoods(located in the area of ​​Elizabetes, Alberta, Antonias streets and some others adjacent to them).

Latvian Art Nouveau has long been considered one of the symbols of Riga. Pay attention to these areas. There really is something to see there. And in general, trip to Riga– a great opportunity to understand a little the intricacies of architectural styles.

• Take a walk along the banks of the Daugava.

Just dress warmly first. Autumn weather in Riga is some kind of hellish swing! Now it’s rain, now it’s sunny, now it’s fog, now it’s wind... First you leave the house and think: “Why am I dressed like a cabbage.” But after an hour you realize that you did the right thing.

National Library of Latvia. Architecture in the late “anyhow” style. There is also some kind of crown on top.

• Take a photo of the ugliest library in the world .

Do you think we have one in Minsk? I hasten to assure you: not at all. Compared to the unsightly and somewhat awkward building of the National Library of Latvia, our “Diamond of Knowledge” is simply an architectural masterpiece. In general, you don’t know what to do in Riga- go to the Daugava. There is always a lot of interesting things here.

• Compare Minsk and Riga Lido.

Another object for comparison is two Lido restaurants located in two capitals. As for me, our Lido is even a little better than the Latvian one. At least in Riga, Tanya constantly grumbled that there was some tension with desserts in this place.

But I liked the local dishes of national cuisine. But this should probably be written as a separate paragraph. Soooo....

• Try Latvian national cuisine.

There are actually a lot of strange things here, but at the same time very interesting. Milk soup with fish, semolina porridge with beaten egg, pumpkin compote and many other strange oddities. Although in reality everything turns out to be very, very tasty. For example, I especially liked the gray peas with bacon. It looks unpretentious, but is actually delicious. You eat and immediately imagine yourself as some kind of Latvian farmer from the Middle Ages. In Lido this dish cost 1.65 euros. Oh, yes... This restaurant also brews very tasty beer (1.95 euros per mug). In short, you won't know what to do in Riga– go on a tour of local gastronomic establishments. This is quite an adventure.

• Treat yourself to Latvian pastries.

The people of Riga simply adore her. And Tanya (our main sweets specialist) really liked it too. At the same time, good pastries can be found both in cafes and in regular stores. For example, we liked the shop at the intersection of Tallinas and Krisjana Barona streets. And also cafe “Martina”. Both places made very cool buns (0.3-0.45 euros).

• Bonus. If you suddenly start to get bored in the Latvian capital itself, go on a tour of its nearest suburbs.

Turaida Castle in autumn

In summer, the numerous beach villages in Jurmala can be a good solution. In autumn (as in our case), a much better option would be Sigulda and the Gauja National Park located in its vicinity.

Filled with myriads of yellow, red and burgundy colors at this time of year, these places become especially beautiful and picturesque. However, see for yourself...

That's all. I hope our article is about what to do in Riga was useful to you. Write comments and share your impressions of your own trips. We will be glad to see you again. Bye!

Some useful information for organizing your trip:

• The average cost of hostels in Riga ranges from 6-12 dollars (for a bed in a shared room). You can view inexpensive housing options on this website. Our personal selection of the best hostels in the Latvian capital is presented.
• Renting a Riga apartment for a day (for two people) costs from 29 to 45 dollars. You can view current options and get a discount on your first booking on this website.
• Approximate cost of hotel rooms (2-3*): 25-50 dollars. You can check prices for several booking systems at once and save a little by using this site.

Photo article about what to see in Riga in summer and winter over a weekend (one, two or three days).

My personal TOP 15 attractions of Riga (the capital of Latvia): center, streets, architecture.

Now I am on the verge of global changes for the better. I can feel it. I know this, as well as the fact that in order for dreams to come true, it is not at all necessary to rub the nose of the rooster on the monument to the Bremen Town Musicians in the center of Riga, but we will return to this later.

And now about what to see in Riga in one or two days. Let me clarify right away that Riga, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is not for nothing that it is listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site as a city with one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world.

The photos below mostly show Riga in summer, but there are also a few from a trip to Riga in winter.

My TOP 15 attractions in Riga

In Riga we lived in these apartments, rented at a discount for 50 € per day.

1. Architecture of Riga

You can spend hours looking at the buildings of one of the most beautiful cities in the Baltics. 40% of houses in Riga are built in Art Nouveau style

Riga houses of the 17th century (mainly warehouses and residential buildings of wealthy merchants):

The cat's house is one of the most legendary buildings of old Riga.

2. Observation deck of St. Peter's Church

Address: Old Riga, st. Skarnu, 19

The height of the observation deck is 72 meters.

Paid entrance. For adults - 9 euros

From the height there is a view of the Daugava River and the city center

3. Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians.

Excursions in Riga

Riga guides tell such intricate stories related to this monument that every tourist considers it his duty to rub the nose of one of the animals.

It’s funny to watch how, through subtle verbal manipulations, guides force plump guys to jump half a meter above the ground in an attempt to reach the rooster’s nose, because tactile contact with the bronze bird will give a 200% guarantee that your most cherished desire will be fulfilled.

Video with a guide talking about the percentage probability of wish fulfillment:

You can order a tour of Riga on the Internet, so as not to wander aimlessly around the city, but to learn a lot of facts in a relatively short period of time and see all the most interesting things

4. Center of Riga

My Riga is cozy cafes with open terraces, where you can drink beer from large glasses and coffee from tiny cups, wrapped in a warm blanket.

These are the streets of Riga, where you can easily see a beautiful car

So does a wooden cow

These are cobbled streets where you can wander endlessly, every now and then bumping into shops with antique trinkets, designer jewelry, strange clothes and ridiculous toys.

My memory still retains fragments of memories of walking in a man’s jacket along the lantern-lit pavement, tightly squeezing a rooster between my fingers, smelling of childhood. I really wanted to believe that it would always be like this.

5.Riga Castle

Majestic building on the banks of the Daugava River:

6. Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ

Another name is the Nativity of Christ Cathedral - one of the most impressive Orthodox churches in Riga

7. Cathedral of St. James

The main Catholic church of the country, built in the Gothic style back in 1225.

8. House of the Blackheads

It was completely razed to the ground during World War II and restored quite recently.

Riga is even more beautiful at night

9. Red Barns

The area of ​​barns near the Riga Central Market. This is a typical warehouse trading district for merchants. The architects of most of the buildings in the Red Barns area were Baltic Germans.

10. Stalinka, Academy of Sciences

There is an observation deck on the 17th floor, from where from 8 am to 10 pm you can admire the panorama of Riga from a height of 65 meters for just 2Ls

11. Three brothers.

Three brothers - this is the loving name given to three cute houses nestled in the very heart of old Riga. The development is so dense that each house is an extension of the one next to it.

12. Bridges and beaches of Riga

Bridges over the Daugava River and city beaches, where here and there you can stumble upon idle townspeople sunbathing behind bushes.

13. Backstreets, parks, backyards of Riga

It is in the backyards and secluded streets that you can see another life of any city, hidden from the eyes of uninitiated tourists. The capital of Latvia is no exception

Latvia can rightfully be called the heart of the Baltics, because all the best that this region can boast of is collected here. The ancient architecture of cities borders on the modesty and charm of villages; modern multi-storey business centers coexist with centuries-old castles and palaces, churches and cathedrals that keep the mysteries of the past. There are also a lot of health centers located here, where you can effectively strengthen your body with the help of special procedures. The locals are tactful and courteous in a European way, at the same time they are very hospitable and committed to centuries-old traditions. If you came here for the first time and don’t know what to see in Latvia, then especially for you we have compiled a list of popular places in this country, which includes the most interesting sights of Latvia. Check them out and be sure to include these places in your travel itinerary around this country.

What to see first in Latvia

In your search for ideal points on the tourist route, do not forget that you will need people on whose shoulders you can shift the worries about the information and organizational part of the excursion. If you are exploring the attractions on your own, be sure to check what hours they are open to tourists and how much admission costs.

1. House of the Blackheads (Riga)

The House of the Blackheads in Riga is one of the main symbols of the Latvian capital and attractions of Latvia. Cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and excursions are regularly held here. The house also temporarily became the residence of the Latvian President, in connection with the renovation of the Riga Castle.

The foundation of the House of Blackheads dates back to 1334. Since its foundation, various meetings and events of Riga societies have been held here. By the end of the 15th century, the building was leased to the Blackheads society, after which it was later named.

Who are the Blackheads? This is a brotherhood of young Riga merchants under the patronage of St. George, but later St. Mauritius began to be considered the patron of the brotherhood, whose symbol in the form of a black head began to be depicted on the brotherhood’s coat of arms.

During the Second World War, the House of the Blackheads suffered significant damage, and in 1999 it was rebuilt almost from scratch. These days it houses a museum and a concert hall, which often hosts classical music concerts.

What should you pay attention to when visiting the House of Blackheads?

• The luxurious facade of the building combines the values ​​of different styles inherent in different eras;
• Inside, in the executive premises, luxurious interior items attract attention - crystal chandeliers, painted ceilings, portraits of rulers in gilded carved frames, the coat of arms of the brotherhood, colorful stained glass windows;
• In the museum you can see various props of representatives of the brotherhood - snuff boxes, paintings, silver and ceramics;
• By visiting ceremonial events in the House of Blackheads, you can see how the entire interior comes to life during the celebration, and how a special aura of a secular holiday is created here.

2. Rundāle Palace – Museum (Zemgale region)

An outstanding architectural monument - Rundāle Palace, which became the joint creation of an outstanding architect Rastrelli, sculptor Count and artists Zukki and Martini, is the most important cultural heritage and valuable landmark of Latvia. This architectural masterpiece is located in the very center of the country, in the cultural and historical region of Zemgale.

The entire palace complex occupies a huge territory of more than 60 hectares, the main part of which is occupied by parks - hunting and French. In the vicinity of the complex you will also find something to see in Latvia - the nature there is very picturesque, and there is another attraction very close - Bauska Nature Park.

Rundāle Palace includes 138 rooms on two floors, but the interior furnishings, unfortunately, have not been preserved - the decoration was not spared by devastation and war. Therefore, the exhibits that are presented in the palace museum were purchased and brought from other museums. Restoration work was carried out by the best specialists from Latvia and Russia. Based on sketches and historical records, the decoration was restored - the decoration of the premises, wallpaper, chandeliers, furniture, and utensils were recreated. Now the castle, saved at the cost of painstaking work, receives numerous visitors.

In addition to the castle itself, the park area deserves no less attention. Thus, the French garden was created back in the 18th century, and since then its design has never changed. The park is a classic example of European gardening art. Nowadays, costume performances and fireworks displays are periodically held here.

3. Jurmala (20 km from Riga)

The resort city of Jurmala is a real pearl of Latvia on the coast of the Gulf of Riga. The first resort villages of Jurmala began to form here in the 18th century, and already in the 19th century, most areas of the city acquired resort status. For more than two centuries, Jurmala has remained a place for an excellent and interesting holiday, and you will definitely find something to see in Latvia if you find yourself in this unusually beautiful city.

The list of Latvian attractions in Jurmala includes more than 400 buildings of various types. A characteristic architectural feature of the buildings are the facades, richly decorated with lace wood carvings. The choice of attractions is wide, and the list can be expanded endlessly.

• The open-air museum reflects the life of a Latvian village, where several centuries ago, on the territory of modern buildings there were only dilapidated fishing shacks and boats.
• The Prison History Museum, founded in 1999, was opened in honor of the 80th anniversary of the country's prison system, and today displays prisoner mannequins, executioners, a prison pit simulator and various prison props.
• The Aspasia and Rainis Museum, built in 1903, houses a lot of personal belongings of the famous Latvian poetess Elsa Rosenberg, as well as a variety of furniture and unique household items from past centuries.
• Livu Water Park is one of the largest water parks in Europe, it consists of 3 levels and a 25-meter tower. Its design is made in the Caribbean style, and visitors to the water park here feel like real pirates on an ancient ship.
• Theater of Luminous Paintings - presents paintings by the famous artist Ermolaev in two forms: day and night. The transformation of a daytime painting into a nighttime one is a fascinating sight.
• The motor ship Jurmala is the oldest motor ship, which was once the only way to communicate with Riga. Today you can take an excursion trip from Riga to Jurmala on it.

4. Gauja National Park (Gauja River Valley)

To visit some of the sights of Latvia, it is perhaps advisable to take a multi-day trip at once. Such places include the Gauja National Park, spread out in the valley of the Gauja River over an area of ​​more than 900 square kilometers - this is where you will find something to see in Latvia.

This is the largest park-reserve in Latvia, which is characterized by a variety of landscape forms, numerous springs, cliffs, caves, rocks, outcrops of multi-colored sandstone, unique natural and cultural monuments.

In total, the Gauja National Park has more than 500 different attractions, including ancient fortifications, castles, churches, mills, estates, and many other archaeological, architectural and historical monuments.

• Vienkochu Park is a wonderful place, the purpose of which is to popularize ancient crafts; here you can try your hand at manual woodworking;
• Līgatne nature trails - provide an opportunity to explore the landscapes characteristic of the ancient Gauja, here you can observe many wild animals characteristic of Latvian nature;
• The cable car from Sigulda to Krimulda is the only aerial cable car in Latvia, allowing you to explore the local surroundings from a dizzying height and learn a lot about the historical heritage of these two small Latvian towns.

For lovers of active recreation, there will be entertainment here that will truly take your breath away - for example, a vertical wind tunnel near Sigulda, bungee jumping from a cable car, the Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track, and numerous adventure parks.

See the beautiful places of Latvia in this wonderful video!

5. Kuldiga city (150 km from Riga)

In the heart of the historical region of Kurzeme, on the Venta River, is the beautiful provincial town of Kuldiga. It is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque cities in Latvia, because it is here, in a small area, that you can find a lot of amazing sights of Latvia - for example, flying fish, the largest waterfall in Europe, a cave labyrinth and ancient palaces.

Today it is difficult to imagine that several centuries ago this city was the most important trading point, ships were built here, grapes were grown, the wine from which was even supplied to neighboring countries.

What to visit in Latvia if you have arrived or are passing through the town of Kuldiga?

• Kuldiga Castle is the first castle in Kuldiga, the construction of which was completed in 1245. The fortress was placed in a very beautiful place near a waterfall, and in less than a hundred years the city of Kuldiga grew up around the castle. The fortress is in a dilapidated state - medieval wars and time played their role. But today there is an attractive city park around the ruins of the fortress.
• One of the most pleasant and fun summer activities in Kuldiga is swimming under the Ventas Rumba waterfall. Anyone can swim under the waterfall, especially since there are special pools for this on the right bank of the Ventas River.
• During the season from April to May in Kuldiga on the Ventas River you can watch an amazing sight - flying fish. Numerous fish, going to spawn, swim against the current, emerge from the river waters to a height of up to 2.5 meters and try to storm the obstacle in the form of the Ventas Rumba waterfall.
• The Kuldiga City Museum houses thousands of unique exhibits telling about the rich historical past of Kuldiga.

6. Turaida Castle (Sigulda)

Just 50 kilometers from the Latvian capital is the beautiful provincial town of Sigulda. His calling card was the honorable landmark of Latvia - Turaida Castle of the 13th century. Once upon a time in the Middle Ages, there was a bishop's residence here, the Livonian Order was located, and even a garrison of Swedish soldiers was stationed here. Today, the fortress retains the imprint of antiquity, so the castle today has acquired the status of a museum complex, and a museum-reserve has been created on its territory.

The museum complex includes not only the castle, but also a lot of surrounding historical buildings - in total there are 37 such buildings. The castle itself was founded in 1214 by the Bishop of Riga on the right bank of the Gauja. Unfortunately, the fortress has not retained its original appearance since those times, so it has gone through a lot of reconstructions, but nevertheless, it has not lost its appearance. Numerous legends about the castle and its inhabitants, as well as the name of the castle itself, translated as “Divine Garden,” have survived to this day.

The key and oldest element of the castle is the main tower. Now there is an observation deck on its upper level, and a museum exhibition is located on the lower level. In addition to the tower, exhibitions of exhibits are held in the southern and western buildings of the castle. Archaeological excavations continue to this day on the territory of the museum-reserve; new finds are being discovered, which subsequently replenish the museum’s collection.

Today, Turaida Castle has become a popular tourist attraction - along with excursions, holidays, exhibitions, and concerts of classical and modern music are regularly organized on its territory.

7. Mitava Palace (Jelgava)

On a flat island between the Lielupe River and its tributaries, in 1738, according to the design of the architect Rastrelli, the Mitava (Jelgava) Palace was founded - the most important historical landmark of Latvia. The initiator of the construction was the Duke of Courland Biron .

Today Mitavsky Palace is the largest palace in the Baltic states in the Baroque style. The construction of the palace took place in several stages and lasted several decades.

• Previously, in 1737, the territory was cleared for construction - the palace of the Livonian Order of the 14th century was blown up.
• In 1740, construction was suspended due to the arrest and exile of the Duke. At that time, the palace had not yet been roofed.
• In 1763, after Biron was pardoned and returned from exile, construction of the palace resumed.
• In 1772, the Duke finally moved to his residence, but before his death he did not have time to live there for even six months.
• After the annexation of the duchy to Russia, the palace changed owners more than once.
• In 1918, the interior of the palace was completely destroyed by the Russian troops of Bermondt-Avalov; in 1944, the palace was even more damaged during the Second World War.
• Nowadays, a museum has been organized in the palace, where you can see the family tombs of the Dukes of Courland and Zemgale. There is practically no information left about the original interiors. Today the Latvian Agricultural University operates in the palace.

8. Bauska Castle (Bauska)

Bauska is a city in central Latvia, in the Zemgale region. Founded back in the 15th century by German knights, today Bauska is rich in historical monuments and preserves the events of centuries-old history, so you will certainly find something to visit in Latvia when you find yourself in this town. For example, confirmation of this is the Bauska Castle, built at the confluence of the Musa and Memsele rivers for the knights of the Livonian Order.

The fortress was surrounded by a system of fortifications; later, state halls and living quarters were erected.

Soon after the completion of construction, a craft and fishing settlement was formed around the castle, which later became the city of Bauska.

The castle was owned by the Livonian Order until 1561, after which it began to regularly change its owners, and the ducal court and office moved into it.

In 1625, the castle was captured by the Swedes, and at the beginning of the 18th century it was completely blown up by order of the Russian Emperor Peter I.

The castle was remembered again only in the 20th century, when in 1970 the surviving ruins were subject to a long and thorough restoration, after which a museum was opened within its walls. To attract visitors, various events, concerts and festivals are regularly held on the castle grounds.

The castle complex includes the ducal palace, which houses the exhibition, as well as the ruins of the Livonian Order castle with an observation tower. The court life of the Middle Ages, holidays and everyday life, outfits, habits, foundations - the entire past is reflected in Bauska Castle very clearly and realistically.

9. Dinaburg Castle (19 km from Daugavpils)

The beginning of the Latvian city, which repeatedly changed its name (Dinaburg, Nevgin, Dvinsk, Borisoglebsk, Daugavpils), was laid by the Dinaburg castle, erected in 1275 by order of the master of the Livonian Order Ernest Ratzeburg.

This landmark of Latvia had its own difficult history - from the moment of its construction, battles took place for the castle, and it constantly passed into the hands of Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian authorities.

• In 1772, the Dinaburg fortress was transferred to Russia, and construction of the castle began here. The appearance in which the castle appears now is already the fourth in the history of Dinaburg.
• In 1810, active construction of protective structures began here; the height of the protective ramparts reached 11 meters. The fortification work was carried out so well that even a three-day siege by Napoleon's troops did not allow the fortress to be captured.
• Since 1813, the construction of the fortress continued - barracks, residential buildings, and four fortress gates were built.
• In 1827, construction of a hospital for five hundred people was completed.

In general, the improvement of fortifications continued until 1878, but by the end of the 19th century the fortress lost its defensive purpose and acquired the status of a warehouse fortress, where workshops for the production and storage of shells and gunpowder were located.

In the period after the Second World War, from 1947, an aviation school began to function here. The territory of the fortress began to be gradually put in order, sports grounds were equipped, and landscaping took place.

Today, the Dinaburg fortress is an example of fortification art. Despite numerous tests of time, some forts and ramparts have remained intact. Over time, the authorities of Daugavpils expect to turn this complex into a modern cultural center.

10. Kemeri National Park (Jurmala)

In the central region of Latvia - Zemgale, not far from the well-known Jurmala, the Kemeri National Park is located. The area of ​​the park is colossal - more than 38 thousand hectares, and these territories are occupied by forests and swamps, under which hydrogen sulfide mineral water is formed in one of the soil layers. This landmark of Latvia is famous for its very rich flora and fauna - for example, about 900 ferns, more than 2,200 species of mosses, one and a half hundred lichens, and more than 500 species of mushrooms grow here. A quarter of the plants growing in the park are listed in the Red Book of Latvia.

The reserve has created particularly favorable living conditions for various birds, which are monitored and special towers have been erected for this purpose.

The formation of the resort in Kemeri Park was due to the use of the healing properties of hydrogen sulfide springs. Due to swampiness, the springs were inaccessible for a long time; no roads were built to them. However, after part of the park was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1783, Kemeri began to intensively develop as a resort.

• In 1801, Academician Lowitz made a chemical analysis of mineral waters from hydrogen sulfide springs. The study showed that the waters of the source have truly miraculous healing properties.
• Finally, 1838 is considered the moment the resort was founded, and this is due to the fact that it was at this time that the first bathhouse was founded on the territory of Kemeri, as well as the administration of the resort.
• In 1851-61, a park was laid out here and an entire resort system was created.
• In the 1930s, the first sanatorium was founded in the park, where people were treated with mineral water and mud, and this time is considered the beginning of the heyday of Ķemeri.
• After the difficult years of World War II, the second heyday of the resort began, when the sanatorium began to be filled with a huge number of people every year and a developed park infrastructure was created.

Sights of Latvia: what else to visit while in Latvia

The country opens up to tourists from different sides, and in order to form a holistic image, we recommend places from the list below. In it you will find both natural wonders and historical and architectural monuments. Take your chance to have a wonderful holiday here, even if you only have a couple of days left.

11. Old Riga (Riga)

In the very center of the Latvian capital is its historical part - Old Riga. You will definitely find something to see in Latvia if you find yourself in this amazing place - the main Riga attractions are concentrated here in a relatively small area. Almost all of the buildings in Old Riga are important landmarks in Latvia, and through traffic on the streets of this area is closed. Therefore, here you can stroll leisurely, studying architectural monuments and feeling the atmosphere of antiquity.

Whatever your route, it is worth noting that getting to know Riga is still worth starting from Old Riga. Entering its narrow cobbled streets, it’s as if you’re stepping back in time several centuries ago: austere Gothic cathedrals and charming medieval houses, ancient courtyards, numerous museums, coffee shops with amazingly delicious cakes - all this conveys the unique flavor of the Middle Ages.

When highlighting the list of memorable places in Old Riga, it is worth paying special attention to the following:

• Riga Castle of the 13th century on the banks of the Daugava;
• Dome Cathedral with one of the world's largest organs;
• Peter's Tower is the hallmark of Riga, one of its main church buildings;
• Town Hall Square is the main square of the city, which has become the venue for numerous city events;
• The Swedish Gate is the only gate in the city wall that has preserved its original appearance to this day;
• Large and small guilds - buildings that housed unions of like-minded citizens united by occupation;
• The House of the Blackheads is a building that formerly belonged to the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, an association of young foreign merchants.

12. Aglona Basilica (Aglona village, 250 km from Riga)

Aglona Basilica is a major shrine and landmark of Latvia of international importance. It is located in the east of Latvia, 40 kilometers from Daugavpils.

The first mention of the village of Aglona dates back to 1236. And in 1697, local landowners turned to the bishop with a request to build a monastery and school in the village. Later, the first wooden basilica was built here and male and female monasteries were established.

• In 1768, local residents again petitioned for the construction of a capital church, and by 1789, a stone basilica in the Baroque style grew up on the site of the wooden one, and a monastery building was also erected. Later, when the medicinal properties of local springs were discovered, pump rooms were erected here in 1824 and a hospital was organized.
• In 1980, Pope John Paul II, in honor of the 200th anniversary of the basilica, awarded it the title of “minor basilica” - a special status of a Catholic church, giving it a lot of privileges.
• In 1989, the tradition of pilgrimage to the Aglona Basilica on the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary was resumed.
• In 1993, Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass at the Aglona Basilica with the participation of about 400 thousand pilgrims.
• Nowadays, annually on August 15, pilgrims from the Baltic countries and Russia come to Aglona, ​​a divine service is held, which is attended by many high-ranking state officials, Roman priests and heads of other Latvian churches.

13. Ethnographic open-air museum (Riga)

One of the largest European museums is located in Latvia, just half an hour from its capital. The open-air ethnographic museum is a must-visit in Latvia if your route passes through Riga. Here, on a vast territory of 90 hectares, ancient buildings of past centuries (17th - 20th centuries) are collected - houses, outbuildings, temples, mills and even entire households with many household items characteristic of that era - in total there are 118 buildings. All these buildings were dismantled and carefully transported from all Latvian regions, after which they were rebuilt on the territory of the museum.

If we compare the Latvian Ethnographic Museum with other museums of this type, this museum is unique in its own way - its exhibition began to take shape at the beginning of the 20th century. This is an amazing place where you can deeply feel the spirit of antiquity and literally go on a journey through the milestones of Latvian history:

• see the features, similarities and differences of the life of Latvians in different centuries;
• find out what traditions Latvians have kept for centuries, how they took a steam bath or decorated their courtyards, celebrated holidays or went about their daily life;
• find out how Russian Old Believers lived in Latvian regions such as Lattgale and Kurzeme;
• visit ancient churches of different Latvian denominations;
• visit the museum's storage room with its huge archive;
• walk through the courtyards of Latvian peasants and artisans, study their household items characteristic of a certain historical period.

14. Botanical Garden (Riga)

A ten-minute drive from the center of Riga is the “green” landmark of Latvia - the botanical garden of the University of Latvia, founded in 1922. For many years since its foundation, the garden has been regularly replenished with new species of plants from all over the world - in total, about 6 thousand plants grow on the territory of the park with an area of ​​15 hectares. Today, the botanical garden has become a favorite place for walks and relaxation - here you can leisurely walk along the green alleys, visit many greenhouses and simply enjoy nature in the very heart of the capital city. Both professional gardeners and ordinary people will find a lot of new and interesting things here.

• Among the greenhouses, the main one is the palm greenhouse, where you can study subtropical plants.
• The succulent greenhouse features plants that have adapted to life in the desert - there are about 700 of them, half of which are cacti.
• The Azalea Greenhouse presents an exhibition of 124 species of azaleas - evergreen shrubs obtained as a result of stage-by-stage crossing.
• On the territory of the garden there is a decorative and ecological exhibition, which includes 7 gardens - rocky, phlox, heather, rhododendron, dahlia garden, roses and lilies.
• Small plot of about 100 sq. meters in the garden are occupied by artificially created swamps, in which cranberries, andromeda and other swamp plants characteristic of Latvia grow.
• Every year in mid-July, a gardening festival is held in the park, to which everyone is invited - from professional breeders to ordinary amateur gardeners.

15. Latvian National Museum of Art (Riga)

In the very heart of Riga, namely in its boulevard ring, there is a famous cultural landmark of Latvia - the Latvian National Museum of Art, which has become the largest repository of art in the country. The building of the art museum itself is an impressively sized architectural monument of national importance. This is the first building in the Baltics, erected specifically to house a museum. The building was founded in 1905 according to the design of the architect Wilhelm Neumann, and its facade is an ensemble of Baroque and Classicism styles.

The museum's collection includes more than 52 thousand exhibits - works of sculptors and artists from the Baltic states and Russia. Not long ago, the museum underwent a large-scale reconstruction and opened in 2016 in an updated appearance, but preserving the monumentality of the ancient building.

What can you see in the museum today?

• The exhibition of Latvian art from the 19th and 20th centuries presents the history of art in Latvia over the past two centuries.
• In the new exhibition hall you can see temporary exhibitions on topics relevant to our day.
• There are two terraces on the roof of the museum, from which you can admire the Riga surroundings from above.
• Of keen interest among visitors is the modernized environment, in which you can arrange a full-fledged excursion without the services of a guide - by downloading a special
• application, you can take advantage of the interactive electronic guide.

While in Latvia, consider visiting a country famous for its medieval architecture and delicious beer - the Czech Republic. Read about and get inspired by new ideas for traveling around Europe!

The capital of the state - Riga - in itself can be classified as the main sights of Latvia. Amazing and history of Latvia in a particular city, which you can learn about by walking through its historical part. It is here that the Palace of the Kings is located, now the residence of the president - Riga Castle, the Powder Tower - the only surviving structure that served as the defense of the palace, St. Peter's Church, where you can listen to the sound of one of the largest European organs. The city is full of interesting, unusual places and architectural structures. One of these buildings, the so-called Cat House, was built in 1910 by a wealthy Latvian merchant. According to legend, the cats placed on the roof of the building were initially turned with their tails towards the neighboring Guild building, where they did not want to accept that same merchant. And only after a scandal broke out and a severe reprimand was the owner of the building forced to turn the sculptures in a different direction.

Picturesque resorts are no less popular attractions Latvia. The most famous of them, Jurmala, is located 25 km from Riga. Jurmala has long been considered the best holiday destination, where the wealthiest residents of the country spent their time. The mild and warm climate, combined with a healing sea breeze and a lot of entertainment, still gives Jurmala the title of the most popular Latvian resort.

The surroundings of Riga are also rich in interesting places. Not far from the capital is the residence of the Dukes of Courland - Rundale Palace - an architectural work of F. B. Rastrelli, built in the Baroque style.

Entertainment in Latvia

As for entertainment, then Latvia rich in them too. Water parks "Livu" and "Aqualandia" - indoor water parks - popular entertainment in Latvia. They welcome children and adults to visit all year round. “Forest Cat” - an adventure park - is another exciting entertainment that will appeal to both adults and children. These are nothing more than tracks with obstacles of varying difficulty, which can be overcome by agile and fast adventurers!

The film town “Cinevilla”, the so-called Latvian Hollywood, is an open-air scenery of old Riga. It is noteworthy that anyone can watch the filmmaking process from the inside and even take part in the filming!

One of the most interesting places in Latvia will appeal to music lovers; it is located in the town of Liepaja. What is this? The first of its kind Latvian rock cafe with live music and very unusual exhibitions. Here, tourists are presented with various exhibits atypical for exhibitions, for example, Raymond Pauls' slippers.

The entire Zivju street, that is, “fish street,” is a musical walk of fame, on which bronze handprints of popular musicians in the country are imprinted. If local music is not of particular interest, you can go to more interesting places in Latvia, for example, go to the Kemeri National Park in Jurmala or visit the Aleksupite waterfall - the highest in the country.

Excursions in Latvia

The nature of this country deserves special attention. For connoisseurs of landscape beauty, trips to the city of Sigulda, called “Latvian Switzerland”, are organized. This unofficial name is not accidental: the nature in this region is incredibly picturesque, the Gauja River, a valley full of ravines and caves, the Turaida Nature Reserve and the ruins of the Sigulda Castle will not leave tourists indifferent. In addition, there is a ski and bobsleigh center in Sigulda. Choosing excursions in Latvia, book a trip to Sigulda, you will not only get to know the city, but also walk along forest paths to the cable car, along which you will ride through the valley, visit Turaida and New Sigulda castles, Gutman's cave. Also, not a single excursion in Latvia will be left without visiting the beautiful city of Riga.

Monuments of Latvia

Latvians value and cherish their cultural and historical heritage. Monuments of Latvia fully reflect the love and loyalty of the people to their country. The symbol of Latvia is the Freedom Monument, erected in 1935 by sculptor Kārlis Zāle. It is located in the very center of the capital and is a sculpture depicting a Latvian girl, in her hands she holds three stars - the personification of the regions of Vidzeme, Latgale and Kurzeme. Its bas-reliefs reflect memorable dates for Latvia. The Pedvale architectural complex, striking in its scale and beauty, is another most important monument in Latvia, located along the Abava River. This is a kind of open-air museum.

Museums of Latvia

A huge number of art galleries and exhibitions open their doors to visitors - museums in Latvia unique and extravagant in their own way! Riga alone has an abundance of museums to suit every taste. The most interesting and popular is the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation (by the way, this is one of the oldest museums in Europe!). The Museum of the History of Medicine, one of the largest in the world, has collected under its roof unique and unusual exhibits that impress not only doctors, but also ordinary people. The only Porcelain Museum in the entire Baltic is also interesting, with about 6,000 exhibits in its collection. The Puppet Museum, which presents visitors with a collection of toys from different peoples and times, gives the opportunity to learn how to make dolls themselves; fortunately, all kinds of master classes are held in the museum with enviable regularity.

The reverent attitude of Latvians towards their country, concern for the preservation of nature and cultural heritage have turned Latvia into the pearl of Northern Europe, where there is entertainment for everyone.