Tour guides Latvia > Riga

5 ideas for guided tours in Riga

• The old town – Vecriga

  

  Vecrīga means “the old town of Riga” in Latvian. This historic center of the Baltic capital, almost entirely pedestrian, is full of monuments and narrow streets forming a labyrinth where it’s a pleasure to get lost.

  As you explore, you’ll pass colorful half-timbered houses and lively squares filled with terraces, restaurants, and bars — especially Doma Laukums Square, home to the 13th-century Protestant cathedral at its center.

  Step inside St. Peter’s Church and climb to the top of its spire for a panoramic view over Riga. To end your stroll, relax in one of the parks surrounding the district, such as the Wöhrmann Garden or Victory Park.

• The city’s canals

  

  To make the most of your visit to the city, take one of the canal boats winding along the Daugava River. It’s a pleasant and unique way to see the Latvian capital from a different angle. Boats depart and return from the pier at Bastion Hill (Bastejkalns).

  The cruise, which lasts about an hour, gently carries you past the old town, passing Kipsala Island and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Theatre, the Opera, the Castle, the central market halls, and the Kronvalda Park.

  This river tour shows you another side of the city — no crowds, no walking fatigue — just a peaceful journey, letting the scenery unfold at the pace of the water.

• The central market – Centraltirgus

  

  Housed in former zeppelin hangars, Riga’s central market, the Centraltirgus, overflows with smells and colors from the early morning. You’ll find warm smoked fish, fresh berries, and stacks of black bread on wooden tables. Voices mingle quickly — vendors and regular customers in lively exchange.

  Each pavilion has its own specialty — dairy products in one, salted meats in another, spices and dried vegetables farther along. The atmosphere shifts from aisle to aisle, sometimes noisy, sometimes surprisingly calm, as light pours through the tall glass windows.

  Just steps away, the House of the Blackheads and the Dome Cathedral remind you that the old town is near. The contrast is striking — carefully restored monuments on one side, a bustling, slightly rough market on the other.

• Vermanes Park

  

  Just a few streets from the old town, Vermanes Park offers a breath of fresh air in the middle of Riga. Lawns, old trees, and benches lined up in the shade make it a spot for both families and solitary walkers. A canal winds gently through, crossed by small stone bridges.

  In the morning, you’ll see joggers, retirees chatting, and children playing near the fountains. By afternoon, the light filters through the branches, slowing the park’s rhythm to something almost suspended. Nothing dramatic, but it leaves a lasting impression through its simplicity.

  Nearby, the Latvian National Opera stands with its white façade, while the National Museum of Art completes this cultural stroll. The contrasts of greenery, music, and painting come together just steps apart.

• Kipsala Island

  

  Across the Daugava River, Kipsala Island stretches out with its old wooden houses — some restored, others still weathered by time. Its quiet streets contrast with the bustle of central Riga, just across the bridge.

  Strolling through, you’ll find colorful façades, hidden gardens, and an almost village-like atmosphere. Along the riverbanks, the view opens wide to the old town, its spires and domes reflected in the water — sometimes sharp, sometimes blurred.

  The island is also home to the Maritime Museum and several cultural centers. You can continue your walk toward the central market, just across the bridges, or head back toward the modern districts lining the river.