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Neighbourhood of Riga, Latvia
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One of Latvia's national symbols. It was erected during the first independence and surprisingly never taken down by the Soviets (although laying flowers at its feet was forbidden). The statue of a woman holding three stars at the top of the monument represents Freedom embracing Latvia's regions.
Alberta and Elizabetes streets (iela) are the best place to see the creations of Art Nouveau architect Eisenstein, famous of his splendid style. Other Art Nouveau buildings can be seen in the area around the Freedom Monument, including the embassies on Raina Bulvaris and on Strelnieku iela.
Donated by Riga's sister city Kobe in celebration of anniversary of restoration of independence.
Small museum dedicated to Jewish life in Latvia since the 16th century. Includes information on destruction of the synagogues by the Nazis, and the Latvians that saved Jews during the Holocaust. Exhibits are in English and Latvian.
Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art. Houses many works by Latvian artists.
The former KGB building is actually an attractive, ornate historic building at the corner of Brivibas and Stabu. It stood empty for years, but for the 2014 celebration of Riga becoming the European Capital of Culture it was revived with a number of artistic initiatives taking place there. It is now a branch of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, holding a general exhibition about the KGB activities, and guided tours of the cellar where interrogations took place.
The Orthodox Cathedral was erected during Russian rule for Russian residents. In contrast to its relatively plain exterior, it is spectacular on the inside, but be aware that shorts are not allowed.
Vecā Svētās Ģertrūdes baznīca
The brick neogothic church of St. Getrude, despite "old" in its name, is an entirely late 19th-century creation that replaced a series of stone and wooden churches that stood there (and were repeatedly destroyed due to being outside of the city walls) since the 15th century. The unusual veracity with which the 19th-century architects interpreted the principles of Gothic architecture may make the church pass for an authentic medieval creation, both inside and out.
St. Gertrude has long-standing links with Riga's German Lutheran community, and offers religious services in German. The Latvian Lutheran community which used to share the church with the German has moved to the "new" St. Getrude church further east down Brīvības Street.
Mostly in ruins since the Germans burned it down on July 4, 1941 with 600 people locked inside. There is a memorial to 400 Latvians who saved Jews during the Holocaust.
An unusually-designed Lutheran church.
Built in 1953, this building is often called "Stalin's Birthday Cake" because of its austere yet ornamented design. The 17th-floor balcony is open to visitors.
The museum, which encompasses a relocated historic wooden house and cobblestones from the Jewish ghetto created by Nazi Germany in occupied Riga during the Second World War, documents both the history of the ghetto and the tragic fates of Riga's Jewish population who perished in the Holocaust. It also attempts to recall Jewish community life from before the war.
A huge cluster of mid-19th century warehouses between the train station and Central Market. They remind of the former trade harbor.
Designed by Georg Kuphaldt, who was expelled by Germany in 1915 as a spy because he had a telescope in his garden.
Ave Sol Concert Hall
Hosts the renowned choral ensemble Ave Sol. The hall also plays host to a range of other concert activities.
A fantastic range of Latvian food in "authentic" environment.
Modern and cozy atmosphere.
Eastern European cuisine. Only 20 seats.
An artsy cafe with a cool interior, fireplace and pancakes worth killing for. While there, drop by Gallerija Istaba for another cup of coffee or beer, and make sure to check out some of the artwork sold downstairs.
Great Indian food.
Traditional Czech and Latvian cousine, brewery, beer, tours in brewery, entertainment
The restaurant of the hotel Bergs may be just about the best that Latvia has to offer. The food can be described as a fusion of Latvian and Western European cuisine. Menus are seasonal, and the ingredients always fresh - meaning sometimes not everything on the menu is available. With impeccable food and service, it is a wonder this place has not yet received the first Michelin star of any restaurant in Latvia.
If you're splashing out try Vincents Restaurant which compares favorably to any up market western restaurant at half the price.
Literally, room. An art gallery with a small café with 5 tables. Popular for its cozy atmosphere.
Great coffee and vegetarian food, with gluten-free options. Try the pancake brunch on Saturday and Sunday
One of the cheapest, smallest, and oldest bars in Riga. It is popular among foreigners and local students. TV shows international sports matches.
Serves Latvian beers and food.
Just perfect view at sunset. Finding a table next to the windows might be difficult after 23:00. Cover charge at popular times.
Enjoy the view of Riga from the 10th floor of the Central Station clock tower. Drinks, cocktails, European and Japanese cuisine. You need to take the elevator from the Central Station ground floor to the 8th to 10th floor.
HI Hostel.
Friendly and laid back. Free coffee and tea. Close to the old city.
Australian & Latvian owned. 24-hour reception.
On a top floor of a 100-year-old historic building.
The décor is extremely ugly - even for 1970s style. Free coffee and tea.
Despite the name, the hostel is not posh at all. Privates, doubles, and 6-, 8-, and 12-bed dorms.
Opened in September 2008, cosy, family-run hotel in a renovated 19th-century building.
Homely, popular with artists and musicians, city centre, en-suite rooms.
Interesting postmodern decor based on the neighbourhood's Art Nouveau heritage. Additional charge for parking.
256 rooms. Clean and modern.
Great service, modern rooms, fitness center, and a small sauna.
Contemporary style.
The largest business and conference hotel in the Baltics. With 27 floors, this hotel is noticeable on the Riga skyline.
A sombre, and slightly dated, Radisson next to the Esplanade
3-star hotel in Riga center.
The rooms are clean, private, safe, spacious, and have private bathrooms. Next to a market for food and clothing.
Centrāltirgus
Noticeable for its huge hangars, built from parts of actual Zeppelin hangars bought for the market in 1920. The market has also a large open-air area. It deals mostly in fresh food and is a good place for fresh local fruit and vegetables, like mushrooms, berries and tomatoes – especially during summer and fall. The market is quite non-touristy but very good for souvenirs. There are lots of small cafes scattered around the markets that serve up cheap local eats. Cheap clothing and accessories can be found as well. It is especially beloved by Scandinavian tourists coming via ferry for its cheap cigarettes.
Nice local artwork can be found here. There is also a small cafe/bar on the second floor with a nice, laid-back atmosphere.
The Latvian branch of the Finnish department store chain.
The Bergs bazaar is a 19th-century courtyard passage with a number of fashion boutiques, restaurants and a farmers' and crafts market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
Centrs is within walking distance (around a kilometre) from the Old town and the central railway station.
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