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An Old Believers' church.
Contains former vehicles of Stalin, Kruschev, and Brezhnev.
Latvijas Etnogrāfiskais Brīvdabas Muzejs
The museum is in Jugla, near a lake of the same name. There are many traditional Latvian countryside houses collected in a forest/park and exhibitions inside them about the traditional things. The employees are often dressed in the traditional Latvian costumes, creating a nice atmosphere.
Neogothic church from 1885 marks the center of Riga's main industrial neighbourhood. Most of the mural paintings are from 1930s and represent the art of independent Latvia before World War II.
Two gas storage buildings from 1882 and 1901 (end of Matīsa iela) are landmarks of the old gas factory in Riga. These enormous structures reaching 40 m in diameter are probably the largest buildings of their kind in Eastern Europe. Note the pressure meter that mimics a clock.
Light neo-Romanic building from 1867 looks completely alien to its dark industrial neighborhood.
These beautiful water towers were built by Oto Intce and Rūdolfs Frišs in 1896–1897 and were the first water towers built in Riga. Surprisingly, one of these is the only water tower still in use to this day. They are known among locals as Anna and Zhanna (Ann and Joan). Legend has it that Anna was a skilled quack in medieval Riga. She was accused of being a witch and burnt to death. This caused her sister Zhanna to commit suicide. Their ashes were brought to a place that was considered wicked, which is exactly the water towers are located today. This place is indeed quite strange and renowned for its remoteness dominated by a huge cemetery and a prison.
Matisa cemetery adjacent to the water towers has an interesting monument to the Latvian revolutionary heroes of the Russian Revolution of 1905. The monument was built in 1956-59 and consists of a long wall with haut-relief of Latvian revolutionaries and some poets' epitaphs. The cemetery also has a small monument to the victims of the 1940-1941 period of the Soviet occupation.
Valmieras iela and adjacent streets boast gorgeous industrial buildings from late 19th century. The largest factory was Russo-Balt that produced first cars and airplanes in the Russian empire. Most of these buildings are now abandoned and derelict but quite interesting to see. You will find lots of old plaques, signboards and other 100-year-old artifacts.
Čiekurkalns is a pleasant residential area on the outskirts of Riga. Despite the intense industrial development in the vicinity, most of the historical wooden architecture build in the end of XIX century has been preserved.
Forest Park is a pleasant park area on the outskirts of Riga. There are large, gorgeous residential houses once inhabited by Riga's prewar elite during the summers. They were largely let go during Soviet times but many are now being refurbished, repainted, and brought back to their original glory.
Rīgas Vagonbūves Rūpnīca
One of the largest machine-building plants in Latvia, founded in 1895. RVR is based in Riga and was for many years the largest producer of electric and diesel trains and also tramcars in the former Soviet Union.
Built in 1892, a gorgeous neo-Gothic building in the middle of slums. Features copies of Giotto's mural paintings in the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Orthodox church built in neo-Romanic style around 1880. Unlike other orthodox churches in Latvia, which are typically Russian in their style and nature, this one was designed by a Latvian architect.
Construction started in 1913-14 but it was not finished before the Russian Revolution and continued in 1920s when Latvia became independent. This led to a strange mix of styles rendering the church a rare example of modernist architecture implemented in an Orthodox temple. The adjacent Ivanovskoe cemetery is the main Orthodox cemetery of Riga.
Another church on the same cemetery. Build of wood in 1812-15 in a somewhat awkward style with 5 small domes sitting on a massive drum.
Armenian church built in 2011.
Altnaie Schul
The only synagogue that survived through World War II. Built in 1889, partially restored after the war and converted into a residential building.
Old Believers church from 1894-95, nice example of the Russian Revival style.
A funny monument commemorating the first Riga tram that was driven by horse power. An old iron construction nearby reminds of the former Hay Market.
A huge area that reminds of the Jewish population of Latgales apkaime. Established in early 18th century, this cemetery kept expanding till the beginning of 20th century. After all local Jews were exterminated by the Nazis during World War II, Soviet government destroyed the remaining gravestones and converted the area into a Park of Communist Brigades. Now there is a small Jewish memorial.
The Riga Zoo is small, but fairly popular.
An indoor sports arena and concert venue. Notable as the home rink of the city's ice hockey team Dinamo Riga, playing in the KHL, the arena is also where the world's greatest pop and rock artists and bands hold their Riga concerts.
The wooden building features three floors of dining, a built-in wooden windmill, and a small amusement park outside. The ground floor and basement operate cafeteria-style. There is a huge choice available, including a variety of soups including borscht and the Latvian cold beetroot soup, as well as kebabs, breasts, chicken sausages, fish, red meats. Blinis are another specialty here.
Fast food, open 24/7.
Avotu ezītis
Reasonably priced drinks and food, nice atmosphere.
Popular with locals. They offer shashlik on a skewer with a choice of chicken, lamb or beef, with tomato sauce and a side of vegetables or Armenian flatbread. Beverage options include various local beers, Georgian wine or softdrinks. Indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor furniture looks like it has already seen the days of the barricades. Self-service, basic Latvian is recommended. € 14 for a skewer of pork, sauce, vegetables, flatbread and a pint of beer.
Nightclub.
A very local bar, literally "the beer bar". Like going back in time to the turbulent 1990s. Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to anytime in the evening from 19:00 to 23:00.
A can of Cēsu €2.20
50 cl of Mītava €2.50
50 cl of Piebalgas €3
Sometimes also offer fries and small sandwiches.
Apartments on Riga's main street. Every apartment has either two separate beds or one double, as well as a washing machine, television, gas ring, air conditioner, refrigerator, and set of dishes.
Part of the Wyndham/Days Inn chain. A great option if you don't need to be within walking distance of the center.
Modern rooms with shower, WC, flat-screen TV, and hairdryer. French owned.
Getting in by foot would mean a rather long walk as most points of interest are several kilometers from the more central parts of Riga.
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Riga · International · RIX
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