//
Area associated with Riga, Latvia
Photo: Jindřich Běťák, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pārdaugava, which literally means "over Daugava" or "across the Daugava", is a part of Riga, comprising the west bank of Daugava river.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
An island in the city centre with Nordic dwelling architecture and a beach that is very popular in the summer.
A 368-m-high tower built of concrete and standing on three legs, this is the tallest tower in the European Union. However, it is closed to the public as of October 2026.
Nacionalā Bibliotēka
An important part of the West Bank's cityscape, the National Library was built in 2008-13. It is perhaps the most remarkable part of the "New Riga" giving a more gentle feel to skyscrapers and other high-tech buildings that have been constructed on the West Bank of the Daugava since independence. The building was nicknamed the "Castle of Light" (Gaismas Pils), and the architect intended to mimic the towers of Vecriga, although casual tourists may rather see it as a cruise ship that has just arrived from the Baltic Sea and is anchored across the river from the Old Town.
Bored at the airport? Check out the Riga Aviation museum, which contains several rare aircraft.
Botaniskais Darzs
The Botanical Garden is quite large and featuring an impressively broad and well-cultivated collection of plant species. The long history of the garden is reflected in its rich built heritage. There is a butterfly house within the garden's grounds, where you can experience free-flying tropical butterflies. Apart from botanical interests, the garden is simply beautiful and great for a stroll.
Very nice part of Pārdaugava with old wooden buildings, which date back to the 18th-19th centuries and are still preserved in between Nometņu, Slokas, Eduarda Smiļģa and Talsu streets. This unusual place is the pearl of Pārdaugava’s wooden architecture, a visit to it will bring an unforgettable aesthetic pleasure. You may start with getting off at the stop “Smiļģa iela” tram #2. There are also nice wooden buildings on Kalnciema iela (starting with crossing with Slokas iela till the crossing with Sabiles iela).
Exhibits several collections of Soviet rolling stock.
Eduard Smilgis Museum of Theatre
Located in the eccentrically designed and furnished pre-war house of a former director of Riga Daile Theatre and one of the key figures in Latvian theatre of the 20th century.
Lutheran church from 1850s. Its decorations are fairly plain, but the location among the trees is remarkable.
A mix of cultures and styles. Built in 1913-16, this church had neither a tower nor a dome and resembled a simple residential building. The tower was added in 1936. Baptist services continued until 1961 and resumed shortly after Latvia re-gained its independence.
A fairly bland building from 1930s. However, the very presence of a big Methodist church in Riga is remarkable.
Baroque edifice from early 20th century. The interior of the church was partly designed in 1950s despite the official atheist propaganda that was widely imposed in the Soviet Union.
Several sets of home-like food are offered in a cozy atmosphere.
The Latvian pizza chain has three restaurants in Pardaugava.
The Rigan buffet restaurant chain also has a restaurant in the Spice shopping mall.
A cozy café with a truly delicious selection of baked goods. Free wifi.
Open May 15 to September 15. Nice facilities.
Classy hotel/hostel across the river from the old town.
Modern 3-star hotel, free parking, cable TV, only en suite rooms.
A basic clean and functional motel mostly used by air crew, the main advantage is that it's an easy walking distance from the airport terminal. It may be a good one-night stay if you are arriving very late or leaving very early.
On the left bank of the Daugava, with views of the Old Town.
Āgenskalna tirgus
This is a smaller counterpart to the Central Market, to be found the central square of Āgenskalns on the left bank of Daugava, which is a crossing of no less than 6 streets. An impressive building from 1911-23, remarkable as a red-brick manifestation of Jugendstil architecture in Riga. While the offerings are decisively not geared towards tourists, you may want to visit just to experience the historic low-rise neighbourhood.
The international airport is located here, and the airport bus (#22) stops at several places in Pārdaugava on its way to the central railway station.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Riga · International · RIX
Loading places around the airport…
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.