Art Nouveau, the distinct style in art of end-19th century and early-20th, was the "father" of modern architecture. Riga is a well-known Art Nouveau mecca.
Riga Central Market is situated in the heart of Riga, a few hundred meters from Old Town on the banks of the River Daugava, next to Riga International Bus Terminal and Central Railway Station. It is not only one of the largest marketplaces in Eastern Europe in area, but also one of the most visited, as 80,000-100,000 people shop there per day on the average.
The Black Heads house is located in the very heart of Old Riga. Wonderful, surprising, royal.
The Freedom Monument has been Riga's central landmark for almost a century. This 42.7 m tall granite and copper work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation's striving for freedom and independence. The woman on top of the monument is holding up three golden stars, which represent Latvia's historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale.
Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art. Reopened in May 2016, the building itself has been upgraded, modernized but its majestic beauty from a long-gone era - preserved.
Just a bridge span from Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava, looms an extraordinary, culturally significant edifice, the Castle of Light - the new National Library.
Riga's White House — the Latvian National Opera and Ballet on Aspazijas bulvāris was opened in 1923; an average of six new productions are presented each year, retaining balance between opera and ballet. In total, the opera sees over 200 performances and several symphonic and chamber music concerts a season.
Latvian Academy of Sciences observation deck offers Riga guests and local residents to have a breath-taking view of Riga's Old Town and the Daugava River from the building's 17th-floor balcony at the height of 65 metres.
Riga's St.Peter's Church dominates the cityscape as the tallest spire, and as one of the oldest and most valuable monumental architecture edifices in the Baltic States from the Middle Ages. St.Peter's is the tallest of the Riga churches, a significant landmark, and a prime example of the 13th century Gothic style.
St.John's Church is the oldest house of worship in Riga. Originally the Dominican monastery's chapel was located here in the 13th century. After several reconstructions, around 1500 the edifice acquired its present appearance - high Gothic pediment, span roof and a small tower.
It's hard to believe that the Square once was the site of the Riga River, which was a shipping route for transporting Latvian grain up to the 16th century. Later it was called the Rīdzene River and even Rīdziņa as it gradually became narrower. Today, along the old route of the river, pavement wears away the shoes of countless Rigans and visitors to the city, and beautiful flower-beds remind one of the past times.
Riga Castle has stood on the right bank of the River Daugava for more than 700 years. Through the centuries, it has seen severe destruction, numerous rulers, and wars. Today it houses the residence of the President of Latvia.
The oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga was constructed in the 15th century.
The so-called Swedish Gate is only gate that remains standing today of eight total in Riga's fortification wall.
One of medieval Riga's fortification wall towers, originally called the Sand Tower.
The Art Nouveau architecture, Riga Old Town, and learning about Latvia’s local beers and liquors were amazing highlights from this professional guides tour. Highly recommend.
Our tour guide, Victorija, was excellent. She was very knowledgeable about the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture of Alberta iela in Old Town Riga, particularly that of Mikhail Eisenstein. Beyond the expected stops, Victorija took us off the beaten path by visiting a fascinating museum that preserved the local lifestyles of yesteryear. She also took us to two large markets that epitomize Riga. Despite a steady rainfall, Victorija guided us on a thorough tour that became truly memorable. We are pleased to give her ou highest recommendation!
Do not get on a Big Bus to tour in Riga City. This private tour was the way to go! Our driver Erlens was very knowledgeable and accommodating on what our interest were. Highly Recommended!!
Outstanding tour. Erlens was a fantastic guide and we thoroughly enjoyed this day. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about Riga and Latvia in general. Erlens didn’t just follow a script; he was engaging and answered our questions with thoughtful, honest responses.
Our guide Erlans was outstanding in every way! He was friendly, accommodating, fun, informative, and we would request him again!! Can’t say enough good about our experience!
I booked my private grand Riga city tour through Latvia Guide Tours as I was having problems trying to book a private tour. I was lucky enough to find this webpage and emailed Erlens and he was able to help me. He organised a driver and tour guide. I explained to him that I had mobility issues and could he advise the people conducting the tour. What a wonderful time I had as Victoria and Julia couldn't do enough for me making sure I was OK. They took me to the most wonderful places and Victoria gave me a full history of the places we visited. If you want a wonderful tour or private tour I would recommend Latvia Guide Tours, you will not be disappointed as they go out of their way to make sure see the tourist sites and take really good care of you.
The history, architecture and culture of the city and county were expertly presented to us by our guide, Erlens. This tour exceeded our expectations and we would highly recommend it to others.
Great tour given that we had few hours in town. Very pleasant and informative guide. We learned a lit, seen everything promised and went on to do few additional activities. Price was fair . Highly recommended
This was an amazing private tour. We have been to Riga before but never had a proper tour. We are so thankful to Erlens for sharing his knowledge about Riga and history of Latvia. It was definitely worth the time and money. Erlens is fluent in English and took his time to walk us through highlights of Riga at a good pace. We saw more than we ever did before. Thank you Erlens for an amazing time and your attention to detail. Thank you for prompt pick up at the hotel and drop off. We will absolutely recommend this tour!
Our guide Erlens was very flexible and accommodated our limitations and preferences! We totally enjoyed having a coffee to rest and visit.
Eriens has excellent spoken English and went out of his way to take us to places of particular Jewish interest to us as well as making sure we saw all that Riga has to offer. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting an excellent guide in Riga. Thank you, Eriens, for a wonderful day.
We really enjoyed our tour with the "King," AKA Elvis. The bet advantage of the private tour is that we could spend more time on things that interested us and less time on things that didn't. Elvis was very knowledgeable and very flexible...not to mention really personable.
Enjoyable walk through Riga. Had a very good time with my guide who was generally enthusiastic and knowledgeable
Everything was nice. Hotel , city, the excursion and the guide. Very good organizations Latvia a country to visit and to come back Pietro
We booked this tour in advance and although we understand there are free tours. This tour with our guide Erlens was brilliant. His knowledge of the city was far reaching from the history way back to the founding of Riga by the German bishops to the problems of present day all explained as if for the first time. Happy to wait while my photograopher wife took pictures and to dawdle in the food markets for two foodies. Anything he didnt know he asked a local which we could never have done. It felt like being shown round the city of a close friend. Every corner, square, cathedral and quirky building had a story . In spite of the fact that all the museums were closed we didnt need them, Erlens was a walking encyclopdia, complete with his book of illustrations. Riga is a beautiful city well worth a visit and Erlens brought it alive. We were just a couple but I sensed Erlens would be equally at ease with families and young people.
Our tour guide was Elvis (nickname) he was very knowledgeable, fun. He showed us all the main attractions, also made recommendations for what we should also see.
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