Top 25 excursions in Riga

A beautiful old town is waiting for you. Of course, if you come to Riga by purchasing a tourist voucher, then most likely excursions will be organized for you. If you are here on a business trip, or passing, or went on an independent trip, then do not miss the chance - to order excursions in Riga in Russian. All of them are copyright, almost individual - for 1 person or a very small company. They are held by people who perfectly know their city, are in love with it, and are ready to share with you "their Riga".

History, architecture and legends of Old Riga

You will see the most interesting and picturesque part of the city - Old Riga. Its narrow streets, reminiscent of the Middle Ages, beautiful churches, cozy cafes. You will listen to the play of street musicians and learn a lot about city buildings. The walk lasts about 2 hours. During this time, you will walk along the "Cinematographic" street, along which artists who have become legends of Russian cinema walked.

You will see an extraordinary and touching monument to the Bremen Town Musicians - by the way, you can make wishes near it. Take pictures of the city's most famous churches. For example, the Cathedral in honor of the Virgin Mary (Dome) is the oldest sacred building in the Baltics. You will also see the palace of Emperor Peter the Great, ancient buildings with impressive finishes. Admire the Powder Tower, The House with Cats.

Hear the legend of the Witch Magpie and other memorable stories associated with Riga. And you will also find out where the local Large and Small guilds of merchants and artisans gathered. Designed for a small group of tourists - up to 4 people.

Stories of Old Riga

This excursion will allow you to touch the very origins of Riga. Because it will begin with a story about that distant summer day in 1201, when Bishop Albert moored to the bank of the river, which was called Riga. He decided to found a city here. This river is no longer there, but you can walk along its bed. And to hear the story of how the first streets of the small town were named.

A stone building has survived from those times - a church in honor of St. George. You will also hear the exciting story of the knights-crusaders. Their last castle today houses the residence of the President of Latvia. But there are many stories and legends about the treasures that are supposedly hidden in the hiding places of the castle, and about the ghosts that guard them.

Remnants of the fortress walls also make an impression, because Riga has long been considered an impregnable fortress. The guide will tell you about how the people of Riga lived in the Middle Ages and later, what crafts they did, what they traded and how the wealthy merchants were glamorous. Town Hall Square and Baker Street, criminals and beauties of the past - in a word, Riga will reveal its secrets to you.

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Great view: the most interesting places in 4 hours

A long, but not at all tiring walk. However, at any time you can stop and wrap up in a cafe to relax and have a coffee. You will see the main historical sights of Riga, learn how the city's architecture has changed over the centuries, get an idea of ​​the most extraordinary architectural styles. You will be able to photograph the remains of ancient fortresses, the Powder Tower and the "Cat's House", the Dome Cathedral and the Town Hall Square, and much more.

The program will begin with a walk along the streets of Old Riga. In addition to the history of the city, you will learn a fun fact about which Riga monuments can make wishes come true. Your guide will take you to boulevards that are reminiscent of Viennese. Perhaps the locals are more charming. You will find a story about the imperial Art Deco style and the "Eighth Wonder of the World" bridge. You will see a gas factory that resembles a castle and learn about the fantasies of city architects. Magnificent sculptures, unusual architectural combinations - Riga will open up to you from a new perspective.

Delicious city walks

Riga has a taste. Do you want to know him? In this special city, sitting in a cozy cafe, you can see a pop star at the next table. Or a minister walking by on the street. And also in cafes and restaurants, exhibitions are held here, artists perform. So a gastronomic tour is not just an introduction to new dishes, but also a lot of impressions.

You will taste delicious local pastries, visit cafes with stunning interiors, restaurants serving only national Latvian dishes made from local products. You will look at eco-bazaars and the Central Market, buy delicious and freshest products, and have a picnic on the waterfront.

And, of course, you can get advice from the guide about where it is better to celebrate this or that event in Riga, and which local restaurants are worth visiting. After all, there are great chefs here, and not all of them are widely advertised. And the guide will also tell you what products and gastronomic souvenirs should be brought from Riga, and where it is better to buy them.

First date with the city

If you are visiting this wonderful city for the first time, then it is worth starting your acquaintance with it from this excursion. Indeed, over 8 centuries - and this is the age of the city - many interesting events have taken place here. The program will begin, of course, from Riga during the Middle Ages. You will walk along narrow and crooked streets, admire small squares, learn the history of the "3 rulers" and how the church of St. Petra became the tallest building in the city.

For many centuries Riga has been a city of merchants and artisans. So you just can't help but visit the Town Hall Square, where the main city market used to be noisy. Here is the beautiful House of the Blackheads - one of the main attractions of the city. You will stop at Dome Square. Nicholas Roerich advised to listen to the organ of the Dome Cathedral, after which the square got its name.

Here you will hear a story about the “Golden Age of Riga”. Of course, one cannot fail to get acquainted with the main masterpieces of the city. You will see the Swedish Gate and the Three Brothers. You will learn how to make wishes correctly. The most unusual monuments have found their place on Livov Square. Even their names sound funny - a monument to the First Inhabitant, a monument to the Disappeared River and a monument to the irreconcilable disputants. And the walk will end in the Black Magic Bar, where you can taste the famous Riga Balsam.

Stories of Medieval Riga

Riga is a city that is both old and young. You can walk along cobbled streets and feel the breath of centuries, or you can see Riga in the 21st century. The guide will tell you how the city was founded, what area it originally occupied, what kind of life the knights-crusaders led. Imagine Riga of that era when it was a fortress.

Walk through the most famous square in the city - the Town Hall Square, and of course admire the House of the Blackheads. The ancient churches and the Riga Castle will remain not only in your memory, but will also be captured in photographs. The guide will show you where the city executioner lived and tell you in whose memory the "Bell of Sinners" rang.

You will see wonderful cockerels crowning churches and cats perched on the roofs of buildings. In addition to the main churches, you will see the street where the most famous films of the Soviet era were filmed: "17 Moments of Spring" and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes". And, of course, you will make a stop to sit in a cafe, taste dishes of national cuisine and wash them down with the famous Riga balsam.

Secrets of the old city

It is difficult to talk about this excursion, because it is so ... mysterious. And the guide will try to keep the secret until the last moment.Let's hint - you will have the opportunity to feel like a resident of a medieval city. When horses pranced along its streets and carts creaked and moved. The markets were noisy, traders called in buyers, and burghers sat in the magistrate and passed laws.

You will learn the history of all city ghosts. You will touch the cannons designed to strike at the evil forces of hell, look at the masks in city temples, take a picture at the House of the Walled Up and Juliet's Balcony. You will hear many urban legends. About the mysterious Witch-Magpie, the revived figure of a toy soldier, the prophetic dream of a local executioner, etc.

The guide's memory keeps many legends, mysteries, secrets, And the arguments of science fall silent when otherworldly forces interfere with history. Do you want to touch these secrets? The journey awaits you.

Travel to Vidzeme Switzerland. Sigulda and Turaida

This program is intended for those who are not averse to getting out of Riga for a day and getting to know the unusually picturesque old town of Sigulda, located 50 km from the capital of Latvia. You will see the castle of the Knights of the Sword, which dates from the 13th century, and the newer Kropotkin castle. Admire the bishop's castle in Turaida You will forever remember the local mountains and caves. It is no coincidence that this place is called “Vidzeme Switzerland”.

You will be able to appreciate the ancient wooden church, which is several centuries old, and you will find out why the newlyweds bring flowers to the grave of the beautiful girl Maya. And, of course, on the way you will stop for a snack and a coffee in one of the cafes. The trip can take up to 6 people. The mode of transport is discussed additionally - bus, minivan or car.

Riga for its own by car and on foot

Designed for both adults and children. It will be interesting for everyone. The journey will not tire you, as you will pass part of the road by car. The guide is ready to meet you at any place convenient for you - near your hotel or anywhere else in the city. At the beginning, you will see quiet streets that look almost the same as in the early 20th century. The buildings here are very beautiful, thanks to the rich stucco decoration.

You will also climb one of the buildings and will be able to see Riga from a bird's eye view. Then you will drive to another area where the Jewish ghetto was located during the Second World War. Explore the memorial and wander the streets of the Old Town. Many of them are lined with stone, and you will hear the booming sound of your own footsteps. You will learn many legends born in the ancient city and hear what Riga was famous for in different centuries.

Old city

A very interesting program that tourists of any age will be happy to visit. The guide will tell you about the origins of the city's birth. It was formed at the very beginning of the 13th century, when the Pope's envoys, crusader warriors and enterprising merchants arrived here on ships. In the following centuries, a beautiful city grew up on the banks of the river.

True, life in the Middle Ages was not easy. The guide will tell you about the cruel laws of that time, about how the townspeople tried to protect their city from the tyranny of the knights. You will learn what kind of power the merchants had in Riga, in particular, the merchants of the Brotherhood of Blackheads. Visit the courtyard of the bishop - the founder of the city, see houses that were previously seen only in films.

You've probably watched the domestic series about Sherlock Holmes or another popular TV series - "17 Moments of Spring". Many episodes were filmed here. The guide will tell you about what the people of Riga ate centuries ago, and also invite you to the present Medieval. You will climb to the observation deck of the church of St. Petra, or if you prefer, end the tour with a canal boat ride.

Riga is a movie star. The brightest episodes

The capital of Latvia is a real movie star. Well, where else in Soviet times it was possible to make films about Europe, if the USSR and European countries were reliably separated by the "Iron Curtain"? So Riga had to play the role of many cities. The most famous tapes are, of course, the epics about Stirlitz and Sherlock Holmes. Together with the guide, you will come to the very house in the window of which Professor Pleischner was looking for a flower pot - a prearranged signal for scouts.

And you will find out where the apartment of Sherlock Holmes was in the house on Baker Street. You will visit the places where the artists worked and hear many funny stories related to the filming. Did you know that a film about the Snow Queen and many other beautiful films were filmed in Riga? The guide will list the names of famous artists who played in them, tell anecdotes related to cinematic characters, and, of course, touch on the history of Riga in his stories.

Photo walk in Old Riga

Today no one goes on a trip without a camera. As a last resort, captures yourself a loved one and various attractions on your cell phone. But taking a trip around Riga accompanied by a professional photographer with an excellent camera is a completely different matter. Moreover, when a person knows the city “inside and out”. You will see the most beautiful streets and boulevards, famous temples. Stand on the Town Hall Square, touch the walls of the House of Blackheads.

Do not disregard the Riga Castle, walk along the "Cinematic Street". City canal and Bastion Hill, observation platforms, panoramas of old Riga and the beautiful Daugava River - all this is for you. And in a week you will receive up to 70 photos in electronic form. Pictures will be ready for printing, and their reduced copies - for publication on the Internet.

Sigulda. Understand the history of Latvia

In small towns, like nowhere else, you can feel the spirit of the times. And Sigulda is a vivid proof of this. You will hear what power the knights-crusaders had in these parts, and why their tyranny was eventually overthrown. A detailed story about the famous Livonian War awaits you. You will find out why Sigulda eventually became a popular resort and famous sports center. The guide will also tell you that the history of the city is closely connected with the name of the Russian prince Nikolai Kropotkin.

Tourists will climb the cable car, and then they will be able to admire the beautiful bird's-eye view. You will taste the water from the source of "Eternal Youth" and visit the museum located in the bishop's castle. The Garden of Stone Sculptures is also very impressive. The tour will end in a tavern where national dishes are served. The tavern has a poetic name: “At Ragana's”. That was the name of the local beauty. The program involves a fairly long walk, so clothes and shoes should be comfortable.

Parisian chic or Riga fashion

Do you want to get acquainted with all the nuances of Latvian fashion? Go on a guided tour with a professional designer. Craftsmen have lived in the capital of Latvia for a long time. Including tailors. Often the local nature prompted them ideas - sea waves and soft shine of amber, dense forests and endless fields. The walk will begin at the Riga Model House. In previous years, buying a stylish thing created here was a real happiness for any woman. You will find out which of the pop and movie stars were dressed by Riga fashion designers.

Then you will go to the arcade, where there is a hotel for designers and a unique boutique, where collections of several designers representing different styles are put up for sale at once. You will be surprised how harmoniously seemingly completely different materials can be combined - heavy coarse wool and silk as delicate as leather. You can relax and share your impressions in an amazing pastry shop, which serves delicious coffee with balsam and fresh pastries.

Then the guide will tell you a little about the most interesting facts about the architecture of Riga - what is a city tour without it? Then you can chat with one of the famous designers, and the walk in the shoe boutiques will end. The guide will answer all your questions regarding where you can buy stylish handmade items in Riga.

Riga Art Nouveau Fantasies

While in Riga, you simply cannot help but hear about this style - elegant and unique Art Nouveau, or, as it is also called, Art Nouveau. There are over 700 buildings in the city bearing the imprint of Art Nouveau. You will hear the names of famous architects - local and from St. Petersburg. You will walk along the famous streets, unraveling the secrets of architecture. You will find out what the “Silver Age in Riga” is. But Art Nouveau is not only houses, but also furniture and porcelain. The story about each of the masters will be exciting.

It is known that the Art Nouveau style was preferred to all others by the family of the last Russian emperor, and the Alexander Palace in Tsarskoe Selo was furnished in this style. The guide will tell you that there were three stages in the development of this style in Riga. You will see the "House of Adam and Eve", "Cat's House", a building that belonged to the merchant Bobrov. It's amazing how many extraordinary buildings there are in Riga. "House-sun", "House with a dog", "House of the Sad Tale". You will be shown the most beautiful staircase in Riga.

Mysteries of Old Riga

You don't have to rush to see the true face of Riga. You need to look closely at this city at different times of the day. Wander through its streets, watch how the lanterns are lit, what bizarre outlines the shadows of ancient churches take. Sit in small cafes and breathe in the aroma of coffee. Do you want to see the soul of Riga? Welcome. Together with the guide, you will walk through those places that are usually not included in the sightseeing routes.

You will find out in which house the Riga executioner lived, hear about the mistress of Riga - the Magpie Witch. The guide will tell you the story of the city's most famous ghosts: the beautiful Dorothea and the mysterious, polite old man. You will see the architectural ensemble "Three Brothers" by the light of the moon. The guide will also show you the place where you need to make wishes - and they will definitely come true. The program is designed for a small company - up to 4 people.

City passing by

Even if you are in Riga for a few hours, you can do a lot. In this case, take the Riga Passage Tour. She is very comfortable. You will be picked up from the airport, driven by car, allowing you to see the main sights of the city, and then taken back so that you will not be late for your flight. The duration of this short trip is about 2 hours. The guide will tell you the most interesting facts about the history of Riga. You will feel the special atmosphere of this city - it is not for nothing that filmmakers are attracted here like a magnet.

You will walk along the streets that remember the Middle Ages, climb the tower of the Church of St. Peter, see three ancient houses, which are called the "Three Brothers", take pictures at the fortress walls. You will be impressed by the narrowest street in Old Riga. The guide will tell a legend about how a merchant, not wanting to pay high fees, ordered to cut through the gates, which are now called Swedish. And you will drink coffee in the building of an old pharmacy.

At the same time, the guide will tell you about the basement where the Riga Balsam was invented. If there is still time before the plane leaves, the guide can go with you to Jurmala and introduce you to this city as well. Please note - this tour is possible even at night.

Riga's Big Center: Art Nouveau and Wooden Architecture

Thanks to the guide, you will notice what usually eludes inattentive travelers. Riga is not only beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, but also many wooden houses. Actually, the capital of Latvia has the largest heritage in the field of wooden architecture, if we compare Riga with other capitals of Europe. You will find out why there are so many similar houses in the center of the old part of the city.

Most of the buildings have been restored, either people live in them, or cafes and various institutions have been opened. By the way, even the Olympic Committee is housed in a beautiful wooden house. Of course, you will be curious to know how such buildings look from the inside. You will get the opportunity to go inside, look around and relax with a cup of tea.

If you wish, you can continue and walk to the part of the city where poor people lived before the First World War. Many simpler houses have survived here. If the journey seems long, the guide will suggest that you stop by for a snack at a cafe. He will also arrange a photo session and then send you a set of professional photos.

Divine Sigulda in the shadow of the cross and sword

A real immersion in history. Maybe you or your children are fond of the Middle Ages, severe knights and beautiful ladies? A journey awaits you in that very era. The guide will retell you the legends of "Livonian Switzerland". You will find out what the Horse of Fate, Rosa Turaida was like, who was immured in an old church.

Imagine how the knights and monks lived, what castles Livonia could be proud of, why the beautiful Turaida castle turned into ruins. You will visit the largest cave in Latvia, you will see the source of the Good Spirit, which gives good health and long life. You can climb the watchtower or ride a cable car, that is, a cable car. And there is also the Museum of the History of the Castle, which houses many archaeological finds.

Rundale Palace

Rundale Palace was built in the 18th century for the famous Biron, a favorite of the Russian Empress Anna Ioanovna. The building is made in the Baroque style. From Riga to Rundale about 80 km. The guide will take you in his car, the journey will take an hour. On the way, you will learn a lot of interesting things not only about Biron and the Empress, but also about the Zubov brothers, Catherine the Great and Duchess Dorothea. These names are forever engraved in history.

Then you will enjoy a tour of the magnificent palace, its stucco decorations, antique furniture, beautiful paintings by famous masters. There is also a forest park where the nobility hunted. If you find yourself in these parts in spring, you will see a real sea of ​​tulips; in summer, roses bloom here. In a word, this is a journey into a fairy tale. In winter, it is also very beautiful here, and entrance tickets are cheaper.

Sacred monuments of Medieval Riga

Yes, Riga also has its own sacred monuments, and you will get acquainted with them. A significant number of them are associated with the influence of Christianity. You will learn how the works of art were created that made their masters famous. You will see what amazing results the geniuses of different eras achieved.

You will visit religious monuments and see real shrines. This is the Dome Cathedral, the ancient churches that made the glory of Riga. The guide will tell you interesting facts related to them. If you wish, you can listen to a wonderful organ concert - you just need to order tickets in advance.

Baltic Riviera: Car Trip to Jurmala

It is impossible to get an impression of Latvia without visiting Jurmala - this "Baltic Riviera". You can come to Riga at any time of the year, but Jurmala is worth a trip anyway - it is always beautiful. You will see the sea, pine trees, lacy wooden architecture, the Dzintari concert hall. The guide will tell you about the history of the most popular resort. You will see the dacha complex of Morberg, a tycoon who lived in the 19th century. Visit the Museum of the History of the City, and if you want, the Theater of Light Painting is an amazing sight. Walk along the elite Juras street. The guide will take you to Jurmala by car, and if the company is large, you can take a bus.

Keys to Old Riga

Figuratively speaking, during this excursion you will really receive from the guide these very "keys" that will allow you to unravel many of the mysteries of the beautiful city. Find out what symbols the city architects used. See buildings from the Middle Ages, as well as the Golden and Silver Ages. The guide will tell you about the secrets of the Dome Cathedral, tell you how many mysterious and amazing things the church of St. Peter.

You will also get acquainted with the national cuisine, and if you want, you will also taste excellently prepared dishes. You can take a photo near the building of the National Opera, see the "Cinematic Street", where popular films were filmed.And also admire truly fabulous houses decorated with sculptures. The guide will tell you where the "Main Key" of Riga is kept, and will tell you what is better to bring home from souvenirs, and where to buy them.

Kipsala island - a nature reserve of wooden architecture

This corner of Riga is famous for its old wooden houses. The 18th century seems to come to life here. Indeed, some of the buildings are already 300 years old. Many of them have been restored by the renowned architect Zaiga Gaile. Having visited here, you can fully realize how much the capital of Latvia has changed. You will walk around Kipsala, where sailors and pilots with their families once lived. But the well-to-do townspeople sometimes preferred this place.

You will see the "Gypsum Factory", today there is an elite residential complex. The guide will tell you about the history of Kipsala and introduce you to many interesting facts. For example, why did a kangaroo sculpture appear on the roof of one of the local houses? You will see the building of the museum of Janis Lipke - the man who saved Jews from extermination during the Second World War. Admire the panorama of the Daugava River and take great photos of medieval architecture.

Several hours in Riga. From the airport to the city and back

You are in Riga in transit, you have about 3 hours of free time or a little more. Why toil at the airport if you can get to know such a wonderful city better, walk along its streets? The guide will put you in a car near the airport and take you to Old Riga. Believe me, during this time you can do a lot. You will walk along the streets of the old part of the city, see medieval churches and towers, look at the house where the last city executioner lived. And also to the Town Hall Square, the Swedish Gate, the stunningly beautiful House of the Blackheads, and the Church of St. Peter.

You will hear many legends - about the Magpie-witch, about black cats, ghosts and beautiful girls. The guide will tell you about the talented mayor George Armistead, who did a lot for Riga - during his reign, entire Art Nouveau quarters, a car factory, the Central Market, a zoo and much more were built.

You will stroll through the Kronwald Park and get to know the Art Nouveau in detail by admiring the houses on Albert Street. Many sculptures are the merit of Mikhail Eisenstein. The figures are unusually expressive and make a great impression. The guide will tell you about the fate of the architect. you will also learn many interesting facts from the history of Riga - how the city was founded, how it developed, what films were filmed here and much more. If you wish, you can sit in a restaurant or cafe, and then the guide will take you to the airport ..

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