Top Riga Culture in 2026

From the top of the Latvian Academy of Sciences building, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Riga that most tourists miss. Spot the River Daugava, Riga’s Old Town, the central market, and much more from the Panorama Riga Observation Deck, as you spend as long as you like marvelling at the cityscape vistas.

On this self guided audio tour, we’ll explore Art Nouveau’s history, visit the city’s most iconic examples of the style and hear about its architects – like Mikhail Eisenstein, whose son Sergei became a legendary Soviet filmmaker. Riga is a true Art Nouveau metropolis with over 800 buildings in this unique architectural style. In fact, it has the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture. On this tour you’ll discover: How to identify an Art Nouveau building The incredibly decorative work of Michael Eisenstein The courtyard of one of Riga's most impressive residential buildings How Riga’s architects developed a unique Latvian style called National Romanticism

Navigate the charming bustle of Riga's Central Market on a food-tasting tour that introduces you to local dishes you might otherwise have missed. You'll taste a filling selection of more than 20 snacks, and delve deeper into the history of the UNESCO-listed center of the Latvian capital. This walking tour is suited for vegetarians upon prior notice and requires a minimum of four participants to operate.

Discover the flavors and ingredients of Latvia as you explore Riga’s open-air Central Market on this food tour. Join a small group and wander through the endless stalls to learn about the food traditions of the Baltic country. Enjoy samples of meats, bread, cheese, fish, fermented vegetables, drinks, and sweets for a comprehensive view of the local gastronomy.

The Best Way to Discover Riga: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour! Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a traditional Latvian meal or a coffee in the heart of the Old Town and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Latvian National Museum of Art, The Freedom Monument, Laima Clock, Bastejkalna Park, Powder Tower, The Swedish Gate, Three Brothers, Riga Castle, Riga Cathedral, House of the Black Heads, and St. Peter’s Church.

Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses is a powerful monument to the Baltic nation's battle for independence and a pilgrimage site dating back to the 19th century. This day trip makes it easy for travelers in Riga to cross over the Latvian-Lithuanian border to visit this fascinating display of thousands of crosses while learning all about the site’s history and significance. This small-group tour also includes a stop at the historic city of Jelgava in Latvia.

Head off the beaten track as you explore Riga on a private guided tour. Hear about Latvia's Soviet occupation as you explore city-center landmarks like the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, the Freedom Monument, the notorious KGB "Corner House," and more. Discover a side to Riga that most travelers miss, learn about Latvian food, and gain a new perspective on the area's culture and history.

Take a trip from Riga to Vilnius and on the way learn about the history and people of two countries. Our knowledgeable local guides take a small group, maximum of 8 people, for a fun filled 11 hour road trip through Latvia and Lithuania. Visit the monumental Salaspils Memorial Ensemble to victims of Fascism near Riga to learn about the II World War in the Baltic countries. Be amazed by the Rundāle Palace that is considered the grandest stately home in the Baltics and a true gem of Baroque architecture and of South-Latvian countryside. Once in Lithuania we’ll visit the Hill of Crosses that is a famous pilgrimage destination and a site of resistance against Soviet occupation. Walk the streets of Kaunas, the once capital of Lithuania and a city that is rich with history and culture. See the beautiful riverside and the many lovely churches in the Kaunas Old Town.

Discover aspects of Riga’s Jewish history that most guidebooks miss on this half-day private guided tour. Journey across the city—both by car and on foot—to explore historically significant landmarks, hear about wartime Jewish ghettos, and take in several of the most notable examples of Riga’s art nouveau architecture movement, designed by Jewish architect Mikhail Eisenstein.

Set out from Riga to explore some of Latvia’s most popular landmarks and learn facts you won’t hear in most guidebooks on this full-day small-group guided tour. Hear about the cultural significance of the Hill of Crosses, walk the gilded halls of Rundale Palace, gaze up at the architectural wonders of Bauska Castle, and much more.

Leave Riga behind for the day to marvel at the medieval Bauska Castle, see the baroque architecture of Rundāle Palace, and walk through the Hill of Crosses, a famous pilgrimage site where people have come to pray and leave crosses behind for generations. Make the journey from one location to the next with the help of a driver in a comfortable vehicle.

Explore the heart of Riga on a guided walking tour led by a local who lives and works in the city. This experience combines the rich history of Old Riga with insights into everyday life in Latvia today, offering context you won’t find in guidebooks. Walk through Town Hall Square and see the iconic House of the Blackheads, admire the grandeur of Dome Cathedral, and pass lively Līvu Square. Discover the medieval Small and Great Guilds, the historic Three Brothers, and hidden gems such as the Swedish Gate. The tour also covers key political and cultural landmarks, including St. Jacob’s Cathedral, the Latvian Parliament, and the site of Riga’s former synagogue. Along the way, your local guide shares stories about Riga’s past, traditions, and how history shapes modern Latvian life today. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded introduction to Old Riga from an authentic local perspective.

Explore the enchanting Turaida and Sigulda regions with insights from your Bearded Guide. ‣ Start at the Turaida Museum Reserve, where medieval history unfolds amidst stunning landscapes. Enjoy breathtaking views from the castle tower. ‣ Then take an optional cable car ride high above the Gauja Valley for panoramic views. ‣ Visit Gutman's Cave, steeped in local legends, before savoring traditional Latvian cuisine at a local eatery (meal not included). ‣ The adventure continues with visits to Sigulda’s New Castle and the historic Livonian Order Castle ruins. ‣ Last stop at the iconic Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track, perfect for unique photos. This tour is ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike. - Discover Turaida Museum Reserve with its captivating exhibitions - Optional cable car ride over the stunning Gauja Valley - Explore Gutman's Cave, rich in local legends - Visit historical sites including Sigulda's New Castle and Bobsleigh Track

Discover Riga and its storied past with a local guide to show you around the city and some of its top sights by foot on this private walking tour. See the Old Town and learn all about the city’s storied past, vibrant present, and fascinating legends from your guide. And don’t worry about losing your way at any point thanks to handy round-trip hotel pickup.

Spend an unforgettable day journeying from Riga across the border to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. Leave Latvia behind for a short while to see this famous pilgrimage site where people have been leaving crosses and praying for generations. On the way back to Riga, stop for photos at the border and see the city of Jelgava pass by.

Discover the legendary treasures of Latvia - Bauska and Rundāle - with me, your local Bearded Guide in this half day tour. Your journey starts in Bauska Castle and Museum, which offers exhibits that are both directly related to the castle and introduce an idea of the 15th - 17th century castle life and its arrangement. There you will also visit recently renovated castle tower which offers pictureque views on two rivers - Mūsa and Mēmele becoming one - Lielupe river. Your second and final stop will be at Latvian little Versailles - Rundāle Palace and Gardens. This is a must see Baroque pearl in the Latvian countryside. You will have enough free time to wander around this beautiful palace and grand gardens which includes stables, French baroque garden, former hunting park, orchands and more. You will also be able to have lunch here, if you wish. This tour is for anyone who enjoys history, nature, and compelling legends, and wants to explore more of what Latvia has to offer.

A simple, but must excursion to create a first impression of Riga and to orient travelers. The main highlights of Riga in short time sightseeing combined driving and walking tours. It will be useful after excursion as well to know more what and where to eat, where to go, which museums to visit or how to fulfill the rest of the time. It is best to do with a local guide.

2-in-1 Experience: This tour uniquely combines a guided cultural exploration of Riga with a panoramic ride on the city's newest attraction — the Riga Eye. You’ll explore the streets and see the skyline. Perfect Balance of History and Views: Start with a deep dive into Riga’s history, led by a passionate local guide, and end with a breathtaking 360° view of the city’s rooftops, river, and beyond. Locally-Led & Personal: Unlike big group tours, this is a small-group experience, led by certified Riga experts who share stories, not scripts. Great for Photos & First-Time Visitors: Ideal for those wanting a well-rounded Riga experience in just a few hours – including unbeatable photo opportunities from above. Convenient & Relaxed: No need to navigate on your own. Your guide personally escorts you to the Riga Eye, ensuring a smooth, worry-free experience from start to finish.

Don’t stress about the language barrier when taking a taxi from Riga International Airport, instead organize a private airport transfer in Riga with an English-speaking driver. Meet your driver holding a name board in the arrivals hall and they will take you directly to your Riga hotel or accommodation. This private transfer is limited to seven passengers.

This Full-Day Trip is designed for tourists whom are especially interested in Soviet and WW2 military heritage. Our English speaking driver will lead you around the rocket base and to the ticket offices of the museums. In Soviet secret bunker your will have tour with English speaking guide. Will start from Rocket Base it is 2,5h drive from Riga therefore pickup from Riga must be not later then 09:00. Our English speaking driver will give basic info, answer your questions, lead to the ticket offices and will advise best local restaurants for lunch. If licensed guide is requested it can be arranged at an additional cost at the sights that we will be visiting, please inform us in advance if such service is needed so we can book it for you. Please keep in mind or check sites you desire to visit as during the Winter month some sites do not operate every day of the week. Our drivers will advice alternative sites to fill up your day if any of the sites are closed.

Take a journey from Riga over the Lithuanian border to see the Kryžių Kalnas, or Hill of Crosses. The Christian pilgrimage site, consisting of thousands of metal and wooden crosses placed on a hillside, has stood as a powerful symbol of resistance and faith since it was first erected in the 19th century. This guided tour will recount the history of the site and the legends that have grown around it, while leaving time to explore the grounds on your own.

Visit two countries in one day on a day trip to the Siauliai Hill of Crosses (Kryziu Kalnas) in Lithuania from Naupactus. This off-the-beaten-path attraction is home to more than a 100,000 crosses, and its origin is shrouded in mystery. Not only will you get the inside scoop on the site from your guide, you’ll arrive there at sunrise, when its at its most magical.

Skip the hassle of finding your own way there and the crowds that come with shared tours by taking this private tour to the Salaspils Memorial Ensemble outside Riga. Learn about the history of the Salaspils Concentration Camp created and used by the Nazis from 1941 to 1945, as well as the memorial statues created to remember its victims. There is a limit of eight travelers on this tour.