Wonderful Old Riga

 

Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a fabulous place to spend time dining, partying or simply discovering its magical back streets and splendid architectural gems

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

 

It should come as no surprise that Riga’s Old Town is the foundation on which the modernday city of Riga was built. Originally located at the junction of two rivers, the Daugava and the Riga River (after which the city is thought to have been named), the latter one no longer exists. Its path, however, can be traced through Livu Square, as it is marked by an alternating pattern in the cobblestones, resembling the waves of a river. Nowadays Old Riga (or Vecriga, in Latvian) offers a glimpse of days gone by, yet also remains an integral part of everyday life, being the location of a good portion of the city’s bars, clubs, shops and restaurants, as well as local businesses.

AMAZING ARCHITECTURE

 

The architecture of Riga’s Old Town reflects the changing styles and eras of the rest of the city and country. The Old Town can boast the city’s first art nouveau building, at 7 Audeju iela, built in 1899. The recently renovated buildings of the Small and Great Guildhall (Livu Square) are also stunning examples of 19th century Neogothic architecture.

NARROW WINDING STREETS

 

The best way to visit the Old Town is to just wander, allowing yourself to stumble down tiny, quaint little streets. Don’t miss Troksnu iela (Noise Street), alongside the Swedish Gate, aptly named for a nearby market that used to be located here. Tiny Laipu iela (Footbridge Street) links Livu Laukums with Skunu iela. This 70-metre long street dates back to the 13th century, when it was known as Latviesu Valodu iela (Latvian Language Street). And the owners of Rozengrals Restaurant have done their best to make the charming little Rozena iela look as it did in the days of Medieval Riga.

HIDDEN GEMS

 

Deep below the cobblestones you can find a cosy, pillowstuffed Turkish teahouse. Just behind St. Peter’s Church, this branch of the local tea chain Apsara serves up a wide variety of teas and homemade cakes. Two of Riga’s most interesting galleries are located in the Old Town, The Daugavas Gallery, at 10/12 Alksnaja iela, and Makslas XO Gallery, in Konventa Seta. The only glass gallery in town is located on the aforementioned Laipu iela, at number 6. For the best views, try Labais Krasts, next to the Anglican Church on Anglikanu iela, which looks toward the Daugava, or restaurant Otto Schwarz in Hotel de Rome, which overlooks the park. Perhaps the most delightful little church is Mary Magdalene’s Catholic Church on Klostera iela.

 

We thought we’d let the images say the rest…

     

Since 2005 Riga Out There has been providing some of the most action packed and thrilling corporate event agencies looking for something to make their trip to Riga one to remember. The best way to travel in Riga is to let Riga Out There organise it for you! Our professional and personable team is based in Latvia and because we deal directly with our activity providers on a daily basis, we are able to offer you unmatched value for money. In fact, there are so many things to do in Riga that we have a whole section dedicated to it, be sure to check out our Riga activities section!

Some of the most fun activities to do in Riga include AK Shooting, Bobsleigh and Freefall Simulator these action packed activities are sure to leave a memorable impression on your trip to Riga. If you’re not looking for adventure things to do then some of our more cultural tours and excursions in Riga provide a great alternative, the attractions in Riga are amongst some of the best in Northern Europe with the National Opera and Theatre holding performances most weekends. When you’re looking for things to do in Riga look no further than Riga Out There, our team of local experts is on hand to help you with all your questions about Fun activities to do in Riga. We promise that a weekend with Riga Out There means expert planning and execution of your activities in Riga, our service is a cost effective way to make the most of your time in this city.

There are a number of excursion in Latvia that are outside of Riga, the adrenaline capital of Sigulda is home to the Bungee Jump, Bobsleigh Track, and 4x4 Off Road experience all of these fun activities are within an hours drive of Riga and provide a perfect option when looking for adventure things to do.  As a former Soviet State, Lativa also provides some unique opportunities to see what went on behind the Iron Curtain with excursion in Riga and surrounding areas to the Nuclear Bunker and Soviet prison experience these attractions in Riga are amongst some of the most interesting soviet tours in Europe.

If you’re visiting Riga in a group of 10 or more then our group excursions in Riga are perfect for you, have you ever tried Curling? This is one on the most fun activities to do as a group in Riga; other things to do in Riga as a group are Paintballing, Go-karting and Clay Pigeon Shooting, either way Riga Out There can provide excursions in Riga for groups of 6 and up. When you book a fun activity with the Riga Out There team, we provide you with return transfers to your hotel and English speaking guide who will give you important and useful information on Riga’s famous nightlife, don’t just take our word for it, check out our testimonials from happy clients that have tried and tested all the fun activities you can do in Riga.  

So if you’re still looking for things to do in Riga look no further…send us your enquiry form or call us to discuss your weekend in Riga, we look forward to hearing from you and helping to plan a trip that you will remember forever.