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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…