Old Town Riga

Riga

Old Town showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Old Town showing street scenes
St. Peter\'s Church showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city
Old Town showing markets, street scenes and heritage architecture
House of the Blackheads featuring a square or plaza and street scenes
Ancient churches, a presidential home and the remains of a medieval defensive wall make a stroll through the historical center of Riga a stimulating adventure.

Riga’s Old Town, known as Vecrīga in Latvian, is an enchanting maze of cobbled streets and brightly colored buildings that date back as far as the 13th century. Although it exudes an aura of centuries past, the Old Town is no living museum. This vibrant neighborhood buzzes throughout the day and night with sightseers, shoppers and diners. It is also where the country’s laws are made.

Begin your tour at the remaining section of the defensive wall that used to surround the Old Town. Nearby, walk through the 17th-century Swedish Gate, the only surviving gate to the old city. Stop by the 15th-century Riga Castle, the official residence of the President of Latvia. See more of Riga’s historic structures when you visit the Three Brothers. Constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, these are the oldest stone residential buildings in the city. Each property has its own architectural style, reflecting the different era in which it was built.

The Old Town is also a place where you can see a number of historic churches. Find St. George’s Church, an early 13th-century church in white dolomite. This is the oldest building in Riga and is now home to the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design. Also worth seeing is the Gothic-style St. Jacob’s Cathedral, which is next door to the Saeima, the Latvian parliament.

When you need a break from walking, enjoy a coffee at one of the many open-air cafés found throughout the neighborhood. In the evening, the Old Town is a lively place to grab a drink or dine on some traditional Latvian dishes like rasols, a potato salad or karbonāde, breaded pork chops.

One of the best times of year to visit the Old Town is during the annual Christmas fair. Learn about Latvian holiday customs, sample specialty Christmas foods and shop for local handcrafts. The Old Town is located on the east side of the Daugava River. This area is a popular spot for strolling, dining and shopping year-round.


Popular places to visit


Old Town Riga Hotel Deals

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

5 out of 5
11. Novembra Krastmala, 33, Riga
The price is NT$2,488 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
NT$2,488
NT$2,850 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Riga. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
33 Kaleju Street, Riga
The price is NT$2,067 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
NT$2,067
NT$2,378 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Eurostars Metropole

Eurostars Metropole

4.5 out of 5
Aspazijas Boulevard 36/38, Riga
The price is NT$2,596 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
NT$2,596
NT$2,971 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Eurostars Metropole
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA

4 out of 5
Valnu street 49, Riga
The price is NT$2,647 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
NT$2,647
NT$3,029 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Avalon Hotel & Conferences

Avalon Hotel & Conferences

4.5 out of 5
13.Janvara str. 19, Riga
The price is NT$2,153 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
NT$2,153
NT$2,475 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Avalon Hotel & Conferences
Monte Kristo Hotel

Monte Kristo Hotel

4 out of 5
56 Kaleju street, Riga
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Monte Kristo Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Old Town Riga

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Centrs

4.5/5(91 area reviews)

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Centrs
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Kipsala

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Agenskalns

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Avoti

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Riga Central Market showing shopping and interior views

Maskavas Forstate

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New building of the National library is called The Sun Rock and resembles a block of ice. It is located on the left side of the river, just across from the old town. You can either walk over the bridge from there or catch a tram #stunningstructures #Riga #Latvia

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Tornkalns

Old Town Riga