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House of the Blackheads

House of the Blackheads: Our most recommended tours and activities

Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

1. Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

Wander through centuries in House of the Black Heads! Feel the magic atmosphere of luxurious halls of celebrations, decorated with brilliant chandeliers and a gallery of royal portraits. Explore the mysterious medieval cellars and elaborate historical rooms with a surprising silverware collection. For the past 700 hundred years, the House of the Black Heads has pleased and enraptured inhabitants and guests of Riga. This is one of the most magnificent buildings in Riga, preserving both the unique historic heritage of the legendary Brotherhood of Black Heads and the history of Riga. For centuries House of the Black Heads was the cultural epicenter of Riga, gathering the most respectable inhabitants of Riga and their guests, during celebrations organized by the Black Heads and their successors. This building, which is situated in the heart of Old Riga, is the symbol of Riga and among the central premises of representation of Riga – not for nothing also the President of Latvia has chosen House of the Black Heads as his temporary residence for almost four years!

Riga Classical Old Town 2-Hour Walking Tour

2. Riga Classical Old Town 2-Hour Walking Tour

Discover Old Town Riga on a 2-hour walking tour through the historic and geographical center of the city. Listen as your guide tells you the real stories and legends of the Old Town and points out the sights of interest. First, visit the most impressive building in Riga; the House of Blackheads. It was completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1999. Then you will see the complex of living buildings known as "3 Brothers," considered the oldest stone building in Riga. Continuing your walk, pass by Riga Castle, Riga Cathedral, the Old City Wall and Swedish Gate, the Powder Tower, and even the Art Nouveau Cat House. When your tour ends, you will emerge with a greater understanding of and appreciation for the historic Old Town and the history of Riga itself.

Riga: 1.5-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

3. Riga: 1.5-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

Go beneath the surface of Riga, from its founding 8 centuries ago at the Daugava River to its transformation into the beautiful and artistic city that you see today. Walk past the city's most important landmarks and learn about the people who made Riga what it is today. Learn about the Bishop Albert of Livonia, who founded the Latvian capital in 1201, and about the many foreigners who have since left their mark on this city. Discover the city's Medieval Hanseatic Old Town and enjoy the splendors of the Dome Cathedral. Enjoy the Big and Small Guild Houses and their Gothic and Neo-Gothic styles. Photograph the Riga Castle, the current residence of the President of Latvia, and see famous spots such as St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, Powder Tower and many others.

Riga Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour

4. Riga Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour

Get to know Riga at your own pace on this interactive scavenger hunt walking tour played on your phone. Decipher riddles, interact with the most important attractions of the city, and unlock interesting facts and legends. An ideal outdoor activity for first time visitors, couples, groups, families, and children. Can be used as a great team-building activity. After downloading the scavenger hunt tour on your mobile device (via a link and login credentials received upon booking), use the mobile app and integrated maps to reach 10 of Riga’s most important attractions on foot. At each stop, learn about the attraction and solve a location-based riddle that can only be solved if you reach the specific location. Use logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to unlock the correct code and reveal the next destination of the city sightseeing game. At each stop, learn about the attraction and solve a location-based riddle that can only be solved if you reach the specific location. Use logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to unlock the correct code and reveal the next destination of the tour. As you walk through the city, enjoy the flexibility to pause your game at any time to take a break, snap the perfect photos, stop for lunch, or visit a museum. Choose to continue the tour later or save the rest for another day. Start the activity anytime, the schedule is indicative. Start your tour at the imposing Latvian National Museum of Art! Visit the Freedom Monument a symbol of Riga. Learn about Laimas Pulkstenis this magnificent watch with rare architecture and admire the Powder Tower which is one of the oldest in Europe. The Swedish Gate will surprise you, with its terrible legend. Visit the oldest housing complex the unique aesthetics. Then Riga Castle awaits you, don't forget to take pictures! Riga Cathedral will leave you speechless with its magnificent interior and exterior. Admire the House of the Blackheads with its unique colors and architecture. The icing on the cake of this unique tour will be St. Peter's Church, which will mark you for the rest of your life with the unique view from its tower.

Riga: 2-Hours Old Town Walking Tour

5. Riga: 2-Hours Old Town Walking Tour

Discover Riga's Old Town on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Listen to your local guide's fascinating stories and learn about the city's rich history. Pass well-known locations, including the House of the Blackheads, the Three Brothers building complex, and the Swedish Gate. Start your tour at the bright red House of the Blackheads and head inside the Old Town. Marvel at the centuries-old buildings surrounding you here. From the Town Hall Square dating back to the 13th century to the towering Saint Peter's Church. Continue your walking journey and see the magnificent Great and Small Guild Halls, the medieval and Art Nouveau Cat House, the Three Brothers Buildings, St. Jacob's Cathedral, the Swedish Gate, and more. Along your route, learn about how Art Nouveau architecture swooped into Riga, local and historical stories, and insights into what food to taste while in Latvia.

Riga: 2-Hour Walking Tour in the Old Town

6. Riga: 2-Hour Walking Tour in the Old Town

On this 2-hour walking tour you will explore the Old Town of Riga, the historical and geographical center of Riga on the right bank of the Daugava River. The Old Town covers a relatively small inner area of the old fortifications where unique monuments of medieval architecture are concentrated. The professional guide will show you around the Old Town and tell you all about the history and culture of the city, as well as answer your questions. The walking tour starts at the Town Hall Square, which was the central square of the city from the 13th century to the 19th century. The most famous building in the square is the magnificent Gothic-style House of the Blackheads. During the tour you will also see famous spots of Riga, such St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate, and the Powder Tower. Experience the aura of an ancient city as you walk down the narrow streets, where unique complexes of residential houses and sacral buildings are found. Here you can explore the 13th century Riga Cathedral, the Gothic-style St. Peter's Church, the beautiful Synagogue of Old Riga, the Convent Yard and St. John's Church, the Three Brothers residential housing complex, Riga Castle. Discover Riga's hanseatic past at the Large Guild and the Small Guild, as well as at the reconstructed House of the Blackheads. Recall the medieval times, when Riga was a mighty harbor and a member of the Hanseatic League, which joined traders of the Baltic region with north Germany.

Riga's Old Center and Art Nouveau Tour

7. Riga's Old Center and Art Nouveau Tour

During the guided tour you'll walk along the narrow streets of the Medieval Hanseatic Old Town and enjoy the splendors of the Dome cathedral, Old Guild house, and Riga castle. The walking tour starts at the Town Hall Square which was the central square of the city from 13th up to 19th century. The most famous building of the square is the magnificent gothic House of the Blackheads. During the tour you will also see such famous spots of Riga as St. Peters Church, Swedish Gates, and Powder Tower.  Roughly thirty per cent of buildings in the center of Riga are art nouveau, which is more than any other European city. Moreover, art and architecture connoisseurs believe that it is in Riga that art nouveau found its especially powerful and sweeping expression. In order to preserve Old Riga, Riga’s wooden building,s and the art nouveau architecture, the historical center of Riga has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The areas where art nouveau features most lavishly are Alberta Street and the so-called embassy district nearby.

Riga: City Introduction in-App Guide & Audio

8. Riga: City Introduction in-App Guide & Audio

D Walk through a beautiful route of the city, discover hidden gems and visit 10+ of the most important attractions and spots. Learn some introductory information about each place and interesting stories about the city in general. Download the ‘World City Trail ‘app from the store and login. Read the instructions and head to the starting location. Unlock photos of the exterior and the interior of the location. Listen or read some information regarding the attraction and continue walking to the next checkpoint. Note what you liked and did not like and create your bucket list for the next days! Start your walk any time, without a schedule. Pause it for lunch, have a drink, visit an attraction of your choice, and continue later or even another day. With the maps feature, you will never get lost. Start your tour at the imposing Latvian National Museum of Art! Visit the Freedom Monument a symbol of Riga. Learn about Laimas Pulkstenis this magnificent watch with rare architecture and admire the Powder Tower which is one of the oldest in Europe. The Swedish Gate will surprise you, with its terrible legend. Visit the oldest housing complex the unique aesthetics. Then Riga Castle awaits you, don't forget to take pictures! Riga Cathedral will leave you speechless with its magnificent interior and exterior. Admire the House of the Blackheads with its unique colors and architecture. The icing on the cake of this unique tour will be St. Peter's Church, which will mark you for the rest of your life with the unique view from its tower.

Riga: Outdoor City Scavenger Hunt Mobile-Based Game

9. Riga: Outdoor City Scavenger Hunt Mobile-Based Game

Discover Riga as never before with this original interactive game experience. Using your cell phone, your challenge will start at St John's Courtyard. Simply open your e-mail link and your adventure will begin. See the House of the Blackheads, have the option to enter the building of the Three Brothers and admire the Dome square. Curious facts: Get to know more about Riga, discover the secrets of the main attractions, and learn about curious facts that you won't read elsewhere. Find monuments and hidden secrets: Our local creator created an interactive walk through the city. Cryptic indications make you wind through the cities streets, inviting you to pay attention to details which you usually won't notice. Once you've arrived at the next stop, you will have to solve a question: open your eyes and mind and use your location to find the right answer! Enjoy: While doing this discovery trail, you will get to know the city from another point of view. Even locals discover new facts while doing secret city trails! Solve 14 riddles created by our local creators. Sharpen your senses and appreciate the most wonderful (and little) details around you. Whether you know the Old Town of Riga or have just started exploring here, get a perspective on the discovery that will inspire your curiosity wherever you go next.

Other Sightseeing Options in House of the Blackheads

Want to discover all there is to do in House of the Blackheads? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about House of the Blackheads

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 185 reviews

Thank you for the very informative and interesting tour we had. The weather didn't quite play along, but our guide didn't let that deter him and showed us everything very patiently and explained that we'll be repeat offenders when we're back in Riga. Really a top tour and absolutely recommendable, we particularly liked that we could also experience this tour in German. Thank you and see you next time.

Very nice guide, you get a good overview of the old town, interesting information about the history of the city, about the individual buildings and some anecdotes to smile about. I would highly recommend the tour.

Ticket price was affordable and included a cup of coffee. The museum itself wasn't very big but beautiful on the inside and holds a lot of interesting history. Worth a visit when you are in Riga.

Your guide was very professional / with humor and full of historical details Perfect

Great guide who was very knowledgeable and interesting.