Add dates

Riga Culture & history

Our most recommended Riga Culture & history

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!

From Riga: The Hill of Crosses Private Guided Tour

2. From Riga: The Hill of Crosses Private Guided Tour

After meeting and greetings in the hotel, driving to the Lithuania about 130 km to visit Hill of Crosses. After crossing Latvia -Lithuania border, possibility for coffee break. More 30 km and destination reached. The Hill of Crosses is a potent symbol of faith, hope, and freedom of Lithuania. Desecrated but never destroyed, set on fire but never burned down. Located near town Siauliai it is a hill (castle mound) covered with thousands of crosses made from different materials and in different size. During the Soviet era, these crosses were removed by the authorities, but locals continuously replaced them. In 1993, Pope John Paul II had a service here. He later sent a crucifix to Lithuania which was placed on the hill, and today pilgrims begin and end their journeys at this location. For locals and visitors alike, this is a place of hope and enlightenment, reflecting Lithuania’s historical and cultural traditions. On the Hill of the Crosses, everyone can place their own cross for every occasion in life. The main thing is to believe! About 30-40 minutes for photos and walking around. Specially beautiful and emotional in the time of sunrise and sunset.

Sigulda Day Tour - Castle Ruins, Gūtmaņala Grotto, & More

3. Sigulda Day Tour - Castle Ruins, Gūtmaņala Grotto, & More

There is so much to see and do in Sigulda that sometimes it is difficult to fit it all in. This comprehensive tour led by a professional guide, is designed to show you around the historic highlights of the city in just a day. Ride the aerial cableway in Sigulda. Opened in 1969, this is the only one of its kind in the Baltic States. The cableway was built in cooperation between Sigulda and Chiatura, a city in Georgia, and offers spectacular views over the city. Explore the Sigulda castle ruins and the new castle. The Order of the Brothers of the Sword began building Sigulda castle in 1207. During the Great Northern War, the castle was destroyed never to be restored again. However the convent building with its famous gothic window plus the main gate tower still stand, and offer an insight into a bygone age. Delve deep into the Gūtmaņala grotto. This is the most popular and vast cave in Latvia. It was formed in the course of 10,000 years by water gradually eroding sandstone, and is a protected geological site. The cave is the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. Marvel at the ancient inscriptions lining the walls. A trip to the Turaida Museum Reserve should not be missed. The 42 hectares of the reserve feature archaeological, architectural, historical, and art monuments, dating back from the 11th century.

Riga: Nearby Manors and Castles Tour

4. Riga: Nearby Manors and Castles Tour

Tukums, located only 70 kilometers from Riga, is full of interesting tourist attractions. It was only announced as a town in 1795, but still had people living there well before. Strolling down the historical streets of old town you will feel like you are in the 19th century. On every house is information ergarding who lived there at that time, and the modern sculpture of Katrina of Tukums will impress anyone that encounters it.  You will visit Hunting Palace, built in the beginning of the 20th century for the Mayor of Riga of that time, before visiting Jaunpils Castle, built in the year 1301 still one of the few medieval castles with its original appearance preserved. Jaunpils Castle is a typical construction of the Livonian Order fortress and was built by master Gottfried von Horn. Up to the present day came many legends about the fearless, Matthias von der Recke, who was the owner of the castle in the 16th century. Jaunpils Castle and its surroundings have many legends and mysteries. Today you can visit the church built at the end of the 16th century next to a water mill with an age of 200 years, it is here that you can truly feel the aroma of the romantic era. On the way back, you will make a pit stop at the local winery “ Abavas vini”, which is worthy to both see and taste the produce of.

From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour

5. From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour

Take a full-day tour of the beautiful green area of Northern Latvia. Explore Cēsis (the ancient city of Livonia and Brothers of the Sword base) and the picturesque town of Sigulda. Enjoy a day of rich history with medieval monuments, as well as spectacular natural scenery. Trip Itinerary: Medieval castle ruins of Cēsis You experience the castle in a way the people did centuries ago — your guides will light up a candle in the lantern and you will be on our way. You will explore the dark stairs, medieval corridors, and rooms with the help of candlelight as there is no electricity in this 13th century castle. This complex of castle buildings, preserved for centuries, is regarded as a landmark of monumental architecture, which reflects artistic styles from the Livonian period. Cēsis St. John’s Church St. John’s Church is one of the oldest medieval architectural monuments in Latvia. The church was built in the beginning of the 13th century when Cēsis became one of the most important German power centers in the Baltics, from 1237 up to 1561. Medieval castle ruins of Sigulda The Order of the Brothers of the Sword began building Sigulda castle in 1207. Initially, it was a castellum-type fort. Following the defeat of the Brothers of the Sword in 1236, the Livonian Order modified it. Goodman's cave The Gūtmaņala (Goodman's Cave) grotto is the most popular and biggest cave in Latvia. It was formed over the course of 10,000 years by water gradually eroding sandstone. The grotto is a protected geological site and the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. Museum reserve and medieval castle of Turaida Turaida Museum Reserve is a beautiful heritage site and former village that was named "garden of the gods" by the locals. Turaida is a wonderful place to get to know the Latvian way of life, culture, history, and spirit. The 42 hectares of grounds are replete with archaeological, architectural, historical and art monuments, all of which provide an account of the events from the eleventh century onwards.

From Riga/Jurmala/Vecriga: Kemeri National Park Outdoor Tour

6. From Riga/Jurmala/Vecriga: Kemeri National Park Outdoor Tour

The first stop and walk is Lake Kanieris with wooden path and Bird watching tower. The tower allows enjoying some truly spectacular views over the lake. From the tower it is possible to take a short walk along the wooden boardwalk, which sometimes floats on pontoons, allowing to observe the beauty of the lake landscape with dry legs. Kanieris Lake is a lagoon-type lake and is a protected nature object located in Ķemeri National Park. The lake is one of the richest in Latvia in bird and plant diversity; therefore it is favored to nature lovers and ornithologists. The “Sulfur nature trail” is only 830 meters in length, located in a marshy area. The trail makes a loop around Ragana (A witch) Lake, which has a red bed. Therefore, all the water in the lake appears to be copper in color. The entire trail smells of hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur ponds are a rare natural phenomenon in Latvia. It is a place where sulfurous water flows from springs on the surface and accumulates in several ponds. The sulfuric water is the reason for the peculiar flora and the color of the pond water. The scent of the Bog-myrtle growing there adds to the pleasure of the senses. Historical Kemeri Health resort park with sulfur mineral water spring. Kemeri is an area of the Jurmala seaside town where a resort was set up already in the 18th century due to the therapeutic qualities of sulfur water in the many springs in the neighborhood. Only architectural monuments are left to speak of the former glory of the Kemeri resort, although sulfur water and mud are still available. The park was created in the middle of the 19th century and features a network of winding paths interspersed with architectural objects – pavilions, rotundas, bridges across the artificial canals fed by the Versupite River that flows through the park. The Sulfur Water Pavilion, built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, stands in the south-eastern part of the park. Next to it, you will find the Kirzacina (Little Lizzard) sulfur spring, one of the most popular in Latvia. Its water can be used both internally and externally. Other interesting objects in the park include the Love Islet Pavilion, a rotunda built in 1928 in the Classicism style; the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the oldest of the churches in Kemeri which was built in 1893 in the style of wooden churches typical for Northern Russia; monuments to the founders of the Kemeri resort, the first physicians, who worked there, and soldiers fallen in World War I and World War II. The hotel was designed by the outstanding Latvian architect of Baltic German descent, Eizens Laube (1880–1967). The white building is a brilliant example of Neo-Classicism in the Latvian architecture.

Riga: Behind the Iron Curtain 3.5-Hour Communism Tour

7. Riga: Behind the Iron Curtain 3.5-Hour Communism Tour

See Riga on foot and learn about the history of life behind the Iron Curtain on a 3.5-hour walking tour. You will be introduced to the Latgale region of Riga named Ķengarags, which is one of the most interesting and largest suburbs where locals do actually live and the way of life can be seen. During the tour you will feel just like you have stepped back in time, because almost nothing has changed in the looks and life of the Ķengarags suburbs. The one exception is that the Soviet military airplanes aren’t shaking the windows of the houses with the noise made from taking off at the nearby military airport of Rumbula. The architecture (living houses, schools, suburbs) of the Soviet times was very similar in the different parts of the union, with different cities sometimes having identical suburbs. By visiting Ķengarags you will get an understanding of the looks of other USSR cities.

Latvian Palaces and Medieval Castles Private Trip

8. Latvian Palaces and Medieval Castles Private Trip

Be collected at your accommodation in Riga and be driven straight to the region of Bauska city. Visit several palaces from the 18th century and one crusader's castle from the 16th century. Rundāle Palace, formerly Ruhenthal then Ruhendahl, is one of two major baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland in what is now Latvia. The other is Jelgava Palace. Rundāle Palace was built in two periods, from 1736 until 1740 and from 1764 until 1768. It is situated at Pilsrundāle, 12 km west of Bauska.  Bauska Castle is a complex consisting of the ruins of an earlier castle and a later palace on the outskirts of the Latvian city of Bauska. Either choose a restaurant for dinner or your driver can arrange a picnic if you prefer. 

From Riga: Rundale Palace & Bauska Castle Tour to Vilnius

9. From Riga: Rundale Palace & Bauska Castle Tour to Vilnius

This full-day day tour is the best choice for those who want to save time, money, and see the most important sights along the trip from Riga to Vilnius. Visit Bauska Castle, which is surrounded by a picturesque scenery and represents an example of military architecture (XV - XVII century). The castle consists of two parts: the fortress built especially for the use of firearms and the residential castle fortified with bastions, protective walls and earthen ramparts. About two hours is reserved to explore Rundale Palace, one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Latvia, which sometimes is called as ‘The Versailles of Latvia’. Rundale Palace is built in the mid-18th-Century by the Russian court architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, it was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The two-story castle contains 138 elaborate rooms, a lovely French garden and a museum dedicated to the history of Latvia. Last but not least is a unique ensemble of Lithuanian folk art - The Hill of Crosses. The monument with more than 200.000 crosses in various sizes and materials stands on Jurgaiciai - Domantai mound. During your visit at The Hill of Crosses, you will learn more about the legendary stories why the Hill appeared. In the evening finish your drive and arrive in Vilnius city.

Riga: Private Boat Tour City Canal and Daugava

10. Riga: Private Boat Tour City Canal and Daugava

Enjoy a different lifestyle experience in Riga in maximum comfort and style aboard on one of the most unique classic Tender boats in Rīga in small group (up to 5 persons). Experience will take ~ 50 minutes. Start of experience will be in Andrejosta Yacht club (Rīga, Esporta street 3B, next to Riga Passenger Port). This an opportunity to take a peaceful and romantic trip through the City canal. During the trip we will sail through 16 bridges. There will be wonderful views in all directions, and You will be able to enjoy a great panorama of Kronvalda Park, National theatre, Bastejkalns, Freedom Monument, National Opera and the Central Market. After passing the Riga bus station, we will enter Daugava and make our way back to the Andrejosta through Daugava. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the glorious towers of Riga and the panorama of Ķīpsala. PS: If the weather conditions will not be suitable (not safe, big waves and wind), then when we will reach the Riga central station we will turn around and will came back along the City canal. PS: Due to the construction works of Rail Baltica the route could be changed!

28 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Frequently asked questions about Riga

Other Sightseeing Options in Riga

Want to discover all there is to do in Riga? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Riga

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 327 reviews

The place is interesting and unique with deep meaning particularly for Catholics and religious people. Armands (tour guide) is very knowledgeable not only about where we are going (Hill of Crosses) but about the Baltic regions, general knowledge and current events. He is also very friendly and accommodating. The trip went smoothly. He gave us enough time to take pictures and videos (and even offers to be a photographer just so my friend and I have a picture together). Overall, Hill of Crosses only takes half a day but the experience is worth it.

It was a brilliant experience! Armands is great . Went there early to see the hills very peaceful and quiet ! Got my moment that I need . Thank God that there’s nobody there early ! Brilliant day. The drive wasn’t that bad either considering it was snowing. It’s mostly flat driving . I went there to fulfill a bucket list ! And happy that I’ve done it! Plus , Armands took a lovely pic of me. Thank you man. Much appreciated!

Really interesting, informative and engaging guide. He gave us an insight into Latvian life during soviet occupation, making it seem more real with family stories. It’s a chance to see something different from the normal tourist trail. Would recommend!

Armands was an absolute star. Punctual, so knowledgeable and made the journey to Hill of Crosses from Riga so interesting and fun. Felt really safe and overall had an excellent experience. Thank you!

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.