Things To Do
Riga Sightseeing
Some of our top recommendations: -) Seeing the view of Riga from St Peter's Church Tower -) Walking through the old town -) Stopping at a cafe in the centre (e.g. "La Kanna" or "Kūkotava") -) The occupation museum and the Corner House (the seat of the KBG) -) Albert Street & Art Nouveau Museum - Riga has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture worldwide -) Going on a boat tour through the Riga canal For food: -) Vegan food: "Mazā Terāpija" or "Kozy Eats" -) Latvian cuisine: "LIDO" (fast & relatively cheap), "Lidojošā Varde" (a.k.a "The Flying Frog", Latvian and international cuisine), 3 Chef restaurant" (Latvian & international cuisine)
Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival
Between 5-13 July 2025,the Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival will take place in Riga. This takes place every 5 years and during the festivities, more than 30 events will be held in Riga at various venues (info on website - tickets will be released in the spring). The Latvian song and Dance festivals are considered a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Jurmala Beach
Jūrmala is a nice resort town by the Baltic sea, which is great for a beach day, or exploring the town, or local nature. It's 30 mins by train or car (you will have to pay a small entrance fee for cars).
Sigulda and Gauja National Park
Sigulda is a really nice town east of Riga, with lots to offer, including sightseeing, hiking and water sports in the Gauja National Park. It's also close to the wedding venue!
Rundale Palace
Beautiful palace built in the baroque style, with beautiful palace gardens. Highly recommended!
Cape Kolka
Cape Kolka is the most pronounced horn on the shores of Latvia, and it is where the waves from two seas clash – the open Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.
Ventspils
Ventspils is a nice family-friendly coastal town, with a beautiful beach. It's also where Anna's dad is from!
Kuldiga
Kuldīga is an ancient town in the west of Riga. It is commonly known as the Nordic Venice and, due to its distinctive architecture is included in the UNSECO World Heritage Sites.
Salaspils Memorial Ensemble
The Salaspils Memorial Ensemble was erected where an extended police prison and labour correctional camp of National Socialistic Germany was located from 1941 to 1945.
Cesis Medieval Castle
Medieval castle ruins set in the nice Cesis town. We'd recommend combining this with a visit to the soviet secret bunker which is close by!
Ligatne Bunker
The once top-secret Soviet Bunker 9 meters below the ground built during the Cold War, which is open for visits.