Things to See in Riga
If you’re planning a visit to the Latvian capital city then a good place to start is by examining the best things to see in Riga. You can then plan your flights and accommodation to ensure that you visit at the best time of year and stay somewhere that’s suitably located for the sights that you’re particularly interested in seeing.
Exactly how much you can see may depend on the length of visit that you’re planning on. Riga is packed full of things to see and do – from its fine architecture to a selection of museums and its renowned nightlife.
Some highlights recommended by previous visitors would undoubtedly include the House of Blackheads. Arguably the city’s most famous building, it was originally owned by the Great Guild and its history has been dated back to the fourteenth century.
The House of Blackheads was later rented to the Blackheads Merchant Guild and was to be owned by them from 1713. The Blackheads were a group of foreign merchants that were to be found in a number of Baltic towns and cities. The wonderful building was built in the Gothic style of architecture and was destroyed during the Second World War. Fortunately, it has now been completely restored to its former glory, just in time for the 800th anniversary of the formation of the Latvian nation.
Old Riga is full of fine buildings, with one of the best known being the Swedish gate, which was built into the city walls in the 17th century. This remains the only gate in Riga that can still be seen in the exact form in which it was originally constructed.
Riga Castle is also well worth a visit, though don’t expect to see a classical castle such as those that you might expect to see in the United Kingdom, France or central Europe. This castle has been reconstructed on a number of occasions (the last being during the 1930s) and really resembles more of a large manor house than palace than a castle. Indeed, our reviewer noted certain similarities with Prague Castle that many of you may be familiar with.
The castle should not be missed however – the original buildings dated from the 14th century and it is one of the key things to see in Riga if you really want to understand the culture and history of this major city of the Baltics.
Related Links: Visiting Riga, Getting Around Riga
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