Best of Riga Walking Tour
Riga has so much for visitors to discover, with a multitude of architectural styles, dramatic history and colourful urban life.
On this walking tour, we explored three remarkable sections of central Riga - the medieval Old Town, the captivating Art Nouveau district and the bustling Central Market - giving you a delicious insight into this amazing place.
I recommend we start this Riga highlights tour in front of the House of Blackheads in Old Town.
We then stroll through Old Riga, discovering St. Peter's Church, the Cat House, Doma Cathedral, the Three Brothers, the old city walls and much more.
Next, we wander through lovely Bastejkalns Park and cross the City Canal.
Then we come to the heart of the Art Nouveau district. On Alberta iela, we take in the wildly decorative creations of Mikhail Eisenstein.
I'll also show you more reserved but equally fascinating buildings by Latvian architects, like the urban rustic gem pictured here. We'll also see Riga's most astonishing Art Nouveau staircase.
This would be a great time for a coffee and a pastry or a light lunch, so we'll pop into the easy-going restaurant Buberts just around the corner.
Refreshed, we continue our walk through central Riga, taking in sights like the Soviet-era Hotel Latvija where Lenin once stood, the Freedom Monument and the delightful Opera House and gardens.
Finally, we arrive at the vast Central Market. We explore the pavilions housed in First World War zeppelin hangars, where I'll tell you about pickles, rye bread, smoked fish and many other local delicacies.
After the tour, you can do some shopping in the market and enjoy a snack in the food court before returning to Old Riga, just a few minutes' walk away.
tour details
The tour is on foot and runs about 4 hours. I can meet you at your hotel, or we can arrange to meet in Old Riga. I will wear an orange hat so you can easily recognise me.
Price: For one to four people (children under 16 not included): 110 euros per group. Five people or more: 150 euros per group. The maximum group size is 20 people. You can pay in cash after the tour.
Travellers' comments about the tour
"My two friends and I (American women in their 60s and 70s) were in Riga in September 2024. We hired Phillip before arriving and gave him our priorities. He delivered with a tour partially by car and mostly by walking. Phillip provided great detail on the history of Riga and the sights we saw. He also provided some local flavor by taking us to a Food market smaller than the central market but one used by locals. He also picked a great restaurant for us to visit for lunch. The day in Riga was one of the highlights of our trip because of the knowledge and care of Phillip."
Barbara Kaufmann, USA
"Philip is the ideal guide, very knowledgeable, natural, with a wonderful sense of humour. His tours are like visiting places with a friend. Philip is a great story teller explained and answered questions as we went along. He is friendly and flexible, altering the schedule to suit our needs. Would highly recommend him for any tour."
Kristīne Saulīte, Riga
map of best of riga walking tour
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MORE AMAZING TOURS IN LATVIA
Get some awesome tips for enjoying Riga.
Discover more on my Art Nouveau masterpieces and Old Town walking tours. Or get some Soviet vibes.
Join me for a stroll along Jurmala's beaches or a whole day enjoying the resort.
And explore the forests of Kurzeme or the castles of Sigulda.