Old Riga Walking Tour

Join me for a walk through Riga's Old Town, the ancient heart of Latvia's capital.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed gem with a millennium of history brims with stunning architecture, intriguing characters and a  life-loving, never-say-die spirit. I'll guide you to the famous sights, and also reveal fascinating hidden corners of this unforgettable place.

I can adapt the route of the tour to suit your wishes. But I recommend we start at Alberta laukums, a square where the first Latvians settled in Riga over a thousand years ago. The interaction between these proud pagans and merchants, craftsmen, conquerors and artists from many nations has shaped the city's unique character.

Around the square, we discover venerable warehouses, reminders of Riga's rich trading traditions. Some of them have found interesting uses in the modern world, offering pints and manicures with historic ambience.

We stroll to a stunning Baroque townhouse, before arriving at St. Peter's Church. It's remarkable rise from the ashes encapsulates the resilience of Riga's people.

 I'll tell you about a museum near the church with thousand-year-old jewellery, just some of the treasures archaeologists have found under the cobblestones.

Next we take in the beautiful House of the Blackheads. It's another remarkable example of rebirth, and the birthplace of the Christmas tree!

Time for a drink! I'll tell you the remarkable story of Riga Black Balsam, the city's signature tipple. It was invented by a blacksmith 300 years ago and has cured royals and commoners of various ailments ever since. If you like, we can pop into the Black Magic cafe and have a sip of the potion (about 5 euros a shot). 

Then we meet Riga's most famous felines, crouching on top of the Art Nouveau Cat House (no, not that kind.) I'll share the amusing story of how they got up there and their relationship with the medieval Guild Halls next door.

Next we stand before Doma Cathedral, the biggest place of worship in the Baltics. I'll tell you about its remarkable organ, why there are roosters perched on Riga's church steeples, and some of the secrets unearthed from the cemetery beside the church.

After this, we meet the Three Brothers, a trio of houses which tell us much about life in medieval Riga.

And around the corner, I'll reveal why the bell is hanging off the side of St. James' Catholic Cathedral, and show you proof that pilgrims still walk all the way to Spain from here.

The next few stops are connected with the serious business of defending Riga from many invaders.

Next to Latvia's parliament, we pause at the monument o the 1991 Barricades, the culmination of the Singing Revolution to restore independence.

Then we wander over to the Swedish Gate which has a timeless tale of love in the midst of war, before eyeing the city's last stone fortifications, including the Powder Tower.

Finally, we step outside the Old Town and encounter the Freedom Monument. It's dramatic story encapsulates the tragedies and triumphs of Riga and Latvia as a whole.

The tour is on foot and runs about 2 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): 90 euros per group. Five people or more: 120 euros per group. The maximum group size is 20 people. You can pay in cash after the tour.

If the weather is bad, we can also make lots of indoor stops.

Pick up some great travel tips for Riga.

Discover more on my Art Nouveau heritage and Riga highlights walking tours, or dive into some Soviet history.

Join me for a walk in Jūrmala or a full day tour in the resort.

Hit the road on a journey to Kurzeme or a day in Sigulda.