Old Town Riga

Riga

Old Town showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Old Town which includes street scenes
St. Peter\'s Church showing a river or creek, a city and landscape views
Old Town featuring markets, heritage architecture and street scenes
House of the Blackheads featuring street scenes and a square or plaza
Ancient churches, a presidential home and the remains of a medieval defensive wall make a stroll through the historical center of Riga a stimulating adventure.

Riga’s Old Town, known as Vecrīga in Latvian, is an enchanting maze of cobbled streets and brightly colored buildings that date back as far as the 13th century. Although it exudes an aura of centuries past, the Old Town is no living museum. This vibrant neighborhood buzzes throughout the day and night with sightseers, shoppers and diners. It is also where the country’s laws are made.

Begin your tour at the remaining section of the defensive wall that used to surround the Old Town. Nearby, walk through the 17th-century Swedish Gate, the only surviving gate to the old city. Stop by the 15th-century Riga Castle, the official residence of the President of Latvia. See more of Riga’s historic structures when you visit the Three Brothers. Constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, these are the oldest stone residential buildings in the city. Each property has its own architectural style, reflecting the different era in which it was built.

The Old Town is also a place where you can see a number of historic churches. Find St. George’s Church, an early 13th-century church in white dolomite. This is the oldest building in Riga and is now home to the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design. Also worth seeing is the Gothic-style St. Jacob’s Cathedral, which is next door to the Saeima, the Latvian parliament.

When you need a break from walking, enjoy a coffee at one of the many open-air cafés found throughout the neighborhood. In the evening, the Old Town is a lively place to grab a drink or dine on some traditional Latvian dishes like rasols, a potato salad or karbonāde, breaded pork chops.

One of the best times of year to visit the Old Town is during the annual Christmas fair. Learn about Latvian holiday customs, sample specialty Christmas foods and shop for local handcrafts.The Old Town is located on the east side of the Daugava River. This area is a popular spot for strolling, dining and shopping year-round.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Town Riga

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
5 out of 5
11. Novembra Krastmala, 33, Riga
The price is €80 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€80
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Riga. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
"The spa was fantastic!"

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Hotel Justus
Hotel Justus
4 out of 5
Jauniela 24, Riga
The price is €92 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
€92
includes taxes & fees
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Riga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location. I stayed in 5th floor and I could see the Riga Cathedral from the windows. It takes 3 minutes to walk to there. All major attractions are in minimum walking distance from the hotel. Staffs are friendly and breakfast buffet is great. I went up to the tower of St. Peter Church twice ..."

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025

Hotel Justus
Neiburgs Hotel
Neiburgs Hotel
4 out of 5
Jauniela 25/27, Riga
The price is €107 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€107
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"a very positive experience: first-rate boutique hotel, great location, excellent breakfast buffte, friendly staff. moderate price. ask for room 602 to get the fantastic view (which they feature)"

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

Neiburgs Hotel
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
4 out of 5
Valnu street 49, Riga
The price is €62 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€62
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"I like historical places and food"

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA
Pullman Riga Old Town
Pullman Riga Old Town
5 out of 5
24 Jekaba Street, Riga
The price is €79 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
€79
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (736 reviews)
"Staff was a little snobby, judged me by my looks but great accommodations"

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025

Pullman Riga Old Town
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
33 Kaleju Street, Riga
The price is €58 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
€58
includes taxes & fees
12 Mar - 13 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Riga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Really nice hotel, perfect for couples with a great spa"

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025

Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Riga

Latvian Art Museum showing a statue or sculpture

Centrs

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Centrs is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Cathedral of Christ's Nativity and Galleria Riga Shopping Center while in the area.

Centrs
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Kipsala

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Spas, historical sites and river views highlight some of the notable features of Kipsala. Make a stop by Kipsala International Exhibition Centre while you're exploring.

Kipsala
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Agenskalns

4/5(8 area reviews)

Unique features of Agenskalns include the river views and historical sites. Make a stop by Golden Bowling Center or Latvian Railway History Museum while you're exploring the area.

Agenskalns
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Avoti

Avoti is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can plan an outing to Galleria Riga Shopping Center and Cathedral of Christ's Nativity while you're in town.

Avoti
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Andrejsala

You'll enjoy the restaurants and waterfront in Andrejsala. You might want to make time for a stop at Riga City Yacht Club or Andrejosta.

Andrejsala
Riga Central Market showing interior views and shopping

Maskavas Forstate

Historical sites, bars and shopping are just a few things travellers enjoy about Maskavas Forstate. Check out Riga Central Market or Latvian Academy of Sciences while you're exploring the area.

Maskavas Forstate

Old Town Riga

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