Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic States. It is characterized by its Old Town that retains a medieval atmosphere and streets lined with early 20th‑century Art Nouveau architecture, and its historic center is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With one day, you can walk around the main sights of the Old Town while also enjoying time in cafés and restaurants.
Vecrīga (Old Town) is the central area of the Riga Historical Centre and the highlight of sightseeing, with cobblestone alleys, medieval guild buildings, and churches packed closely together. Colorful buildings line the streets, and major spots such as Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads are concentrated here. Many areas are pedestrian‑only, making it ideal for walking tours.
Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms) is one of the largest churches in Latvia, located in the center of the Old Town, and is a historic cathedral founded in the 13th century. Highlights include its red‑brick exterior and tall tower, as well as the stained glass and pipe organ inside, and concerts are held here thanks to its excellent acoustics. It serves as a symbolic presence for sightseeing in the Old Town.
The House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is a splendid guild house facing the Town Hall Square in the Old Town. It was the guild hall of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, an association of unmarried merchants established in the 14th century, and the current building is a faithful reconstruction of its historical appearance after World War II. Its baroque‑style luxurious façade is a popular photo spot.
The Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis) is a symbol of Latvia’s independence standing on Brīvības Street in central Riga. On top of the roughly 42‑meter‑high column stands a statue of the goddess of freedom, and the pedestal is carved with reliefs symbolizing the nation’s history and people. The surrounding area is a park, and it serves as a landmark at the boundary between the Old Town and the New Town.
Alberta Street (Alberta iela) is a street where Riga’s representative Art Nouveau architecture is concentrated, lined with richly decorated apartment buildings constructed in the early 20th century. The sculptural façades and curvilinear designs are highlights, and it is an area that symbolizes Riga, which is called one of the world’s leading Art Nouveau cities.
