Old Riga Walking Tour

St. John's Church in Old Riga at night with people walking on cobblestone street
Timeless beauty

 

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.

 

On my tour, I strive to faithfully recount Old Riga's turbulent past, while also sharing its many funny, joyful stories. So without further ado, let's hit the cobblestones!

Pint of beer on wooden table with view of Old Riga buildings and walking tourists
Ancient traditions

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.

 

 

Historic warehouse in Riga
World trade centre

 

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.

Black and white photo of St. Peter's Church steeple in Old Riga on fire after World War Two shelling
Knocked down...

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.

 

 

St. Peter's Church, Riga
...but up again!

 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.

View of Roland statue, House of Blackheads and St. Peter's Church steeple in Old Riga with tourists in foreground
House of Blackheads...

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

Bottle of Riga Black Balsam and shot glasses with the dark drink on a tray
Black Balsam...

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). 

Black cat sculpture in Old Riga
And black cat!

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.

Doma Cathedral i
Modern day pilgrims at Doma Cathedral

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.

Three Brothers houses in Old Riga
No sibling rivalry

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.

Powder Tower and Jacob's Barracks in Old Riga
Keeping the powder dry

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.

Freedom Monument in Riga
Lady Liberty

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.

TOUR DETAILS

Colourful row of buildings and St. Peter's Church steeple in Old Riga
Colourful history

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): 70 euros per group. Five people or more: 90 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.

 

travellers' comments

" Over the past ten years I have visited Europe's best kept secret destination, Riga Latvia, many times for both business and recreation. During which I have attended four of Mr. Birzulis's guided tours. And I look forward to the next one. As it is his ongoing research into the country of Latvia which continues to uncover not only rich historical details of a little understood part of the world, but also an informed contemporary perspective of Latvia's position in the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. A satisfying story teller with great command of the knowledge on the subject of which he holds forth. Highly recommended." Lucas Liepins, Hornby Island, B.C., Canada

 

"I have done several tours around Rīga with Filips. I can highly recommend joining him on a tour! He is full of captivating stories and brings the history of this beautiful city alive. A tour with Filips is time very well spent!"

 

Alice Kristovskis, between Melbourne and Riga

Map of Old Riga Walking Tour

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