Riga Soviet History Tour

Explore the traces left in Riga by the Evil Empire on this fascinating walking and driving tour.

From 1940 to 1991, Latvia was brutally occupied by the USSR. This left some lasting scars on the landscape, and some bad habits (Latvians are world leaders in drinking). But there were also brave acts of resistance, funny political jokes, and even delicious foods.

Book the tour to experience sights, sounds and tastes from back in the USSR!

We begin the tour on foot, then transfer to my car.

We walk to the Freedom Monument, symbol of Latvia's struggle for independence and the scene of brave anti-Soviet protests. Then we proceed to the courthouse where anti-communist freedom fighter Gunārs Astra made a defiant speech that set the scene for the Singing Revolution.

We stroll to where Riga's main Lenin statue once stood in front of the Hotel Latvija, before heading to the former KGB headquarters, the dreaded "Corner House," where we explore the museum on the first floor.

We then get in my car, and drive to see the only Lenin monument in Riga still visible from the street.

Next stop is "Stalin's Birthday Cake," a 1950s high-rise in which the Soviets tried to keep up with the Americans. We ascend to the observation platform for breathtaking views of Riga.

Then we're off to Zolitūde, a typical communist housing estate to get a feel for how the masses lived. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to an apartment in a typical 1950s building for a feast of Soviet delicacies!

The tour is by car driven by the guide. I will meet you at your hotel and also drive you back to the city centre. Maximum of 6 persons per group. 

Duration: 4 hours. 

Price: 150 euros for the tour plus 12 euros per person. This includes transport, guiding, Soviet snacks and entry to the Academy of Science viewing platform.

More information about my car.

"A small group of us on our first visit to Riga had the pleasure of Philips Soviet tour , we had such a great time, Philip was informative and friendly and he made the whole experience fun. He was an amazing host and we loved the personal touch of the food and drink at his home, it’s something we’ll never forget."

Denise Tapp, U.K., April 2024

"We cannot recommend the Riga Soviet History Tour with Philip highly enough. This was truly the highlight of our visit to Latvia. Philip's passion, knowledge, and engaging storytelling as he showed us around different sites brought the complex history of Soviet occupation to life. Philip wove together painful history with stories of Latvian resilience, humor, and culture, as well as tidbits of his own personal history, in a way that was captivating and nuanced. Philip himself is a personable, thoughtful, and attentive guide. The visit to the Soviet-era apartment added a warm human touch to conclude the experience. If you're at all interested in Riga's Soviet history, don't hesitate to take this unforgettable tour with Philip. Highly recommended!"

Luigi Acerbi, Italy

Handy tips for your stay in Riga.

Get to know Riga's medieval side, fall in love with Art Nouveau or savour the very best of the city.

Join me for a stroll in Jurmala or a whole day in the seaside paradise.

Be amazed by the biggest oak and the only bobsleigh track in the Baltics.