Riga Soviet History Tour

Explore the traces left in Riga by the Evil Empire on this fascinating 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 and funny political jokes, and even some delicious foods.

Join the tour for sights, sounds and tastes from back in the USSR!

The tour begins in front of the Freedom Monument symbol of Latvia's struggle for independence and the scene of brave anti-Soviet protests. We then walk to the courthouse where anti-communist freedom fighter Gunārs Astra made a defiant speech in 1983.

Next we stroll to the site of the former Lenin statue and the former Intourist  Hotel Latvija. Then we head to the old KGB headquarters, the dreaded "Corner House," where we go inside the first floor museum.

We then travel by car to the former Lenin Museum, followed by VEF Palace of Culture, a model of "Stalinist Barque" architecture. Next we drive to two examples of the Soviet obsession with huge things - the Academy of Science building (aka "Stalin's Birthday Cake) and Riga TV Tower.

Then we drive to Zolitūde, a typical communist housing estate to get a feel for how the masses lived. The tour concludes with a visit to an apartment in a typical Soviet building for tea and "proletarian" snacks.

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.