Start your tour at Rātslaukums (Town Hall Square), Riga’s historic heart, anchored by the striking House of the Blackheads, a reconstructed 14th-century guildhall with its ornate façade. Admire the Roland Statue and the square’s colourful buildings, evoking Riga’s Hanseatic past. From here, stroll north along Kaļķu iela, a lively street lined with shops and cafés, capturing the city’s blend of old-world charm and modern energy.
After about 10 minutes, stop at Rozengrāls (Rozena iela 1), a medieval-themed restaurant in a 13th-century cellar, perfect for a quick lunch of hearty Latvian dishes like grey peas with bacon or rye bread soup, affordable, with a historic ambience straight out of a bygone era. It’s a no-reservations spot for smaller groups, so arrive early to secure a table.
Continue north to Riga Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece with a soaring brick tower. Pop in for a quick look at its ornate interior and massive organ (small entry fee). Nearby, wander through Doma laukums (Cathedral Square) and into the Old Town (Vecrīga), where narrow streets like Maza Pils iela brim with pastel-coloured buildings and cobblestone charm.
Head east towards Līvu laukums, a vibrant square with terraces and views of the Small Guild, a neo-Gothic building with intricate details. From here, explore Jēkaba iela, leading to the Swedish Gate, a 17th-century remnant of Riga’s city walls, offering a glimpse into its fortified past. Pop into the nearby Riga History and Navigation Museum (Palasta iela 4) for a quick 20-minute visit to see artefacts from the city’s maritime history.
Loop south along Torņa iela to Bastejkalns Park, a serene green space along the Pilsetas Canal, with bridges and views of the Freedom Monument in the distance. For a sweet treat, stop at Laima Café (Miera iela 2, a short detour, or opt for Rīgas Pērle at Krāmu iela 3 in Old Town), a cosy spot for a hot chocolate or coffee with a slice of rupjmaizes kārtojums (layered rye bread dessert), no bookings needed, but arrive promptly.
Continue to Alberta iela, Riga’s Art Nouveau district, where buildings dazzle with ornate façades, sculptures, and pastel hues. The Art Nouveau Museum (Alberta iela 12) is worth a quick visit for its period-furnished interiors (20 minutes, small fee). This area, with its elegant architecture.
End your tour at the Freedom Monument, a towering symbol of Latvian independence, surrounded by gardens and bustling Basteja bulvāris. For a final treat, visit Café Leningrad (Krišjāņa Barona iela 14), a quirky, Soviet-themed café, for a coffee or a traditional medus kūka (honey cake), soaking up Riga’s eclectic vibe. Alternatively, relax at Black Magic Bar (Kaļķu iela 10), a historic apothecary-turned-café, for a Riga Black Balsam liqueur or hot drink, enjoying views of the Old Town’s spires.This 3-4 km route captures Riga’s medieval charm, Baltic cuisine, and Art Nouveau splendour, perfect for a four-hour stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled Old Town streets and bring a light jacket for Riga’s often cool, breezy weather
