With nearly 650,000 inhabitants, Riga is not only Latvia’s capital and most populous city, but also has nearly one-third of the country’s population.
Founded around 800 years ago, the city has a fascinating mix of old world history and modern attractions that most guests find fascinating.
For those looking to explore the city and surrounding areas on a guided tour, there are a variety of tours to choose from. They operate from stunning natural attractions and historic sites to modern museums and trendy restaurants featuring vibrant fusion cuisine.
Here are 15 of the best tours in Riga.
1. Central Market Food Tasting Tour
Riga’s Central Market is usually crowded with browsing tourists, shoppers and vendors haggling for the things they use in their daily lives.
It is also one of the architectural wonders of the city, built in the 1920s and 30s in Neoclassical and Art Deco styles.
Together with their guide, tour guests will explore the narrow paths of the market, learn about Latvian history, culture and cuisine, and taste a variety of traditional fresh and prepared foods such as cured meats, fruits and cheeses.
Tours last about two hours and can be used multiple times to accommodate those with different schedules.
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2. Old Town Private Walking Tour
Walking tours are probably the best way to experience a new area for the first time, as they allow guests to get up close and personal with local residents and attractions.
Riga’s Old Town is the historic center of the city. It is filled with impressive architecture, unique neighborhoods and a variety of monuments that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tours meet at a central location and are available in English, Russian, and German, and include stops at iconic sights such as St. Peter’s Basilica and Town Hall Square, to name a few.
Don’t forget to ask your guide for tips on other things to see and do after the tour.
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3. Private Guided Tour of Jewish Heritage
While it’s not as famous as other European cities like Krakow, Poland, Riga lost more than 60,000 Jews during World War II.
This historical and cultural tour focuses on the plight of Riga and Latvian Jews during the Holocaust. Highlights include Latvia’s Jewish Museum, Zanis Lipke Memorial, and Cantata Synagogue Memorial.
Wonderful exhibits on a tour of the museum include photographs, first-hand accounts, and other paraphernalia found after the Nazi occupation ended, and guests will benefit from the tour guide’s insight and historical perspective.
Transportation and entrance fees are included.
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4. Half-Day Natural Ecosystem Hike from Riga
In addition to being a hotspot for history, architecture, culture and gastronomy, Riga and its surroundings are home to a variety of ecosystems and large areas of relatively undisturbed nature.
After being picked up from their accommodation in Riga, guests and their guide will head to Piejūra Nature Park, where they will spend the day hiking among lakes, forests, river deltas and some breathtakingly beautiful and pristine stretches of the Baltic Sea coastline .
It is common to see a variety of wildlife along the way. Although the range is nearly ten miles, it is relatively slow and suitable for family travel.
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5. 3-hour Soviet walking tour
First, you don’t need to be a wardrobe sympathizer or wear a hammer and sickle pin on your lapel on this tour.
But for those who prefer to see and experience slightly out-of-the-way spots while learning about particularly interesting parts of local history, this 3-hour Soviet walking tour might be perfect for you.
The tour begins in the afternoon and includes the services of a knowledgeable local guide and visits some of the main sights left over from the Soviet era.
Guests will learn about the grassroots movement that eventually led to Latvian independence and enjoy a traditional Soviet buffet lunch.
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6. Beer or Cider Bike Tour
It’s usually not a good idea to drink beer and cider before a long bike ride, but when the bike has 15 seats and is driven by a sober professional, it’s perfectly safe.
On this unique and dynamic tour, guests will explore the old town while tasting beer, wine and prosecco, and visit many of the city’s most important sights from a truly unique perspective.
Depending on the age and interests of the guests, tours can range from music-filled parties on wheels to relatively relaxing sightseeing tours.
Each tour lasts about two hours and includes a meal at the end.
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7. Private Tour of Latvian Palaces and Medieval Castles
Just a short drive from central Riga, the country is opening up and the rural landscape is dotted with many old castles and palaces.
This eight-hour tour includes round-trip transportation to and from your hotel in Riga. It focuses on several palaces and castles known for their impressive architecture and historical significance.
Rundāle Palace and Jelgava Castle were built in the 1700s. As the residence of the royal family, they are one of the most luxurious royal residences in the country.
Guests will have plenty of time to explore on foot, ask questions and take photos during the tour, excluding admission and meals.
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8. Ghost Walking Tour and Balsam Tasting
For those who have fun with spooky, scary, and ghouls, a trip after dark is a great way to get a good scare at the end of a long day.
On this two-hour ghost walk and balsamic tasting combo tour, guests will follow their guide to parts of the city that most sane travelers wouldn’t set foot on.
Tour highlights include a centuries-old prison, the narrow streets of darkened neighborhoods, and various sites along the city’s imposing walls that are said to be home to the ghosts of the undead who have perished over the years.
Oh, and every trip ends with a lovely balsamic tasting.
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9. Art Nouveau Architecture Walking Tour
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Art Nouveau swept across the continent.
Now, more than a century later, many of the city’s most famous sights are examples of Art Nouveau architecture and can be conveniently seen together on this relatively short tour.
From their guide, guests will learn about the history of the sport, why it is so prevalent in Riga, and visit some of the city’s most impressive buildings.
Tours last two hours, are available in English and German, and include pickup from your hotel if you’re staying in the Old Town.
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10. Turaida Reserve and Deer Safari Winter Tour
Departing from the centre of Riga, guests and their guide will travel to the Turaida Reserve in Vidzeme.
Located in one of the most beautiful and historic parts of the country, in winter the landscape features snow-capped pines, fresh breezes and a majestic population of reindeer.
Tour participants will be able to touch and feed deer, learn about their life in the wild, and experience the outdoors in Latvia like never before.
Winter safari weather can be very cold, so it’s important to wear warm shoes and layer them.
Everything is included except lunch.
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11. 3-Hour Old Town and Farmers Market Detective Tour
For those who love amateur detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, the Riga tour has a clear highlight.
Starting at the Freedom Monument, participants and their guilds will embark on a fascinating exploration of the city’s most famous sights, such as the Fat Powder Tower, Riga Castle and Peter the Great’s Palace.
Along the way, they’ll use their gray matter to answer riddles and decipher clues, each one leading them to the next location and offering unique insights into the city’s history, legends, and culture.
Tours of this nature are ideal for activity-minded tourists traveling with curious children.
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12. Hike in Sigulda, Latvia, Switzerland
The area around Sigulda is often called the Switzerland of Latvia because it is full of valleys, cliffs, forests and mountains – just like the country it takes its name from.
On this full-day hike, healthy guests will delve deep into the picturesque region on a 9-mile hike to explore a variety of impressive natural features and features.
The pace of the tour can be adjusted according to the abilities and interests of the guests. Since there is plenty of time to cover the route, there will be plenty of rest and sightseeing time along the way.
Everything is included except tips, food and drinks.
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13. Self-Guided Old Town Tour
Professional guides can add extra value for travelers looking to make the most of limited vacation resources, but self-guided tours are a popular option for those who prefer to see things their way.
Using a smartphone as a guide, guests can start their tour at any time, spending time looking at things that interest them and ignoring those that aren’t.
The app provides a list of possible attractions, a brief description of each, and directions to them.
Self-guided tours are also much cheaper than traditional tours and popular with families.
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14. Latvia Genealogy Tour
Have 12 hours to spare? Want to research the genealogy of your Latvian ancestors?
If so, this guided ancestor tour will be a fun and educational way to learn about the country and its culture with the help of an experienced local guide and genealogist.
Depending on what guests know about their family lineage, tours may include visits to multiple towns. They also include stops at museums, cemeteries, and the opportunity to interview locals and view various catalogues and official historical records.
If this kind of research isn’t your forte, fear not; your guide is research-trained and can speak and read multiple languages.
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15. Kemeri National Park Nature Trail in Riga
Kemeri National Park is the third largest park in Latvia. For those tired of Riga’s historic sights and city hustle and bustle, this is a great place to spend a day in nature away from the crowds.
Although it is filled with rugged natural areas, much of the park can be easily explored via the elevated boardwalk, which winds for miles through a variety of idyllic settings.
Along the way, guests will benefit from guided insights and visit ponds, streams, swamps and forests that are home to a variety of common animals.
Tours require moderate physical strength, but are suitable for most age groups.
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