Discovering Riga Through the Best Old and New Walking Tour
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a renowned tourist city with plenty of historic charms and attractions. The Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site and its unique Art Nouveau buildings, cobbled streets and pleasant parks make it a destination to explore. But if you want to get an in-depth perspective on Riga’s old and modern culture, there is no better way to do it than by taking an Old & New Walking Tour.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best Old & New Walking Tour of Riga and introduce you to the sights and sounds of this beautiful city. We’ll provide information about WHERE and WHEN you can do the tour; WHY you should do it; WHAT you’ll see; TIPS for making the most of your experience; and a list of other attractions you can explore on the tour. By the end of this guide, you’ll be prepared to take the most comprehensive journey through Riga’s old and modern parts.
Where and When Can You do the Old & New Walking Tour of Riga?
The Old & New Walking Tour of Riga is offered year-round with multiple times and dates to suit different visitors’ availability. The 2-hour long tour starts in the very centre of the city, at 11a.m., 1p.m., 3p.m., 5p.m., and 7p.m. each day.
Tickets for the tour are available from GetYourGuide, and should be booked in advance as tours often sell out quickly.
Why Should You Take the Old & New Walking Tour of Riga?
If you’re planning a visit to Riga, there is no better way to learn about its history and appreciate its unique culture than to take a walking tour. You will be taken by an experienced guide that knows the city like the back of his hand and will show you hidden alleyways and stunning monuments, in addition to renowned landmarks of the city.
You will get an appreciation of how Riga came to be, as well as how it has developed over the years into a bustling city that draws in tourists with its exceptional culture and unique attractions. The tour also allows you to see how centuries of different cultures, religions and techniques created these extraordinary works of art that make Riga one of the most alluring cities in Europe today.
What Will You See on the Old & New Walking Tour?
During the tour, you will get to explore more than 10 historic sites, including:
- Old Town
- Old City Walls
- St. Peter’s Church
- Riga Cathedral
- Jacob’s Barracks
- Latvian National Opera
- Rīdzene Park
- Freedom Monument
- Vērmanes Garden
- St. Jacob’s Cathedral
You will also have the opportunity to visit several museums including the Museum of History, providing fascinating insights into Riga’s remarkable past, including several archaeological finds from 11th century settlements, wooden artifacts from 18th century and superb ceramics from 19th century. As well as The Museum of Latvian Music offering insights into traditional Latvian music and its major influences on jazz music over the years and The Art Museum offering a unique insight into Riga’s art movement throughout the centuries.
Finally, you’ll be able to explore one of Riga’s hidden treasures – Vērmanes Garden – which offers a serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You’ll also be able to explore other parts of modern Riga, such as its vibrant Central Market, its defining glass architecture, and its numerous malls.
Tips for Making the Most out of Your Experience
Here are our top five tips for making sure that your experience exploring Riga is unforgettable:
- Dress comfortably.Riga experiences hot summers but cooler temperatures during winter, so make sure to dress appropriately for the season.
- Drink plenty of water.Don’t forget to drink plenty water before, during, and after your adventure, especially during hot summer days.
- Bring your camera.The sights along your journey are a photogenic opportunity – bring a camera so you can capture your experience.
- Stay hydrated. Be sure to bring a water bottle along with you when exploring Riga, so that you don’t feel dehydrated during your journey.
- Take plenty of breaks.If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed at any point during your journey, take a break or rest in one of Riga’s parks or cafes.
Other Attractions You Can Explore on the Tour
Although the tour is approximately two hours long, there is plenty more to explore in Riga so do not limit yourself to just two hours! Here are some other attractions worth visiting when in Riga:
| Attraction Name | Distance from Tour Start (In Miles) |
|---|---|
| Latvian National Opera House | 0.4 |
| Old Town Hall Square | 0.7 |
| House of Blackheads | 0.8 |
| Riga Central Market | 1.1 |
Discover Riga Through Its Best Old & New Walking Tour
Explore the old and new sights and sounds of Riga through one of its best Old & New Walking Tours! By taking this tour, you’ll be able to experience some of Latvia’s most historic landmarks and fascinating museums, all while learning about the city’s remarkable past and modern attractions. To book your perfect tour today, make sure to visit GetYourGuide.
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