Old and New Walking Tour: Explore Riga’s Rich History on Foot

Riga is a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and endless attractions to explore. As a first-time visitor to the city, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. One of the most popular and highly recommended tours is the Old and New Walking Tour. In this blog post, we’ll answer the most common questions tourists have about this tour and provide a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your experience.

What is the Old and New Walking Tour?

The Old and New Walking Tour is a two-hour guided tour that takes visitors on a journey through Riga’s most iconic historical sites. The tour begins in Old Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explores the rich history of the city through its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and fascinating past. The tour’s focus is on the influence of Art Nouveau architecture in Riga, Europe’s most extensive collection. You will have an opportunity to see the city’s many buildings that feature this architectural style, and the guide will be happy to explain what makes them unique.

What are the highlights of the tour?

This comprehensive walking tour provides visitors with an in-depth look at Riga’s history, art, and architecture. Here are just a few of the tour’s many highlights:

• Explore the charming and mysterious Old Town, with its narrow, winding streets and ancient buildings dating back to the 13th century.
• Discover the stunning Art Nouveau buildings of Riga, known for their elaborate facades, fancy gateways, and ornate decorations.
• Stop at the most famous landmarks of Riga, including the Three Brothers, the Riga Cathedral, and the House of Blackheads.
• Learn about the city’s past as an important and influential trading center that once belonged to the Hanseatic League.

Moreover, while touring, you’ll get to hear in-depth commentary on Riga’s art scene and learn about the former inhabitants of the Art Nouveau buildings.

How long is the tour, and where does it start?

The Old and New Walking Tour takes approximately two hours, and visitors should be ready to travel on foot. The meeting point for the tour is at the Smile Line office at the House of the Black Heads, Townhall Square, 7. There, you will meet your guide, who will introduce you to the tour and its destinations. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a camera to capture the many sights and experiences.

What is essential information that visitors need to know about the tour?

Here are a few essential tips to help you make the most out of your Old and New Walking Tour:

• Although the tour is a walking tour, it’s not particularly challenging since the pace is quite relaxed. Some walking happens on cobblestones, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
• The tour usually runs on schedule, so be there at the meeting point 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• The tour is suitable for kids above the age of six, making it perfect for families to explore Riga together.
• The tour is offered in English, and a few other languages are also available. Hence, it would be wise to search for the most relevant and suitable tour option during the booking.

Conclusion

The Old and New Walking Tour is an excellent way to explore Riga’s rich history and stunning architecture on foot. This tour provides an intimate and comprehensive look at the city, making it a must-have experience for first-time visitors. Learn about Riga’s history, admire its architecture and capture stunning photos of the city. Don’t wait, and book this tour now by using this link!

A Local’s Guide to Riga: Beyond the Tourist Traps

Riga, the bustling capital of Latvia, has grown in popularity with tourists in recent years. And while it’s great to see the famous landmarks like the Old Town, St. Peter’s Church, and the Freedom Monument, there is so much more to this city that only the locals know about. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you on a journey to experience Riga’s hidden gems, cultural experiences, local cuisine, rich history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Discover Hidden Gems

Riga’s treasures extend beyond the famous landmarks. Take a walk away from the tourist crowds and explore the unassuming neighborhoods. Head to the Agenskalns or Kipsala districts, for instance, and see the art nouveau architecture and the charming wooden houses that no one talks about.

For a peaceful place to relax, visit Riga Central Market, where you will find fresh vegetables, flowers, and homemade goods. Wander around and soak in the bustling atmosphere while sipping a hot coffee from one of the local stalls.

Delight in Local Cuisine

Latvian cuisine is a mix of rustic, hearty flavors, and innovative twists. You can’t leave Riga without trying some traditional Latvian dishes like grey peas with bacon, pork ribs with potatoes, and rye bread. Be sure to have at least one meal at LIDO, a local chain of traditional Latvian restaurants, and try their reasonably priced buffet-style lunch.

For something different, head to the trendy Miera Street neighborhood for a diverse range of international cuisines. Whether you crave vegetarian Indian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, or Mexican flavors, you will find tasty options for every taste bud.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture

Riga’s cultural scene is vibrant and alive, and there is never a shortage of events to attend. Be sure to check out the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, which hosts yearly tours and shows that highlight the country’s outstanding talent.

Riga also has a thriving contemporary art scene, with museums like Riga Art Space, the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art, and Kim? Contemporary Art Centre. Celebrate Latvian culture during traditional festivals like Ligo, the Summer Solstice celebrations, or the White Night festivities in the hot summer months.

Uncover Fascinating History

Riga has a rich and captivating history that includes the Germanic medieval era and Soviet-era occupation. Visit The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which documents the country’s Soviet and Nazi occupation, and gain insight into Latvia’s complicated past.

For an unusual way to see the city’s history, book a tour of Central Market’s underground bunker that was built during World War II to protect citizens from air strikes.

Get Off the Beaten Path

Step outside of Riga’s city center to visit the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, which showcases rural life in Latvia from the 18th until the 20th century. It’s perfect for those looking to experience country life without leaving the city. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride to get around the expansive grounds.

Another off-the-beaten-path activity is to watch some traditional Latvian sports, such as the annual boat race on the Gauja River in Sigulda, or the annual pumpkin boat race during the Jelgava city festival.

In conclusion, Riga has so much to offer beyond the typical tourist attractions. Venture out and explore the best of what the city has on offer. From hidden gems to unique experiences, the city will captivate your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.