A beautiful old city is waiting for you. Of course, if you come to Riga having bought a tourist ticket, then excursions will most likely be organized for you. If you were here on a business trip, or passing through, or went on an independent trip, then do not miss the chance to book excursions in Riga in Russian. All of them are author's, almost individual – for 1 person or a very small company. They are conducted by people who perfectly know their city, are in love with it, and are ready to share “their Riga” with you.

History, architecture and legends of Old Riga

You will see the most interesting and picturesque part of the city – Old Riga. Its narrow streets, reminiscent of the Middle Ages, beautiful churches, cozy cafes. You will listen to street musicians play and learn a lot of interesting things about city buildings. The walk lasts about 2 hours. During this time, you will walk along the “Kinematograficheskaya” street, along which the artists who became the legends of Russian cinema walked.

You will see an unusual and touching monument to the Bremen Town Musicians – by the way, you can make wishes near it. Photograph the most famous churches in the city. For example, the Cathedral in honor of the Virgin Mary (Domsky) is the oldest sacral building in the Baltics. You will also see the palace of Emperor Peter the Great, ancient buildings with impressive decoration. Admire the Powder Tower, “House with cats”.

Hear the legend of the Magpie Witch and other memorable stories related to Riga. You will also find out where the local Large and Small Guilds of merchants and artisans gathered. Designed for a small group of tourists – up to 4 people.

Stories of Old Riga

This tour will allow you to touch the very origins of Riga. Because it will begin with a story about that distant summer day in 1201, when Bishop Albert moored to the bank of the river, which was called Riga. He decided to found a city here. This river is now gone, but you can walk along its bed. And hear the story of how the first streets of a small town were called.

From those times, a stone building has been preserved – the church in honor of St. George. You will also hear an exciting story about the crusader knights. Their last castle today houses the residence of the President of Latvia. But there are many stories and legends about the treasures that are supposedly hidden in the secrets of the castle, and about the ghosts that guard them.

The remains of the fortress walls are also impressive, because Riga has long been considered an impregnable fortress. The guide will tell you about how the inhabitants of Riga lived in the Middle Ages and later, what crafts they were engaged in, what they traded and how rich merchants were chic. City Hall Square and Baker Street, criminals and beauties of the past – in a word, Riga will reveal its secrets to you.

Big overview: the most interesting places in 4 hours

Long but not exhausting walk. However, at any time you can stop and wrap up in a cafe to relax and drink coffee. You will see the main historical sights of Riga, learn how the architecture of the city has changed over the centuries, get an idea of the most unusual architectural styles. You can take pictures of the remains of ancient fortresses, the Powder Tower and the “Cat's House”, the Dome Cathedral and the Town Hall Square, and much more.

The program will begin with a walk through the streets of Old Riga. In addition to the history of the city, you will learn a fun fact about which Riga monuments can grant wishes. The guide will take you to boulevards that resemble those of Vienna. Unless the locals are more charming. A story about the imperial Art Deco style and the bridge “The Eighth Wonder of the World” awaits you. You will see a gas factory that resembles a castle and learn about the fantasies of city architects. Magnificent sculptures, unusual architectural combinations – Riga will open up to you from a new side.

Delicious city walks

Riga has taste. Do you want to know him? In this special city, sitting in a cozy cafe, you can see a pop star at the next table. Or a minister passing by down the street. And in cafes and restaurants there are exhibitions, artists perform. So a gastronomic tour is not just an acquaintance with new dishes, but also a lot of impressions.

You will taste delicious local pastries, visit cafes with stunning interiors, restaurants serving only national Latvian dishes, and made from local products. You will visit eco-bazaars and the Central Market, buy the most delicious and fresh products, and have a picnic on the waterfront.

And, of course, you can get advice from a guide on where it is better to celebrate this or that event in Riga, and which local restaurants are worth visiting. After all, there are great chefs here, and not all of them are widely advertised. And the guide will also tell you what products and gastronomic souvenirs should be brought from Riga, and where it is better to buy them.

First date with the city

If you have come to this wonderful city for the first time, then it is worth starting your acquaintance with it with this excursion. After all, for 8 centuries – namely, this is the age of the city – many interesting events have happened here. The program will begin, of course, from the Riga of the Middle Ages. You will walk along the narrow and crooked streets, admire the small squares, learn the history of the “3 rulers” and how the church of St. Petra became the tallest building in the city.

For many centuries Riga was a city of merchants and artisans. So you just can't help but visit the Town Hall Square, where the main city market used to be noisy. Here is the beautiful House of the Blackheads – one of the main attractions of the city. You will stop at the Dome Square. Nicholas Roerich advised to listen to the organ of the Dome Cathedral, after which the square got its name.

Here you will hear a story about the Golden Age of Riga. Of course, it is impossible not to get acquainted with the main masterpieces of the city. You will see the Swedish Gate and the Three Brothers. Learn how to correctly make wishes. And the most unusual monuments have found their place on Livov Square. Even their names sound funny – a monument to the First Inhabitant, a monument to the Disappeared River and a monument to Irreconcilable Debates. And the walk will end in the Black Magic Bar, where you can taste the famous Riga Balsam.

Stories of Medieval Riga

Riga is a city that is old and young at the same time. You can walk along the cobbled streets and feel the breath of centuries, or you can see Riga in the 21st century. The guide will tell you how the city was founded, what area it originally occupied, what kind of life the crusader knights led. You will imagine Riga of that era when it was a fortress.

You will walk along the most famous square in the city – the Town Hall Square, and of course admire the House of the Blackheads. Ancient churches and the Riga Castle will remain not only in your memory, but will also be captured in photographs. The guide will show you where the city executioner lived and tell you in memory of whom the “Sinners' Bell” rang.

You will see wonderful cockerels crowning churches, and cats perched on the roofs of buildings. In addition to the main churches, you will see the street where the most famous films of the Soviet era were filmed: “17 Moments of Spring” and “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”. And, of course, you will make a stop to sit in a cafe, taste national dishes and wash them down with the famous Riga Balsam.

Secrets of the old city

It is difficult to talk about this excursion, because it is so … mysterious. And the guide will try to keep the secret until the last moment. Let's hint – you will have the opportunity to feel like a resident of a medieval city. When horses prancing along its streets and wagons moved creaking. Markets were noisy, merchants were calling buyers, and burghers sat in the magistrate and made laws.

You will learn the history of all city ghosts. Touch the cannons designed to strike at the evil forces of hell, look at the masks in the city temples, take pictures at the House of the Immured and Juliet's Balcony. You will hear many urban legends. About the mysterious Magpie Witch, the figurine of a toy soldier that came to life, about the prophetic dream of a local executioner, etc.

The guide's memory keeps many legends, mysteries, secrets, And the arguments of science fall silent when otherworldly forces interfere in history. Do you want to touch these secrets? The journey is waiting for you.

Journey to Vidzeme Switzerland. Sigulda and Turaida

This program is intended for those who do not mind getting out of Riga for a day and getting to know the unusually picturesque old town of Sigulda, located 50 km from the capital of Latvia. You will see the castle of the Knights of the Sword, which dates back to the 13th century, and the newer castle of the Kropotkins. Admire the bishop's castle in Turaida. You will always remember the local mountains and caves. It is no coincidence that this place is called “Vidzeme Switzerland”.

You will be able to appreciate the old wooden church, which is already several centuries old, and find out why the newlyweds bring flowers to the grave of the beautiful girl Maya. And, of course, on the way you will stop for a bite to eat and drink coffee in one of the cafes. Up to 6 people can go on a trip. The type of transport is discussed additionally – bus, minivan or car.

Riga for your own by car and on foot

Designed for both adults and children. It will be interesting for everyone. The journey will not tire you, as you will pass part of the road by car. The guide is ready to meet you at any place convenient for you – near your hotel or anywhere else in the city. At the beginning, you will see quiet streets that look almost the same as they did in the early 20th century. The buildings here are very beautiful, thanks to the rich stucco decoration.

You will also climb one of the buildings and be able to see Riga from a bird's eye view. Then you will go to another area where the Jewish ghetto was located during the Second World War. Explore the memorial and go wandering the streets of the Old City. Many of them are lined with stone, and you will hear the booming sound of your own steps. You will learn many legends that were born in the ancient city, and hear what Riga was famous for in different centuries.

Old city

A very interesting program that tourists of all ages will be happy to visit. The guide will tell you about the origins of the birth of the city. It was formed at the very beginning of the 13th century, when envoys of the Pope, crusaders and enterprising merchants arrived here on ships. In subsequent centuries, a beautiful city grew up on the banks of the river.

True, life in the Middle Ages was not easy. The guide will tell you about the cruel laws of that time, about how the townspeople tried to protect their city from the arbitrariness of the knights. You will find out what kind of power merchants had in Riga, in particular, merchants of the Brotherhood of Blackheads. Visit the courtyard of the bishop – the founder of the city, look at the houses that were previously seen only in the movies.

You probably watched the domestic series about Sherlock Holmes or another popular series – “17 Moments of Spring”. Many episodes were filmed here. The guide will tell you about what the inhabitants of Riga ate centuries ago, and will also invite you to the real Medieval. You will climb to the observation deck of the Church of St. Petra, and if you want, finish the tour with a water tram ride along the canal.

Riga is a movie star. The brightest episodes

The capital of Latvia is a real movie star. Well, where else in Soviet times could films about Europe be made, if the USSR and European countries were reliably separated by the “Iron Curtain”? So Riga had to play the role of many cities. The most famous tapes are, of course, epics about Stirlitz and Sherlock Holmes. Together with your guide, you will approach the very house in the window of which Professor Pleischner was looking for a flower pot – a prearranged signal for scouts.

And you will find out where Sherlock Holmes' apartment was located in the house on Baker Street. You will visit the places where the artists worked and hear many funny stories related to the filming. Did you know that a film about the Snow Queen and many other wonderful films were filmed in Riga? The guide will list the names of famous artists who played in them, tell anecdotes related to cinematic characters, and of course, will touch on the history of Riga in his stories.

Photo walk in Old Riga

Today, no one goes on a trip without a camera. As a last resort, he captures himself and various sights on his cell phone. But to travel around Riga accompanied by a professional photographer with an excellent camera is a completely different matter. Especially when a person knows the city inside and out. You will see the most beautiful streets and boulevards, famous temples. Stand on the Town Hall Square, touch the walls of the House of the Blackheads.

Do not disregard the Riga Castle, walk along the “Cinematic Street”. The city canal and Bastion Hill, observation platforms, panoramas of old Riga and the beautiful Daugava River – all this is for you. And in a week you will receive up to 70 photos in electronic form. Pictures will be ready for printing, and their reduced copies – for publication on the Internet.

Sigulda. Understand the history of Latvia

In small towns, like nowhere else, you can feel the spirit of the times. And Sigulda is a vivid proof of that. You will hear what kind of power the crusader knights had in these parts, and why their tyranny was finally overthrown. You will find a detailed story about the famous Livonian War. You will find out why Sigulda has become a popular resort and a well-known sports center. And the guide will tell you that the history of the city is closely connected with the name of the Russian prince Nikolai Kropotkin.

Tourists are waiting for the ascent by cable car, and then they can admire the beautiful view from a bird's eye view. You will taste the water from the source of “Eternal Youth” and visit the museum located in the bishop's castle. The Garden of Stone Sculptures also makes a great impression. The tour will end in a tavern serving national dishes. The name of the tavern is poetic: “At Ragana”. That was the name of the local beauty. The program involves a fairly long walk, so clothes and shoes should be comfortable.

Parisian Chic or Fashion in Riga

Would you like to get acquainted with all the nuances of Latvian fashion? Take a tour with a professional designer. Masters have long lived in the capital of Latvia. Including tailors. Often ideas were suggested to them by local nature – sea waves and the soft sheen of amber, dense forests and endless fields. The walk will start at the Riga Model House. In previous years, buying a stylish item created here was a real happiness for any woman. You will find out which of the pop and movie stars were dressed by Riga fashion designers.

Then you will go to the passage, where there is a hotel for designers and a unique boutique, where the collections of several fashion designers representing different styles are put up for sale at once. You will be surprised how harmoniously seemingly completely different materials can be combined – heavy coarse wool and silk, soft as skin. You can relax and share your impressions in an amazing confectionery, which serves delicious coffee with balm and fresh pastries.

Then the guide will tell you a little about the most interesting facts about the architecture of Riga – what would a city tour be without it? Then you can talk with one of the famous designers, and the walk in shoe boutiques will end. The guide will answer all your questions regarding where you can buy stylish handmade items in Riga.

Riga Fantasies on the Art Nouveau Theme

Being in Riga, you simply cannot but hear about this style – an elegant and unique modernist style, or, as it is also called, Jugendstil. There are over 700 buildings in the city bearing the imprint of Art Nouveau. You will hear the names of famous architects – local and from St. Petersburg. Walk along the famous streets, unraveling the mysteries of architecture. Find out what the “Silver Age in Riga” is. But Art Nouveau is not only houses, but also furniture and porcelain. The story of each of the masters will be exciting.

It is known that the family of the last Russian emperor preferred the Art Nouveau style to all others, and the Alexander Palace in Tsarskoye Selo was furnished in this style. The guide will tell you that there were three stages in the development of this style in Riga. You will see the “House of Adam and Eve”, “Cat's House”, a building that belonged to the merchant Bobrov. It is simply amazing how many extraordinary buildings there are in Riga. “House-sun”, “House with a dog”, “House of a Sad Tale”. You will be shown the most beautiful staircase in Riga.

Mysteries of Old Riga

There is no need to rush to see the true face of Riga. This city needs to be looked at at different times of the day. To wander along its streets, to watch how the lanterns are lit, what bizarre shapes the shadows of ancient churches take on. Sit in small cafes and inhale the aroma of coffee. Do you want to see the soul of Riga? Welcome. Together with your guide, you will pass through those places that are usually not included in the sightseeing routes.

You will find out in which house the Riga executioner lived, hear about the mistress of Riga – the Magpie Witch. The guide will tell you the story of the city's most famous ghosts: the beautiful Dorothea and the mysterious, polite old man. You will see the architectural ensemble “Three Brothers” by the light of the moon. And the guide will show you a place where you need to make wishes – and they will definitely come true. The program is designed for a small company – up to 4 people.

City passing through

Even if you are in Riga for a few hours, you can do a lot. In this case, stop on the tour “Riga in transit”. She is very comfortable. You will be picked up from the airport, driven by car, allowing you to see the main sights of the city, and then taken back, so you will not miss your flight. The duration of this short trip is about 2 hours. The guide will tell you the most interesting facts about the history of Riga. You will feel the special atmosphere of this city – it is not in vain that filmmakers are attracted here like a magnet.

You will walk along the streets that remember the Middle Ages, climb the tower of St. Peter's Church, see three old houses, which are called “Three Brothers”, take pictures near the fortress walls. You will be impressed by the narrowest street in Old Riga. The guide will tell a legend about how a merchant, not wanting to pay high duties, ordered to cut through the gates, which today are called Swedish. And you will drink coffee in the building of an old pharmacy.

At the same time, the guide will tell you about the cellar in which the Riga Balsam was invented. If there is still time before the plane departs, the guide can go with you to Jurmala and introduce you to this city as well. Please note that this tour is possible even at night.

Riga's Great Center: Art Nouveau and Wooden Architecture

Thanks to the guide, you will pay attention to what usually eludes inattentive travelers. Riga is not only beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, but also a lot of wooden houses. Actually, the capital of Latvia has the largest heritage in the field of wooden architecture, if we compare Riga with other capitals of Europe. You will find out why there are so many similar houses in the center of the old part of the city.

Most of the buildings have been restored, either people live in them, or cafes and various institutions are open. By the way, even the Olympic Committee is located in a beautiful wooden house. Of course, you will be curious to know how such buildings look from the inside. You will get the opportunity to go inside, look around and relax with a cup of tea.

If you wish, you can continue and walk to that part of the city where poor people lived before the First World War. There are a lot of old houses left here. If the journey seems long, the guide will suggest that you stop by for a bite to eat at a cafe. He will also organize a photo session and then send you a set of professional photos.

Divine Sigulda in the shadow of the cross and the sword

A real immersion in history. Maybe you or your children are fond of the Middle Ages, severe knights and beautiful ladies? You will travel to that very era. The guide will tell you the legends of “Livonian Switzerland”. You will find out what the Horse of Fate, Rosa Turaida were like, who was immured in an old church.

Imagine how knights and monks lived, what castles Livonia could be proud of, why the beautiful Turaida castle turned into ruins. You will visit the largest cave in Latvia, see the source of the Good Spirit, which gives good health and long life. You can climb the watchtower or take a ride on the “cable car”, that is, on the cable car. And you will also find the Museum of the History of the Castle, which houses many archaeological finds.

Rundāle Palace

Rundale Palace was built in the 18th century for the famous Biron, a favorite of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna. The building is made in the Baroque style. From Riga to Rundale about 80 km. The guide will take you in his car, the journey will take an hour. Along the way, you will learn a lot of interesting things not only about Biron and the Empress, but also about the Zubov brothers, Catherine the Great and Duchess Dorothea. These names are forever imprinted in history.

Then you will enjoy a tour of the magnificent palace, its stucco decorations, antique furniture, beautiful paintings by famous masters. There is also a forest park where the nobility hunted. If you find yourself in these parts in spring, you will see a real sea of tulips, and roses bloom here in summer. In a word, this is a journey into a fairy tale. In winter, it is also very beautiful here, and entrance tickets are cheaper.

Sacred Monuments of Medieval Riga

Yes, Riga also has its sacred monuments, and you will get acquainted with them. A significant number of them are associated with the influence of Christianity. You will learn how the works of art that glorified their masters were created. You will see what amazing results the geniuses of different eras achieved.

You will visit religious monuments, you will be able to see real shrines. This is the Dome Cathedral, the ancient churches that made the glory of Riga. The guide will tell you interesting facts related to them. If you wish, you can listen to a wonderful organ concert – you just need to book tickets in advance.

Baltic Riviera: car trip to Jurmala

It is impossible to get an impression of Latvia without visiting Jurmala – this “Baltic Riviera”. You can come to Riga at any time of the year, but in any case, Jurmala is worth a trip – it is always beautiful. You will see the sea, pine trees, “lace” wooden architecture, the concert hall “Dzintari”. The guide will tell you about the history of the most popular resort. You will see the dacha complex of Morberg, a magnate who lived in the 19th century. Visit the Museum of the History of the City, and if you want, the Theater of Light Painting is an amazing sight. You will walk along the elite Juras street. The guide will take you to Jurmala by car, and if the company is large, you can use the bus.

Keys to Old Riga

Figuratively speaking, during this tour you will really get these “keys” from the guide, which will allow you to solve many mysteries of the beautiful city. You will learn what symbols the city architects used. See the buildings of the Middle Ages, as well as the “Golden” and “Silver” centuries. The guide will tell you about the secrets of the Dome Cathedral, tell you how much mysterious and amazing the church of St. Peter.

You will also get acquainted with the national cuisine, and if you want, you can taste excellently prepared dishes. You will be able to take pictures near the building of the National Opera, you will see the “Cinematic Street”, where popular films were filmed. You will also admire truly fabulous houses decorated with sculptures. The guide will tell you where the “Master Key” of Riga is kept, and tell you what is better to bring home from souvenirs, and where to buy them.

Ķīpsala Island – a reserve of wooden architecture

This corner of Riga is famous for its old wooden houses. It seems that the 18th century comes to life here. Indeed, some buildings are already 300 years old. Many of them have been restored by the famous architect Zaiga Gaile. Having been here, you can fully realize how much the capital of Latvia has changed. You will walk around Kipsala, where sailors and pilots once lived with their families. But wealthy citizens sometimes preferred this place.

You will see the “Gypsum Factory”, today there is an elite residential complex. The guide will tell you about the history of Kipsala and introduce you to many interesting facts. For example, why a sculpture of a kangaroo appeared on the roof of one of the local houses. You will see the museum building of Žanis Lipke, a man who saved Jews from extermination during World War II. Admire the panorama of the Daugava River and take great photos of medieval architecture.

A few hours in Riga. From airport to city and back

You ended up in Riga passing by, you have about 3 hours of free time or a little more. Why toil at the airport if you can get to know such a wonderful city better, take a walk along its streets? The guide will put you in a car near the airport and take you to Old Riga. Believe me, during this time you can do a lot. You will walk through the streets of the old part of the city, see medieval churches and towers, look at the house where the last city executioner lived. And also to the Town Hall Square, the Swedish Gate, the stunningly beautiful House of the Blackheads, and the Church of St. Peter.

You will hear many legends – about the Magpie Witch, about black cats, ghosts and beautiful girls. The guide will tell you about the talented mayor George Armistead, who did a lot for Riga – under him, entire blocks in the Art Nouveau style, a car factory, the Central Market, a zoo and much more were built.

You will walk through the Kronvald park and get to know Art Nouveau in detail, admiring the houses on Albert Street. Many sculptures are the merit of Mikhail Eisenstein. The figures are unusually expressive and make a great impression. The guide will tell about the fate of the architect. You will also learn many interesting facts from the history of Riga – how the city was founded, how it developed, what films were shot here and much more. If you wish, you will sit in a restaurant or cafe, and then the guide will take you to the airport..

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