Riga is more than 800 years old and with a blend of a medieval centre and a modern city. Mixed together so perfectly that it fits every taste and with an enchanting and irresistible charm of old times. And Riga is also a venue for cultural events in an international perspective – which is shown by the fact that it was the cultural epicentre of Europe in 2014. During 2014, as European Capital of Culture, hundreds of special events took place – culture in the very broadest sense.
365 days every year Riga offers both cultural as well as culinary highlights.
In order to create Riga as a place where one can enjoy living, working and relaxing, foreign experience offers a lot of help. Cooperation management and adoption of other cities’ experience is being organized and coordinated by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Riga City Council. In accordance with regulations, the main task of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Riga City Council is to organize, coordinate and ensure the cooperation of Riga municipality with foreign municipalities and organizations, as well as to develop and coordinate partnership with other foreign international institutions by taking part in the development of international projects and programmes which are in the fields of competence of the Riga municipality.
The goal of these activities is to foster the adoption of the best foreign practice and experience in the field of city management, foreign investments attraction, tourism development and business promotion, increasing the efficiency of the Riga City Municipality and its institutions and ensuring the sustainable development of Riga.
TOP Sights
Everyone visiting Riga for the first time should start by visiting the city’s main landmarks. It is best to start getting to know the city’s more than 800-year history with a walk through the Old Town and continue in the so-called quiet center district of Riga, enjoying the magnificent Art Nouveau architecture. Culture and art lovers should definitely plan a visit to the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. For those who enjoy the city through food, the list of places to visit should definitely include the Riga Central Market and Kalnciems Quarter Market. The more contemporary side of Riga is best enjoyed at the most important building constructed this century – the National Library of Latvia.
The Old Town
The Old Town is the oldest section of Riga as well as the center of the city. It is the city’s most popular area with tourists. In 1997, Riga’s historic center was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Tourist guides in many cities are forced to explain that, “once, in this spot, there was a market!” In Riga we can proudly scratch the “was” and say “is”! A huge one, downtown, on the banks of the Daugava.
Latvian National Museum of Art
Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art. Reopened in May 2016, the building itself has been upgraded, modernized but its majestic beauty from a long-gone era – preserved. –>
House of the Blackheads
The House of the Blackheads is located in the very heart of Old Riga. Wonderful, surprising, royal – the house deserves to be complimented and is a must-see for each and every visitor to the city.
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau, the distinct style in art of end-19th century and early-20th, was the “father” of modern architecture. Riga is a well-known Art Nouveau mecca.
Riga Dome Cathedral
The foundation stone of Riga Dome Cathedral was laid on July 25, 1211. The last large-scale restoration took place in the late 19th century when the cathedral acquired its present appearance. Today, Riga Dome Cathedral holds services and provide for rich cultural life — various concerts of popular artists take place here.
St. Peter’s Church
Riga’s St.Peter’s Church dominates the cityscape as the tallest spire, and as one of the oldest and most valuable monumental architecture edifices in the Baltic States from the Middle Ages. St.Peter’s is the tallest of the Riga churches, a significant landmark, and a prime example of the 13th century Gothic style.
Latvian National Opera and Ballet
Riga’s White House — the Latvian National Opera and Ballet on Aspazijas bulvāris was opened in 1923; an average of six new productions are presented each year, retaining balance between opera and ballet. In total, the opera sees over 200 performances and several symphonic and chamber music concerts a season.
Kalnciema Quarter
A unique 19th century’s complex of wooden buildings is now renovated in Pārdaugava. A group of friends and associates are actively involved in a project of preserving the historic atmosphere of the quarter and adapting it to the dynamics of the 21st century. Buildings invite you to enjoy Latvian and European design, fairs, art exhibitions and workshops at court-yards. The quarter’s special feature is old LADA cars to take you into the past.