Rīga: Hotels between the UNESCO Old Town and Art Nouveau

Rīga combines historic cityscapes, Latvian art, market life and routes along the water. The city is particularly striking in its historic centre: it preserves evidence of European influence on the historical development of Rīga and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

History and Cityscape

Rīga’s Old Town began to develop in the early 13th century around a trading port that was connected to important Hanseatic trading cities. In the Art Nouveau district, elaborately decorated façades from the early 20th century line entire streets. Rīga’s Art Nouveau architecture is concentrated in the so-called Quiet Centre, about a ten-minute walk from the Old Town.

Art, Museums and the Stage

The building of the Latvian National Museum of Art was designed between 1903 and 1905 specifically to house art. The permanent exhibition includes Latvian art from the 19th and 20th centuries; the museum also houses the largest collection of works of art created in Latvia.

The Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation was founded in 1773 and is located in the historic ensemble of Riga Dome Cathedral. Its exhibits include a 13th-century ship known as the “Riga ship”.

The opera is also connected to the city’s history: the Latvian National Opera and Ballet has been operating on Aspazijas Boulevard since 1923 and presents more than 200 performances in total during a season.

Market and Routes through the City

Riga Central Market is located in former Zeppelin hangars that were converted into market pavilions. The five pavilions offer Latvian specialities such as smoked fish and rye bread. The Riga Central Market area is an integral part of Rīga’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bus no. 22 takes about 40 minutes from Rīga Airport to the city centre. The main forms of public transport in Rīga are trams, trolleybuses and buses. From Riga Central Station, the Old Town can be reached on foot in about five minutes.

Green Spaces, Water and Exercise

Riga Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Baltics. In Bastejkalns Park, narrow paths lead through a rock garden to a cascade and views over the city. The Daugava Promenade on the right bank of the Daugava stretches from the Old Town to the Ķengarags district of Rīga.

Riga by Canal offers boat trips along the City Canal and on the Daugava. There are several options for renting SUP boards, rowing boats or kayaks in Rīga. For a route through the urban landscape and nature, a seven-kilometre cycle path connects Rīga city centre with Mežaparks and leads through a lush pine forest.

Seasons

In winter, Uzvaras Park is transformed into a cross-country ski trail. The planting also provides seasonal highlights: azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons, roses, peonies and dahlias are displayed in Rīga. Azaleas bloom from February to April, magnolias in spring, rhododendrons at the beginning of summer, roses and peonies in midsummer, and dahlias in autumn.

More Destinations

Find more destinations at Baldone, Mārupe, Riga, Bauskas Novads, Tērvetes Novads and Aknīstes Novads.

To the higher-level travel overview: Latvia.

More about the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Latvia: Riga, Coast and Nature, Riga Attractions: Old Town, Art Nouveau and Travel Tips.