Private Tour of Riga with Driver and Guide

Overview

This private excursion in Riga combines motorised transport and a walking tour to discover the many facets of the Latvian capital. The journey begins aboard a climate-controlled vehicle, either a car or minibus depending on your needs, travelling along the central boulevards to reach the Art Nouveau district, home to one of the largest and best-preserved collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. The route continues towards the Riga Central Market. Along the way, you will pass through the canal parks, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Freedom Monument, and the Daugava River with its bridges. A stop at the Central Market allows you to appreciate the diversity of typical national dishes. The tour concludes with a walking exploration of the Old Town. Accompanied by your guide, you will visit iconic sites such as St. Peter's Church, St. James's Cathedral, Dome Square, and the Cathedral. The itinerary also includes the Town Hall Square with the House of the Blackheads and the secret of the Cat House.

Itinerary

1. Art Nouveau Riga

   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.

   · 20 min

2. Rīgas Centrāltirgus

   Riga Central Market is situated in the heart of Riga, a few hundred meters from Old Town on the banks of the River Daugava, next to Riga International Bus Terminal and Central Railway Station. It is not only one of the largest marketplaces in Eastern Europe in area, but also one of the most visited, as 80,000-100,000 people shop there per day on the average.

   · 20 min

3. House Of The Black Heads

   The Black Heads house is located in the very heart of Old Riga. Wonderful, surprising, royal.

   · 10 min

4. Freedom Monument

   The Freedom Monument has been Riga's central landmark for almost a century. This 42.7 m tall granite and copper work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation's striving for freedom and independence. The woman on top of the monument is holding up three golden stars, which represent Latvia's historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale.

   · Non-stop passage

5. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

6. National Library of Latvia

   Just a bridge span from Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava, looms an extraordinary, culturally significant edifice, the Castle of Light - the new National Library.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Latvian National Opera

   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.

   · Non-stop passage

8. Académie des sciences de Lettonie

   Latvian Academy of Sciences observation deck offers Riga guests and local residents to have a breath-taking view of Riga's Old Town and the Daugava River from the building's 17th-floor balcony at the height of 65 metres.

   · Non-stop passage

9. 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.

   · 10 min

10. St. John's Church

    St.John's Church is the oldest house of worship in Riga. Originally the Dominican monastery's chapel was located here in the 13th century. After several reconstructions, around 1500 the edifice acquired its present appearance - high Gothic pediment, span roof and a small tower.

    · 10 min

11. Livu Square

    It's hard to believe that the Square once was the site of the Riga River, which was a shipping route for transporting Latvian grain up to the 16th century. Later it was called the Rīdzene River and even Rīdziņa as it gradually became narrower. Today, along the old route of the river, pavement wears away the shoes of countless Rigans and visitors to the city, and beautiful flower-beds remind one of the past times.

    · 10 min

12. Riga Castle

    Riga Castle has stood on the right bank of the River Daugava for more than 700 years. Through the centuries, it has seen severe destruction, numerous rulers, and wars. Today it houses the residence of the President of Latvia.

    · 10 min

13. Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

    The oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga was constructed in the 15th century.

    · 10 min

14. Swedish Gate (Zviedru Varti)

    The so-called Swedish Gate is only gate that remains standing today of eight total in Riga's fortification wall.

    · 10 min

15. Powder Tower

    One of medieval Riga's fortification wall towers, originally called the Sand Tower.

    · 10 min

Pickup

Pickup included.

Riga centrally located hotel, apartment, hostel, etc.

What to know before you go

• Assistance animals are welcome.
• Special needs child seats are available.
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
• Please bring walking shoes.
• Coffee stops and detours can be arranged.
• This is a private activity reserved exclusively for your group.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is possible less than 24 hours before departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers seeking private transport with hotel pick-up
• Those interested in Art Nouveau architecture and urban history
• Groups wanting a guide speaking English or Russian

What makes it different

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
• Combination of a climate-controlled vehicle tour and a walking visit
• Transport with on-board Wi-Fi and bottled water

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 137705P5

Activity offered by Latvia Guide Tours via Viator.