One Day in Riga Old Town: Top Attractions, Restaurants & & Certified Baltic Amber
This guide answers a simple question: what to do in Riga Old Town in one day.
The route includes 11 stops, from the House of the Black Heads to the Freedom Monument. Along the way, you’ll discover traditional Latvian restaurants, certified Baltic amber, and even an authentic 17th-century cellar where Riga Black Balsam tastings take place.
Recommended — a full day in Old Riga
Walking route — approximately 4–6 hours, including stops:
- 9:30 — Town Hall Square & House of the Black Heads
- 10:00 — St. Peter’s Church & Observation Tower (allow about 1 hour)
- 11:30 — Baltic Gifts Cellar & Leisure Walk
- 12:30 — Lunch in Old Riga
- 14:00 — Three Brothers → Riga Cathedral → Cat House
- 15:30 — Riga Castle & the Daugava Riverside
- 16:00 — Freedom Monument & Bastejkalns Park
- 18:00 PM onwards — Livu Square or LIDO Café
Morning — The Main Sights
Start early — before 10:00 the streets are quiet and the light is better for photos.
House of the Blackheads
Daily: 10:00–17:00 · Rātslaukums 7
The House of the Blackheads is the true calling card of Riga and one of the most spectacular sights in Vecrīgā. Originally built in the 14th century, it was fully and precisely reconstructed at the end of the last century, regaining its historic splendour and impressive Flemish Renaissance facade. Today it is one of the most photographed buildings in the entire Baltic region.
This place is worth seeing not only from the outside. Inside, visitors are treated to a captivating journey into the past. The only part that miraculously survived from the original historic building is the authentic medieval cellars with an underground exhibition.
St Peter’s Church — Viewing Tower
Sun–Thu: 10:00–18:00 · Fri–Sat: 10:00–22:00 · €15 with lift · Reormācijas laukums 1
The lift takes visitors to a viewing platform at 72 metres, from which the Old Town becomes fully legible: the medieval street grid, the picturesque curve of the Daugava and the green parks. On Fridays and Saturdays the tower stays open until 22:00 — the night view is something special.
Near St Peter’s Church there are several shops, cafés and interesting stops worth seeing before lunch.
Leisure Walk
Swedish Gate (Zviedru vārti)
Torņa Street 11
A medieval gate built directly into a residential building. In the 17th century, city guards passed through it while patrolling Riga’s fortifications. Today, the building is still inhabited, and the gate remains open during the day. Walk through it to discover a quiet courtyard hidden on the other side.
Convent Yard (Konventa sēta)
Kalēju Street 9/11
A historic courtyard complex dating back to medieval Riga. Hidden behind the busy streets of the Old Town, Konventa Sēta features charming cobblestone passages, restored historic buildings, and a peaceful atmosphere that offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
A personal recommendation from the Baltic Gifts team, who created this guide.
— The Baltic Gifts team
Tasting Experience in a 17th-Century Cellar | Taste of Latvia |
Amber & Gifts
Our store is located at Kungu Street 7/9 in the heart of Old Riga. Here you can browse certified Baltic amber jewelry, locally crafted souvenirs, and visit an authentic 17th-century cellar where Riga Black Balsam tastings take place.
For visitors who would like to discover traditional Latvian flavors, learn more about one of Latvia’s most iconic drinks, and find artisans gifts to take home.
No reservation required. Whether you would like to join a tasting or simply browse our selection of souvenirs and amber, feel free to stop by at any time. The store and historic cellar are open to all visitors without prior booking..
Baltic Gifts
Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (directly opposite St. Peter’s Church)
Learn more about the tasting →
Lunch — The Best Restaurants in the Old Town
Several restaurants with Latvian cuisine and strong ratings are located near the route, all within walking distance of Kungu Street.
Pētergailis Restaurant ★ 4.7
Daily 12:00–24:00 · Skārņu iela 25 · +371 67 212 888
This charming spot in the heart of Vecrīgā is named after the historic cockerel atop St Peter’s Church. The restaurant offers a modern take on Latvian cuisine in a small, warm and exceptionally welcoming atmosphere. The room is almost always full — with good reason: their duck breast and slow-cooked beef cheeks are a genuine culinary masterpiece. To guarantee your table, a reservation in advance is recommended.
LĀSĪTE — Medieval Restaurant ★ 4.6
Daily 12:00–23:15 · Pils iela 13 (entrance from Aklās iela) · +371 29 271 274
A medieval restaurant in an ancient cellar near Riga Castle, celebrated for its unique atmosphere and historic interior. The place is famously known for two things: very generous, large portions and the legendary garlic rye bread that has become a local institution and a true culinary achievement. An excellent stop in Vecrīgā for a hearty meal and a taste of medieval ambience.
Afternoon — A Walk Through the Old Town
From the restaurants the route can continue in several directions — depending on remaining time.
Three Brothers
Opening hours: see website · Mazā Pils iela 17–21
A residential architectural ensemble in Riga comprising three historic buildings. Here in one place you can clearly see how urban construction traditions evolved over the centuries, from Gothic to Baroque. Today the complex houses the Latvian Museum of Architecture, and admission is free. An excellent spot for a quick immersion in history and beautiful photographs in Vecrīgā.
Riga Cathedral (Dome)
Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00 · Sun 14:00–16:00 · Herdera laukums
The largest medieval church in the Baltic states, founded in 1211. The organ is one of the largest in Northern Europe. If there is a concert on — a ticket is well worth it. The acoustics in this space are remarkable.
Cat House
Outside — open 24 hours · Meistaru iela 10/12
An Art Nouveau building from 1909 with two metal cats on the corner towers. Behind the positioning of the cats lies the story of a merchant’s dispute with the city council. Look up.
Riga Castle
Opening hours: see website · Pils laukums 3
The official residence of the President of Latvia on the Daugava riverbank. The recently restored interior rooms are open to visitors. The view of the river from the upper floors is worth the visit.
Freedom Monument
Open 24 hours · Brīvības bulvāris / Raiņa bulvāris junction
A 42-metre granite and copper monument erected in 1935, which has become the principal symbol of Latvian freedom and independence. In the warm season (May to November) the ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place daily from 10:00 to 16:00, every hour on the hour. This spot makes an ideal and logical final point to conclude your day’s walk as you leave the picturesque lanes of the Old Town and step onto the city’s central boulevards.
Evening — Where to Go After Sunset
If energy and inclination remain — there are a couple of places in the Old Town that work well in the evening.
Līvu Square Restaurants & Summer Terraces
Daily · Kaļķu iela / Līvu laukums
Līvu Square is one of the liveliest and most colourful spots in the heart of Vecrīgā. In the warm season a number of summer terraces and restaurants open here, with live music and an energetic, celebratory atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a good meal, refreshing drinks and watch the unhurried rhythm of the city. Everyone will find something to their taste — from hearty traditional dishes to refined European cuisine.
LIDO Alus Sēta Restaurant ★ 4.4
Daily 11:00–22:00 (Fri–Sat until 23:00) · Tirgoņu iela 6
If you want to taste traditional Latvian cuisine in a homely atmosphere, the LIDO Alus Sēta in the heart of Vecrīgā is an ideal choice. Here, in an informal and rustic wooden interior, a wide selection of local dishes awaits in the finest home-recipe tradition: the famous fried potatoes, juicy grilled meats, hearty salads and, of course, freshly brewed draught beer. A great place to eat quickly, deliciously and at very friendly prices right in the centre of Riga.
Evening tip: St Peter’s Church tower is open until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The night view over the city is worth a separate ascent.
Riga Old Town is small enough to cross in twenty minutes,
But it is deep enough to make a single day feel too short.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This guide was created by the Baltic Gifts team based in Riga Old Town.
