Today, I got lost in the labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets of Old Town Riga, Latvia. Luckily, I had a guide to lead the way when I got turned around. I can imagine, as a tourist without a local guide, it could be a bit frustrating visiting the town. With so many sightseeing opportunities and so many activities, it would be really difficult to choose only a few. After spending the entire day exploring the best that Old Town has to offer, I’ve chosen my top five tourist sights. Maybe you have additions to the list, but it’s a great starting point.
The House of Blackheads
The House of Blackheads was built in 14th century and belonged to the Guild of Unmarried Merchants. At the time, it was the richest and most prestigious venue in the city. It
was severely damaged and pillaged during WWII, but was rebuilt again in 1999 as an exact copy of the original with a magnificent Dutch Renaissance facade and amazing ceiling paintings inside.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is one of the oldest and most valuable monuments of medieval architecture in the Baltic States. First mentioned in ancient chronicles in 1209, St. Peter’s was a Catholic church until 1523, when it turned Lutheran. Its wooden tower, the highest in Europe at that time, was destroyed several times. It first collapsed in 1666 and was rebuilt a year later. Artillery fire destroyed the structure again in 1941. In 1973, it was finally rebuilt. The observation platform at St. Peter’s Church provides the most spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Central Market
Central Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe with five food pavilions located inside vast converted Zeppellin hangars. In stalls around and between them, everything from clothes to beer is sold. It’s always bustling and a great place to observe local people, try local produce, and find some bargains.
Musicians of Bremen Statue
The Musicians of Bremen Statue is strategically placed between three major churches in Riga: Saint Peter’s, Saint John’s, and Saint George’s churches. The German city of Bremen is twinned to Riga and the statue is a 1990 gift from the German town. It is a bronze statue with the figures of four animals from the Musicians of Bremen’s story: the donkey, the dog, the cat, and the rooster. This statue is the exact replica of the statue in the city hall of Bremen.
Black Magic Bar
Riga Black balsam is the famous national brand name. The dark and astringent liqueur made of 24 herbs remains unchanged for 250 years. The only venue in Riga where the greatest recipe, combined with magical souvenirs and chocolate products, can be found is Black Magic Bar.
Bucket List Publications 
The architecture is so interesting.
Glad you had a local guide. I’d panic if I got lost in a strange place. 😉
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I love getting lost… in the day time. It’s the best way to explore and interact with locals. 🙂
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Indeed. In the daytime. You are a wonderful advenuturess. 🙂
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Nothing better than getting ‘lost’ and at the same time ‘finding’ a sense of place.
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Love it, and totally agree. That feeling of not knowing what you’re going to find next is amazing. 🙂
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That first photo almost looks like a painting. Beautiful.
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I used an Instagram filter, but it looked even more beautiful in person 🙂 I can’t do it justice. The beauty here is impressive.
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Did you cross the canal and get to see the rest of the city? It’s well worth it!
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I’m staying on the other side of the canal but I didn’t get to explore much yet. Old Town was my first day; hopefully today 🙂
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So glad you are Riga. Your photos remind me of my time there. Met wonderful people also. If time, Lithuania and Estonia have beautiful historic old town areas also. Enjoy!!
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I won’t be able to make it to Lithuania and Estonia on this trip but I’m excited to come back, It is more beautiful than I could have imagined. Which was your favorite?
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Beautiful- what a wonderful opportunity!
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Every time I get to experience a new country or culture, I remind myself how blessed I am to be having the experience. Then, I make the most of every second. I love being here and see so many new things. It’s amazing!
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Thank you for sharing..Black Magic Bar looks interesting and magical..I can hear the Gipsy violins playing..
Free Outer Space Greeting Cards http://www.spacenoodles.com
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It was pretty unique and exceptionally beautiful. I’d love to go back in the evening. I bet they can throw a great party. 🙂
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My bucket list started early in life when I quit Hi school in the tenth grade, joined the Navy and saw the world with a highlight of having a private audience with Pope Pius 12 when the ship was in Europe.
Don’t know how to send attachment or would send picture with Pope.
Second item in bucket list was getting master’s degree in math from Stanford..did so in 1963 MS math Stanford.
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This is cool I’ve been there too 🙂
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When did you visit? Did you explore other countries in the area as well? I’m in love with Latvia. It’s even more beautiful than I imagined.
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Yes I like the medieval looks of old towns. I have been to Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Poland. I haven’t been to Lithuania yet. I come from Stockholm you see. City Krakow in Poland. you might like as well.
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The sand dunes in Lithuania are pretty awesome!
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What an unique place! I could get “lost” photographing there. Nice shots! Enjoy!
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Awesome place. I love the ancient buildings, even though they had to be rebuilt, just magnificent!
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Every one is so different; it’s like visiting five countries at the same time. I love it here.
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Adore ~ especially the Black Magic Bar. Anything of earth and stone so appeals. Cosy, comforting, old … like the walls will whisper to us after a few liqueurs.
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I’m thinking about going back this evening to check out the evening crowd. I bet it will be fun. 🙂 It’s only a short walk from my hotel too.
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Do it ~ be safe, ( bring an umbrella to walk with ) and enjoy. Indulge in something delicious. It reminded me a little of Ireland but also of everything mystical and olde worlde. Please take plenty of photos !
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I love Riga, one of my favourite towns in Europe 🙂 Beautiful photos!
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Great photos, as an Estonian I am admittedly biased but I would highly recommend to visit it as well, places like Parnu pier, Tallinn old town, Narva castle (by the Russian border), Haapsalu, Rakvere etc
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Estonia is on my list just not during this trip. I’m doing Austria after Latvia and another country would be too much time away. Have you been able to travel lots living in Estonia?
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Since Estonia is so small I have seen quite a bit of the mainland but maybe you know the problem: you go abroad and you explore every corner but at home you think “I still have time” and end up seeing less of it. Only been to one of the islands for example and there are crazy many.
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Wow Lesley, thank you for the tour of Latvia, My husband’s parents were born in Riga. We are planning to go there one day. I am looking forward to going to the Black Magic Bar, and drinking some Riga Black Balsam! Thank you for sharing some lovely images of my families history. :~) As always I love your writing! :~)
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I truly hope you make it here. My photos can’t do it’s immeasurable beauty justice.
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How lovely!
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Wow, this is so cool! Thanks for capturing this so well and giving us another idea for travel that’s off the beaten path. We’re gearing up for Nicaragua in the fall – have you been? 🙂 Travel on, my friend. Love seeing your adventures!
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I enjoyed Nicaragua and Coast Rica during a two week trip. I loved both with a little favoritism toward Costa Rica.
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Nice! Steven has been to Costa Rica and wants to go back whenever we can… I think Nicaragua will be an amazing experience.
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I never thought about visiting Latvia, but now it’s on my list! Thanks for sharing!!!
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It is a true gem! I’d highly recommend it.
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I agree with you Les…. Getting lost is another way of saying ‘going exploring’ !!! So adventurous you are sweets….
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What an amazing adventure!
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When I think of traveling, I definitely get excited, but also SCARED! I worry about not being able to learn other languages, for one thing. Would need a guide for sure, and glad you had one. 🙂
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Thanks for these amazing posts about my lovely hometown Riga. I have been traveling and living abroad and it is still one of the most charming cities for me.. I should blog about it more 🙂
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Keep traveling. I take every trip with you.
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oh my. the cheese pic had me salivating. i can only imagine what other local goodies one may find in that central market. black magic bar seems to be also a spot to visit, even if only to try out the herbal liquor.
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Next time you’re in Riga you should try this amazing Saturday market over in Kalnciema kvartals http://www.kalnciemaiela.lv/
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Excellent photography…I’ve never been to Riga but the architecture is certainly inspiring…very informative words too, just hope to get the chance to see the sights and try a drink in the Black Magic Bar one day!
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I’ve added Riga to MY bucket list after seeing your photos. What a great place.
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