Riga/Centrs

Centrs is within walking distance (around a kilometer) from the Old town and the central railway station. It also has the Riga Coach Station to the west of the central railway station, with buses to domestic cities and other EU capitals like Tallinn and Vilnius.
If you don't want to walk, trams 3, 6 and 11 as well as a range of bus and trolley bus lines take you up; have a look at the public tranportation network maps.

Monuments and historic buildings near the Freedom Monument

• Freedom Monument

  address: Brivibas iela 1
  One of Latvia's national symbols. It was erected during the first independence and surprisingly never taken down by the Soviets (although laying flowers at its feet was forbidden). The statue of a woman holding three stars at the top of the monument represents Freedom embracing Latvia's regions.

• Art Nouveau BuildingsAlberta and Elizabetes streets (iela) are the best place to see the creations of Art Nouveau architect Eisenstein, famous of his splendid style. Other Art Nouveau buildings can be seen in the area around the Freedom Monument, including the embassies on Raina Bulvaris and on Strelnieku iela.

• Kobe ClockDonated by Riga's sister city Kobe in celebration of anniversary of restoration of independence.

Museums near the Freedom Monument

• Museum 'Jews in Latvia' and Jewish Community

  phone: +371 67283484
  address: Skolas 6, 3rd floor
  Small museum dedicated to Jewish life in Latvia since the 16th century. Includes information on destruction of the synagogues by the Nazis, and the Latvians that saved Jews during the Holocaust. Exhibits are in English and Latvian.

• National Museum of Art

  phone: +371 67226467
  address: 1 Janis Rozentāls Square
  Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art. Houses many works by Latvian artists.

• Former KGB Building

  phone: +37127875692
  address: 61 Brīvības iela
  The former KGB building is actually an attractive, ornate historic building at the corner of Brivibas and Stabu. It stood empty for years, but for the 2014 celebration of Riga becoming the European Capital of Culture it was revived with a number of artistic initiatives taking place there. It is now a branch of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, holding a general exhibition about the KGB activities, and guided tours of the cellar where interrogations took place.

Religious buildings near the Freedom Monument

• Riga Orthodox Cathedral

  phone: +37167211207
  address: Brīvības bulvāris 23
  The Orthodox Cathedral was erected during Russian rule for Russian residents. In contrast to its relatively plain exterior, it is spectacular on the inside, but be aware that shorts are not allowed.

• St. Gertrude Old Church

  phone: +37167275707
  address: Ģertrūdes iela 8
  The brick neogothic church of St. Getrude, despite "old" in its name, is an entirely late 19th-century creation that replaced a series of stone and wooden churches that stood there (and were repeatedly destroyed due to being outside of the city walls) since the 15th century. The unusual veracity with which the 19th-century architects interpreted the principles of Gothic architecture may make the church pass for an authentic medieval creation, both inside and out. St. Gertrude has long-standing links with Riga's German Lutheran community, and offers religious services in German. The Latvian Lutheran community which used to share the church with the German has moved to the "new" St. Getrude church further east down Brīvības Street.

Maskavas forštate (Moscow district)

Maskavas is the area along the Daugava River east of the train station. While Maskavas has a bad reputation due to its high crime rate, buildings in disrepair, and homeless vagrants, it has some of the oldest buildings in Riga. The area closest to the city center is being gentrified, although it is not recommended to hang out in parks in Maskavas after dark.

Religious buildings in Maskavas forštate

• Choral Great Synagogue

  address: At Gogola and Dzirnavu iela
  Mostly in ruins since the Germans burned it down on July 4, 1941 with 600 people locked inside. There is a memorial to 400 Latvians who saved Jews during the Holocaust.

• Russian Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

  address: Gogola iela 9

• Jesus Church

  address: 18 Elijas iela
  An unusually-designed Lutheran church.

Viewpoints in Maskavas forštate

• Latvian Academy of Sciences

  phone: +371 67225361
  address: Akademijas laukums 1
  Built in 1953, this building is often called "Stalin's Birthday Cake" because of its austere yet ornamented design. The 17th-floor balcony is open to visitors.

Museums in Maskavas forštate

• Riga Ghetto Museum

  phone: +371-67791784
  address: Maskavas iela 14a
  The museum, which encompasses a relocated historic wooden house and cobblestones from the Jewish ghetto created by Nazi Germany in occupied Riga during the Second World War, documents both the history of the ghetto and the tragic fates of Riga's Jewish population who perished in the Holocaust. It also attempts to recall Jewish community life from before the war.

Other

• Red warehousesA huge cluster of mid-19th century warehouses between the train station and Central Market. They remind of the former trade harbor.

• Esplanade ParkDesigned by Georg Kuphaldt, who was expelled by Germany in 1915 as a spy because he had a telescope in his garden.

• Koncertzāle Ave Sol

  address: Citadeles 7
  Hosts the renowned choral ensemble Ave Sol. The hall also plays host to a range of other concert activities.

• Riga Central MarketNoticeable for its huge hangars, built from parts of actual zeppelin hangars bought for the market in 1920. The market has also a large open-air area. It deals mostly in fresh food and is a good place for fresh local fruit and vegetables, like mushrooms, berries and tomatoes – especially during summer and fall. The market is quite non-touristy but very good for souvenirs. There are lots of small cafes scattered around the markets that serve up cheap local eats. Cheap clothing and accessories can be found as well. It is especially beloved by Scandinavian tourists coming via ferry for its cheap cigarettes.

• Galerija Istaba

  address: Krišjāņa Barona iela 31
  Nice local artwork can be found here. There is also a small cafe/bar on the second floor with a nice, laid-back atmosphere.

• Stockmann

  phone: +371 67071222
  address: Janvara iela 13
  The Latvian branch of the Finnish department store chain.

• Bergs Bazaar

  address: Elizabetes ielā 83/85
  The Bergs bazaar is a 19th-century courtyard passage with a number of fashion boutiques, restaurants and a farmers' and crafts market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
• Origo. A large shopping mall beside the Central Train Station. It has clothing stores, pharmacy, candy store and a supermarket with bakery and "ready to eat" sections that opens late (to midnight).

Budget

• Vermanitis

  address: Elizabetes iela 65
  A fantastic range of Latvian food in "authentic" environment.

Mid-range

• La Kanna

  phone: +371 67 286 867
  address: Terbatas Iela 5
  Modern and cozy atmosphere.

• Milda

  phone: +371 25 713 287
  address: Dzirnavu 113a-103
  Eastern European cuisine. Only 20 seats.

• Café Osiris

  phone: +37128327984
  address: Krisjanis Barona iela 31
  An artsy cafe with a cool interior, fireplace and pancakes worth killing for. While there, drop by Gallerija Istaba for another cup of coffee or beer, and make sure to check out some of the artwork sold downstairs.

• Singh's

  phone: +371 66 22 00 00
  address: Gertrudes Iela 32
  Great Indian food.

• Stargorod

  phone: +371 67 878 787
  address: Republikas square 1
  Traditional Czech and Latvian cousine, brewery, beer, tours in brewery, entertainment

• Traktir

  phone: +371 67 332 455
  address: Antonijas iela 8
  A Russian restaurant. Huge servings, great food, loads of vodkas to try out, and a Russian troubadour for entertainment. Few tourists.

Splurge

• Bergs

  address: Elizabetes iela 83/85
  The restaurant of the hotel Bergs may be just about the best that Latvia has to offer. The food can be described as a fusion of Latvian and Western European cuisine. Menus are seasonal, and the ingredients always fresh - meaning sometimes not everything on the menu is available. With impeccable food and service, it is a wonder this place has not yet received the first Michelin star of any restaurant in Latvia.

• Vincents

  phone: +371 67332634
  address: Elizabetes iela 19
  If you're splashing out try Vincents Restaurant which compares favorably to any up market western restaurant at half the price.

Cafes

• Galerija Istaba

  phone: +371 67 281 141
  address: Krišjāņa Barona iela 31a
  Literally, room. An art gallery with a small café with 5 tables. Popular for its cozy atmosphere.

• Miit Coffee

  phone: +371 28 891 351
  address: Lāčplēša iela 10
  Great coffee and vegetarian food, with gluten-free options. Try the pancake brunch on Saturday and Sunday

Bars

• French Bar

  phone: +371 67 220 353
  address: Mazā Monētu iela 8
  One of the cheapest, smallest, and oldest bars in Riga. It is popular among foreigners and local students. TV shows international sports matches.

• Leningrad

  address: Krisjana Valdemara iela 4
  Serves Latvian beers and food.

• Skyline Bar

  address: Elizabetes iela 55
  Just perfect view at sunset. Finding a table next to the windows might be difficult after 23:00. Cover charge at popular times.

• Neo Bars

  phone: +371 67 073 073
  address: Stacijas laukums 2
  Enjoy the view of Riga from the 10th floor of the Central Station clock tower. Drinks, cocktails, European and Japanese cuisine. You need to take the elevator from the Central Station ground floor to the 8th to 10th floor.

Clubs

• Amber Night @ Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija

  phone: +371 29 401 431
  address: Elizabetes iela 55
  Loaded with foreigners and women willing to meet them. 21+.

• Crystal Club

  phone: +371 20 302 030
  address: Lacplesa 52/54

• Push Club

  phone: +371 20 223 322
  address: Terbatas 2
  Mostly Russian, age: 20-30 years old, music - dance main-stream.

Budget

• Central Hostel

  phone: +371 22 322 663
  address: E. Birznieka-Upisa iela 20

• Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel

  address: Merkela 1, 3rd floor

• Elizabeth's Youth Hostel

  phone: +371 67217890
  address: Elizabetes iela 103-2
  HI Hostel.

• Mr. Hostel

  phone: +371 22137950, +371 25380650
  address: Marijas Iela, 9-11
  Friendly and laid back. Free coffee and tea. Close to the old city.

• Funky Hostel

  phone: +371 2910 5939
  address: Krisjana Barona Iela 25
  Australian & Latvian owned. 24-hour reception.

• Riga Style Hostel

  address: Alfreda Kalnina street 4 - 11
  On a top floor of a 100-year-old historic building.

• Tiger Hostel

  phone: +371 22 846 042
  address: Raiņa bulvāris 31
  The décor is extremely ugly - even for 1970s style. Free coffee and tea.

• Posh Backpackers Hostel

  phone: +371 67210917
  address: Pupolu Iela 5
  Despite the name, the hostel is not posh at all. Privates, doubles, and 6-, 8-, and 12-bed dorms.

Mid-range

• Hotel Edvards

  phone: +371 67439960
  address: Dzirnavu iela 45/47
  Opened in September 2008, cosy, family-run hotel in a renovated 19th-century building.

• Krisjanis and Gertrude Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +371 67506604
  address: Krisjana Barona iela 39
  Homely, popular with artists and musicians, city centre, en-suite rooms.

• Mercure Riga Centre

  address: Elizabetes iela 101
  Interesting postmodern decor based on the neighbourhood's Art Nouveau heritage. Additional charge for parking.

• Tallink Hotel Riga

  phone: +371 67 099 760
  address: Elizabetes iela 24
  256 rooms. Clean and modern.

• Clarion Collection Hotel Valdemars

  phone: +371 67 334 462
  address: Krišjāņa Valdemāra Iela 23

Splurge

• Hotel Bergs

  phone: +371 67 77 0900
  address: Elizabetes iela 83
  Great service, modern rooms, fitness center, and a small sauna.

• Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel

  phone: +371 67 78 5555
  address: Elizabetes iela 73
  Contemporary style.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija

  phone: +371 677 72222
  address: Elizabetes iela 55
  The largest business and conference hotel in the Baltics. With 27 floors, this hotel is noticeable on the Riga skyline.

• Radisson Blu Ridzene Hotel

  address: Reimersa iela 1
  A sombre, and slightly dated, Radisson next to the Esplanade

• Hanza Hotel

  phone: +371 67796040
  address: Elijas iela 7
  3-star hotel in Riga center.

• Westa

  phone: +371 67226232
  address: Negu iela 5
  The rooms are clean, private, safe, spacious, and have private bathrooms. Next to a market for food and clothing.