About this experience
One legend says: 'Riga will never be ready and finished'. And it's absolutely true - the Latvian capital is not afraid of changes and takes pride in ambitious plans. I will tell you why Riga is called 'Little Paris' and show you the most interesting places in the Old Town, once surrounded by fortress walls.
What to expect
Highlights of the historic center
You will walk along the narrowest street in the Old Town, meet 'The Three Brothers', the Golden Knight, and the Big Christopher, as well as admire Riga Castle from the Daugava embankment. Next, you will explore the Town Hall Square, stop by the House of the Blackheads, visit Janis's Courtyard, the Powder Tower, and the Convent Yard. Additionally, you will visit a medieval alchemists' laboratory and taste excellent coffee!
Riga through the centuries
You will see fragments of powerful city fortifications - towers, moats, fortress walls - and make a wish passing through the Swedish Gate. Climb the Bastion Hill and learn the most important facts about the city's history: about Bishop Albert and the townspeople's enmity with the Livonian Order, about Riga in Swedish and Polish times, and about the city's prosperity as part of the Russian Empire in the early 20th century.
Modern city and local recommendations
I will show you the 'Bremen Town Musicians' and other places promising success and luck to travelers. Also - streets that are particularly often filmed in movies. Moreover, you will find out why Sherlock Holmes' birthday has been celebrated in Riga for many years, and hear legends about lovers and chimney sweeps, dungeons and treasures, witches and unfaithful wives. Finally, I will talk about the gastronomic preferences of Rigans, the peculiarities of traditional Latvian cuisine, and atmospheric places where you can enjoy tasty food, local beer, or indulge in desserts.
Organizational details
- Extra expenses: entry to the Cathedral - 5 euros (tour of the cathedral and the inner courtyard with the Cross Gallery), coffee - 2-3 euros
- Optionally, we can include a 20-minute organ concert at the Cathedral in the tour: additional payment - 10 euros per person, starts at noon
