Riga has a charming old town that's great for walking. Nearby towns like Cēsis and Sigulda make for relaxed day trips.
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Riga
Riga is the capital of Latvia, situated along both the Baltic Sea and the Daugava River. As the largest city in the Baltic states, it's known for a landscape of flatlands and sand dunes.
44 sights 9 guides Riga International Airport (RIX)
Cēsis
Cēsis is a small Latvian town whose charm lies in its cozy old town centered around Cēsis Castle. Strolling along its lakes and riverbanks makes for a peaceful escape.
14 sights 9 guides Riga International Airport (RIX)
Sigulda
Sigulda is a town in Latvia's Vidzeme region, set along the Gauja River not far from Riga. Visitors can explore both the ruins of a castle built by an old order of knights and Gūtmanis Cave, the largest in Latvia.
10 sights 9 guides Riga International Airport (RIX)
Top sights in Latvia
Temples & religious sites
Riga Cathedral
Riga Cathedral is an Evangelical Lutheran cathedral regarded as one of Riga's leading landmarks. Its grand exterior and interior let visitors take in a sense of the city's history.
Heritage & monuments
Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument is a 42-meter memorial in Riga, erected in 1935 to honor those who died in Latvia's War of Independence. It symbolizes Latvian freedom and independence and holds special meaning for locals.
Castles & palaces
Riga Castle
Riga Castle is a castle in Riga where you can admire one of the city's iconic historic buildings. It's a great addition to any tour of downtown Riga.
Temples & religious sites
St. James's Cathedral
St. James's Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Riga, located within the UNESCO World Heritage historic center. It stands opposite the Latvian Parliament, making the two easy to visit together.
Nature
Gutmanis Cave
This cave sits on the banks of the Gauja River within Gauja National Park near Sigulda, Latvia. It's the largest and tallest cave in the Baltics, known for its 17th-century wall inscriptions and the legend of the Rose of Turaida.
Museums & galleries
Riga Motor Museum
The largest antique car museum in the Baltic states, located in Riga, Latvia. Its collection of classic cars and motorcycles offers a great look at the history of the automobile.
Temples & religious sites
Nativity Cathedral, Riga
The Nativity of Christ Cathedral is a cathedral in Riga, Latvia, built between 1876 and 1883 in Neo-Byzantine style. Constructed while Latvia was part of the Russian Empire, it also draws attention for its elaborate decoration.
Shopping & districts
Riga Central Market
Riga Central Market is one of Europe's largest markets, housed in five pavilions built from repurposed German Zeppelin hangars. Along with the Old Town, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a great place to take in both architecture and market life.
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