World by City

Temples & religious sites

St. James's Cathedral

Open in Maps
St. James's Cathedral

Overview

St. James's Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral located within Riga's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, standing directly opposite the Latvian Parliament. Travelers visit to view its historic Gothic architecture, distinctive copper-clad spire, and interior religious art.

Getting There

The cathedral is located in the northern section of Old Town Riga. From the city center near the Freedom Monument or Central Railway Station, it is a 10 to 15-minute walk along pedestrian streets.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend 20 to 45 minutes to tour the nave, observe the architectural details, and view the exterior facade.

When to Visit

Morning and early afternoon provide the clearest interior daylight. Peak summer months bring steady foot traffic and occasional tour groups, while spring and autumn offer quieter visits. Avoid entering during active religious services if visiting purely for sightseeing.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central Old Town location, the site is easy to combine with nearby landmarks:

  • Latvian Parliament: Directly opposite the cathedral.
  • St. Mary Magdalene's Church: 0.1 km away.
  • Riga Cathedral: 0.2 km away.
  • Our Lady of Sorrows Church: 0.2 km away.
  • St. Saviour's church, Riga: 0.2 km away.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip Official site

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near St. James's Cathedral

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

St. James's Cathedral Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Riga hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Riga 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Riga grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Riga 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Riga grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

St. Mary Magdalene's Church

Temples & religious sites

St. Mary Magdalene's Church

A Roman Catholic church located in Riga. It's a pleasant, quiet stop while wandering through the Old Town.

0.1 km away
Riga Cathedral

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.

0.2 km away
Our Lady of Sorrows Church

Temples & religious sites

Our Lady of Sorrows Church

Our Lady of Sorrows Church is a Roman Catholic church in Riga, the capital of Latvia, built in 1785. Its modest yet old-world atmosphere makes it a nice stop during a walk through the city center.

0.2 km away
St. Saviour's church, Riga

Temples & religious sites

St. Saviour's church, Riga

An Anglican church located north of Riga's Old Town, near Riga Castle and the Daugava River. It's a nice stop while strolling through the Old Town.

0.2 km away
Powder Tower

Views & landmarks

Powder Tower

An old defensive tower still standing in Riga's Old Town, built in the mid-17th century. It now forms part of the Latvian War Museum, offering a glimpse into history.

0.2 km away
Riga Castle

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.

0.2 km away