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Riga Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Riga Museums & exhibitions

Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

1. Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

Wander through centuries in House of the Black Heads! Feel the magic atmosphere of luxurious halls of celebrations, decorated with brilliant chandeliers and a gallery of royal portraits. Explore the mysterious medieval cellars and elaborate historical rooms with a surprising silverware collection. For the past 700 hundred years, the House of the Black Heads has pleased and enraptured inhabitants and guests of Riga. This is one of the most magnificent buildings in Riga, preserving both the unique historic heritage of the legendary Brotherhood of Black Heads and the history of Riga. For centuries House of the Black Heads was the cultural epicenter of Riga, gathering the most respectable inhabitants of Riga and their guests, during celebrations organized by the Black Heads and their successors. This building, which is situated in the heart of Old Riga, is the symbol of Riga and among the central premises of representation of Riga – not for nothing also the President of Latvia has chosen House of the Black Heads as his temporary residence for almost four years!

Sigulda Day Tour - Castle Ruins, Gūtmaņala Grotto, & More

2. Sigulda Day Tour - Castle Ruins, Gūtmaņala Grotto, & More

There is so much to see and do in Sigulda that sometimes it is difficult to fit it all in. This comprehensive tour led by a professional guide, is designed to show you around the historic highlights of the city in just a day. Ride the aerial cableway in Sigulda. Opened in 1969, this is the only one of its kind in the Baltic States. The cableway was built in cooperation between Sigulda and Chiatura, a city in Georgia, and offers spectacular views over the city. Explore the Sigulda castle ruins and the new castle. The Order of the Brothers of the Sword began building Sigulda castle in 1207. During the Great Northern War, the castle was destroyed never to be restored again. However the convent building with its famous gothic window plus the main gate tower still stand, and offer an insight into a bygone age. Delve deep into the Gūtmaņala grotto. This is the most popular and vast cave in Latvia. It was formed in the course of 10,000 years by water gradually eroding sandstone, and is a protected geological site. The cave is the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. Marvel at the ancient inscriptions lining the walls. A trip to the Turaida Museum Reserve should not be missed. The 42 hectares of the reserve feature archaeological, architectural, historical, and art monuments, dating back from the 11th century.

From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour

3. From Riga: Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle Tour

Take a full-day tour of the beautiful green area of Northern Latvia. Explore Cēsis (the ancient city of Livonia and Brothers of the Sword base) and the picturesque town of Sigulda. Enjoy a day of rich history with medieval monuments, as well as spectacular natural scenery. Trip Itinerary: Medieval castle ruins of Cēsis You experience the castle in a way the people did centuries ago — your guides will light up a candle in the lantern and you will be on our way. You will explore the dark stairs, medieval corridors, and rooms with the help of candlelight as there is no electricity in this 13th century castle. This complex of castle buildings, preserved for centuries, is regarded as a landmark of monumental architecture, which reflects artistic styles from the Livonian period. Cēsis St. John’s Church St. John’s Church is one of the oldest medieval architectural monuments in Latvia. The church was built in the beginning of the 13th century when Cēsis became one of the most important German power centers in the Baltics, from 1237 up to 1561. Medieval castle ruins of Sigulda The Order of the Brothers of the Sword began building Sigulda castle in 1207. Initially, it was a castellum-type fort. Following the defeat of the Brothers of the Sword in 1236, the Livonian Order modified it. Goodman's cave The Gūtmaņala (Goodman's Cave) grotto is the most popular and biggest cave in Latvia. It was formed over the course of 10,000 years by water gradually eroding sandstone. The grotto is a protected geological site and the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. Museum reserve and medieval castle of Turaida Turaida Museum Reserve is a beautiful heritage site and former village that was named "garden of the gods" by the locals. Turaida is a wonderful place to get to know the Latvian way of life, culture, history, and spirit. The 42 hectares of grounds are replete with archaeological, architectural, historical and art monuments, all of which provide an account of the events from the eleventh century onwards.

From Riga: Day Trip to Sigulda and Cesis with Hotel Pickup

4. From Riga: Day Trip to Sigulda and Cesis with Hotel Pickup

Your guide and driver will meet you in Riga and take you to Sigulda, which is around 35 minutes drive. Sigulda is a town, located in the picturesque Gauja valley and called "the Switzerland of Latvia". Firstly you will have a walk through Sigulda, later will visit the Gutman's cave and Turaida reservoir (entrance). Continue to Cesis - the medieval town, which cobbled streets have remained the same as during the Middle ages, preserving the medieval buildings with red tiled roofs, enclosed backyards and facades. Back to Riga in the late afternoon. At the extra cost and availability you can try the bobsleigh ride in Sigulda, as they have one of the biggest bobsleigh tracks in Eastern Europe.

Full Day in Jurmala and Kemeri National Park

5. Full Day in Jurmala and Kemeri National Park

Set out to Jurmala and explore the only official resort town in all of Latvia. Spend time swimming at Majori beach, walk the old streets, and browse the Open Air Museum. Take a stroll in Ragakapa Nature Park before heading to Kemeri National Park. Depart from Riga and find yourself in Jurmala, a resort known for its natural curative mud, mineral waters, and pine forests. Relax first at Majori beach, a 25 kilometer white-sand beach perfect for undisturbed sunbathing and swimming. Walk down Jomas street, one of the oldest streets in all of Jurmala. Discover the heritage site of historical wooden architecture, with over 100 monuments of national significance. Enter into the Jurmala Open Air Museum and find the fisherman's court. With over 2,000 exhibits, learn about the work and life of Latvian fishermen in the 19th and 20th century. Try your hand at rope-making and net-matching with a workshop and admire the exhibition of anchors, fishing boats, and wooden motor vessels. Afterward, take a walk in Ragakapa Nature park, a natural dune formed just from the wind. Arrive at Kemeri National Park and walk the swamp trails of this raised bog. Try and spot the carnivorous plant, Sundew, with its long tentacles and glistening drops designed to trap its prey. Spot many birds such as the wood sandpiper or a white wagtail. Discover what makes this bog different, with sulphurous mineral waters that form underneath the surface and burst out of many open springs around the area. Choose to walk the short or long boardwalk and relax in a natural experience.

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What people are saying about Riga

Amazing Building. Amazing Rooms. Well worth the Visit. Excellent Value. A look back in time to Latvia's History. Latvians are very proud of this. Staff very helpful. Most things are explained in English with wall Poster Information. No Linguistic Equipment but can still enjoy finding out what you would like to know. Maybe equipment could be provided for future. Would recommend a visit to anyone. You can go around on your own/couple or group. Again, an enjoyable time in history, not to be missed.

Great tour to medieval castles. Marija was professional and informative. We enjoyed the beautiful ride into the country side to reach the small villages and medieval ruins. This is a perfect tour to learn history and get out of the city to see more of rural Latvia. Highly recommended!

Had an enjoyable, informative and engaging tour of Sigulda, Turaida and Cesis. Our guide was very knowledgeable on the history of the towns and castles, and readily answered our many questions. A great day out!

It was a small but extraordinary city tour. The guide (name with H) spoke German very well. She was considerate of the slower ones and provided rain protection. A big thank you!

The House of the Black Heads is a place worth seeing, especially for those who are even slightly interested in history.