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BALTTOUR 2025

Nākamā starptautiskā tūrisma izstāde-gadatirgus “Balttour” notiks 2025. gadā no 7. līdz 9. februārim Starptautiskajā izstāžu centrā Ķīpsalā.

Uz tikšanos “Balttour 2025”!

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Inspiring traveller’s stories and destination plans – anniversary trade show Balttour 2024 successfully over!

The whole world in the palm of your hand at the Balttour 2024!

Come to Balttour 2024 and add new destinations to your travel map!

“Eglės sanatorija” offers a SPA vacation fit for everyone!

„Rūta“ chocolate museum - a great attraction for those who seek a sweet and delightful experience!

Exciting traveller’s stories and inspirational speakers at Balttour 2024!

Electric Amphibious RVs for the most sustainable & unique outdoor experiences

Ventspils Science Centre "VIZIUM" will Surprise with Exciting and Educational Activities

Discover new travel opportunities with Balttour 2024 tourism trade fair!

Learn ore about "Pakrojas muižas" tourism news

Big discounts for trips – AirGuru.lv

“UPA Medical SPA” offers relaxing and therapeutic SPA treatements in Druskininkai

"Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA" will delight exhibition visitors with specially prepared offers and attractive discounts

“FlixBus” - the largest bus network, environmentally friendly & affordable.

Places where others do not know - "4x4 Centrs" invites you to enjoy tourism routes and trips in Latvia, as well as outside it!

Unique tourist destination for the whole Europe

Unique Self-service Stations Revolutionizing the Lifestyle Landscape - Unlock Your Adventure with "EQUIP!"

A great opportunity to buy your dream trip at the best price - right during the exhibition, at the "Nikos Travel" stand!

Get to know the diverse offer of "Aza Tours".

Comfortable and affordable travel with the "Luminor Black" card

Surprise yourself! Choose “Orbi Hotels” various apartments!

Discover Aizkraukle Region!

Catch discounts and take part in gastro – adventures with “AL SVETS”

Planning a trip? Make plans for the Balttour 2024 anniversary in February, too!

Rediscover Latgale

 Forever Living Products. The Aloe Vera Company!

Get to know the tourism and recreation offers of Smiltenes region!

The joy of reunions and planned trips – Balttour 2023 has successfully concluded

Par izstādi.

Starptautiskā tūrisma izstāde-gadatirgus “Balttour” ir nozīmīgākais tūrisma notikums Baltijā, kas ceļotājiem palīdz izvēlēties galamērķus un saplānot ceļojumus, bet tūrisma nozares profesionāļiem iegūt jaunus kontaktus un veidot sadarbības.

“Balttour 2024” notiks no 2. līdz 4. februārim.

Ceļot var dažādi! Gūsti jaunu pieredzi arī Tu!

• Jauni ceļojumu veidi un iespējas
• Latvijas bagātības
• Baltijas tūrisma pērles
• Citi galamērķi un nebijušas sajūtas
• Izdevīgi piedāvājumi
• Labākie auto ceļojumi

Atkalsatikšanās prieks un saplānoti ceļojumi – veiksmīgi noslēgusies izstāde “Balttour 2023”

5. februārī Ķīpsalā noslēdzās ilgi gaidītā 28. starptautiskā tūrisma izstāde-gadatirgus “Balttour 2023”, kas pēc trīs gadu pārtraukuma guva lielu ceļotāju interesi! Apmeklētāji ar patiesu aizrautību iepazina Latvijas tūrisma objektus, maršrutus un aktīvās atpūtas iespējas, izdevīgi iegādājās ārzemju ceļojumus, kā arī baudīja gastronomiskus labumus un aizraujošas aktivitātes. Gaisā virmoja satikšanās prieks!

“Balttour 2023” kopā pulcēja 293 uzņēmumus un to pārstāvjus no 33 valstīm – Latvijas, Lietuvas, Igaunijas, Armēnijas, Beļģijas, Čehijas, Dānijas, Ēģiptes, Gruzijas, Indonēzijas, Itālijas, Japānas, Kipras, Korejas Republikas, Kostarikas, Marokas, Melnkalnes, Nīderlandes, Norvēģijas, Polijas, Portugāles, Rumānijas, Serbijas, Slovākijas, Somijas, Spānijas, Taizemes, Turcijas, Ukrainas, Ungārijas, Uzbekistānas, Vācijas un Zviedrijas.

Trīs dienās izstāde demonstrēja stabilu patērētāju interesi par nozares piedāvājumu – lai gan izstāde notika vienā hallē, tā pulcēja 22 865 apmeklētājus , tostarp 4000 profesionāļu .

“Esam ļoti gandarīti par “Balttour 2023” izdošanos un Latvijas tūrisma nozarei tik svarīgā pasākuma atgriešanos. “Balttour” parādīja, ka izstādes formāts ir pieprasīts gan tūrisma pakalpojumu sniedzējiem, gan tūristiem. Izvirzītos mērķus esam sasnieguši ar uzviju – veiksmīgi īstenojām mērķtiecīgas aktivitātes nozares profesionāļiem, veicinājām biznesa kontaktu veidošanu, informējām par tūrisma nozares aktualitātēm un piedāvājumiem. Aktualizējām arī drošu un atbildīgu ceļošanu. Pozitīvās atsauksmes iedrošina turpināt izstādi pilnveidot ar papildu aktivitātēm un vērtīgu biznesa saturu. Skaidri redzam attīstības iespējas, sadarbojoties ar tūrisma nozarē iesaistītajiem gan privātā, gan publiskā sektorā. Veidosim Latviju kā Baltijas tūrisma nozares centru!” pauž Latvijas Tūrisma aģentu un operatoru asociācijas (ALTA) prezidents Ēriks Lingebērziņš .

Lasīt vairāk

Izstādi organizē Latvijas Tūrisma aģentu un operatoru asociācija (ALTA) un norisi nodrošina Starptautisko izstāžu rīkotājsabiedrība “BT 1”

“Balttour 2019” vizītkarte

Ekspozīcija

“Atklāj Baltiju!”

Bagātīgs ārzemju ceļojumu piedāvājums:

• Labi ieteikumi Latvijas, Igaunijas, Lietuvas apceļošanai
• Jaunākie maršruti, tūrisma objekti un piedzīvojumi
• Dažādas naktsmītnes, atpūtas iespējas, velo maršruti
• Veselības un labjūtes tūrisms
• Daudzveidīgi piedāvājumi no Latvijas novadiem
• Aizraujošākie kaimiņvalstu tūrisma objekti
• Amatnieku un mājražotāju darbu un gardumu tirdziņš

“Ceļo uz ārzemēm!”

Jauni maršruti, jauni piedzīvojumi Latvijā:

• Jaunumi populārākajos ārzemju kūrortos
• Ceļazīmju pārdošana un aģentūru īpašie piedāvājumi
• Lidojumu, autobusu un prāmju biļetes
• Ceļošana ar savu auto, citas idejas un ieteikumi
• Galamērķu un atpūtas programmu prezentācijas
• Kolorīti dalībnieki no Eiropas un citiem kontinentiem
• Baltijas jūras reģiona maršruti

Halle „Atklāj pasauli!” ik gadu pārsteidz ar bagātīgu ārvalstu ceļojumu piedāvājumu. Ceļojumu galamērķus un atpūtas programmas „Balttour 2018” prezentēs kolorīti dalībnieki no visas pasaules – gan Baltijas un NVS valstīm, gan Eiropas, Āzijas un Āfrikas valstīm.

Tematiskā halle "Apceļo Latviju!" silti sagaidīs ikvienu izstādes apmeklētāju un iepazīstinās ar Latviju. Latvijas daudzveidīgumu izstādē prezentēs visi novadi – Latgale, Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale un arī skaistā galvaspilsēta Rīga.

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Statistika -->.

• Stendu skaits
• Pārstāvēto tūrisma uzņēmumu skaits
• Pārstāvēto pasaules valstu skaits

• Izstādes apmeklētāju skaits
• Profesionālo apmeklētāju skaits * Prognoze

2024. gadā “Balttour” sagaida apmeklētājus no Latvijas, Lietuvas, Igaunijas, Skandināvijas, citām Eiropas un austrumu valstīm.

Balttour iesaka

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BALTTOUR 2024 - International Travel Trade Fair in Riga

Riga february 02 - 02, 2024, organizers: international exhibition company bt 1, event details.

• February 02 - 02, 2024
• [email protected]
• http://www.bt1.lv/balttour

Organized By

• International Exhibition Company BT 1

Join BALTTOUR 2024, the leading International Travel Trade Fair, taking place on Feb. 02 - 04, 2024, at the Riga International Exhibition Centre. Connect with industry experts, discover the latest trends, and explore opportunities in the Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality sectors. Don't miss this annual event targeted at Trade Public, organized by International Exhibition Company BT 1. Description: BALTTOUR 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone in the Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality industries. As the top International Travel Trade Fair, it showcases the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in these sectors. Taking place from Feb. 02 - 04, 2024, at the Riga International Exhibition Centre, BALTTOUR 2024 brings together industry experts, professionals, and representatives from all over the world. This event serves as a platform where participants can network, forge new business relationships, and exchange ideas. With numerous exhibitors and attendees from different countries, BALTTOUR 2024 provides a unique opportunity to expand your industry connections and explore collaborations. The event features a comprehensive exhibition that covers various categories within the Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality sectors. From travel agencies, hotels, and resorts, to tourist attractions, transportation services, and hospitality technology solutions, you'll find a wide range of products and services on display. In addition to the exhibition, BALTTOUR 2024 offers informative seminars, workshops, and panel discussions led by industry experts. Gain valuable insights into the latest market trends, best practices, and strategies that can help boost your business. BALTTOUR 2024 is organized by the esteemed International Exhibition Company BT 1, known for their expertise in hosting top-notch trade shows and exhibitions. Don't miss this opportunity to discover new opportunities, connect with peers, and stay ahead of the competition in the ever-evolving Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality industries.

Event Organizers

Balttour Riga

07. - 09. February 2025 | International tourism trade fair

The exhibitor list at Balttour is diverse, including hoteliers, tourism organizations, travel agencies, transport companies, and tour operators. The themes of the fair vary but often focus on innovative travel options, the treasures of Latvia, travel gems in the Baltics, exceptional destinations and experiences, top offers, and road trips. Additionally, travel agencies, hotels, tourism organizations, authorities, as well as transport and financial service providers are represented. A distinctive feature of Balttour are the various conferences and seminars held during the fair. These provide additional insights and learning opportunities for the participants.

The venue for Balttour is the International Exhibition Centre Kipsala in Riga, a modern and well-equipped exhibition site ideally suited for the size and significance of the fair. It offers ample space for the diverse exhibitions and activities that take place during the fair.

Overall, Balttour is a highlight in the calendar of every tourism professional looking for new ideas, partnerships, and business opportunities in the Baltics and beyond.

On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 3 days of the fair, from 03. February to 05. February 2023, about 293 exhibitors and 22865 visitors from 33 countries on the Balttour in Riga.

The Balttour will take place on 3 days from Friday, 07. February to Sunday, 09. February 2025 in Riga.

Audience: professional visitors and general public

Cycle: annually

Local time: 08:55 h (UTC +03:00)

Fair location:

for trade fair date in Riga

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• < 1000 interested persons
• 02. - 04. February 2024
• 293 exhibitors
• 22865 visitors
• 01. - 03. April 2022
• 850 exhibitors
• 28364 visitors
• 860 exhibitors
• 28050 visitors
• 28000 visitors
• 29630 visitors
• 26071 visitors
• 26016 visitors
• 800 exhibitors
• 27100 visitors

Downtown Riga: 3.28 km in a straight line

Trade Fairs in Riga

Product groups: accommodation, air travel, coach tours, cruises, flights, long-haul holidays, package holidays, Travel, …

• Tourist Industry

Disclaimer: No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information. Errors and alterations excepted! Fair dates and exhibition sites are subject to change by the respective trade fair organiser.

Upload a picture from your booth on the Balttour or other fair impressions!

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Where does the Balttour taking place? The Balttour fair takes place in Riga, at the International Exhibition Centre Kipsala.

When is the Balttour taking place? Visit the Balttour from 07. - 09. February 2025.

How often does the Balttour take place? The Balttour takes place annually.

What kind of fair is the Balttour? The Balttour is an exhibition for Tourism, Sports and Tourist Industry.

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• Trade shows Worldwide

BALTTOUR 2025

Description, related industries.

Organizers(s)

Contact info for balttour, error reporting, all trade shows in latvia related to:.

• Tourism - Travel
• Catering & Hospitality Industries
• Family - Childs & Adolescents

All trade shows worldwide related to:

The OUTDOOR RIGA 2025 tradeshow promotes outdoor adventure and recreational activities combining the International Trade Fair for Boats and Yachts “Baltic Boat Show”, the International Fair for Hunting and Fishing Gear and Accessories "Hunting & Fishing" and the Trade Fair for Motorcycle and Bicycle Lifestyle "Moto & Velo" under a single brand name.

Thematic sections

• Whole spectrum of bicycles
• Equipment and service for bicycles
• Velocarts, bocarts, gokarts
• Cycle tourism and cycle travelling
• Outfits for cyclists

• Offers by sports and fitness clubs
• Equipment and facilities for sports and fitness clubs
• Sports medicine and sports nutrition
• Sports outfits
• Fitness equipment

Battle of Riga

• The largest functional fitness competition in the Baltics
• Competition of Europe's top CrossFit athletes
• Functional fitness EXPO zone
• Demonstrations
• Shows and contests

• Hunting weapons, optical devices
• Hunting accessories, hunter’s outfit
• Game farm equipment
• Hunting tourism in Latvia and other countries
• Fishing tackle and accessories
• Angler’s outfit and accessories
• Information on fishing tackle rental
• Information on the best fishing spots
• Seasonal news

All about recreation on waters!

• Leading watercraft, yacht and motorboat manufacturers
• Inflatable, fibreglass boats and canoes
• Personal water crafts and catamarans
• Water sports special equipment and accessories
• Water transport rental and repair
• Sailing accessories
• Marine engines and spares
• Berths and moorings
• Navigation systems
• Equipment rental and maintenance
• Water transport insurance

A new season kick-off!

• Different brand and model motorcycles, scooters and ATVs
• Biker’s outfit and accessories
• Spare parts
• Biking schools
• Bikers clubs
• Expert advice

Statistics 2023

Represented countries

Participants

Statistics 2024

Photo and video.

Accessible content

Riga is becoming more and more popular not only among European but also world tourist destinations, with more and more new guests coming to the city every day. Do you know what’s the one question about Riga visitors to the city most often ask? No, it’s not about the current economic situation or what time of year is best to visit Riga. In fact, it’s more of an observation than a question: "It feels like Riga is bubbling over with life and has become something like the creative epicenter of the Baltics. There’s so much going on, especially in culture. Why exactly Riga, and why right now?" 

Historically, Riga has always been a crossroads, a melting pot of various nations and cultures. But the unique patina in this city of more than 600,000 inhabitants has in large part also been formed by the proximity of water – the Daugava River and the Gulf of Riga. The city has always lived in close cooperation with nature, which is still an important part of its residents’ daily lives – the many public parks, forests, squares, lakes and city canal. Riga has hills and islands as well as beaches. Nesting birds and even beavers call the city home. In addition, considering the relatively compactness of the city, many of its sites are within walking distance: special urban pulse points and green relaxation zones, a dynamic city atmosphere and the romance of rural idylls. In the springtime, the air in Riga is full of the heady aroma of lilacs; in the autumn, it exudes the melancholy of falling yellow and red leaves; in the winter, it sparkles with a feeling of wonder after a fresh, white layer of snow.  Today the most accurate witnesses to the multi–faceted face of the city are its architecture and culture. These are eclectic and surprising in their diversity, with each era and trend leaving its mark – from Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism to Art Nouveau, modernism and vernacular wooden architecture. 

Today, Riga is a cradle for innovative start–ups, and it prides itself in an excellent music and contemporary art scene, the Song Festival (which culminates in an open–air concert with 18,000 choir singers) and a dynamic gastronomy milieu, in which local chefs compete in their search for "the flavor of Latvia" and thus bring an appreciative smile to the face of many a gourmet traveler. Riga has a glamorous city center as well as a hipster republic. It’s possible to arrive in Riga via all three classic means of transportation – air, land and water – and the city can be observed both from above and from a SUP board on the water. Even though geographically Riga can be considered a Nordic city, its multinational character makes it both adventurous and passionate. And yet, also ambitious. Like any city full of creative energy, it vibrates, pulsates and astonishes at any time of year.

Investment and Tourism agency of Riga

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Home » Travel Guides » Latvia » 25 Best Things to Do in Riga (Latvia)

25 Best Things to Do in Riga (Latvia)

The capital of Latvia is the largest city in the three Baltic states and is home to one third of Latvia’s total population.

There’s a youthful vitality to Riga that shines through in its thumping nightlife, trendy dining spots and thriving alternative scene.

Riga has an absorbing history to uncover, as a Medieval Hanseatic League member, and a city that has lived under Swedish, Polish, Russian Empire, Soviet and Nazi rule.

The old centre, Vecrīga, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with labyrinthine streets, Medieval churches and guild halls.

And when Riga outgrew its Medieval walls at the turn of the 20th century there was a spectacular burst of creativity that left the city with more than 800 Art Nouveau buildings, more than any other city in the world.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Riga :

The old centre of Riga on the right bank of the Daugava River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On these scurrying cobblestone streets and sociable squares are Riga’s oldest houses and churches.

Vecrīga is stacked with restaurants, nightspots, art galleries and museums.

At a cafe you have to order the dessert named after Vecrīga , made from choux pastry filled with curd and vanilla cream and dusted with icing sugar.

Rozena iela is such a narrow street that you can touch both sides as you walk, while the venerable Skārņu Street has an arts and crafts market where you can get a tasteful souvenir.

The Great and Small Guild Halls hark back to when Riga was a thriving Hanseatic City, trading across the Baltic and Northwest Europe.

Vecrīga lost a third of its historic monuments in the Second World War, but many were rebuilt after Independence in 1990.

2. Art Nouveau Architecture

Riga is an Art Nouveau wonderland, with more than 800 buildings, a third of the city’s stock, dating from the prime years of the movement at the start of the 20th century.

This is the world’s largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture, easy to identify for its curved doorways and windows, abundant floral reliefs, female sculptures, whimsical gargoyles or Romantic nationalist imagery.

The reason for this proliferation of Art Nouveau is that Riga had a financial boom and needed fashionable homes for a growing bourgeoisie when the movement was flourishing.

So most of these residences lie in the newer “Centrs” district, to the north and east of Vecrīga, beyond the former walls.

We have a few examples on this list, but one of the masterpieces is at 10a and 10b on Elizabetes street, by “Riga’s Gaudí”, Mikhail Eisenstein.

3. Town Hall Square

Standing on Riga’s Town Hall Square and gazing at the Town Hall and House of the Blackheads, it’s mind-boggling to think that these monuments are little more than 20 years old.

The reconstruction is seamless, and the plaza has a grandeur fit for a capital.

Sticking out like a sore thumb next to the House of the Blackheads is a dark and squat 1970s Soviet building that until recently contained the Occupation Museum.

The Roland Statue, depicting a mythological knight, is a signature of historic German towns, symbolising the city’s Medieval privileges.

Also keep your eyes peeled for a modest stone marker in the ground, recording the location for what is believed to be the world’s first decorated Christmas tree, erected by the Brotherhood of Blackheads in 1510.

4. House of the Blackheads

The pièce de résistance on Town Hall Square is undoubtedly the magnificent House of the Blackheads, first built for an association of unmarried merchants and ship-owners in the 1330s.

This exuberantly adorned brick building was a nexus point for business and trade in Riga during the Hanseatic years.

And as they were bachelors, the Blackheads were known for bringing life to Riga society, organising parties and celebrations.

The building was modified in the 16th and 19th centuries, before being wrecked during a German bombing raid in 1941. The reconstruction didn’t take place until after the Soviet period, and was finished in 1999. You can go in from Tuesday to Sunday to learn about the Blackheads and the history of the building.

The vaults in the basement are original and date from the 14th century, while the stupendous Celebration Hall and the collection of antique silver are must-sees.

5. Albert Street

If you have limited time to hunt down Riga’s Art Nouveau marvels there are many clustered together on Albert Street, which is like an outdoor gallery for architecture.

One of the many surprising things about Albert Street is just how quickly these buildings went up.

The artery took on its inimitable appearance within just seven years, from 1901 to 1908, and eight of the buildings are listed as Latvian state monuments.

Much of the street is the work of Russian architect Mikhail Eisenstein, with special mention for Konstantīns Pēkšēns and his protégé Eižens Laube.

The must-sees are the listed monuments at 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12 and 13. Take as long as you can to appreciate the reliefs and sculptures on the facades, bearing the Romantic Nationalist motifs and mythological figures that were a hallmark of Art Nouveau.

6. Three Brothers

At 17, 19 and 21 Mazā Pils Street stand the oldest complex of houses in Riga, dating from the 15th century.

The oldest facade is no. 17, which has a mix of Gothic and Renaissance in its crow-stepped gable and the pointed arch on its doorway.

Painted pale yellow, No. 19 dates to the middle of the 17th century and blends Renaissance with Dutch Mannerist design.

The distinguished Classical portal here is newer and was built in 1746. This building houses the Latvian Architecture Museum if you’re curious.

Lastly, the slender no. 21 is a Baroque dwelling from the end of the 17th century, with a flowing curved gable.

7. Freedom Monument

East of Vecrīga this solemn landmark remembers the soldiers killed fighting Soviet forces during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-20). Standing 42 metres high, the Freedom Monument (1935) is built from red granite and travertine, and crested by a copper sculpture of Liberty holding three golden stars.

This monument remains the centrepiece for official remembrance ceremonies in the city.

If you approach the base you’ll find 13 groups of reliefs recording national heroes, allegories, images from Latvian culture and pivotal moments in the nation’s history like the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the War of Independence.

8. Bastejkalna Parks

The park around the Freedom Monument reaches across both sides of the Pilsētas Kanāls (canal), which meanders along the course of Riga’s old moat.

Until 1856 this elevated area was the site of Riga’s eastern fortifications, and its name translates to “Bastion Hill”. Over the course of the 19th century a dignified boulevard, gaslights, sculptures, formal flowerbeds and a manmade waterfall were laid out on the hill, while cute wrought iron bridges traversed the canal.

The resplendent buildings neighbouring the park, like the Latvian National Opera and University of Latvia, all add to the sense of ceremony.

Watch the sun go down from the hill and amble beside the canal to see the ducks, swans and beavers.

9. Riga Central Market

Included in Riga’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Riga Central Market is one of the largest and most visited markets in Eastern Europe.

Up to 100,000 shoppers enter its pavilions every day.

The building is a wonder in its own right, constructed in the second half of the 1920s and repurposing German zeppelin hangars into pavilions.

These titanic buildings are right on the Daugava, just south of Vecrīga, and each one has its own speciality, be it gastronomic specialities, fish, meat, dairy or vegetables.

There are also stalls to browse outside, while the former warehouses (Spikeri), have been turned into a trendy arts and entertainment zone.

Some goodies that may take you out of your comfort zone are smoked eels, Rupjmaizes kārtojums (a layered dessert made from rye bread) and hemp paste.

10. Riga Cathedral

An enduring symbol for Riga, the “Dome Cathedral” is the seat of the Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.

The building has been altered many times since it was first built by the right bank of the Daugava River at the start of the 13th century.

Like all of the churches in Vecrīga the cathedral has a cockerel atop its spire, weighting 86 kg and functioning as a weather vane.

There’s an older version on show in the cathedral’s delightful Romanesque cloister, one of the oldest parts of the building.

In the 16th century the Dome Pipe Organ inside was the largest in the world, but was destroyed in a fire in 1547. The current instrument has a marvellous carved wooden case and was installed by the Walcker Orgelbau company at the start of the 1880s with 6718 pipes.

11. Swedish Gate

In Medieval times Riga was protected by a mighty wall with 20 towers and a 90-metre-wide moat that would later be turned into the Pilsētas Kanāls.

Of the eight gates that used to control entry to the city the sole survivor is the Swedish Gate.

The reason this fragment has lasted to the 21st century is that it was turned into an apartment after becoming obsolete when the city’s bastions were built in the 17th century.

Its tenant was the city executioner, who according to tradition would lay a red rose on the window sill on the morning of an execution.

The stretch of wall along Torņa Street was restored during the Soviet occupation.

12. St Peter’s Church

The 123-metre tower of this Lutheran church is an integral part of Vecrīga’s silhouette.

St Peter’s Church was begun at the start of the 13th century, but had two more phases of construction in the 15th and 17th centuries, leaving it with a melange of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque.

There isn’t much remaining of the earliest building, but you can find traces in the outer nave and on a few of the pillars.

Safe to say that the church’s tower had a difficult past: The initial 15th-century Gothic tower collapsed in 1660. Its replacement from 1690 was then brought down by lightning in 1721. And later the tower burnt down in the Second World War to be renovated in the 1960s.

During the last reconstruction an elevator was installed, taking you up to the second gallery at a height of 72 metres for the best view of Vecrīga.

13. Latvian National Opera and Ballet

Best experienced when the autditorium fills up for evening performances, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet is a Neoclassical theatre from 1863. The venue is older than the Latvian National Opera, which was founded as in situation in 1912 and had to wait until after the First World War to give its first performance, which was Wagner’s Flying Dutchman in 1919. The resplendent interiors were produced by the studio of August Volz, who also designed the Roland Statue and allegorical sculptures on the facade of the House of the Blackheads.

Culture-lovers can’t turn down a night of Faust, Die Fledermaus or Madame Butterfly, so check the listings when you’re in town and join the impeccably dressed throng.

A neat piece of trivia is that Wagner was the music director of the Deutsches Theater, the forerunner to the National Opera, for a couple of years in the late 1830s.

14. Art Nouveau Museum

Konstantīns Pēkšēns, one of the stars of Riga’s Art Nouveau movement, designed and lived in this building on Albert Street at the turn of the 20th century.

In 2009 his apartment’s interior was returned to its 1903 layout and decoration.

On the building’s facade look for the quirky motifs inspired by local wildlife, like pine cones, needles and squirrels.

The spiral stairway is a delight, with enthralling ceiling paintings composed by Latvia’s eminent painter of the day, Janis Rozentāls.

In the apartment you can step through the plush drawing room, decorated with floral patterns, and the dining room, lined with wooden panels.

There’s masterful furniture with flowing lines, dainty stained glass windows and beautiful tile-work, best seen on the kitchen floor.

15. Riga Motor Museum

The state-owned Riga Motor Museum reopened for business in 2016 after a three-year makeover.

If you have a thing for classic cars or are intrigued by Soviet artefact the museum is sure to hold your attention for an hour or two.

From the Soviet occupation you can see models by Volga, Moskvich and Zigouli, as well as a ZIS-115 armoured car designed for Josef Stalin, and a Lincoln Continental 53A Town Car gifted to Leonid Brezhnev by Nixon in the early 70s.

Look out for the replica of the Auto Union Racing Car Type D, built by the company that would later evolve into Audi.

Also from the West you can admire a Jaguar Mk. 2, a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith and a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, all in tip-top condition.

16. Cat House

A building to be seen from the outside while you navigate Vecrīga, the Cat House is a Medieval-inspired Art Nouveau house on Meistaru Street.

It was drawn up by the architect Friedrich Scheffel for a wealthy Latvian merchant, and is named for the copper cats that stand on the corner turrets.

The story goes that these cats were designed with their backsides turned towards Riga’s House of the Great Guild because of a grudge held by the Latvian owner for not being allowed in the mostly German Great Guild.

After a court case cats were turned back the right way and the owner was admitted to the guild.

17. Vērmanes Garden

East of the Bastejkalna Parks and fronting the main building for the University of Latvia, the Vērmanes Garden is the second public garden in Riga.

It takes its name from Anna Gertrud Wöhrmann, a Prussian widow who contributed the land and funds for the park in the 1810s.

Previously this part of the city had been torched by the city in preparation for an attack by Napoleon that never came.

One of a few solemn monuments in the park is an obelisk in her honour, and this is accompanied by an elegant fountain representing the four seasons and a set of stone lions.

The park has formal gardens and exotic trees, playground for little ones, season cafes, people playing chess and an outdoor stage for music and dance performances in summer.

18. Nativity of Christ Cathedral

The cathedral for Riga’s Orthodox community is a stirring neo-Byzantine building begun in 1876 when Latvia was part of the Russian Empire.

You can’t miss that ostentatious golden central dome.

Tsar Alexander II donated the cathedral 12 bells, which required a separate belfry to be constructed.

These bells were melted down at the start of the 1960s under Soviet occupation when the cathedral became the Republic House of Knowledge.

At that time the dome was used as a planetarium, while the crucifixes were pulled down and invaluable iconostasis was destroyed.

Restoration work started at the end of the 1990s and continues today, helping the iconostasis and interior regain their previous splendour.

19. Museum of the Occupation

When this post was written the Museum of the Occupation, one of Riga’s top cultural attractions, was temporarily relocated to the former US Embassy building on Raiņa Bulvāris.

Drawing on a huge audiovisual archive and reserve of artefacts, the museum documents the often grim period from 1940-1991, when Latvia came under the yoke of the USSR, then the Nazis in the Second World War and then the USSR once more.

There are poignant but informative accounts of the hardships of Siberian gulags, purges of Latvian Nationalists after the Second World War and the deportation and murder of Jews in the Holocaust.

On Brīvības Street the sister attraction is devoted to the history of KGB Operations in Latvia, in a former KGB building with prison cells intact.

20. Latvian National Museum of Art

For an edifying introduction to 19th and 20th-century Latvian art head for the newly refurbished Latvian National Art Museum.

This striking Historicist hall was the work of the Baltic German architect Wilhelm Neumann and completed in 1905. At the time it was the first purpose-built museum venue in all of the Baltic States.

The museum was closed for most of this decade, becoming cultural touchstone for Riga since it reopened.

On two floors you can acquaint yourself with the stars of Latvian art, like the Expressionist Johans Valters, Art Nouveau artist Janis Rozentāls and the landscape painter Janis Rozentāls.

There are temporary exhibitions in the basement and you can go up to the roof terrace to survey the city.

21. Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation

The Dome Cathedral chapter house is the venue for Latvia’s oldest museum.

The collection was started in the mid-18th century by the Riga doctor Nikolaus von Himsel.

After he passed away at a young age, his possessions were given to the city by his mother in 1773, and found a permanent home in the chapter house.

This monument’s architecture goes back to the 13th-century in the groin-vaulted gallery, while the regal Column Hall dates to 1778. The collection has been enriched down the years, and recalls each stage of Riga’s lifespan, like its time as a Hanseatic port in Middle Ages and the Polish and Swedish occupations of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Among the many fascinating objects are historic maps, navigational instruments, clothing, all kinds of everyday utensils, porcelain silver and antique engravings depicting the city.

22. Ethnographic Open Air Museum

This skansen-style museum is on the east bank of Lake Jugla, 30 minutes by car from the city centre.

It’s an attraction not to be missed if you want to learn more about Latvian culture.

Here, 118 traditional buildings from the four Latvian provinces have been transported to this site and carefully rebuilt.

The oldest dates back to the 1600s and the most recent is from the 1930s.

The museum is the only place in the country where you can contrast the cultural differences between the provinces of Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme and Zemgale.

In these buildings you’ll get to know old-time methods of self-care at saunas, see example of traditional weaving, peruse an arsenal of tools for historic trades, make your own pottery, forge coins, taste classic Latvian cuisine and find out about Latvian seasonal celebrations.

Established back in 1824, the museum is in 87 hectares of pine forest and has cross-country ski trails in winter.

23. Town Musicians of Bremen

A fun diversion on Skārņu Street is the sculpture for the Brothers Grimm fairytale, the “Town Musicians of Bremen”. The story is about four ageing domestic animals, a donkey, dog, cat and cockerel, who fear that they’re about to be put down, so run away to Bremen to become musicians.

They never make it that far though, as on the way these cheeky critters scam a band of robbers and take over their house.

The monument in Riga, gifted by Bremen in 1990, is also believed to carry political undertones as a nod to Gorbachev’s Perestroika.

It’s supposed to be good luck to touch each animal’s face in sequence, and you can see where the bronze has been buffed up by millions of hands over the last 28 years.

24. Jūrmala

In summer you can catch a suburban train from Riga Central Station to the seaside resort of Jūrmala.

Services depart every 30 minutes on the Riga-Tukums line and take 30 minutes or so to reach their destination.

You’ll know why you made the trip when you arrive.

Jūrmala’s beach is 33 kilometres long and has pristine white quartzite sand, occasionally fronted by wooden Art Nouveau buildings.

Six of the bathing areas at Jūrmala are awarded the Blue Flag each year, and traced by mixed birch and pine forest.

It’s worth coming down outside the summer season, as you can hunt for pieces of amber washed up on the beach in spring and autumn.

Jūrmala was a getaway of choice for the Communist elite in the mid-20th century, and both Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev were regulars.

25. Riga Black Balsam

If there’s a souvenir that is Latvian through and through, it’s Black Balsam, a bitter but slightly sweet liqueur made in oak barrels.

Two million bottles are produced every year and exported to 30 countries.

The drink was formulated back in 1752 by the pharmacist Abraham Kunze, as a kind of restorative tonic.

A total of 24 berries, roots, herbs, flowers and essential oils go into each ceramic bottle of Black Balsam, and if you want to try it there’s a crazy amount of concoctions available.

Most of the time you’ll see it in cocktails, or as a mixer with vodka, schnapps or akvavit.

But people will also drink Black Balsam with coffee, tea, cold soft drinks, and even use it as a topping for ice cream.

25 Best Things to Do in Riga (Latvia):

• Art Nouveau Architecture
• Town Hall Square
• House of the Blackheads
• Albert Street
• Three Brothers
• Freedom Monument
• Bastejkalna Parks
• Riga Central Market
• Riga Cathedral
• Swedish Gate
• St Peter's Church
• Latvian National Opera and Ballet
• Art Nouveau Museum
• Riga Motor Museum
• Vērmanes Garden
• Nativity of Christ Cathedral
• Museum of the Occupation
• Latvian National Museum of Art
• Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation
• Ethnographic Open Air Museum
• Town Musicians of Bremen
• Riga Black Balsam

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Riga’s Christmas market 2024

The Old Town Christmas Market will open in early December 2024 in Doma Square and will run until the first week of January 2025. The exact dates will be announced closer to the festive month. 

All those loving delicious food will be delighted at the traditional treats - mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted almonds, Christmas tea and coffee, delicious smoked meats and meat products. The fair will also offer a wide range of Latvian handcraft for Christmas gifts - patterned mittens, skillfully turned wooden candlesticks, jarred sunny-smelling Latvian honey, sweet-smelling wax candles, handmade warm socks, hats and scarfs, amber and silver jewelry, ecological wooden toys and rag bears.

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Breaking news, sip bellinis at bar madonna, get artsy at frieze and other nyc events this week.

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Each week, Alexa is rounding up the buzziest fashion drops, hotel openings, restaurant debuts and celeb-studded cultural happenings in NYC.

It’s our curated guide to the very best things to see, shop, taste and experience around the city. 

What’s making our luxury list this week?

The NY Art Book Fair throws a block party in Chelsea, while collectors clamor over preview tickets to the Frieze New York art fair and Eddie Redmayne dazzles in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.”

MEOW MIX: ‘Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club’

Eddie Redmayne is latest in a illustrious line of actors to inhabit the role of the salacious Emcee in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” now playing at the August Wilson Theatre. 

Billed as the hottest show of the season, the star-studded cast includes Gayle Rankin as the toast of Mayfair — Sally Bowles — and two-time Tony Award-winner Bebe Neuwirth as Fräulein Schneider.

The venue also plays a starring role.

The show’s creative team (led by Tony Award-nominee and Evening Standard Award-winner Tom Scutt) transformed the theatre into an in-the-round auditorium, complete with customized spaces that guests can meander and explore during the pre-show entertainment, with the option to enjoy a drink (or dine) in the process.

Food will be cleared before the performance begins, but the audience can continue imbibing throughout the just-under-three-hour long extravaganza. Tickets are going fast, but there’s also a lottery at LuckySeat . 245 W. 52nd St.; KitKat.Club

THE BIG CHILL: Frieze Art Fair blows into town

The 12th edition of the Frieze New York art fair kicks off next week, taking over The Shed at Hudson Yards from May 1 to 5 (tickets from $76 for adults).

More than half of the 60 participants (from over 25 countries) are New-York based; all are showing a cross-section of the most sought-after names in contemporary art today.

In addition to the expected heavy-hitters, the fair includes a section dedicated to young galleries showing solo presentations by emerging or under-appreciated artists.

Antsy for a first look?

A dedicated online viewing room is open now.

The fair will also offer off-site programming and special events across the city (and beyond), including the High Line, Rockefeller Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney, the Brooklyn Museum, the Muse of Modern Art and Storm King Art Center. 545 W. 30th St.; Frieze .com

CIAO, BELLA: Bar Madonna debuts in Williamsburg

Alums from the Modern, Carbone and One Fifth are the creative minds behind Bar Madonna, a new Italian-American cocktail bar in Brooklyn.

While it has nothing to do with the Material Girl (Madonna is the surname of one of the managing partners), Bar Madonna does speak to the singer’s roots with “familiar yet novel takes on Italian American staples,” including four draft cocktails (the requisite Bellini is top of the list) oxtail croquettes, a smashed meatball parm and Calabrese wings.

Design aficionados take note: The minimal yet moody 1,000 square-foot space was designed by Catarina Guimarães’ of Studio Guia and features an original painting by KidSuper. 367 Metropolitan Ave.; BarMadonna

PAGE TURNER: NY Art Book Fair

More than 300 exhibitors from 31 countries are descendeding on West Chelsea this weekend for the annual NY Art Book Fair, billed as the “leading international event for the distribution of artists’ books.”

Beyond browsing, visitors to this year’s fair can indulge in an open-to-all block party, offering food, music and a “book signing that devolves into a live wrestling match” on Saturday (it’s on 22nd Street between 10th and 11th Avenues), along with performances on the fair’s rooftop and special exhibitions at the Printed Matter bookstore, just a few blocks away.

Admission to the fair is $5 on Friday and Saturday, and free on Sunday (between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; advance registration required). 548 W. 22nd St.; PMABF

SILVER LININGS: Christofle’s La Collection Vintage

Christofle is making a selection of carefully sourced and restored archival pieces available to buy in the United States for the first time, both online and at its Bleecker Street shop.

Two years ago in Paris, the almost 200-year-old storied silver brand introduced La Collection Vintage — a selection of exceptional treasures tracked down by the company’s vintage team — representing all categories, from flatware and tabletop accessories to decorative objects.

After being restored, each is packaged in a Christofle box stamped with the Vintage coat of arms and a QR code for buyers to learn more about the history of the collection.

Up next: a still-in-development program where collectors can trade in their own vintage Christofle pieces to be assessed, restored and given new life. 396 Bleecker St.; Christofle

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MATTA Fair Penang 2024 kicks off with 300 booths

G EORGE TOWN: The two-day Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair Penang 2024 has opened its doors at Setia SPICE Arena here.

Featuring some 300 booths promoting international and domestic travel packages, the event includes various offerings from the travel industry including airlines, financial institutions, travel agents, hoteliers, associations, theme parks, wellness spas and other small businesses.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the event, said the influx of tourists is integral to the state's economy, providing employment opportunities, business ventures, and bolstering its overall economic growth.

"MATTA has played a pivotal role in promoting our country, particularly Penang, as a premier tourism destination.

"I am pleased to announce the maiden voyage of two prestigious cruise liners, Costa Deliziosa and Serenade of the Seas, each capable of accommodating up to 2,500 passengers.

"This significant milestone underscores the strategic importance of Penang's Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal and the allure of Penang as a tourism hub for Malaysia," he said.

Chow added that Penang's accessibility continues to expand, with direct flights from 15 international cities, including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Acheh, Ho Chi Minh City, Doha, Haikou, and Shanghai.

"Penang boasts eight domestic flight routes, with 17 airlines operating direct flights, including MAS, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Starlux, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Juneyao Airlines, among others.

"As a result, the airport has recently recorded a 5% increase in passengers movement from 313,000 to 328,000 from February to March this year," he added.

MATTA Penang chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said a sales revenue of RM40mil is expected at this year's fair compared to the RM33mil recorded last year.

"MATTA is committed to aligning with the aspirations of state tourism, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in promoting tourism and cultural enrichment.

"Each year, we strive to enhance our international participation by inviting more foreign embassies to showcase their cultural richness and new destinations at the fair. This serves as a dynamic platform

for cultural exchange and exploration of exciting travel opportunities.

"In introducing our esteemed travel exhibitors, we aim to enrich the fair experience by offering additional attractions and fostering closer connections between nations," she said.

The highlight of the travel fair will be the lucky draw prizes which will see visitors winning air tickets from flydubai, Xiamen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Air Arabia to destinations like Dubai, Xiamen, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Visitors who buy any domestic packages by securing a RM300 deposit per person will stand a chance to take part in the lucky draw to win an air ticket to a domestic destination while anyone who buys an international holiday package with a deposit of RM1,000 will be eligible to win an air ticket to an international destination.

Besides air tickets, visitors who take part in the lucky draws also stand a chance to win hotel stays, staycations, tour vouchers and admission tickets

The fair, held today and tomorrow (April 27 and 28) will be open from 10am to 9pm.

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That sinking feeling: why long-suffering Venice is quite right to make tourists pay

The overcrowded city is leading the way with a tax on day trippers. Surely other great European destinations should follow suit

V enice has had enough. It is sinking beneath the twin assaults of tourism and the sea and believes the answer lies in fending off visitors by charging them to enter . It is not alone. Tourism is under attack. Seville is charging for entry to the central Plaza de España. In Paris, the Mona Lisa is so besieged by flashing phones she is about to be banished to a basement . Barcelona graffiti shout , “Tourists go home, refugees welcome.” Amsterdam wants no more coach parties, nor does Rome .

The Venice payment will be complicated . It will apply at specific entry points only to day trippers to the city centre, not hotel guests. It will be a mere five euros and confined to peak times of day over the summer. This will hardly cover the cost of running it. It is a political gesture that is unlikely to stem the tourist flow round the Rialto and St Mark’s Square, let alone leave more room for Venetians to enjoy their city undisturbed by mobs.

As any visitor to Venice knows, large areas of it are empty of Venetians – the main island has lost more than 120,000 residents since the early 1950s. Streets and canals are boarded up. If the Grand Canal is lit up at night it is largely thanks to Airbnb. The tourist district is small and jammed with 40,000 visitors a day . Those who have taken the trouble to reach Venice will not be deterred by five euros.

Venice survived intact largely because its economy collapsed and the city realised its future prosperity depended on its antiquity. As it began to sink in the 1960s, writers such as Jan Morris and James Cameron reflected on their sad delight at being the last generation to see Venice before it disappeared. Now the lagoon has been dammed , but the sea is rising and the iron rods beneath the foundations are rusting and rotting. At vast expense they must be repaired, and it is only tourists who will pay the bills.

In Britain, tourism is the growth industry that gets very little attention and still less praise. Millions of visitors, overseas and domestic, come to London each year, a number that is steadily rising. But its assets have to be defended constantly from planners and developers set on demolition. In addition, there is little tourist destinations can do to expand their “offer”. Their appeal is a mostly a wasting asset. However, at least London has more space for all those tourists than poor Venice, which has just a mile or so of central streets to satisfy 30 million visitors a year .

What is for sure is that Europe’s tourism will last as long as it can guard its heritage. Europe is still a treasure trove of humanity’s past, embalmed in historic buildings, cultural quarters and old cities. Its appeal to the outside world has barely begun.

Americans have been the leading tourists in Europe for over half a century, with at least 43% of them having passports. Such documents are held by only 10% of Chinese people and only 7% of Indians . If the numbers of visitors from even just these two countries increase, as they were doing before the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the tourist sites in Europe would have to find new ways to accommodate them.

The task now is not so much to promote the wonders of Europe’s heritage as to conserve and work out how to manage it. Venice is the first such challenge. Some 49,000 remaining Venetian residents cannot possibly pay for the salvation of their city. Thirty million visitors to Venice can. The entry charge is merely a first step.

How soon other cities imitate Venice remains to be seen. In 2018, the Italian town of Bagnoregio, in the Lazio region, parts of which are crumbling downhill, imposed a charge on visitors to raise money for its rescue. It worked. One of the only British towns with the confidence to charge for entry is charming Portmeirion in north Wales. Despite being built by a modern architect in the 20th century, it has become Wales’s most popular attraction .

If I were Venice , I would be shameless. Visiting ancient places is a glorious indulgence. Those who enjoy it should pay accordingly. Good for Venice for showing the way.

Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here .

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