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Have you managed to see Riga? Wish to go somewhere

close outside the capital on one day excursions? This map

includes the main tourist attractions in Riga and 20 of the

most interesting tourism destinations within 70 km radius

around Riga, which in most cases can be reached with

public transportation – bus or train. You can go to Jurmala

also with a bike along an especially created biking trail.

Information about the transportation options and the

contact information of tourism information centres will help

you plan your excursion outside Riga more successfully and

get to know Latvia better.

Riga and its

surroundings

Latvian Tourism Development Agency

Brivibas iela 55, LV-1519, Riga

Tel: +371 67229945, fax: +371 67358128

tda@latvia.travel

www.latvia.travel

© Latvian Tourism Development Agency 2010.

Photo: from the archives of the Tourism information

centres of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, Jūrmala, V. Kleins,

V. Balckare, P. Buks, I. Sturmanis.

www.latvia.travel Not for sale

1. Dome Square

(www.vecriga.info)

In the heart of Old Riga is the largest square, Dome

Square (Doma Laukums), around which are situated

the city’s best outdoor cafes and bars. The square’s

current appearance goes back to the 1930s when

only a portion of its medieval buildings were torn

down. On the edge of the square one can see the

Dome Cathedral (Doma laukums 1). It was built

as Bishop Albert’s Cathedral in 1211 and rebuilt

several times since, so today exhibits a mixture

of late Romanesque, early Gothic and Baroque

architectural styles. The cathedral is famous for its

organ which is used in many concerts and recitals.

2. Līvu Square

(www.vecriga.info)

Livu Square (Līvu laukums) is relatively new, built in

the middle of the 20th century after World War II.

An interesting complex of 18th century residential

buildings have been preserved here, as well as, the

18th century built Large Guild (merchant association)

and Small Guild (craftsmen’s association) buildings

in which one can see rich, decorated interiors. In

the summer a number of outdoor cafes operate

in Livu Square, and in the evenings there are live

outdoor concerts, restaurants, clubs, and never a

shortage of people.

3. Rātslaukums Square(www.vecriga.info)

Opposite the stone bridge there is still another

important square in Old Riga – the town square or

Rātslaukums. In the Middle Ages it also served as

an open air market. During World War II the square

was completely destroyed. However, today the

town hall has been completely restored as have

the Black Heads (Melngalvju Nams) and Schwabe’s

House, and the statue of Roland. Here one can also

see the 1970s Soviet Era building that houses the

Occupation Museum. The Riga tourism information

centre is located in the Schwabe’s House.

4. The House of Blackheads(http://nami.riga.lv/mn)

The House of Blackheads (Rātslaukums 7) built in

14th century belonged to the Guild of Unmarried

Merchants. At the time it was the richest and

most prestigious venue in the whole city. It was

severely damaged and pillaged during WWII, but

was sympathetically rebuilt again in 1999 as an

exact copy of the original with a magnifi cent Dutch

Renaissance facade and amazing ceiling paintings

inside.

5. St Peter’s Church

(www.vecriga.info)

St Peter’s Church (Skārņu iela 19) is another imposing

red brick church, fi rst built from timber in 1209, then

rebuilt in stone. A lift inside the spire takes visitors

to two viewing platforms providing a fantastic

panoramic view over the red roofs of the Old Town

and across the river Daugava.

6. The Central Market(www.centraltirgus.lv)

The Central Market is one of the largest and oldest

markets in Europe with fi ve food pavilions located

inside vast converted Zeppellin hangars. Around

and between them, stalls sell everything from

clothes to fl owers. It’s always bustling and a great

place to observe local people, try local produce and

buy some bargains.

7. National Opera (www.opera.lv)

The pride of Latvian musical and cultural life is the

National Opera, which is located next to the city

canal. The building was constructed in 1863 as

the German Theatre. In 1995 a full restoration was

completed. The opera has excellent acoustics and

houses world class opera, ballet, and pop music

performances. The building’s exterior resembles

Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. The interior is fi nely

decorated.

8. The Freedom Monument(www.vecriga.info)

The symbol of Latvian independence and Riga’s

major landmark is the Freedom Monument.

Standing on the main street – Brīvības iela it can

be seen from far away. Its three stars rise above

the trees of the central parks. To the north of the

freedom monument near the city canal is one of

Riga’s sand hills – Bastejkalns, which is a part of the

park green belt around the Old Town.

9. The Powder Tower(www.karamuzejs.lv)

The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) is one of Riga’s

fortifi cation towers and was originally called the

Sand Tower. It dates back to 1330. Rebuilt numerous

times, it gained its current name in the 17th century

when they began to store gunpowder in the tower.

In 1919 the War Museum was created here.

10. Jacob’s Barracks(www.vecriga.info)

Next to the Powder Tower are three long yellow

buildings with red tiled roofs called Jacob’s Barracks

(Jēkaba kazarmas). They were built in the 18th

century at the foot of the city’s fortifi cation wall.

Across from the barracks one can see a replica of

a section of the fortifi cation wall and the original

Swedish Gate – the only remaining gate from Riga’s

old defence system.

11. Three Brothers (www.archmuseum.lv)

Three Brothers (Mazā Pils iela 19) is a charming group

of residential houses each from a diff erent century,

the oldest dating back to the 15th century.

12. Art Nouveau (www.artnouveau.lv)

One third of Riga’s city centre is built in this attractive

style, making it the premier Art Nouveau destination

in Europe. Many of the best examples are located on

Elizabetes and Alberta streets, some designed by

well-known architect Mikhail Eisenstein, father of

the famous Russian fi lmmaker, Sergey Eisenstein.

Tourism Information Centres:

Riga International Airport

Schengen zone – arrivals

Tel: +371 67292611

Riga Tourism Coordination and Information Centre

Rātslaukums 6, Rīga, LV-1050

Tel: +371 67181534, fax: +371 67037910

tourinfo@riga.lv, www.rigatourism.com

Riga Central Railway Station

Stacijas laukums 2, Rīga, LV-1050

Tel: +371 67233815

Riga International Bus Station

Prāgas iela 1, Rīga, LV-1050

Tel: +371 67220555

Old Riga Riga city centre

useful tipsWhat is prohibited

in public places in Riga?• to be in such places with open containers

of alcoholic beverages, with the exception of

specially designated locations where alcoholic

beverages are sold for consumption on the spot;

• it is prohibited to be on lawns in parks, squares

and green areas which are to be considered

decorative gardens and which are cultural and

historical monuments, and where prohibition

and restriction signs are placed;• littering of such places; spitting; urinating etc.;

• smoking, with the exception of areas, which

are specially designated for smoking.

TOURIST MAP

AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Main tourist attractions in Riga Top 20 regional sites

Tourist Information Centres Transportation

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StockholmLuebeck

Bauska Tourism information centre

Rātslaukums 1, Bauska, LV-3901, tel: +371 63923797, fax: +371 63923797,

tourinfo@bauska.lv, www.tourism.bauska.lv

Dobele Tourism information centre

Baznīcas iela 6, Dobele, LV-3701, tel: +371 63723074, +371 26136682,

turisms@dobele.lv, www.zemgaletourism.lv, www.dobele.lv

Jelgava Tourism information centre

Akadēmijas iela 1, Jelgava, LV-3001, tel: +371 63022751,

fax: +371 63022751, tic@tornis.jelgava.lv,

www.jelgava.lv, www.jelgavasnovads.lv

Jūrmala Tourism Information Centre

Lienes iela 5, Majori, Jūrmala, LV-2015, tel: +371 67147900,

+371 67147902, +371 67147905, fax: +371 67147901,

info@jurmala.lv, www.jurmala.lv, Skype: jurmala_tic

Jūrmala Tourism information point

Priedaine, Jūrmala, tel: +371 67147900, +371 67147902, +371 67147905,

fax: +371 67147901, info@jurmala.lv, www.jurmala.lv

Limbaži Tourism information centre

Torņa iela 3, Limbaži, LV-4001, tel: +371 64070608, +371 28359057,

fax: +371 64070608, tic@limbazi.lv, www.visitlimbazi.lv

Saulkrasti Tourism information centre

Ainažu iela 13 A, Saulkrasti, LV-2160, tel: +371 67952641,

tic@saulkrasti.lv, www.saulkrasti.lv

Sigulda Tourism information centre

Raiņa iela 3, Sigulda, LV-2150, tel: +371 67971335,

info@sigulda.lv, www.tourism.sigulda.lv

Tērvete area Tourism information centre

“Tērvetes sils”, Tērvetes novads, LV-3730, tel: +371 63726212,

fax: +371 63726212, tervetetic@inbox.lv, www.zemgaletourism.lv

Tukums Tourism information centre

Talsu iela 5, Tukums LV-3101, tel: +371 63124451, +371 28311557,

fax: +371 63124451, tic@tukums.lv, www.visittukums.lv

Categories and symbols

Jūrmala

1. Līvi Aquapark.

Fun activities, relaxation for families with children.

Jūrmala, +371 67755636, info@akvaparks.lv,

www.akvaparks.lv

2. Beach of Jūrmala.

Beach, sea, relaxation, sport, water sport.

Jūrmala, +371 67147900,

info@jurmala.lv, www.jurmala.lv

3. Dzintari concert hall.

Music, festivals, concerts, New Wave, architecture.

Jūrmala, +371 67762117, info@dzk.lv, www.dzk.lv

4. Jomas Street.

Souvenirs, restaurants, architecture,

Jomas Street festival.

Jūrmala, +371 67147900, info@jurmala.lv,

www.jurmala.lv

5. Jūrmala city museum.

Resort, history, art, exhibitions.

Jūrmala, +371 67764746,

info@jurmala.lv, www.jurmala.lv

6. Jūrmala wooden architecture.

Resort, history, architecture, walking routes.

Jūrmala, +371 67147900, info@jurmala.lv,

www.jurmala.lv

7. Jūrmala SPA and resort rehabilitation centres.

Health, SPA, resort, beauty care, rehabilitation.

Jūrmala, +371 67147900, info@jurmala.lv,

www.jurmala.lv

Kurzeme

8. Cinevilla Studio cinema town.

Cinema sets, museum of cinema and

weapons, Lāči bakery.

Slampes pagasts, +371 28606677,

antra@cinevilla.lv, www.cinevilla.lv

9. Jaunmoku Castle.

Forest museum, castle interior,

overnight stay, rides in horse drawn carriage.

Tumes pagasts, +371 63107125, +371 26187442,

info@jaunmokupils.lv, www.jaunmokupils.lv

Vidzeme

10. The Turaida Museum Reserve.

Medieval castle, church, Turaida Rose,

Dainas Hill, manor, exhibition.

Sigulda, +371 67971402,

turaida.muzejs@apollo.lv,

www.turaida-muzejs.lv

11. Rocky Beach of Vidzeme.

Sea, stones, Red Cliff s, sandstone outcrops.

Salacgrīvas lauku teritorija, www.salacgriva.lv

12. Līgatne Underground bunkers.

Bunker, Soviet heritage, top secret site.

Līgatnes pagasts, +371 64161915, +371 26467747,

hotel@rehcentrsligatne.lv, www.bunkurs.lv

13. The Gauja National Park and Līgatne

Nature Trails. Park, nature trails, wild animals,

environmental education.

Sigulda, Līgatnes pagasts, +371 67800388,

+371 64153313, ac@gnp.lv, www.gnp.lv

14. The Minhauzen’s Museum.

Museum, nature trails, tales of Munchausen.

Liepupes pagasts, +371 64065633,

minhauzens@minhauzens.lv,

www.minhauzens.lv

Zemgale

15. Tērvete Nature Park.

Walking trails, wooden sculptures, fairy tale

characters. Tērvetes novads, +371 63726212,

tervete@lvm.lv, www.mammadaba.lv

16. P.Upītis’s lilac garden.

The largest in Europe, museum, excursions, concerts.

Dobele, +371 63722294, +371 26408655,

lvai@lvai.lv, www.lvai.lv

17. Jelgava Palace - chapels

of the Dukes of Kurzeme.

Zemgale Duchy of Kurzeme, sarcophags.

Jelgava, +371 63962197, www.rundale.net

18. Ložmetējkalns (Machinegun hill)

and Christmas battles museum.

Open air exhibition, excursion.

Valgundes novads, +371 67228147, +371 28349259,

mangali@karamuzejs.lv, www.karamuzejs.lv

Tourism information centres

TOP 20

Buses

The Central Bus Station is located next to the Central Market. From here,

buses depart for all parts of Latvia. The level of comfort and price varies

according to individual routes and operators. Some routes are served

by minibuses and express buses. Tickets can be bought at the ticket desk

inside the station as well as onboard for cash if space permits. Buses tend

to be very full going from Riga on Fridays and Saturdays. For tourists’

convenience there is an information centre located in the bus station.

Riga International Bus Station: Prāgas iela 1, Rīga

Bus schedules: www.autoosta.lv

Online booking: www.bezrindas.lv

Information line: +371 90000009 (0,25 LVL/min)

Ticket desk opening hours: 6:00-22:00

Railways

The railway is the most reliable and cheapest mode of transportation in

Latvia. The level of comfort on board varies. Trains tend to be full during

the morning and evening rush hours on the most popular routes. Tickets

can be bought at the railway ticket desks or from the conductor on the

train for cash at an additional cost of LVL 0.30 per ticket. An information

desk is located in Riga Central Railway station.

Train routes:

Rīga – Jūrmala – Tukums

Rīga – Jelgava

Rīga – Daugavpils

Rīga – Krustpils – Rēzekne – Zilupe

Rīga – Sigulda – Cēsis – Valmiera – Valga

Rīga – Saulkrasti – Skulte

Riga Central Railway Station: Stacijas laukums 2, Rīga

Information about local trains and timetables: www.ldz.lv

Information line: +371 1181

Opening hours of ticket desks for local trains: 4:30–23:40

Heritage Nature tourism

Leisure activities

Advance booking required

Where to call in an emergency (toll free):

01, 112 – Fire-fi ghters, 02, 112 – Police,

03, 112, 113 – Ambulance,

04 – Gas leakage,

1888 – Road accidents

Tourist Hotline: 1188 – a hotline that provides information, guidance,

support & follow-up to handle any situation that tourists visiting Latvia

require, operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Easy access is available

through cell or conventional phones within Latvia.

Price per minute: LVL 0,40 from conventional phones,

LVL 0,45* (BITE - 0,49) form cell/mobile phones

All prices are subject to change without notice.

* plus other service charges applied by your phone company.

24 hour information services

1188, 1189 – Inquiry services, information on all of Latvia

Transportation

Useful information

LEGEND

Other roads

Main road

1st rate roads

Dual carriageway Gravel road

Earth road

Paved roads

Borders of National

parks and reserves

Ferry

Railway

National capital

Distances

in kilometres

Tourist site1

20

19. Rundāle Palace Museum.

Baroque, architect FB Rastrelli,

exhibition, French formal garden.

Pilsrundāle, +371 63962197,

info.rpm@eila.lv, www.rundale.net

20. Bauska Castle Museum.

Livonian Order castle, viewing tower,

exhibition. Bauska, +371 63923793, bauska.

pils@e-apollo.lv, www.bauskaspils.lv