Top 10 Things to See in Riga

Great if you only have a short time in Riga and want to get the most out of your visit.

1. The Occupation Museum - A must see for any visitor to Riga. Here you will find a well laid out modern museum that documents the occupation of Latvia from 1940 up until 1991. It is free to enter but donations are welcomed. The museum is housed in a soviet styled building that is has been compared to a square hand grenade.

2. The Freedom monument - Unveiled in 1935 the Latvian Freedom monument is a symbol of the creation of a nation and the end of the War of Independence, which took place from 1918 - 1920. At the top of the monument you will see Milda, the idyllic Latvian women who holds 3 starts, representing the 3 regions of Latvia that existed when it was created.

3. Albert Street - The most famous street in Riga houses an impressive array of Art Nouveau architecture. Most notably from the Architect Mikhail Eisenstein, Konstantin Peksens and Eugene Laube.

4. The Central Market - Great local food at local prices. Well worth the visit to grab ingredients for a picnic. Do not miss out on the hemp butter.

5. Dome Cathedral - Houses the largest organ in Europe and is one of the largest places of worship in the Baltic's. It is well worth coming to a recital here if you have the chance.

6. St. Peters Church - The original church was constructed by wood in the early 1200's and was built by the local Livs, the first church not to be constructed by foreigners. Today you may visit the viewing platform and overlook the old town.

7. The Three Brothers - Three of the oldest townhouses in Riga, their construction spanning over 3 centuries. Well worth a stop to grab a snapshot of the beautiful houses.

8. The Swedish Gate - Aptly named as it was built during the Swedish rule of Riga, it is the last remaining gate of the city. It is said that the city executioner, who lived above it would place a rose by his window the night before an execution.

9. The House of Blackheads - Constructed in 1334 and built originally for the city guilds. It was taken over by the Order of the Blackheads and used solely for themselves. Little is known about the origin of the order, other than unmarried merchants formed it.