When a long weekend is ahead and the sun outside invites you for a leisurely stroll, it’s the perfect time for the whole family to set off on an exploration of Old Riga and its surroundings. The city’s historic centre is the best place to experience the spirit of Riga – wandering along its cobbled streets, admiring the facades of medieval buildings, and discovering lesser-known but just as fascinating sights. These places will be of interest to both young and adult curious travellers.
Few buildings in Old Riga have their own name, but the four-storey Art Nouveau house at 10 Meistaru Street is an exception. It is known as the Cat House. The building owes its name to the two cat sculptures perched on its towers. According to legend, the arched-back cats with raised tails were originally turned towards the Great Guild building, symbolising the resentment of the house’s owner – a wealthy merchant who had been denied membership in the prestigious guild. This symbolic protest led to a legal dispute, after which the cats were turned the other way. Today, this amusing historical episode and the charming cat sculptures delight both locals and visitors, adding a playful touch to your family holidays in Old Riga.
In one of the quietest parts of the old town stand the Jēkaba Barracks, which were once part of the city’s defence line system. A thrilling challenge for the whole family is to find the ghost statue hidden in one of the barracks’ walls. Nearby, on the other side of the building, there are old cannons that once helped defending the city. These historical artefacts not only remind us of past events but also add a mysterious charm to the place.
The narrow streets of Old Riga are perfect for fun little challenges for children, such as racing to see who can reach the other end of the street first or how many family members can fit side by side while walking through the street.
For example, Rozena Street, which is only 2.1 metres wide at its narrowest point, stretches for 200 metres from Dome Square to Krāmu Street. Meanwhile, Trokšņu Street, dating back to the 13th century and extending for 159 metres, runs along the inner side of the city’s defensive wall. By the 16th century, as urban development progressed, the street lost its military significance and became a historical landmark, drawing visitors with its fascinating stories.
Both in winter and summer, Riga proudly claims to be the home of the first-ever Christmas tree, which was placed on Town Hall Square in 1510. To commemorate this event, a Christmas tree sculpture now stands in the square, making for another interesting highlight of your family holidays in Old Riga.
Additionally, during excavations in 2003, a possibly oldest Christmas ornament was discovered in the old town – a shimmering sphere dating back to the 17th–18th centuries. While similar ornaments found in European museums date only from the mid-19th century, the one unearthed in Riga was made from carefully polished greyish stone, with a diameter of 2.4 cm. This artefact is on display at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, located in the ensemble of the Riga Dome Cathedral.
Bastejkalns Hill is one of the most scenic spots for a family outing in the very heart of Riga, next to Old Riga and the Freedom Monument. In summer, this small green hill is covered in blooming flowers, and its winding paths invite leisurely walks. The park also features a boat pier, offering boat rides along the city canal with stunning views of fountains and historic buildings. Another fun activity for the whole family is exploring the many colourful love locks attached to the railings of the romantic bridge over the canal, left by newlyweds as a symbol of their everlasting love.
One of the park’s pathways leads to a 1.5-metre-tall foal statue, which is especially beloved by children – they love climbing onto its back for fun photos. The park also has a playground, where little ones can run, climb, and play freely.
While strolling along the Daugava embankment, you can admire the impressive towers of Riga’s churches, the Presidential Palace, and the bridges spanning the river, under which sightseeing boats pass during the summer. One of the most intriguing landmarks on your walk is the statue called Lielais Kristaps, a figure of a giant from an old legend. According to the story, a small river called Rīdzene once flowed through Riga. Since there was no bridge or raft, a giant man helped people cross by carrying them on his shoulders. One dark night, he heard a crying child on the other bank and carried him across the river, letting him sleep in his cave. In the morning, in the spot where the child was sleeping, the giant found a pile of gold. This treasure was later used to build the city of Riga.
When little travellers’ feet get tired from all the walking, the whole family can hop on an electric bus and go on a guided tour through the narrow streets of Old Riga. Along the way, you can admire historic landmarks while listening to fascinating stories about the city. The electric bus makes it easy and convenient to explore the city centre without missing important sights, all while learning new facts about Old Riga.
A family getaway in Old Riga is an exciting adventure where everyone will find something to enjoy. From towering churches and symbolic statues to picturesque parks with playgrounds and sightseeing boats—Riga offers plenty of attractions. You can soak in the city’s medieval charm as you stroll along its cobbled streets and admire its historical architecture while also experiencing exquisite meals in cosy cafés and restaurants.
