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Offered languages
- German
- English
Not another history lecture, but a journey through Old Riga's must-see spots with a guide who brings history to life through stories and legends — with the humour our guests love.
Legend has it that a Riga merchant, refused entry to the powerful Great Guild, found an unusual way to express his displeasure: he placed cat figures on his roof with their tails raised towards the guild. A subtle diplomatic gesture? Not quite.
But the cats aren't the only reason to look up in Old Riga. Why is there a golden rooster on top of St. Peter's Church? And what secrets does St. James's Cathedral hold? We'll find the answers right there.
In 90 minutes, you'll stroll through Old Riga's squares and cobbled streets, from the Swedish Gate and the Three Brothers to Dome Square, Town Hall Square and the Cat House. Expect laughter, surprising details and places you'll want to come back to.
Book your walk. The beautiful facades will be in your photos, but the best stories will stay with you.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Torņa iela 4 (opposite Torņa iela 15). Yellow building, entrance II A downstairs.
Itinerary
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Swedish Gate (Zviedru Varti) (Pass by)
A surviving stretch of Riga's medieval fortification wall and the Swedish Gate, built in 1698 — the only old city gate still standing.
Admission ticket free -
Latvijas Republikas Saeima (Pass by)
Built in the 19th century for the Livonian Knighthood, this building is today the seat of the Latvian Parliament.
Admission ticket free -
St. James's Cathedral (Pass by)
First mentioned in 1225, this Gothic church is now Riga's Catholic cathedral. What secrets does it hold? Your guide will tell.
Admission ticket free -
Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture (Pass by)
Riga's oldest group of houses, built in different centuries side by side. Today they house the Latvian Museum of Architecture.
Admission ticket free -
Riga Cathedral (Pass by)
Old Riga's largest square, framed by Riga Cathedral, founded in 1211.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Riga's narrowest street — a medieval lane that's easy to miss if you don't know where to look.
Admission ticket free -
Riga Town Hall Square (Pass by)
The heart of Old Riga. The House of the Blackheads, destroyed in World War II, was rebuilt and reopened in 1999.
Admission ticket free -
St. Peter's Church (Pass by)
One of Riga's best-known landmarks. Why is there a golden rooster on top of its spire? Find out on the spot.
Admission ticket free -
Livu Square (Pass by)
A lively square next to the Great and Small Guild halls, once the centres of Riga's merchants and craftsmen.
Admission ticket free -
Cat House (Pass by)
The house with the famous cats on its roof — and the legend of a merchant who wasn't let into the Great Guild.
Admission ticket free -
Jacob's Barracks (Pass by)
A long 18th-century barracks building on Torņa Street, today home to cafés and shops. The walk ends here.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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