Riga Art Nouveau Architecture Walking Tour
Art Nouveau architecture beyond Riga’s Old Town. We trace the late-19th and early-20th-century boulevards and parks leading to the Art Nouveau quarter, with highlights including the National Opera House, Alberta Street, Elizabetes Street, and striking façades by Mikhail Eisenstein.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 30m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Steps of the National Opera Nearest public transport: Nacionālā opera tram stop; Aspazijas bulvāris tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Riga Free Tour guides. Look for the guide with the yellow “Riga Free Tours” sign.
Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (10€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Beyond the old Riga, there lies a new city which rose in the late 19th and early 20th century in splendid and flamboyant Art Nouveau style. These were the days of spectacular economic, industrial and demographic development of the city. A time when the walls and gates of the old town began to suffocate the growing metropolis. So, it got rid of them and gave space to wide boulevards, lush green parks and gardens. But first and foremost to magnificent houses and palaces built for the Riga’s rising middle class, bourgeoisie and architects themselves.
There is so much to look at (or rather up) and admire. From the beginning of the 20th century up to the First World War more than 750 buildings (more than in any other city in the world) were designed in this fascinating style. What is not there: starting from floral ornaments, mythical beasts, Greek gods, strange creatures typical for Latvian folklore up to screaming masks and even… robots! Iron work of balconies and fences, the mastery of tiles, lamps and stained-glass windows will leave you enchanted and dreaming of spending a day or two in those beauties.
Let us walk you through the Riga’s Art Nouveau patch to show you the most beautiful and iconic places, as well as those hidden from most tourists’ eyes.
Highlights
- 1
Art Nouveau District
Explore the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture, boasting over 750 unique buildings.
- 2
National Opera House
See the magnificent building that stands as the gateway to Riga's impressive Art Nouveau quarter.
- 3
Mikhail Eisenstein's Works
Discover masterpieces by the most famous Art Nouveau architect, known for highly decorative and symbolic facades.
- 4
Alberta Street
Walk down a true street-museum of Art Nouveau, showcasing some of Riga's most iconic buildings.
- 5
Elizabetes Street
Stroll along one of Riga's grandest streets, featuring a stunning collection of eclectic Art Nouveau architecture.
6Symbolic Facade Details
Spot mythical beasts, screaming masks, and folklore creatures adorning the magnificent Art Nouveau facades.
Map
Steps of the National Opera Nearest public transport: Nacionālā opera tram stop; Aspazijas bulvāris tram stop
Our customers said about us
Riga
5.0Agnieszka
Ciekawe spojrzenie na Rygę
Edward błyskotliwie i wciągająco zaprezentował architekturę Rygi z przełomu wieków XIX i XX. Nawet dla takich laików jak my, było to przejrzyste i bardzo interesujące. Serdecznie polecamy, inaczej spojrzeliśmy na miasto 🍀
