5 Must See Tourist Spots in Riga, Latvia

Visit numerous tourist spots in Riga, Latvia and find out why it is called as the "Paris of the North" and "The Second City that Never Sleeps." Check out the city's largest collection of Medieval architecture, which are dated 800 years ago.

1. Old City, Riga

Old Riga City is the city's historic and geographic and historic center. No wonder it is reckoned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city takes pride in having the narrow, winding streets of cobblestone, rows of Medieval-age houses and churches, and erected shops that are built in the Medieval times, according to Latvia Travel. The place turns into a vibrant, colorful spot to enjoy a vibrant nightlife with the modern bars and restaurants. Visitors would love to see the Old City's Riga Castle, Gunpowder Tower, Three Brothers tri-dwellings, St. George Church or the Stone Castle, the Synagogue and many more.

2. St Peter's Church Tower

Another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the popular tourist spots in Riga, St Peter's Church Tower owns an awesome medieval architecture. It boasts a Gotic steeple that measures 125 meters high and could only be reached through an inbuilt elevator to view the city, Europe Travelz reports. The 800-year-old church is the centerpiece of the city's skyline and is recognized as the oldest church in the Baltic.

3. Latvian National Opera

Latvian National Opera, one of the well known spots in Riga is the country's official opera company that specializes in opera and ballet performances. The "White House" in Basteja Boulevard is often compared to the white house in Washington, D.C. with its resemblance in design and structure.

4. Blackheads House

Formerly known as the New House, the Blackheads House is one of Riga's architectural fortunes. It is among the popular tourist spots in Riga that was erected in 1344. It displays a remarkable Gothic building with Dutch Renaissance façade. It used to house the notorious revellers of the early days. While the renovation of the Riga Castle, the president of Latvia moved to stay in this building so it remains private and not accessible to public. It was reconstructed a couple of times in the 16^th, 17^th and the 19^th century, In Your Pocket reports.

5. Art Nouveau Museum

Visitors must not miss the former home and studio of Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns known as the Art Nouveau Museum. One of the popular tourist spots in Riga, Pēkšēns, a reckoned architect who designed more or less 250 buildings in the city, used to dwell in this apartment until 1907. It was built in 1903 by Pēkšēns' and his student Eižens Laube. The Art Nouveau Museum showcases the fully restored apartment interior, which was renovated beginning the 20^th century.

Travelers heading for a European tour would definitely adore the wonderful tourist spots in Riga, Latvia. The city that houses several UNESCO heritage sites offer a once and a lifetime experience on how people lived in the city 800 years ago.