Jewels of Art Nouveau in Riga (4h) – starting at 50€ per hour (contact us for proposal)
Email us your group size and choose the Dates and Times in which your Art Nouveau experience could take place, and you will get a quotation in less than 48 hours. Reserve early to guarantee availability.
Cannot wait 48h to get your quotation? Don’t hesitate to WhatsApp/Call us at +34 667 823 001 or us now.
About this private tour
This is probably the most comprehensive general Art Nouveau tour in Riga. Your tour will be guided by an experienced tour guide that is an art nouveau expert because we want you to discover the beauty and history of Art Nouveau in the city of Riga in the best of the ways.
This complete Riga private tour will let you discover the most popular areas of Riga: Old Town, Quiet Quarter, and the Central Districts.
With over 700 buildings, Art Nouveau in Riga is astonishingly diverse: Eisenstein’s “decorative eclecticism,” the Natiional Romanticism of Pēkšēns, Laube, and others, “Vertical” Jugendstil, even unique early 20th century additions to Medieval buildings like Doma Cathedral.
Riga is a city that holds a very important place within the history of Jugendstil in Europe. Over a third of all buildings in the Central part of the city belong to this art style because Art Nouveau was at the height of its popularity when Riga was at the zenith of an unprecedented financial boom.
This tour is an opportunity to discover most of Riga’s Art Nouveau heritage accompanied by a local guide interested in Art Nouveau.
If you love Art Nouveau and travel to the Baltic states, this tour is a Must!
Hotels in Riga
There are charming hotels available in the Art Nouveau district, Old Town, and the Park area:
Art Nouveau District (Quiet Centre)
The Art Nouveau district, also known as the “Embassy District” or “Quiet Centre,” is a haven for architecture enthusiasts. This area of Riga is famous for its stunning Art Nouveau buildings, characterized by their intricate facades, elegant designs, and ornate decorations. Staying in this district offers more than just accommodation; it provides a deep dive into the city’s architectural heritage.
Hestia Hotel Jugend: Nestled within an Art Nouveau building, Hestia Hotel Jugend combines historic charm with modern amenities. While it may not have the grandeur of the Neiburgs Hotel, it offers a comfortable stay with a touch of historical elegance.
A22 Hotel: A22 Hotel is another gem in the Quiet Centre, providing luxury and sophistication. Its proximity to the main shopping streets and Art Nouveau gems makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to explore Riga’s architectural beauty.
AC Hotel Riga: This hotel offers contemporary comfort with easy access to both the Quiet Centre’s serene streets and the bustling attractions of the city. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate modern design and convenience.
Old Town (Vecrīga)
Riga’s Old Town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and historic landmarks. Staying here places you at the heart of the city’s history and culture, with plenty of cafes, shops, and museums to explore.
Neiburgs Hotel: Located next to the iconic Dom Cathedral, Neiburgs Hotel is a family-owned Art Nouveau property that exudes historical romance. The hotel has been meticulously preserved, offering guests a unique experience of living within an authentic Art Nouveau building.
Grand Palace Hotel Riga: A five-star hotel that blends luxury with history. Its prime location in Old Town makes it an excellent base for exploring the area’s rich heritage.
Dome Hotel: A boutique hotel that offers a more intimate experience. Its historical charm and personalized service make it a favorite among travelers seeking a unique stay in Old Riga.
Park Area
The Park area offers a tranquil retreat with the convenience of being close to the city’s vibrant center. It’s perfect for those who enjoy green spaces, leisurely walks, and stunning city views.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga: Situated in front of the Opera House, this hotel combines luxury with culture. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms, fine dining, and easy access to the city’s cultural events.
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel: As the tallest building in the area, this hotel offers unparalleled views of Riga. It’s ideal for business travelers and tourists alike, with its extensive conference facilities and luxurious spa. Radisson Blu also operates other high-quality hotels throughout the city, ensuring a consistent standard of service.
Whether you prefer the architectural elegance of the Art Nouveau district, the historical charm of Old Town, or the serene ambiance of the Park area, Riga offers a diverse range of hotels to suit every taste and preference. Each area provides a unique perspective on the city’s rich cultural tapestry, ensuring a memorable stay no matter where you choose to rest your head.
Description
Itinerary
This complete 4-hours walking private tour will show you all the most remarkable Jugendstil buildings in the three main areas of Riga:
- Riga Old Town, including the Esplanade area – Old Riga (1899-1913)
- Central Riga, Valdemāra and Brīvības streets (1900-1910)
- The ampliated Art Nouveau District, also called Quiet Center (1900-1910)
We will discover the history of dozens of interesting buildings during this amazing and amusing half day private tour in what is probably Europe’s best Art Nouveau city.
Riga Old Town
Some of the buildings visited in this prat of the itinerary are:
- The first Art Nouveau building in Riga on Audēju iela
- Art Nouveau elements in Doma Cathedral
- The yellow Cat House has a funny story relating to the cats in the roof
- The smallest Art Nouveau building in Riga by Jewish architect Paul Mandelstam
- Peitav Schul Synagogue, one of the world’s few Art Nouveau synagogues
- Some beautiful stairwells can be glimpsed from the street during this part of the tour
During summer season we will visit a rooftop with very nice views to the city, a visit that will take you only a few minutes. If you want to discover the best views you can go on your own to St. Peter’s Church tower, The Academy of Sciences or The Skyline Bar. We don’t include these alternative viewpoints in this private tour because they require plenty of time that we prefer to dedicate to discover Art Nouveau jewels.
On your way to the Central Riga area, we will visit the Esplanade, with the National Art Museum and Art Academy of Latvia buildings: Esplanade park is interesting because it is rich in stories from the 1901 fair held there to mark Riga’s 700th anniversary, with many of the pavilions in Art Nouveau. The art museum is from 1905, and while its a neo-Classical structure, it has paintings in Art Nouveau style. The nearby Art Academy is a hybrid eclectic Art Nouveau building.
Central Riga
You will see plenty of Art Nouveau around main street called Freedom street, the area where Riga citizens go to work and shop, the most lively area of the city.
Several Jugendstil stairwells we can gain access – stained glass portraits at Pēkšēns building on Tērbatas iela, a stained glass portrait of Richard Wager – 1910 in the corner of Dzirnavu and Brīvības (in the 1830’s Wagner lived in a wooden house on the site during his Riga period).
In these area we will see National Romantic gems by architect Eižens Laube and Vertical Jugendstil by Jānis Alksnis.
The classic Art Nouveau District
You will see the main highlights and some hidden gems around the popular Alberta Street which holds several impressive buildings by Eisenstein. We will visit the Museum of Art Nouveau at Alberta 12. Pēkšēns designed this iconic building and lived there until 1907. We will visit the flat of the architect and learn some curiosities. Of special beauty is the magnificent stairwell of this building, one of Peksens masterpieces.
We will also head into Vīalndes/Rūpniecības iela, west of Alberta. You will see plenty of Pēkšēns buildings from his “vertical’ period as well as some magnificent decorative eclecticism by less well know architects.
This part of the tour will include the Large Circle, the area which is going to port direction. One example are the buildings at Eksporta Street.
This is our most popular private tour in Riga and probably the most complete Art Nouveau private tour available in Latvia.
Pick Up and Drop Off
Pick up from your accommodation (within Riga old town or Art Nouveau district) or at the cruise ship terminal in Riga Passenger Port (near Old Riga). If you require transport from/to Krievu Sala cruise port, contact us to know quotation for transfer into the city.
The guide will leave you at the other side of the city (if you started at Old Riga, the tour will end at Alberta street, and opposite). If you need to start and end the tour at the Riga Passenger Port, we can do that.
Inclusions
Professional fully licensed guiding service.
It is possible to visit the Synagogue everyday except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Practicing Jews can go inside the building during the service.
Exclusions
Entrance fee to the Synagogue.
Tickets to the Museum of Art Nouveau. Find out entrance fees HERE. Closed on Mondays.
Entrance fee to the Jans Rozentals an Rudolfs Blaumanis Museum, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, is also located in the Art Nouveau district (Optional visit).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Riga at the turn of the Century
The early 20th century was the golden age for the development of Riga. Its population doubled over the course of 15 years, surpassing 500,000 on the eve of World War I and becoming one of the major centres of industry, trade and culture on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.
The boom in the construction of the city happened between 1899 and 1913, and it has been estimated that during these 15 years more than 800 buildings were built in Jugendstil style in Riga. Nowadays more than one third of all buildings in the Central part of the city have art nouveau style, making Riga a paradise for Art Nouveau lovers.
Reviews
This tour allowed us to see all the Art Nouveau of Riga in a single morning. During the afternoon we went to see again the area that we love the most. Great guiding
Paul, NYC
Amazing Art Nouveau in Riga. go with a guide so you don’t miss some interesting details. Our guide was knew many anecdotes of how Art Nouveau landed in Latvia
Peter, Geneve
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