Old town
Vecrīga, the Old Town, is the original, historic and geographical center of the city. It boasts a wealth of historical and architectural monuments scattered through a labyrinth of medieval alleyways, and is truly the postcard district of the Latvian capital. This historic heart, whose foundations date back to the 13th century, is made up of numerous lively cobbled streets, restored monuments, churches and old buildings with a Germanic influence inherited from the Hanseatic League. Of the 590 buildings in Rīga's old town, 79 are listed as historic monuments, and the whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rīga owes this listing to its large number of Art Nouveau buildings, which are concentrated not only in the new town, in the so-called Art Nouveau district, but also in its historic center. Examples include the sublime façade of the Hotel Neiburgs and the magnificent Black Cat House.
The Old Town is separated from the 19th-century New Town by Bastjkalns Park and the small Pilsetas Canal, which is home to the Brivibas iela (Freedom Monument), one of the city's most emblematic landmarks and a popular meeting place for locals.
With its lively, picturesque alleyways full of bars, restaurants and stores, Old Rīga is THE city's tourist district par excellence, especially since it's so easy to get around on foot and many of its streets are pedestrianized. Many tourists tend to confine themselves to this area during their stay, but that's a shame, because Rīga has so much more to offer, and that's what we're offering in this guide. However, as far as the locals are concerned, it's fair to say that tourists have taken the historic city center by storm, and you'll see many groups giving guided tours as you stroll through Vecriga. Latvians have therefore tended to slowly desert the old center in recent years, real estate is more expensive and, thanks to cheap alcohol, some streets have turned into thirsty streets, such as Peldu iela. The old center of Rīga, while a source of pride for the locals, is avoided by locals whenever possible, even for a simple outing. As if dispossessed of their city, most locals have moved to the new town on the outskirts, or to the left bank.
Centrs and the new town
These districts surrounding the old town are particularly popular for their 700 or so Art Nouveau homes. Away from the tourist crowds, Centrs and the New Town offer a more contemporary vision of Rīga. Stroll through the parks, bars and university to experience everyday Rīga!
Brīvības Boulevard is the new town's main thoroughfare. It is lined with department stores, cafés, theaters and cinemas, administrative buildings, factories and residential areas.
Left bank
The locals call the left bank "Pardaugava", which in Latvian means "over the Daugava river". That's exactly what it is in practice. The left bank is the district of greenery and typical wooden houses, very popular with the trendy ecologists. Its picturesque village feel and the walks along the Daugava River will make you appreciate this other Rīga.
