When planning a holiday in Old Riga, it is worth setting aside time not only to explore the architecture of the historic Old Town, but also to experience the capital’s rich cultural life. Riga is a true gem for art and history enthusiasts, offering world-class museums, contemporary art galleries and a wide range of events that allow visitors to discover the city from many different perspectives.
By choosing an aparthotel in Old Riga, you will find most of the city’s major cultural attractions within easy walking distance. Carillon Aparthotel is located at 13 Pils Street, in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed part of Old Riga, close to Dome Square, various museums and other popular leisure destinations.
If you are looking for things to see in Riga, this guide will help you plan a weekend full of memorable experiences.
Art Museum Riga Bourse – centuries of world art
Just a few minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel is the Art Museum Riga Bourse, one of the most beautiful museums in Riga.
Housed in an elegant 19th-century building on Dome Square, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore collections of European and Eastern art. Its exhibitions include works of Western European painting, porcelain collections, Japanese and Chinese art, while international exhibitions are regularly hosted throughout the year.
Even if you do not consider yourself an art connoisseur, the museum is well worth a visit for the beauty of its interiors and the impressive collections on display.
Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation – a journey through the centuries
Located next to Riga Cathedral in Old Riga, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is one of the oldest public museums in the Baltic region. Its exhibitions tell the story of Riga’s more than 800-year history, from the city’s founding to the present day. Particular attention is given to Riga’s role within the Hanseatic League and the development of maritime trade and navigation.
If you are interested in history and would like to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s character and identity, this museum should certainly be included in your Riga museum itinerary.
Latvian War Museum – a fascinating insight into Latvia’s history
If you are considering what to see in Riga, a visit to the Latvian War Museum is highly recommended. Located approximately five minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel, the museum is housed within the historic Powder Tower, one of the few surviving sections of Riga’s medieval fortifications and an important historical monument in its own right.
The Latvian War Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in Riga, with origins dating back to 1916. Its exhibitions provide a comprehensive overview of Latvia’s military and political history. Visitors can explore extensive collections of weapons, military uniforms, decorations and historical documents that help illustrate the Latvian people’s path to independence.
Mentzendorff House – a journey into 17th and 18th century Riga
While enjoying a holiday in Old Riga, it is also worth visiting Mentzendorff House, the only museum in the Baltic States dedicated to the home of a Riga resident from the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum is located in a building constructed in 1695, which once served as a residence, shop and warehouse.
The exhibition offers insight into the everyday life and traditions of a wealthy Riga merchant. Among the museum’s most valuable features are its unique ceiling and wall paintings, complemented by authentic period furnishings. The historic cellar vaults and attic spaces, where exhibitions are regularly held, add further character and atmosphere to the experience.
The museum takes its name from the Mentzendorff merchant family, whose colonial goods shop in the 19th century sold tea, spices, confectionery and even some of the finest coffee available in Riga.
Museum of Decorative Arts and Design – inspiration for creative minds
Those interested in design, fashion and applied arts should make time to visit the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design. Located in the Old Town within the former St George’s Church, the oldest surviving stone building in Riga, the museum showcases a diverse range of exhibitions dedicated to textiles, ceramics, glass art, furniture design and other decorative arts disciplines.
Contemporary design exhibitions are also regularly organised. A visit during your holidays in Old Riga may provide inspiration for future creative projects.
Latvian National Museum of Art – the heart of Latvian art
If you wish to gain a deeper understanding of Latvia’s cultural heritage, the Latvian National Museum of Art is a must-see in Riga. Located approximately 15 minutes on foot from Carillon Aparthotel, it houses the country’s largest collection of visual art. Visitors can trace the development of Latvian art from the 18th century to the present day while exploring works by many of Latvia’s most distinguished artists. The museum building itself is an outstanding architectural landmark and one of Riga’s most recognisable symbols.
It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for places to visit in Riga and to discover some of the country’s true cultural treasures.
A holiday in Old Riga offers the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant art scene. From classical Latvian painting to immersive digital multimedia exhibitions, Riga’s art galleries inspire both seasoned art enthusiasts and those simply looking to discover cool things to do in Riga.
Jēkabs Gallery – an encounter with Latvian artistic heritage
Just a few minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel is Jēkabs Gallery, which has been organising exhibitions, art auctions and private art sales for many years.
The gallery places particular emphasis on the heritage of classical Latvian art, making it an excellent place to discover the work of some of Latvia’s most distinguished artists. Even if you are not planning to purchase any artwork, a visit to the gallery provides an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of Latvian art history and the creative achievements of local masters.
Art Platz – a space for dialogue between art and society
If you would like to explore the world of contemporary art, Art Platz is well worth a visit. The gallery is located on Alberta Street, which is itself a unique open-air architectural museum. This relatively short yet densely built street is renowned for its magnificent Art Nouveau architecture, constructed between 1901 and 1908.
Art Platz regularly hosts exhibitions featuring both emerging talents and established artists. Take the opportunity to experience art from a contemporary perspective and discover the diversity of Latvian contemporary art.
Digital Art House – where art comes to life
Experience the fusion of modern technology and art at Digital Art House, located approximately 20 minutes on foot from Old Riga and Carillon Aparthotel. This digital art centre offers immersive multimedia exhibitions in which the works of world-famous artists come to life through high-resolution projections, 360-degree visual effects and spatial sound.
Visitors can discover the works of such masters of art as Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Wassily Kandinsky in a completely new way – not simply by observing paintings from a distance, but by stepping directly into the world of art itself. It is an excellent choice for both families and couples wishing to enrich their holiday in Old Riga with a unique cultural experience.
Daugava Gallery – more than three decades of Latvian contemporary art
Daugava Gallery is one of Latvia’s most significant and longest-established private art galleries, operating since 1993. The gallery regularly organises solo exhibitions and thematic projects featuring prominent Latvian painters, sculptors, ceramic artists and other contemporary creators. It is an excellent venue for discovering current trends in Latvian art and encountering new artistic voices.
The gallery is located in Riga’s prestigious Quiet Centre district, just a slightly longer walk from Old Riga. It makes an excellent addition to any cultural itinerary for those wishing to explore Riga beyond its traditional tourist attractions.
When planning your stay in Riga, it is also worth checking the city’s current cultural events calendar. Throughout the year, Riga hosts:
Many of these events take place in the Old Town or nearby, making it easy to combine cultural experiences with sightseeing, particularly if you have chosen a hotel in Old Riga. You can explore the calendar of the most notable events for summer 2026 here.
By choosing an aparthotel in Old Riga, you place yourself at the heart of the city’s cultural scene. Many of Riga’s most renowned museums, most interesting art galleries and most popular cultural events are within walking distance of Carillon Aparthotel.
This allows you to enjoy the city’s artistic and cultural offerings at your own pace before returning to elegant and comfortable apartments in the very centre of Old Riga. It is precisely this exceptional location that makes Carillon Aparthotel an excellent choice for anyone wishing to combine a high-quality stay in Riga with a rich and rewarding cultural programme.
