Planning a family trip in Old Riga? Try seeing the Old Town through a child’s eyes. It is not just a place of historic buildings and centuries-old landmarks, but a true world of adventure. The cobbled streets become a treasure hunt maze, church spires sparkle with golden cockerels, black cats perch on rooftops, and every corner hides fascinating stories and legends that spark children’s imagination and invite them to embark on their next adventure.
Every parent knows that travelling with children requires a slightly different approach. Even the most exciting sightseeing route can end with tired little legs, hungry tummies and the inevitable question: “How much further?” A successful family day out is therefore measured not by the number of attractions visited, but by a well-planned route, regular breaks and a comfortable hotel right in the heart of the city.
A traditional sightseeing tour can quickly become boring for children. But Old Riga can be explored in a completely different way by turning your walk into an exciting animal spotting. The façades of historic buildings, church towers and monuments hide a surprising number of animal figures for children to discover. Not only will this keep them engaged throughout the walk, but it will also encourage them to take a closer look at Old Riga’s architecture and notice details that many visitors would otherwise overlook.
Begin your adventure at the famous Cat House, located just a few minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel. The first challenge is simple – look up and find the two black cats sitting on the rooftop.
Once the cats have been spotted, it is the perfect moment to share one of Old Riga’s best-known legends. According to the story, a wealthy Riga merchant was refused membership of the Great Guild. Offended by the decision, he ordered two black cats with raised tails to be placed on the roof of his building, with those tails facing the Guild’s headquarters. Later, after the dispute had been resolved, the cats were turned to face a different direction. Although historians cannot fully verify the story, it remains one of Old Riga’s most popular legends.
Continue your search by looking up at the church spires of Old Riga. Who will be the first to spot a golden cockerel? The easiest one to find is on the spire of St Peter’s Church, but gilded cockerels also crown the towers of Riga Cathedral, St John’s Church and St James’s Cathedral. They have become one of Old Riga’s most recognisable symbols, yet they are much more than decorative ornaments. For centuries they served as weather vanes, helping the people of Riga and sailors determine the wind direction in this historic port city. In Christian tradition, the cockerel also symbolises vigilance and the triumph of light over darkness, which is why it has adorned Riga’s oldest church towers for centuries.
Your next stop is the Bremen Town Musicians sculpture beside St Peter’s Church. It features the four famous fairy-tale characters – the donkey, the dog, the cat and the cockerel. Local tradition says that if you rub the animals’ noses while making a wish, your wish may come true. Take a closer look to see which noses have been polished the brightest – that will reveal which animals visitors choose most often.
If the children are still eager to continue the animal spotting, offer them another challenge. The houses and historic buildings of Old Riga are decorated not only with cats, cockerels and lions, but also with eagles, dragons, griffins and other mythical creatures. Encourage the children to keep looking not only straight ahead but also upwards, at façades, rooftops and towers throughout your walk. The most exciting discoveries may be hiding high above your heads.
Turn your family weekend in Old Riga into a fun game. Can your family spot at least ten different animals? This challenge will encourage children to explore Old Riga’s buildings and sculptures more carefully, notice fascinating architectural details, and transform an ordinary sightseeing walk into a memorable adventure for the whole family.
Although Old Riga is compact and most of its attractions are within easy walking distance, regular breaks are just as important for children as the adventure itself. A short pause to recharge often makes the rest of the walk much more enjoyable.
One of the most pleasant places to stop is Cruffins Café at 9/11 Kalēju Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel. It is the only café in Riga specializing in cruffins, offering a wide variety of sweet and salty flavours. Combining the crisp, buttery layers of a croissant with the shape of a muffin, these delicious pastries are sure to delight both children and adults. While the little ones choose their favourite filling, parents can relax and enjoy a cup of excellent coffee.
After your tasty break, head to Dome Square, take a seat on one of the benches and watch the lively atmosphere of Old Riga unfold around you – café terraces with live music, bustling pedestrians and the magnificent façades of historic buildings. For children, a relaxing pause like this can often be just as enjoyable as the next sightseeing stop.
Just a few minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel lies Bastejkalns Park, a wonderful place to escape the bustle of the Old Town for a moment. Children will enjoy watching the ducks on the city canal, while during the warmer months a canal boat cruise will make for a memorable family experience. After a short rest in the park, everyone will be ready to continue exploring Riga with renewed energy.
When travelling with children, a successful weekend depends not only on the attractions you visit but also on how easily you can adapt to unexpected situations. Young children may suddenly become tired, a walk may be interrupted by rain, or you may simply need to return to the room for an afternoon nap. This is why the location of your hotel and the facilities it offers are far more important than they might seem at first.
Located in the heart of Old Riga, Carillon Aparthotel is an ideal choice for families who want to combine city exploration with the comforts of home.
One of its greatest advantages is the fully equipped kitchen available in every apartment. This allows you to make breakfast whenever it suits your family, warm up milk before bedtime for your child or quickly make dinner after a long day of sightseeing. For families with young children, these apartments offer more flexibility when it comes to saving both time and money during your trip.
Space is another major advantage. In the two-room Suite apartments at Carillon Aparthotel, parents and children do not have to spend all their time in a single room. A separate bedroom and living area provide greater comfort: while the children are fast asleep after an exciting day exploring Old Riga, parents can unwind in the lounge with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, watch a film or leisurely plan the next day’s adventures.
Families will also appreciate the practical everyday conveniences, such as laundry facilities. A washing machine is available in the laundry room, while some apartments also have one in the unit. This means you can pack less and don’t need to stress over an accidental stain.
Another major advantage is the location. Carillon Aparthotel is situated on a quiet street in Old Riga, just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s main attractions. You can easily return to your apartment whenever you need a rest before continuing your exploration of the city, without wasting time on a long commute.
If you are looking for a hotel that makes travelling with children easier and more comfortable, Carillon Aparthotel is an excellent choice, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed, stress-free family break in Old Riga.
