Riga Art Nouveau district
Riga is often called the Art Nouveau capital of Europe, with this style making up around a third of the buildings in its city centre. This optional 3-hour excursion takes you into the heart of that district, where streets like Alberta and Elizabetes are lined with facades full of stone faces, mythical creatures, flowing lines and floral ornaments. Your guide will point out the most striking buildings, including the famous works of architect Mikhail Eisenstein, and share the stories behind them. It's easy to see why this part of the city is a key reason Riga's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The excursion continues with a visit to the Riga Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta Street, set in the former apartment of Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns, who designed the building himself. Step through the doors and climb the beautifully painted spiral staircase into a home restored to its early 1900s look, complete with period furniture, tableware and everyday details. It feels less like a museum and more like visiting a wealthy Riga family at the turn of the century. If you love architecture, design or simply beautiful places, this optional excursion is a must during your time in Riga.