[2024 Riga Attraction] Travel Guide for House of the Black Heads (Updated Nov)
No.1 of Best Things to Do in Riga
Museums
Historical Sites
Address:
Rātslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Opening times:
Opens at 10:00-17:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 hour
Phone:
+371 66 957 225
Riga - The Biggest Baltic City
Location: Riga, capital city of Latvia.
Getting there: Fly to Riga from most European cities. Or you can take the fast bus from Tallin or Vilnius as part of a Baltic state tour.
Riga is the biggest city in the Baltic countries. Highlights include the old town. The old town has stunning soviet style architecture...especially House of the Blackheads.
Also, go for a walk along the river to enjoy the cathedral spires peering over the water.
#riga
#latvia
Graeme (高天乐Photographer)
Recommended walking and eating route in Riga Old Town.
Stop 1: House of the Blackheads (p1p2). The exterior wall is very recognizable. The basement mainly features historical pictures and text, as well as some cultural relics. The first and second floors mainly feature several halls. All the attractions in Riga are like those in Vilnius, with only English and no Chinese. You spend money, but you don't learn any interesting historical stories. It takes just an hour to visit. When you come out, you will see the Town Hall right in front of you.
Stop 2: Riga Cathedral (p3p4). There are only two fixed times every day when you can climb the tower. Its biggest feature is that it is connected to a courtyard outside, and the cloister of the courtyard is filled with a large number of cannons.
Stop 3: Art Museum Riga Bourse (p5p6). Because this building used to be a stock exchange, the exhibits inside are from all over the world. It feels like an imitation of the Louvre and the British Museum, but there are no treasures in the museum. It takes less than an hour to visit, and the experience is very good. There are ten times as many staff as tourists, because there are only two or three tourists [crying with laughter]. Take a picture of Riga Castle nearby. It is not a scenic spot, but the presidential residence, and you cannot enter.
Stop 4: Cat House (p7). There are actually just two sculptures of black cats with arched backs on the pointed roofs on both sides. It is a scenic spot where you can take a picture and leave after spending a euro.
After passing the square next to it, you will soon reach Stop 5: Freedom Monument (p8). It is said to have been given to Latvia by Lithuania. In the square not far in front of the monument, there is a pair of footprints on the ground, echoing the floor tile in front of Vilnius Cathedral yesterday, both commemorating the 600-kilometer human chain.
St. Peter's Church, a Gothic church with a Baroque bell tower. Its bell tower is 123 meters high, standing out in Riga Old Town. I will come back in a few days to climb the tower and overlook Riga. There is a statue next to the church, featuring a rooster, cat, dog, and donkey standing on top of each other, inspired by the Brothers Grimm. The original is in Bremen, Germany. The church closes at 6:00 pm.
I chose a tavern ranked third (p9), but it has a main course, and the key is that there is a platter, so you can try a variety of foods in one go.
WALTER FLETCHER
An unforgettable city to explore 🇱🇻👫😎
#urbanwanderings
My urban wanderings in Riga, the capital and largest city of Latvia, were a fascinating mix of history, culture, and striking architecture. As the largest of the Baltic capitals, Riga captivated me with its magnificent Old Town, where cobblestone streets and medieval buildings created a storybook atmosphere. The towering spires of St. Peter’s Church and the House of the Blackheads stood out as highlights of the city’s rich heritage. Exploring further, I was amazed by Riga’s Art Nouveau district, where ornate and sometimes eerie façades showcased intricate designs and faces seemingly frozen in stone. Riga’s blend of old-world charm and architectural wonders made it an unforgettable city to explore.
NeverStopExploring
Trip to Riga 🇱🇻
It was our second time to Riga, Latvia. During our time in Riga, we explored this charming city and discovered some fantastic places to visit.
We visited the House of the Black Heads and were amazed by its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history. The entrance fee is required , but it's worth every cent.
📍Rātslaukums 7
💰€6
We then took a stroll through the Old Town. We explored the narrow cobblestone streets, and every corner seemed to have a new surprise, from quaint shops to beautiful churches. Don’t miss the St. Peter's Church. We went up the tower and enjoy panoramic views of Riga.
📍Skārņu iela 19
💰€9
We also went to Lido Alus Seta for lunch. We had a hearty Latvian lunch here, including traditional dishes like grey peas with bacon 🥓 and pork schnitzel. The prices are reasonable and worth to try!
💰 €10-15 per person
📍Tirgonu iela 6
We also visited the Riga Central Market. One of Europe's largest and most vibrant markets. We loved exploring the various sections – from fresh produce to local crafts. It's a great place to try some smoked fish or pick up local cheeses 🧀
📍Nēģu iela 7
We also have our dinner at 3 Pavāru Restorāns. We had a fantastic meal here. I would recommend you to try Baltic herring tartare and the venison fillet 🥰
💰€20-35 per person.
📍Torņa iela 4
We also went to Latvian National Museum of Art 🖼️ We found the collection of Latvian art to be fascinating, especially the pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries.
💰 €6
📍Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1
We also took a walk in Esplanade Park and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We visited the nearby Nativity of Christ Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox church with beautiful interiors.
📍Brīvības bulvāris 23
We also took a day trip to Jūrmala, a beautiful seaside resort town just 30 minutes from Riga by train (tickets cost around €2). We spent a relaxing morning on the beach and explored the charming wooden houses along Jomas Street.
Then we headed back to Riga and visit Riga Castle 🏰, the residence of the Latvian President. While we couldn't enter, we enjoyed walking around the beautiful grounds.
📍Pils laukums 3
Last but not least, I would recommend you to visit Bibliotēka No1 Restorān. We found the setting elegant and the food exceptional. Try their duck breast with cherry sauce and wild mushroom risotto.
💰€30-50
📍Terbatas iela 2
#europetrip
#trip
#Vacation
Arrow_
Exhibition at the House of the Blackheads in Riga Old Town: History of Riga Trade and the Brotherhood of Blackheads, 100 Ways to Travel
The exhibition is located at the House of the Blackheads in Riga Old Town, the capital of Latvia. The original building was constructed in the 14th century, but it was severely damaged during the World Wars. After the wars, it underwent reconstruction and now serves as a museum showcasing the history of Riga trade and the Brotherhood of Blackheads.
~CheChe~
A Beauty Restored
The house of Black heads is a beautifully restored museum that was destroyed during the world war 2. It goes back to the 14th century. I was glad there was an audio guide too. I might have paid under 10 Euros for the entrance with a drink and the audio guide. It was very informative and changed the experience.
The outside of the museum has lovely carvings and a clock, while inside there are rooms used for concerts, theatre and opera performances and conferences. In the basement there is a hidden cinema room. The audio guide makes it fun to walk around and know of things. While most of what we see is restored. The cellars are the only original part left. Having said so this is still a wonderful addition to your trip.
#myhiddengems #museum #europe #summerdestinations #riga #100waysoftravel #latvia
MariaOntheMove
House of the Black Heads 🗺️
#myhiddengems
During my summer vacation, I visited the House of the Black Heads in Riga, Latvia, and it was a fantastic experience. This stunning building, located in the heart of Old Riga, is renowned for its striking architecture and rich history. The entrance fee was around 10 EUR, which I felt was reasonable for the impressive interiors and historical exhibits.
The House of the Black Heads, originally built in the 14th century, features intricate façade decorations and beautifully restored rooms that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The highlight for me was the Great Hall, with its ornate decorations and historical artifacts. The museum guides were knowledgeable and added great context to the exhibits.
Nearby, you can explore the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Don’t miss a visit to the Riga Cathedral and the Freedom Monument, both of which are within walking distance. The area is also dotted with quaint cafés and shops perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Overall, the House of the Black Heads is a must-see for anyone visiting Riga, combining historical significance with architectural beauty.
#trip #HouseOfTheBlackHeads #RigaHistory #LatvianHeritage #OldTownCharm #ArchitecturalGem
FlorinM
Summer Splendor in Riga Old Town
#summerdestinations
Riga Old Town in summer is a vibrant and picturesque destination. The cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and charming squares come alive with outdoor cafes, street performers, and festivals. The weather is typically warm, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and exploring landmarks such as the Riga Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, and the House of the Blackheads. The town's numerous parks and the nearby Daugava River provide beautiful spots for relaxation and scenic views. Summer in Riga Old Town is an ideal time to experience the city's rich culture and lively atmosphere.
#explorer #historicallandmarks #riga
Amy.in.asia
Autumn in Riga 😍
#fallingseason
The House of the Black Heads in Riga is a true architectural marvel that left me in awe. Located in the heart of Riga's Old Town, it is surrounded by a charming and historic atmosphere. Nearby attractions include the picturesque Town Hall Square, St. Peter's Church, and the vibrant Livu Square with its restaurants and cafes.
The House of the Black Heads itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and the ornate façade is a sight to behold. Stepping inside, I was captivated by the beautifully restored interiors and the rich history it encapsulates. The Black Heads Brotherhood history and the grand banquet hall are particularly fascinating.
The guided tour provided an insightful journey through the building's history and its role in Riga's cultural heritage. The staff's passion for preserving this historic gem was evident.
Visiting the House of the Black Heads is like stepping back in time, and it's a must-see attraction in Riga for history and architecture enthusiasts. #riga #europe #autumn #latvia