Among the three Baltic countries, Riga, the capital of Latvia, is not only famous for its medieval old town and exquisite Art Deco-style buildings, but also quietly developed a “street art route” hidden in the corners of the city. Walking along this route, you can not only appreciate bold and modern mural creations, but also encounter cold and thoughtful sculpture installations. They shuttle between historical streets, under bridges, abandoned factories and modern commercial areas, like a tacit dialogue between the city and art.
Ⅰ. Recommended attractions
1. Miera iela and Laimas iela Street Mural Cluster
Location
Miera iela (Peace Street) and the adjacent Laimas iela are located in the northeast of Riga city center, close to the junction of the old town and Grīziņkalns district. There are many independent bookstores and cafes nearby, and the whole block has a strong literary and artistic atmosphere.
Mural Features
The walls of this block are a microcosm of the development of street art in Latvia. From colorful abstract graffiti to detailed portrait murals, street artists use these spaces to tell stories about Latvian identity, freedom, memory and resistance. The most famous works include Kristians Brekte’s “Human Faces” series and Kiwie’s cartoon monster series, which are popular on social media.
Opening hours and recommended time to visit
The murals are open 24/7, and it is recommended to go there in the morning or evening to avoid the strong light at noon that makes exposure difficult. The whole block can be arranged for a 1.5 to 2 hour walking tour.
Transportation route
You can take trams 11 or 13 to “Tallinas iela” stop and walk about 3 minutes to get there. Cycling is also a good option. You can rent bicycles from Bolt or Nextbike in Riga.
Booking platform and cost
You can book the “Riga Street Art Walking Guide” or “Riga Mural Photography Experience” through GetYourGuide, the price is about 25 to 35 euros per person, including professional guide explanations and photography guidance.
2. Andrejsala: Sculpture space at the old industrial dock
Location
Andrejsala is located along the Daugava River, about 15 minutes’ walk from the Freedom Monument. It is a cultural zone transformed from the old industrial area of Riga Port.
Sculpture features
This area used to be a port warehouse and shipyard. Today, it retains the original industrial-style architecture and integrates avant-garde art exhibition space. There are many modern sculptures arranged along the river, such as the “Silent Whistle” installation and “Memory between Waves”. The works use materials such as metal, wood and glass to express the collision between man and nature, industry and emotion.
Opening hours and recommended playing time
Open all day, but it is recommended to visit during the day. The riverside is well lit and the scenery is pleasant. In the evening, you can sit in an outdoor cafe and enjoy the sculptures while watching the sunset, which is very atmospheric. The recommended playing time is 1 to 1.5 hours.
Transportation route
Take bus No. 57 to “Eksporta iela” and walk for 7 minutes to arrive. Or walk through the city center and walk from the Freedom Monument to here is also a good choice.
Booking platform and cost
You can book the “Riga Port Modern Art and Industrial Heritage Photo Tour” through Viator, the price is about 30 euros per person, including art review guide service.
3. Spikeri Creative Quarter
Location
The Spikeri Creative Quarter is located between Riga Central Market and Daugava River. It is a creative industry park transformed from a 19th-century brick warehouse.
Artistic features
The district not only has galleries, cultural centers and design studios, but also the exterior wall murals. The style of the murals extends from geometric figures to social themes. The most famous is the “Inner Reflection” series – a group of portraits depicting daily urban life, forming a wonderful time and space dialogue with the surrounding historical buildings.
Opening hours and recommended play time
The park is open all day, it is recommended to go in the morning or afternoon, the light is suitable for viewing and photography. You can arrange 1 to 1.5 hours of free exploration time.
Transportation route
Take bus No. 15, N3 tram, etc. to the “Central Market (Centrāltirgus)” station, and walk for 5 minutes to arrive.
Booking platform and fees
Airbnb Experiences has “Spikeri Photography Creation and Local Cultural Experience” available, priced at about 28 to 32 euros per person, including guided tours and cultural story sharing.
4. Kalnciema Quarter (Kalnciema Community) Art Wooden House Sculpture Park
Location
Kalnciema Quarter is located on the west bank of Riga, opposite Zaķusala Island. It is famous for its 19th-century wooden buildings and is a gathering place for local cultural and creative brands.
Artistic features
In addition to the handmade market and music performances every Saturday, the area also has a small sculpture garden, which exhibits small contemporary sculpture installations by local artists. These works often revolve around the themes of “ecology”, “community symbiosis” and “traditional modernization”, with profound implications.
Opening hours and recommended playing time
The wooden house market and sculpture garden are open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. It is recommended to visit on weekends to experience cultural activities at the same time. The recommended visiting time is about 1 hour.
Transportation route
Take tram No. 5 or No. 25 to the “Kalnciema iela” stop and walk for about 3 minutes. There is also free parking available for self-driving.
Booking platform and cost
You can book the “Kalnciema Art Exploration Half-Day Tour” through Klook, which costs about 20 euros per person, including sculpture introduction, woodworking experience class and local snack tasting.
5. Zasulauks Railway Bridge and Graffiti Corridor
Location
Zasulauks is located in the Pārdaugava district in the west of Riga. It is the junction of the railway bridge intersection area and the daily life of locals.
Artistic features
This area is known as the “underground graffiti corridor”. The 100-meter-long bridge bottom and wall are used by international and local artists as a free creative space, with content ranging from political satire to abstract art. This is a symbol of Latvia’s spirit of free expression and a location for many urban photographers to shoot their works.
Opening hours and recommended play time
Open all day, it is recommended to go during the day to ensure safety and shooting effects. Some areas under the bridge are relatively hidden, so it is recommended to go with a group or join a guided tour. The recommended time for the tour is about 1 hour.
Transportation route
Take the train to “Zasulauks” station, or take bus No. 4 or No. 19 to “Slokas iela” station and walk for 8 minutes.
Booking platform and cost
You can book the “Zasulauks Street Culture Walking Tour” through LocalGuides, which is about 22 euros per person, including art interpretation and historical background.
If Riga’s old town is amber frozen in time, then street murals and modern sculptures are witnesses of the city’s beating pulse. Along the “art exploration route” composed of these five points, you will see how the city cleverly weaves history, industry, freedom and creativity, presenting a different travel experience. More importantly, these street corner arts do not require expensive tickets, but can bring rich spiritual feedback.
Next time you come to Riga, you might as well step out of the traditional tourist map, walk into the city secrets on these walls and under the sculptures, and measure the temperature of art with your feet.
Ⅱ. Travel Tips: Travel with peace of mind during your art tour in Riga
1. Clothing and equipment recommendations
When exploring Riga’s street art, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. Most murals and sculptures are located on city streets or in old industrial areas, and the road surface may not be smooth. Don’t forget to bring a windproof jacket and sunglasses, especially in spring and autumn, when the weather in Riga is changeable.
2. Photography etiquette and safety
Although most murals and sculptures are located in public spaces, you still need to respect the privacy of local residents and shops and avoid entering private courtyards to shoot at will. When traveling to remote areas such as the railway bridge graffiti corridor at night, it is recommended to travel in groups or choose to visit during the day, which is safer.
3. Be careful with navigation and traffic rules
Riga has a well-developed public transportation system, but some art sites may not be on the popular route map. It is recommended to plan the route in advance and pay attention to the tram or bus operating hours to avoid missing the last bus.
4. Respect the art itself
Although street art is mostly open for display, please do not touch the sculptures or graffiti walls, and do not “re-create” existing works at will. Every piece of art is the result of the hard work of the creator. When you appreciate and photograph it, you are also showing respect for art.
By paying attention to the above details, your art trip in Riga will be smoother and more enjoyable, and you will be able to experience the hidden creative rhythm of this city more deeply.