Riga: 3-Hour Soviet Walking Tour

4.8 / 5

24 reviews

Riga: 3-Hour Soviet Walking Tour

4.8

24 reviews

From $71.69 per person

Visit must-see and off-the-beaten-track spots in Riga that are legacies of the city’s Soviet past. Find out what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. Take a 3-hour walking tour with a friendly guide and learn about the darkest years in Latvian history.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
COVID-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing
Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 3 hours
Starting times 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Private tours are available at your preferred time. Pick up available from centrally located places (within 20 minutes walking distance from Old Town).
Private group

Experience

Highlights
  • See sites that are legacies of Riga’s Iron Curtain past
  • Learn more about history and life during the occupation
  • Discover real, off-the-beaten-track Riga
  • Hear personal stories from your guide about local life during the Cold War times
  • Learn about the Singing Revolution and freedom restoration in the Baltic Countries in 1991
Full description
On this 3-hour walking tour a local guide will take you to some of the must-see places in Riga. Visit sites that are legacies of the city’s Soviet past, and some that are symbols of Latvians' desire for independence. Learn more about the local history of the 20th century, including 3 occupations and miraculous movements towards independence. See typical Soviet-era monuments and buildings, hear about life during the occupation and enjoy great panoramic views.
Includes
  • Hotel pickup
  • Professional local guide
  • Public transportation ticket
  • All entrance fees
    Not suitable for
    • People with mobility impairments
    COVID-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Prepare for the activity

    Important information

    Not allowed

    • Smoking
    • Video recording

    Know before you go

    • Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions
    • The tour duration is 3 hours and a moderate amount of walking is involved
    • Please let the tour operator known in advance about any special medical conditions or restrictions
    • Don’t forget an umbrella (if it is raining) or sunscreen (if it is sunny)
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.8 / 5

    based on 24 reviews

    Review summary

    • Value for money
      4.6/5
    • Safety
      5/5
    • Service
      4.8/5
    • Organization
      4.8/5
    Sort by

    Less know, but certainly not less interesting side of Riga

    This tour is guided by a local that shows you places and buildings that refer to the dark periods of war and sovjetregime in which Latvians suffered. It's a part of history of Riga which was crucial for its present place in the world. We really recommand it. The Sovjectbuffet is not included in the price, instead you got very good advice about local restaurants.

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    January 26, 2019

    D
    Reviewed by Dorsan – Belgium

    Helpful?

    Really interesting and informative tour

    A really interesting and informative tour, visiting several sites in Riga, starting at the Freedom Monument, then moving on to the former KGB HQ ('Corner House'); the Victory Monument; the station from where many Latvians were deported to Siberia; the Academy of Sciences ('Stalin's Birthday Cake') - we paid an extra 5 euros to get the lift up to the viewing platform for spectacular 360° views over Riga. The tour included a short bus ride across the river and a train ride back (tickets included in tour fee). The tour ended in a great little authentic, Soviet-style bar - we paid extra for refreshments but they were so cheap! Our tour guide, Liga, was lovely - very friendly and knowledgeable. Her English was excellent. We learnt a lot from her about Riga's Soviet past. It was particularly interesting to hear about her own experience of growing up during the Soviet occupation, as well as the experiences of her family members. All in all, well worth the money and highly recommended.

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    October 28, 2017

    N
    Reviewed by Nicola – United Kingdom

    Helpful?

    Our guide was very knowledgeable and the tour was quite interesting

    It was good to see things from a different and closer perspective with the walking tour. It was a lot of walking so I wouldn't recommend it for people that aren't up for that but if you don't mind the walk it's a great way to take in the information and see things close up.

    July 24, 2017

    S
    Reviewed by Steven – United States

    Helpful?

    Organized by
    Raami Travel

    Product ID: 66411