Centrs

As the vibrant heart of Riga, Centrs (the Center) is a stunning showcase of architectural grandeur, particularly its world-renowned Art Nouveau buildings. This bustling district seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern energy, serving as the city's primary commercial, cultural, and social hub. Life here is lived on foot, moving between grand boulevards, leafy parks, sophisticated restaurants, and the city's most important museums and theaters.

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Stay here if you like…
  • You're a first-time visitor who wants to be within walking distance of all major sights, museums, and restaurants.
  • You're a professional or urbanite who thrives on energy and convenience, valuing easy access to transport, culture, and nightlife.
  • You appreciate world-class architecture and want to immerse yourself in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Map notes

We’re collecting points of interest for this neighborhood.

Eat & Drink

Good to know
UNESCO Gem

The central district is celebrated for having the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Quiet Center

The area is often divided into the main commercial center and the 'Quiet Center' (Klusais centrs), a more serene residential area famed for its elaborate Art Nouveau embassies.

While lively, the area is also home to several beautiful parks, including Vērmanes Garden and the Esplanāde, offering green escapes from the urban bustle.
Essentials
  • Serves as the central hub for Riga's extensive tram, trolleybus, and bus network.
  • Riga Central Station, located on the edge of the district, connects the city to the rest of Latvia and beyond.
  • The entire area is exceptionally walkable, with dedicated bike lanes on major streets.
  • A direct bus (No. 22) and minibus service connect the Center with Riga International Airport (RIX).

Highlights to plug in

Freedom Monument

Plot a stop at Freedom Monument while exploring Centrs.

Latvian National Opera and Ballet

Plot a stop at Latvian National Opera and Ballet while exploring Centrs.

Art Nouveau buildings on Alberta iela

Plot a stop at Art Nouveau buildings on Alberta iela while exploring Centrs.

Vērmanes Garden

While lively, the area is also home to several beautiful parks, including Vērmanes Garden and the Esplanāde, offering green escapes from the urban bustle.

Latvian National Museum of Art

Plot a stop at Latvian National Museum of Art while exploring Centrs.

Things to do

UNESCO Gem

The central district is celebrated for having the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Quiet Center

The area is often divided into the main commercial center and the 'Quiet Center' (Klusais centrs), a more serene residential area famed for its elaborate Art Nouveau embassies.

Where to stay

Stay here if

You're a first

You're a first-time visitor who wants to be within walking distance of all major sights, museums, and restaurants.

Stay here if

You're a professional or urbanite who thrives on energy and…

You're a professional or urbanite who thrives on energy and convenience, valuing easy access to transport, culture, and nightlife.

Stay here if

You appreciate world

You appreciate world-class architecture and want to immerse yourself in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.