Jan 20, 2025

Vērmanes Park Riga

In the Heart of the City

"And all of this thanks to Anna Vermane, who donated the park to the city for recreational use back in 1817 and whose monument you'll be able to find in the park's gardens"

Vērmanes park is a place you'll have a hard time avoiding if you are visiting Riga. It stands at the crossroads of places like the main building of the University of Latvia and the National Latvian History Museum, and it is only a short walk or tram ride from other tourist and local destinations in the historic center. However, with all these seemingly beaming attractions, many tourists pass up the chance to take a stroll through the park itself, simply taking glances or swiftly dashing through it to get to their next sight-seeing object. Locals, on the other hand, have grown to love this park as a sight for shiny lights in the winter and a perfect relaxing spot in the heat of summer.

And all of this thanks to Anna Vermane, who donated the park to the city for recreational use back in 1817 and whose monument you'll be able to find in the park's gardens, alongside other notable and just as historically significant spots, one of which being the park's astute stage-set. As a part of the agreement back in 1817, the park is forbidden from being sold or closed off to the general public. Thus, next time when you're traveling with the 11th of 1st Tram, consider stepping out at Merķeļa street and taking a stroll through this lovely garden. Remember, it will always be there to welcome you.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Terbatas street 2D

no-price

Explore Riga like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Riga guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Riga

Burzma

Restaurants and a bar with rooftop views

This is a place of many tastes and events – 10 various food places in one area and the best cocktail or any other drink with a rooftop view.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 16, 2025

Hanzas Perons

Modern venue meets history

Hanzas Perons is a top pick in Riga's cultural life. You can find big concerts, exhibitions and other events in this renovated old cargo train warehouse!

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 10, 2025

Cadets de Gascogne

Stop for a sweet moment

"Cadets de Gascogne" in the center of Riga does something magic: the moment you step inside this cafe, you leave all the hustle & bustle outside the door.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 9, 2025

Lavandas

Eco shopping

"Lavandas" in Riga is an amazing eco-shop where you can buy everything from food to cosmetics to reusable water bottles... but I really love it for gifts!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 8, 2025

Rīgas Botāniskais Dārzs

Not boring at all!

"Rīgas Botāniskais Dārzs" (Riga's botanical garden) sounded boring. How wrong I was! Every season is a new absolutely beautiful discovery here...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 7, 2025

K.K. fon Stricka Villa

Artistic oasis in the city

"K.K. fon Stricka Villa" in Riga is a reborn old villa from the late 19th century. It is easy-going yet hip, with elements from the past yet so modern!

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 7, 2025

Born For Freedom

Huge 3D street art fox in town

"Born For Freedom" (or, in Latvian, Dzimuši Brīvībai) is a huge 3D street art sculpture of a fox dedicated to the protection of animals...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Zaiga

Brača

Feb 4, 2025

Zuzeum

A new space for art in Riga

"Zuzeum Art Centre" in Riga is spread over three levels of a historical building with a nice shop/coffee place and a green oasis of a rooftop terrace!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 4, 2025

Mañana Bar

Slow down

"Mañana Bar" in Riga invites you to take things easy, as if you were in Spain or Mexico. We Latvians need to remember this lesson from time to time...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 4, 2025

Ezītis Miglā

Hedgehog in the fog

Ezītis Miglā

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 4, 2025

Pusdienu Restorāns Gusto

Lunch restaurant

"Pusdienu Restorāns Gusto" in Riga offers a quick and tasty lunch in a very nice environment next to the channel.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 4, 2025

FoodBox

Probably the best kebab in Riga

"FoodBox" probably makes the best kebab in Riga! For sure it's one of the oldest places in the city. My favorite is the chicken kebab with yogurt sauce...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Dace

Strigune

Feb 4, 2025

Heading to Riga?

59 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Riga?

59 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Riga

Get to know our other Spotters from Riga

As featured on: