Bastion Hill

Bastion Hill is one of the most romantic places in central Riga, as it features narrow paths, alleys of trees, stone garden, water cascade… The park right next to the Freedom Monument has been a delight to an eye and soul for more than a century. Either it’s winter or summer – special amosphere is always here.The paths run around the hill on different levels; they can take you to the very top where a nice view opens on the evening sun or the busy city or walk you around the hill to show the splendid scenery.Artificial waterfalls, colourful flowers, several sculptures, and benches to take a rest. Pay attention to the small bridges; the just married have left their padlocks here, which, according to belief, brings a long life and happiness.Ducks and swans have beloved the canal. A special swan house is set up here on the bank. If you are lucky, you’ll see the canal’s most interesting residents – badges.But at summertime, a dock next to the park is open to all those who would like to take a river tram or a boat.

Vermanes

Vērmanes Garden Park is Riga’s second oldest public park; the numerous benches are always occupied by Rigans and visitors to the city, the historic open-air stage features various concerts, and children have fun on the park’s playground.Vērmanes Garden Park is situated in the very centre of the city, surrounded by Tērbatas, Elizabetes, Krišjāņa Barona and Merķeļa streets. Riga’s second oldest park was created by donations in early 19th century. It was named after the wealthy widow Anna Gertrud Vērmane (born Ebel, 1750.-1827), who had allocated a piece of land and a great sum of money for the park. Now a statue to the generous lady stands there.Vērmanes Garden Park features various sculptures – splendid four season fountain, majestic stone lions, a monument to the collector of Latvian folk songs – Krišjānis Barons, and a bronze dandy – a monument to Latvian artist and designer Kārlis Padegs – on the other side of the fence. The garden park turns into a fairy tale during a year’s darkest period as it features strings of beaming lamps, music, and giant snow-menThe wooden open-air stage on the Elizabetes Street side is popular with chess players; sometimes it holds concerts and performances of dance groups. Having strolled through the park, relax in the cosy tea house or a night club located in the historic building at the corner of Tērbatas and Merķeļa streets. Now the renovated premises houses the music centre Vernisāža, established by Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls.

Promenade Daugava River

The promenade on the right side of the Daugava River stretches from Old Town all the way to the Ķengarags suburb of Riga. An excellent place where one can be near the water and enjoy a stroll.The section of the promenade adjacent to Old Town is where river boats dock to pick up and drop off tourists. This is also an excellent place to relax on a bench and enjoy the view of the river. Meanwhile, on the section between Akmens Bridge and the Railroad Bridge, there are excellent views of the Latvian National Library building.Furthermore, the section beyond the Railroad Bridge is popular for active residents – it is perfect for a bike ride, jogging and roller skating.

Ziedoņdārzs Park

This centrally-located park is 8.75 hectares large, and surrounded by Elizabetes, Kalpaka, Krišjāņa Valdemāra and Brīvības streets.A monument for Oskars Kalpaks, Rainis, the Birth of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Art Academy of Latvia are located in the park. The present greenery was created in 1950 as a partially communicating park.

Kronvalda Park

Kronvalda Park (originally Strēlnieku Garden) is 11.92 hectares in area, with the city canal running through it. Bordering Elizabetes, Kr. Valdemāra streets, Kronvalda and Kalpaka boulevards.The city canal splits the park into two parts. After dismantling the city dikes in 1863, the Union of Riga German Riflemen erected a society house and a shooting-ground on the right side of the park. Later, in 1883, this part was enlarged according to a project by architect Georgs Kūfalts with around 2,000 rosebushes blossoming in flowerbeds and rose-gardens. After 1927 the State handed the whole garden, except for the Riga Congress Centre, over to the city’s inhabitants, and garden architect Andrejs Zeidaks started creating a landscaped park here. During 1930’s the park was named after member of the Young Latvians Movement Atis Kronvalds.