Private tour in Riga Philip B

Best of Riga Private Walking Tour

5.0

(8) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Philip B.

5.0

Guide rating

30

Reviews

Tours delivered

17 hrs

Avg. response time

Welcome to Riga! I grew up in Australia in a Latvian family, and when I came to Riga 25 years ago I fell in love with the place and never left! It's a place of stunning beauty (whatever the season - there are parks galore), fascinating history (did you know the guy who invented blue jeans came from Riga?), intriguing food (try the garlic rye bread or the hemp butter), sensational beer (I'll point you towards the best brewpubs) - and it is a joy for me to share it with visitors from around the world. In my 25 years here, I've worked as a journalist, a translator and for the last six years a tour guide. So telling stories is my thing, and there are lots of amazing ones in Latvia! Let me introduce you to the romantic, medieval cobblestone streets of the Old Town, the magnificent Art Nouveau buildings on the boulevards, delightful old wooden houses, freaky Soviet structures and much, much more! Please check out my tours, and if you like I can customize one to suit you perfectly. And please let me know if I can help in any other way. Looking forward to seeing you, Philip. Licensed Riga tour guide. None.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Philip B.

Overview of your Riga tour

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Riga's historic centre is a monument to human creativity over many centuries. On this tour, you'll experience wonderful buildings and stories about the people who lived in them. The tour starts in Riga's Old Town, a medieval pearl full of fascinating sights and stories. Discover why Riga's church steeples have roosters not crosses, which house Sherlock Holmes lived in, and where you can hear a girl who lived 400 years ago whispering - "I love you. . . " Then we wander through some luscious parks, where I'll tell you about the beavers in the canal, show you the Freedom Monument and explain how this symbol of independence survived Soviet demolition plans. Then we will explore Riga's Central Market. Its five giant pavilions offer a wonderful selection of local bread, cheeses, fish, pickles and much more, in a lively atmosphere. Then it's time to discover the Art Nouveau district, with magnificent buildings and awesome sculptures.

Recent Reviews

Christyne W.United States
1 week ago

Phillip knows this city. He is interesting, has a lot of fun facts and kept the tour very personal. We would highly recommend him.

Jim M.United States
July 2026

Great and kind guide with terrific info - highly recommend!

Geoff Y.United States
June 2026

Philip was amazing. He had great communication prior to the tour and met us at the agreeable location outside the cruise pier. He is polite and friendly and always made sure we were near him walking around. He knows the area very well and is quick to point out so much about local history, architecture and anything else you want to know. He was always willing to take a quick break for a coffee or whatever else we needed and picked out a great place for lunch and even ice cream before heading back to the ship. I would highly recommend using Philip when in the beautiful city of Riga.

Charles Westley “Wes” F.United States
July 2025

This was a great tour even with the on and off drizzling rain. Philip is a great guide and assures that you get an awesome day exploring Riga. This is another comprehensive tour where you will learn a lot and see the amazing beauty of the city. Your lunch stop will be amazing! We highly recommend this tour!

Ian C.United Kingdom
January 2024

Really enjoyed the tour. Philip was very knowledgeable and made the tour equally enjoyable.

Erin L.United States
July 2023

We would highly recommend Philip as a guide for anyone visiting Riga. He was friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and flexible. Philip listened to what our group wanted and was able to adjust the plan and offer a couple of different choices to make sure we all had a good time. When some in our group needed to sit or walk more slowly he was more than willing to accommodate us. And we felt we learned a lot from his interesting stories and the historical information he was able to share about the city.

Your Riga tour itinerary

The tour will start at the House of Blackheads, where we will discover how Christian Crusaders and Latvian pagans created the world's first Christmas tree! From there we will wander the lovely cobblestone lanes of Old Riga, seeing St. Peter's Church and its tower which has risen from the ashes, Doma Cathedral and its magnificent organ - just part of Riga's rich musical life - Riga's oldest houses the Three Brothers, and the reminders of the city's medieval fortifications. From there, we head through lovely parks to experience the emotionally-charged Freedom Monument, before heading to Riga's amazing Central Market. Finally, we discover the world's richest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, an effervescent style that brought joy to the world at the dawn of the 20th century.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Meeting location

1C Eksporta iela, Rīga, 1010, Latvia

I can meet you at your ship, or in front of the House of Blackheads - I will be wearing an orange cap so you can easily recognise me!

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
799486
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Riga best suited for?

This private tour in Riga is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's rich history and stunning architecture at a leisurely pace. It's especially suitable for those interested in UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval history, and Art Nouveau architecture. Families with children will find it kid-friendly, and it's a great choice for anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Philip B. for deeper insights into Riga's culture.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Riga be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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