This Soviet Riga tour provides a compelling view of life under occupation, grounded in the memories of those who lived it.
Our local guides use significant city centre landmarks, such as the imposing Latvian Riflemen Monument and the notorious KGB "Corner House," to share personal accounts and human stories of survival, quiet resistance, and the struggle to maintain Latvian identity right here in the heart of Riga. The tour offers a nuanced understanding of the heavy shadow the Soviet regime cast and the resilience shown by the people until independence was regained.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private tour
Professional guide
Local taxes
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up / drop off
Meeting Points
Departure
Latviešu strēlnieku laukums
In the middle of Latvian rifleman's square, next to the statue of the Latvian riflemen.
Return
Dailes Theater
The tour finishes at the Daile theatre, approximately 15 min walk to the old town
Important Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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A brief overview of the Soviet period - the different eras from Stalin to Gorbachev.
The history of the Latvian red riflemen and the significance of their monument in the broader discussion of Soviet cultural heritage.
15 minutes
2
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
The deportations to Siberia will be discussed - the reason, scale and impact of the deportations will be covered.
10 minutes
3
1991 Barikazu Laukums
The climax of the fight for Latvia's independence - the era of the barricades will be discussed.
10 minutes
4
Baltic Way Footprint Monument
The Baltic way - the largest non violent anti Soviet demonstration in the Baltics - will be analysed. The logistics, mood of the time period and impact will be covered.
10 minutes
5
Freedom Monument
The monument of freedom - Riga's most iconic monument - it's significance and how it survived the Soviet period.
10 minutes
6
Nativity of Christ Cathedral
The Orthodox cathedral - the role and treatment of religion in the Soviet period will be discussed.
10 minutes
7
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
Formerly Hotel Latvia - the only hotel where western tourists where allowed to stay in Soviet Riga, the rooms famously bugged by the KGB
10 minutes
8
Brivibas Iela
Freedom street - formerly Lenin street. The street features examples of Soviet era residential archiecture and Soviet Latvia's most famous fashion house - Rigas Modes.
10 minutes
9
KGB Building
KGB building. The HQ of the Russian secret police in Latvia - the highest building in Riga - from the top of it you can see all the way to Siberia... KGB recruitment methods, interrogation methods and more will be discussed
10 minutes
10
Dailes Theatre
Dailes theatre - an iconic example of Soviet era architecture is our final stop. The collapse of the Soviet union will be discussed.
This Soviet Riga tour provides a compelling view of life under occupation, grounded in the memories of those who lived it.
Our local guides use significant city centre landmarks, such as the imposing Latvian Riflemen Monument and the notorious KGB "Corner House," to share personal accounts and human stories of survival, quiet resistance, and the struggle to maintain Latvian identity right here in the heart of Riga. The tour offers a nuanced understanding of the heavy shadow the Soviet regime cast and the resilience shown by the people until independence was regained.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private tour
Professional guide
Local taxes
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up / drop off
Meeting Points
Departure
Latviešu strēlnieku laukums
In the middle of Latvian rifleman's square, next to the statue of the Latvian riflemen.
Return
Dailes Theater
The tour finishes at the Daile theatre, approximately 15 min walk to the old town
