Activity Riga, Latvia

Private Soviet Riga tour

5.0 (18 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

18 reviews

5.0

Private Soviet Riga tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Soviet Riga tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Operated by: TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SIA

What is included

Included

Included: Private tour
Included: Professional guide
Included: Local taxes

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pick-up / drop off

Itinerary

Stop 1

15 min

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.
Stop 2

10 min

The deportations to Siberia will be discussed - the reason, scale and impact of the deportations will be covered.
1991 Barikazu Laukums

10 min

The climax of the fight for Latvia's independence - the era of the barricades will be discussed.
Baltic Way Footprint Monument

10 min

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.
Freedom Monument

10 min

The monument of freedom - Riga's most iconic monument - it's significance and how it survived the Soviet period.
Nativity of Christ Cathedral

10 min

The Orthodox cathedral - the role and treatment of religion in the Soviet period will be discussed.
Stop 7

10 min

Formerly Hotel Latvia - the only hotel where western tourists where allowed to stay in Soviet Riga, the rooms famously bugged by the KGB
Brivibas Iela

10 min

Freedom street - formerly Lenin street. The street features examples of Soviet era residential archiecture and Soviet Latvia's most famous fashion house - Rigas Modes.
KGB Building

10 min

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
Dailes Theatre

15 min

Dailes theatre - an iconic example of Soviet era architecture is our final stop. The collapse of the Soviet union will be discussed.