Centrs is the vibrant heart of Riga, blending medieval history, Art Nouveau grandeur, and modern urban life. The district encompasses the UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vecrīga), where cobblestone streets wind past landmarks like Riga Cathedral (1211), St. Peter’s Church, and the iconic House of the Blackheads. The area flourished as a Hanseatic trading hub in the 13th century, and its skyline still bears Gothic spires and Baroque facades. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a wave of Art Nouveau architecture, epitomized by Alberta iela, designed by Mikhail Eisenstein. Centrs also houses the Freedom Monument (1935), a symbol of Latvian independence, and the bustling Central Market, housed in repurposed Zeppelin hangars.
While Centrs reflects Riga’s commercial and political heart, the Āgenskalns district across the river reveals a more residential, historic side of Riga. With its 17th-century origins and preserved wooden houses, Āgenskalns offers a contrasting narrative — one rooted in craft, community, and architectural heritage.
Today, Centrs is a cultural and commercial nexus, home to government institutions, embassies, high-end shops, and lively restaurants. While tourism thrives in Vecrīga, the district’s quieter streets reveal Soviet-era buildings and hidden courtyards. The Latvian National Opera and the Art Nouveau Museum anchor its artistic identity, while the Daugava River waterfront offers scenic promenades. Centrs remains a dynamic mix of old and new, where history intersects with contemporary Latvian life.Population: 35274 (2018)
Established: Developed in the late 19th century