If you’re looking for an engaging and informative tour that covers the complex history of Riga but also explores what it is like to live here today, then this is the tour for you. I’ve made sure that we don’t miss any of old Riga’s most famous landmarks on our walk including St Peter’s Church, Town Hall Square and Dome Square, but don’t expect a dry history lesson. On this tour, you’ll find out about the surprising origins of the Latvian language, the fate of churches during the Soviet occupation and the little known history of Latvia’s symbol of independence. I’ve lived in Riga my whole life and worked as a tour guide for the better part of a decade, and this is both a personal and a comprehensive tour of the old town. I love telling people about my city and, having travelled a lot myself, I know how enriching an authentic local perspective can be. Some of the highlights you can look forward to include: • Discovering the origins of the Christmas tree • The street used in the filming of the popular Russian production of Sherlock Holmes • The unique history of Dome square • The home of what was once the largest pipe organ in the world • An in-depth look at the local Russian community • The meaning behind Latvia's symbol of independence The tour takes around 45 minutes to complete. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars all along the route for breaks.