One of the most striking aspects of central Riga is its abundance of Art Nouveau architecture, which is especially pronounced along Alberta iela (Albert Street) and Elizabetes iela (Elizabeth Street). Exemplified by fantastical and sometimes
macabre motifs, stone buildings carved with screaming gargoyles, dragons, giant heads, scantily clad men and women, and flora and fauna are typical features of this distinctive area just north and east of Riga Old Town. Most of these buildings
and façades were erected during the early 1900s, a period of economic prosperity in Riga, and they remain in pristine condition.
After walking through the world’s densest concentration of Art Nouveau (Jūgendstil) buildings,
a natural stopping point is the Riga Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta iela. You can pick up gifts and souvenirs at Jūgendstila Paviljons, a shop dedicated to items in this style on nearby Strēlnieku iela.