Ķīpsala is a quiet riverside neighborhood on the Daugava, a short walk from Riga’s Old Town across the suspension bridge. Its cobbled streets pass restored wooden houses, former port-worker homes and newer villas. Walk along Balasta dambis for changing views of Old Town’s church spires, then visit the Žanis Lipke Memorial to learn about the man who hid more than 50 Jews from the Nazis during the Second World War. The neighborhood is also home to Riga Technical University and the Olimpia shopping centre.
A neighborhood across the river
Ķīpsala lies between the Daugava River and the Zunda Channel. Though its name means “island” in Latvian, bridges connect it with the rest of Riga. The suspension bridge makes it an easy walk from Old Town, while the river gives the neighborhood a quieter feel close to the city centre.
The area grew around low-rise wooden homes built for port workers, alongside warehouses and former factories. Many have since been renovated, and the streets now mix historic houses with newer residences. Some homes are among Riga’s more prestigious properties, and the neighborhood is also popular with students attending Riga Technical University.
Wooden houses and changing river views
Take time to walk the cobbled streets and look closely at the variety of wooden architecture. The houses include classicist and national romantic styles. One 18th-century wooden house at Ogļu iela 8 was restored and moved from Aristida Briāna iela 11 in 2006. Its reconstruction added a modern extension to the historic building.
At Balasta dambis, follow the waterfront for views across the Daugava to Old Town and the Citadele area. The curve of the shoreline changes the view as you walk, bringing different arrangements of the city’s medieval church spires into sight. A small park sits along the riverbank, and the area also has space for sports and a children’s play area.
The Žanis Lipke Memorial
The Žanis Lipke Memorial is a museum dedicated to a local man who saved more than 50 Jews from the Nazis during the Second World War by hiding them in a bunker. Its distinctive design makes it stand out among the neighborhood’s wooden houses. A visit adds a close, personal account of wartime rescue to a walk through Ķīpsala.
The riverfront also has a sandy beach, a children’s playground and a beach soccer field. It is an unofficial beach and does not meet the standards for swimming places, so treat it as a place to relax by the water rather than an approved swimming spot. In summer, a small cafe operates there.
Perguntas frequentes
How do you get to Ķīpsala from Old Town?
Walk across the suspension bridge connecting Ķīpsala with Riga. The neighborhood is a short walk from Old Town.
What can you see in Ķīpsala?
The area has restored wooden houses, cobbled streets, river views from Balasta dambis and the Žanis Lipke Memorial.
Is the beach in Ķīpsala suitable for swimming?
It is an unofficial beach and does not meet the standards for swimming places.
How long should you spend in Ķīpsala?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to walk the streets and riverfront and visit the memorial.
