The House of the Blackheads, located in the heart of Riga, continues to strengthen its position as one of the most popular cultural and tourism destinations in Latvia. The first half of 2025 has seen a significant increase in the number of visitors, which indicates the potential to become a record year in the house's history.
Riga's calling card of ancient traditions
The House of the Blackheads, built in 1334 as part of the Riga Town Hall Square ensemble, has served as a representative venue for receiving high-ranking guests for centuries. Today, it is not only the city's calling card and a popular tourist attraction, but also one of the most important celebration venues in Latvia. With the increase in the number of visitors and events, 2025 marks a special year in the history of the House of the Blackheads – with every possibility of becoming a record-breaking year in both tourism and events.
Visitor growth
Compared to the first half of 2024, the number of visitors to the House of the Blackheads has grown by 15%, and revenue by 24%. The house’s manager, Linda Lūkina-Kalda, points out that the increase in revenue exceeds the growth in the number of visitors, as guests are increasingly choosing additional offers. The so-called “combo” tickets with an included drink have become popular, which are purchased by 15 to 20% of visitors. The audio guide in seven languages, which has already been used by almost 15,000 guests, is also popular.
The House of the Blackheads has also received international recognition – the Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, awarded by the tourism portal Tripadvisor. This award, which the house has received for several years in a row, confirms its place among the most highly rated tourist attractions.
International guests and new experiences
The majority of visitors this year were from the UK, followed by travellers from Latvia, Germany, Finland, Lithuania and Poland. As Lūkina-Kalda points out, Riga is becoming increasingly accessible to short-term holidaymakers who combine cultural and sporting events with exploring the city. The House of the Blackheads is often the first stop, giving guests a vivid first impression of Old Riga.
Growing demand for events
As the number of tourists is growing, so is the demand for events. The House of the Blackheads is increasingly being chosen as a venue for celebrations, conferences and concerts by both international companies and private individuals. The historic and luxurious halls of the house can accommodate both small events and large celebrations with around 700 guests. The historic interior gives celebrations and concerts a special atmosphere, which is often one of the decisive factors in choosing an event venue.
The offer is diverse – from wedding ceremonies and special dinners to banquets, corporate conferences, concerts and cultural events. There are also special opportunities for young couples and photo shoots in historic buildings. The location of the house in the Old Town and the view of the Town Hall Square give special prestige to the events, while the professional support and technical equipment allow the organisation of even international-level events.
