Mežaparks

Overview

Mežaparks is Riga's largest park and one of Europe's oldest planned garden suburbs. Encompassing dense pine forest, a lake, and the famous Song Festival amphitheatre, it is the green lung of the city and the venue for Latvia's most important cultural event.

Highlights

• Song Festival amphitheatre: An open-air stage seating 30,000, venue for the UNESCO-listed Latvian Song and Dance Festival.
• Riga Zoo: Latvia's only major zoo, home to over 3,000 animals in a forested setting.
• Garden city architecture: Early 20th-century wooden villas set among pine trees, a unique urban landscape.

History

Developed from the 1900s as a garden city suburb, Mežaparks was designed for wealthy Riga residents seeking fresh air and greenery. The Song Festival tradition, which dates to 1873, has been held here since the Great Song Festival Stage was built in 1955.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Take tram 11 from the city centre — the ride through the northern suburbs is part of the experience.
• Tip 2: The forested trails are excellent for running and cycling year-round.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.