Vērmanes Garden Park is Riga's second oldest public park; the numerous benches are always occupied by Rigans and visitors to the city, the historic open-air stage features various concerts, and children have fun on the park's playground.
Vērmanes Garden Park is situated in the very centre of the city, surrounded by Tērbatas, Elizabetes, Krišjāņa Barona and Merķeļa streets. Riga's second oldest park was created by donations in early 19th century. It was named after the wealthy widow Anna Gertrud Vērmane (born Ebel, 1750.-1827), who had allocated a piece of land and a great sum of money for the park. Now a statue to the generous lady stands there.
Vērmanes Garden Park features various sculptures – a splendid four-season fountain, majestic stone lions, a monument to the collector of Latvian folk songs - Krišjānis Barons, and a bronze dandy - a monument to Latvian artist and designer Kārlis Padegs - on the other side of the fence. The garden park turns into a fairy tale during the year's darkest period as it features strings of beaming lamps, music, and giant snowmen.
The wooden open-air stage on the Elizabetes Street side is popular with chess players; sometimes it holds concerts and performances of dance groups. Having strolled through the park, you can relax in a cosy tea house or a café on the side of the park adjacent to Elizabetes street or the restaurant located in the historic building at the corner of Tērbatas and Merķeļa streets.
Why visit
Vērmanes Garden Park is a favourite green escape in the heart of Riga and a lovely place to slow down between sightseeing stops. One of the city’s oldest parks, it offers shaded avenues, colourful flowerbeds, fountains and plenty of benches for a quiet rest or takeaway coffee. At the same time, it buzzes with local life: people playing chess, families enjoying the playgrounds, picnickers on the lawns and small outdoor concerts or seasonal events that give visitors a feel of Riga’s everyday life.
Historical highlight
Established in the early 19th century, the park was created thanks to a donation from philanthropist Anna Gertrud Vērmane, who wanted the space to be open to all city residents. Over time it expanded and became a key feature of Riga’s urban landscape. Today it covers about five hectares and combines landscaped paths, ornamental plantings, classic sculptures and memorials, blending historic charm with a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
How to get there
The park lies in central Riga between Tērbatas, Elizabetes, Krišjāņa Barona and Merķeļa streets, making it easy to reach on foot from landmarks such as the Freedom Monument and the Old Town. Numerous bus and tram routes stop right next to the park’s gates.
