Cat House
A medieval-inspired building in Riga's Old Town, famous for its two striking black cat sculptures on the roof.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Cat House
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval-inspired building in Riga's Old Town, famous for its two striking black cat sculptures on the roof.
"A quirky and charming spot in the Old Town, worth it for a smile and a story!"
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the famous cats on the roof! Best light in morning/afternoon.
🚶♀️ Explore Old Town
The Cat House is in the heart of the Old Town, so combine your visit with exploring the charming streets.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 3,261 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Cat Sculptures
Rooftop turrets
Two striking black cat sculptures adorn the roof, a whimsical and memorable sight that's a symbol of Riga.
Medieval-Inspired Architecture
Exterior facade
Admire the building's intricate details, built in 1909 with a distinct medieval flair.
The Legend of the Cats
Building exterior
Discover the intriguing local lore behind why these feline figures are perched so prominently.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick, Quirky Stop
Best Views for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the famous cats on the roof! Best light in morning/afternoon.
🚶♀️ Explore Old Town
The Cat House is in the heart of the Old Town, so combine your visit with exploring the charming streets.
⏱️ Quick Visit
It's a quick stop, perfect for a memorable photo and a bit of local history.
🐈 Cat Lover's Delight
A must-see for any cat enthusiast visiting Riga!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the famous cats on the roof! Best light in morning/afternoon.
🚶♀️ Explore Old Town
The Cat House is in the heart of the Old Town, so combine your visit with exploring the charming streets.
⏱️ Quick Visit
It's a quick stop, perfect for a memorable photo and a bit of local history.
🐈 Cat Lover's Delight
A must-see for any cat enthusiast visiting Riga!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cat House for its quirky charm and unique architectural appeal, especially the iconic cat sculptures. It's described as a quick, memorable stop in Riga's Old Town, perfect for photos and a touch of local legend. While not a destination for extended exploration, its distinctive character makes it a beloved landmark.
"We really enjoyed visiting the Cat House in Riga – it’s such a quirky and charming spot in the Old Town! The building itself is beautiful, but what made it even more special was watching the kids search for the famous black cat on the rooftop. They were so excited when they finally spotted it with its arched back and raised tail! It turned into a fun little game for them, and definitely a great photo opportunity for us. A quick but memorable stop – worth it for a smile and a story!"
Eleonora Baldassari
"Fun! If you like architecture, you'll enjoy this building and the history of why the cats were part of the design. It doesn't take long to see it and it is well worth seeing."
Paul Cave
"The history behind this place is very interesting. It is considered one of the symbols of Riga, so I don't need to say that you should go there to see the building and take some pictures. Go during the morning or afternoon to take nice pictures."
Wislan Nogueira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cat House is conveniently located in the heart of Riga's Old Town. You can easily walk to it from most central locations. If you're arriving by public transport, look for bus or tram stops near the Old Town and enjoy a short stroll to the building.
Parking in Riga's Old Town can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for paid parking lots on the outskirts of the Old Town.
Absolutely! The Cat House is a perfect quick stop for day-trippers. Its central location means you can easily fit it into a short itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to see the Cat House. It's an exterior architectural landmark that you can view and photograph from the street.
As it's an exterior building, there are no specific opening hours. You can view the Cat House at any time of day or night.
There is no entrance fee to see the Cat House. It's a free landmark to admire from the outside.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best lighting and to avoid harsh shadows, aim to photograph the Cat House in the morning or late afternoon. This will make the cat sculptures and the building's details pop.
Most visitors photograph the building from street level, focusing on the rooftop cats. Experiment with different angles to capture the full facade and its unique charm.
The Cat House is primarily an exterior attraction. You can view and photograph the building's facade and its famous cat sculptures from the outside.
🎫 🏛️ History & Lore
Built in 1909, the Cat House is a medieval-inspired building. Its fame comes from the two black cat sculptures on its roof, which are said to have been placed there in protest by a disgruntled merchant.
The legend goes that a wealthy merchant, denied membership in the Great Guild, placed the cat sculptures on his house facing the guild's building, with their tails towards it, as a form of protest.
Yes, the Cat House is considered one of Riga's unique symbols and a quirky landmark that attracts many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit