TL;DR: Rundāle Palace is Latvia’s most stunning baroque masterpiece, located 80km south of Riga. Expect ornate interiors dripping with gold, sprawling French gardens, and a fascinating peek into 18th-century Baltic aristocracy. Budget 3-4 hours minimum, arrive early to beat crowds, and don’t skip the gardens. Entry: €12-16 adults, accessible facilities available.
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—Rundāle Palace is absolutely jaw-dropping. If you’ve only got time for one major sight outside Riga, this should probably be it. Think Versailles, but without the overwhelming tourist hordes and with a distinctly Baltic twist.
What Makes Rundāle Palace So Special?
Built between 1736-1768 for the Duke of Courland, this baroque and rococo palace was designed by the same Italian architect (Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli) who created the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. That pedigree shows in every gilded corner, every painted ceiling, and every perfectly manicured hedge.
The palace survived World War II relatively intact (unlike many European palaces), went through Soviet-era neglect where it housed a school and grain storage (!), and has been meticulously restored since Latvia’s independence. Today, it’s arguably the finest baroque palace in the entire Baltic region.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Info
Getting There:
From Riga, you’ve got several options:
- By car: 80km, about 1.5 hours via A7/E67 highway (easiest option for families or groups)
- By bus: Direct buses from Riga International Bus Station to Bauska (€3-5), then local bus or taxi to palace
- Organized tours: Many companies offer day trips from Riga (€40-60 per person, including transport and guide)
The palace is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators available throughout the main routes.
Opening Hours:
- May-October: 10am-6:30pm daily
- November-April: 10am-5pm daily (closed Mondays)
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Full palace tour + gardens: €16 adults, €8 students/seniors
- Palace only: €12 adults, €6 reduced
- Gardens only: €4 adults, €2 reduced
- Children under 7: free
- Family tickets available (2 adults + up to 3 kids): €35
Audio guides (€5) are worth it—the English commentary is excellent and brings the history alive.
What You’ll Actually See Inside
The Grand Gallery
This is the showstopper. A 300-square-meter ballroom with ceiling frescoes, gilded stucco work, and enough baroque bling to make your eyes water. It’s been beautifully restored to its 18th-century glory, and you can almost hear the orchestras playing minuets.
The White Hall
Another stunner—this ceremonial room features incredible trompe-l’œil ceiling paintings and was used for the duke’s most important receptions. The acoustics here are phenomenal (they sometimes host classical concerts).
The Golden Hall
Exactly what it sounds like. Gold leaf everywhere, intricate rococo decorations, and a general sense of “wow, the duke really went for it here.”
The Duke’s Private Apartments
These rooms feel more intimate and give you a real sense of how Baltic nobility actually lived. The bedroom, study, and porcelain cabinet are highlights—look for the original 18th-century Dutch tiles and Chinese porcelain.
The Duchess’s Suite
The Rose Room is particularly Instagram-worthy (not that we’re here for the ‘gram, but… we totally are). Delicate pastel colors, elegant furniture, and beautiful silk wall coverings make this feel genuinely romantic rather than intimidating.
The Gardens Are Mandatory
Seriously, don’t skip these. The French formal gardens cover 85 hectares and were painstakingly restored using original 18th-century plans. You’ll find:
- The Parterre: Geometric perfection with seasonal flowers
- The Green Theater: An outdoor performance space carved from hedges
- The Rose Garden: Over 2,000 rose bushes (peak bloom: June-July)
- The Fountains: Working baroque fountains that are particularly magical in summer
Best time to visit? Late spring through early autumn when everything’s in bloom. The gardens are free to wander if you’ve bought a palace ticket, and they’re perfect for families—kids can actually run around without worrying about priceless antiques.
Insider Tips for a Better Visit
Timing is everything: Summer weekends get crowded with tour groups. Weekday mornings (especially May, June, or September) offer the best experience with fewer visitors. If you’re visiting in summer, aim to arrive right when they open at 10am.
Photography: Allowed in most areas without flash (check current rules as they occasionally change). The Grand Gallery photographs beautifully with natural light.
Food options: The palace café serves decent coffee and pastries, but for a proper meal, head to Bauska (10 minutes away) where you’ll find better value and more variety. The café terrace overlooking the gardens is lovely for a quick snack though.
Combine with Bauska Castle: If you’ve made the journey, the medieval Bauska Castle ruins are 15 minutes away and make a nice contrast to baroque opulence. Joint tickets sometimes available.
Hidden gem: Ask about access to the palace’s attic exhibition space—it shows the restoration process and gives fascinating before/after comparisons. Not always included in standard tours.
Best Times to Visit Throughout the Year
Spring (April-May): Gardens coming to life, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures. The tulips in the formal gardens are spectacular.
Summer (June-August): Peak season for gardens, longest opening hours, regular concerts and events. Expect more visitors but also the fullest experience.
Autumn (September-October): Gorgeous fall colors, smaller crowds returning, still pleasant weather. The palace interior photography is actually better with the softer autumn light.
Winter (November-March): Quietest period, focus on interiors as gardens are dormant. The palace looks magical in snow, and you’ll practically have it to yourself. Reduced hours and Monday closures apply.
What to Skip
The palace museum shop is fairly standard tourist fare—nice enough souvenirs but nothing you can’t find in Riga. Save your money for the actual experience.
Skip the “quick 45-minute visit” unless you truly have no other choice. This place deserves time—you’ll regret rushing through rooms that took decades to create and restore.
Who Will Love Rundāle Palace?
Architecture and history enthusiasts will be in heaven studying the baroque and rococo details. Photography lovers will find endless compositions. Families will appreciate the gardens where kids can burn energy after touring the palace. Garden designers should budget extra time—the formal French garden restoration is world-class.
The palace is accessible for visitors with mobility challenges, and the main route through the palace accommodates wheelchairs and strollers. Staff are generally helpful and accommodating for visitors with different needs.
Final Thoughts
Is Rundāle Palace worth the trip from Riga? Absolutely. It’s one of those places where the restoration work has been done with such care and authenticity that you genuinely feel transported to another era. Unlike some European palaces that feel like museums (beautiful but cold), Rundāle manages to feel both grand and somehow alive.
Budget at least 3-4 hours for a relaxed visit—2 hours for the palace interior and 1-2 hours for the gardens. If you’re a garden person or visiting during summer, add another hour.
The combination of stunning baroque architecture, beautifully maintained grounds, and the fascinating history of Baltic nobility makes this one of Latvia’s absolute must-sees. Just don’t make the rookie mistake of trying to squeeze it into a rushed half-day trip. This place deserves your time and attention.
And hey, if you leave without at least a hundred photos and a newfound appreciation for rococo excess, you’re probably doing it wrong.
Pro tip: Download the Rick Steves or similar Baltic travel podcast episode about Rundāle before you visit—listening on the drive down adds great context to what you’re about to see.
Have you visited Rundāle Palace? Any tips to add? The comment section is all yours.
