Riga is the largest city in the Baltics, and a capital with a lively old town and the finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. Pastel facades, spires and cobbled lanes surround a river and parks.
It is relaxed, good value and full of cafes. It rewards visitors who look up at the buildings and wander into courtyards.
How many days: 3
Three days covers the old town, the Art Nouveau district and the market. Two is enough for a quick visit.
A trip to the seaside town of Jūrmala or the medieval castles of the Gauja valley is easy by train or bus. Plan it separately.
What to do in Riga
- Wander the Old Town
- Medieval lanes, guild halls and squares make up the old centre. Visit early or late to avoid the crowds.
- Look at Art Nouveau Street
- Alberta Street and nearby roads are lined with ornate facades covered in faces, flowers and sculptures. Look up as you walk.
- Visit the Central Market
- Housed in former Zeppelin hangars, it is one of the largest markets in Europe. Fish, meat, vegetables and bakery stalls fill the halls.
- Climb St Peter's Church tower
- A lift takes you up to a viewing platform over the old town and the river. A good spot for orientation.
- See the Freedom Monument
- A tall monument at the edge of the old town, a symbol of national independence. Honour guards stand beside it.
- Walk in the parks
- A ring of green parks and canals runs around the old town. A pleasant place to sit and rest.
- Take a day trip to Jūrmala
- A long sandy beach and a town of wooden houses, a short train ride away. Best in summer.
- Visit the House of the Blackheads
- A richly decorated building in the Town Hall Square, rebuilt after the Second World War. Its facade is one of the most photographed in the city.
- See the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum
- A large forest museum with historic wooden buildings from across Latvia. Fairs and festivals are held here in summer.
- Visit the Latvian National Museum of Art
- A grand building with a strong collection of Latvian painting, from the nineteenth century to modern times. A good rainy-day stop.
- Walk around Bastion Hill
- A small park with a canal and a waterfall behind the old town. A quiet green loop with a view of the skyline.
What to eat and drink
- Rye bread
- Dark, dense rye bread is a Latvian staple. Often served with butter, cheese or cured fish.
- Grey peas and bacon
- A traditional dish of boiled peas with fried bacon and onions. Often eaten at festivals.
- Smoked fish
- Fish smoked on the coast is sold in markets. Look for smoked salmon and sprats.
- Black Balsam
- A bitter herbal liqueur, a Latvian icon. Often taken in a small glass, or mixed with coffee.
- Local beer
- The Baltic region has a strong beer tradition. Craft beer is easy to find.
- Sklandrausis
- A traditional rye pastry filled with carrot and potato, flavoured with caraway. A Latvian classic.
Getting around
The old town and centre are compact and walkable. Trams, buses and trolleybuses cover the rest.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are inexpensive.
The airport is close to the city and reached by bus or taxi.
Good to know
- Latvia uses the euro. Cards are accepted in most places.
- Winters are cold and snowy, and summers are mild. Spring and early autumn are comfortable.
- Some bars in the old town are aimed at stag parties. Choose quieter streets for a relaxed evening.
- Latvian and Russian are both widely spoken, and many people speak English.
- Cobbles and uneven streets are common. Wear sturdy shoes.
- Riga has a song festival tradition that dates back well over a century, and choirs sing at many events. Check for concerts in summer.
- The Riga card, where available, bundles transport and museum entries, and suits visitors who plan to see several sights. Check the official tourism site.