The best things to do in Riga, Latvia

If you’re planning a trip to Latvia, you’re sure to meet its effervescent capital, Riga. This charming city is one of the Art Nouveau hotspots of the world, with gorgeous, elaborate facades everywhere you turn. There’s an air of contemplation here, one that leads you to bookshops, cafes, museums and market squares; and its intriguing history and spirit of independence are told with landmarks, statues, and quirky surprise features. Here’s our pick of top things to do in Riga when on a trip to Latvia for the first time…

Top historic landmarks and cultural experiences in Riga

Riga is crammed with cultural and historical gems, and is a treat for the eagle-eyed traveler as there’s always something fascinating to see and discover.

Discover the gems of Riga’s historic Old Town

The Old Town (Vecrīga) is one of the most celebrated parts of Riga, a charming maze of cobbled streets, colorful facades and a glut of centuries-old buildings. The most prominent is the House of the Blackheads, a gorgeous 14th-century guildhall built for a group of German merchants called the Brotherhood of Blackheads—and it’s as ornate and glamorous on the inside as the exterior.

Don’t miss the panoramic views from St. Peter’s Church, the Town Hall Square and Cat House (with two stone cats perched on the roof), the Three Brothers (a trio of Riga’s oldest surviving houses), and the stunning Cathedral Complex.

Peruse museums and hunt for landmarks

Riga is a surprisingly artsy city, blending centuries of history with a modern, creative spirit. Museums here range from grand, traditional institutions like the Latvian National Museum of Art, to smaller local museums such as the Museum of Decorative Art and Design. There’s an artistic flourish to the National Library of Latvia; its soaring glass walls designed by architect Gunnar Birkerts has even earned it the nickname ‘Castle of Light’.

For museums and landmarks with a political history slant, check out the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which tells the powerful story of Latvia under Soviet and Nazi occupation during the 20th century. Linked to this is the Freedom Monument—a woman stood atop a column holding three stars to represent Latvia’s regions and independence.

Seek out Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture

Riga is renowned for its elegant Art Nouveau architectural treasures, which appear throughout the city—but the most elaborate are condensed on Alberta Street; a promenade lined with ornate facades, intricate floral motifs, quirky mythical creatures, and awe-inspiring stone carvings. Or, you can head to the Riga Art Nouveau Museum to see more of these designs and learn about the stories behind them.

Get a local taste of Latvia

What’s a European city break without trying the local fare? Riga is home to one of Europe’s largest and most memorable markets, Riga Central Market—and it’s a real feast for the senses. Wander beneath its old Zeppelin hangars to peruse fresh produce and just-baked goods (piragi pastries are delicious; as are sklandrausis, a moreish, savory desert pastry). It’s also the perfect place to sample locally-sourced smoked fish and meats, honey, cheeses, rye bread, and other local treats.

Outside of street food, head to a bar that stocks Riga Black Balsam—it’s a local institution, an herbal spirit that is bitter, complex and strangely satisfying. If that’s not your thing, you can always explore the famed local beer scene; or to really get into the spirit of the city, try a candlelit medieval dining experience in the Old Town. It’s a bit touristy, but a lot of fun.

Green spaces in Riga

Riga’s green spaces perfectly complement the city’s medieval aesthetics, offering a calm place to get some respite:

• Wander Bastejkalns Park and the Canal Belt, a lush and spacious park that wraps around a canal, lined with weeping willows and quaint bridges to stroll along. The canal was once a moat, a military boundary built to protect the city during the medieval period.
• Also spend a while in Vermane Garden and Esplanāde Park, additional green spaces within minutes of the Old Town.
• In the north of the city is Mežaparks, a leafy, airy neighborhood which is a favorite spot for outdoor events and local festivals. The wide walkways are perfect for wandering, cycling, and soaking up the welcoming atmosphere.

Best day trips from Riga

Riga is a wonderfully compact city that is easily visited in a day or two, but fun day excursions abound if you want to venture further out of town.

Beach time at Jurmala

Of course, you’ll have Riga’s beach spots like friendly Jurmala, just a short trip from the center. There’s a classic seaside resort vibe here, with wooden villas, refreshing pine forests, and spas offering wellness treatments like mud baths and sea dips. Not very many city breaks have sea-swimming in such close proximity, but Latvia has that urban and coastal balance just right.

Get outdoors at Sigulda and Gauja National Park

In the Gauja River Valley, Gauja National Park is a wild and scenic complement to Riga. The river winds through a valley dotted with cliffs, sandstone outcrops and thick forests, and it’s scattered with medieval ruins such as Sigulda and Turaida Castle. This is one of Latvia’s oldest inhabited areas, so there’s a sense of myth and era about the place.

The opulence of Rundāle Palace

Around 80km south of Riga, Rundāle Palace offers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century Baltic nobility. Built as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland, the palace’s elegant interiors and formal gardens are truly opulent, a wonderful example of what aristocratic life was like.

Essential information about Riga

Getting around

Riga is easy to explore on foot, especially the compact Old Town—but buses, trams and trolleybuses cover the whole city if you want to venture further afield. Bikes are a fun way to get around the riverside parks and some streets, while taxi apps can also come in handy if your feet are tired.

For day trips, you can catch a train to places like Sigulda, but Rundāle is easiest by car or a locally-guided tour. If you’re doing a self-drive tour of Latvia or the Baltics, driving makes everything easy.

Visiting Riga, season by season

Whatever you want from Latvia, you’ll get to enjoy the positives on offer year-round:

• Peak season in Riga comes in the summer months of June-August: that’s when the weather is warmest, days are long, and the most tourists arrive for summer break. Festivals and events usually occur around this time—ask our local travel experts for what might be taking place during your trip.
• The shoulder seasons of March-May and September-October, however, are a great time to visit. Winter’s chill hasn’t yet arrived, and there’s a freshness and spaciousness with fewer visitors.
• In the winter months of November-February, temperatures can get very low and there might even be snow and ice—but December is a magical time to visit Christmas markets, so long as you wrap up warm.

Language, currency and culture

The language in Riga is Latvian, though many people in Riga also speak English and Russian. The currency is the euro. Don’t be afraid to chat to locals, they’re generally polite and reserved, but also warm and helpful when asked. A little friendliness goes a long way, as well as showing interest in their culture.

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Latvia

Make it happen

Get to know the city of Riga on a bespoke trip to Latvia or a tour of the Baltics. Our local travel experts are based on the ground in Latvia, equipped with all the in-depth knowledge you’ll need to plan your dream vacation, and on hand to suggest more great things to do in Riga. Get in touch with them today.