Riga, Latvia
Locavy ratings
Party
4.5/5
Sightseeing
4.5/5
Relaxation
3/5
Value
4/5
Transport Links
4/5
Experiences
4/5
Party
4.5/5
Sightseeing
4.5/5
Relaxation
3/5
Value
4/5
Transport Links
4/5
Experiences
4/5
At a glance
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a fantastic city break destination, offering stunning sights, unique experiences, and a lively nightlife scene.
Party
Riga is a top choice for those seeking a vibrant city break with lively nightlife, making it popular for stag dos and weekend parties. Most of the action is in the Old Town, where an array of pubs, bars, and nightclubs await.
Sightseeing
Riga is famed for its stunning architecture, with the House of the Blackheads as a highlight. For the best views of the Old Town, don’t miss climbing St. Peter’s Church tower. And for breathtaking scenery, a visit to Sigulda is highly recommended.
Relaxation
Riga isn’t typically seen as a relaxation destination, but strolling through its magical Old Town or exploring the bustling Christmas market offers a charming way to unwind. For a true escape, a trip to the serene town of Sigulda is ideal.
Value
Riga offers great value for money, with affordable accommodation and dining. However, prices tend to rise on weekends due to an influx of tourists from nearby countries.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Riga International Airport, 11 km west of the city, is the largest in the Baltics. A quick, affordable shuttle connects the airport to the city center.
Train
Trains are a great option for visiting nearby Estonia and Lithuania, but within compact Riga, the efficient public transport system makes trains unnecessary.
Drive
Renting a car is ideal for exploring Latvia, especially for visiting popular spots like Sigulda. However, for a short city break in Riga, a car isn’t necessary.
Experiences
Riga offers a rich mix of experiences, from exploring the historic Corner House, once a KGB headquarters, to admiring the iconic House of the Blackheads. Don’t miss the enchanting Old Town, where cobbled streets and medieval architecture bring Riga’s past to life.
Best Things To Do
1. Explore the Old Town
Riga’s Old Town (Vecrīga) is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and lively squares. It’s the heart of the city, where you’ll find charming cafes, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Spend a few hours strolling, as many of Riga’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other.
2. Visit the Corner House
The Corner House (Stūra Māja) is a historical building that was once a notorious KGB headquarters during Soviet times. It now serves as a museum documenting Riga’s darker history.
Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the building’s past, including its role in the Soviet era.
3. Admire the House of the Blackheads
This beautiful building in the heart of Old Town was originally built to house the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild of unmarried merchants. Today, it’s a museum and a symbol of Riga’s history.
Don’t miss the ornate facade and visit the museum to learn about Riga’s rich trading past.
4. Discover Riga's Museums
Riga boasts a variety of museums, including the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
If you’re a museum enthusiast, consider purchasing the Riga City Pass for discounted or free entry to many museums.
5. Day Trip to Sigulda
Sigulda, often called the “Switzerland of Latvia,” is a picturesque town located about 50 km from Riga. It’s known for its stunning medieval castles, lush landscapes, and the Gauja National Park.
Take a train or bus from Riga, and explore the Sigulda Castle and the nearby Turaida Museum Reserve for a full day of sightseeing.
6. St. Peter's Church
St. Peter’s Church is one of Riga’s most iconic landmarks, known for its towering spire and beautiful interior. The church offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Climb the tower for incredible views of Riga, and check out the church’s impressive baroque interior.
7. The Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument is a symbol of Latvia’s independence and a must-see for anyone interested in the country’s history. Located in the heart of the city, it honors Latvian soldiers who fought for independence.
Visit during the day to admire the monument’s grandeur and in the evening when it’s beautifully lit up.
8. Explore Riga Zoo
Riga Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, home to a wide range of animals from around the world. It’s a great place for families and animal lovers to spend a few hours.
The zoo is located in the large Mežaparks area, so combine your visit with a stroll in the park.
9. Shop at Riga Central Market
Located in a series of old Zeppelin hangars, the Riga Central Market is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets. It’s the place to buy fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts.
Visit early in the morning to experience the market at its liveliest, and try local specialties like smoked fish and rye bread.
10. Visit the Christmas Market
During the winter holiday season, Riga’s Christmas market in the Old Town becomes a festive wonderland with beautifully decorated stalls offering handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats.
It’s best to visit in the evening when the market is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
1. Explore the Old Town
Riga’s Old Town (Vecrīga) is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and lively squares. It’s the heart of the city, where you’ll find charming cafes, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Spend a few hours strolling, as many of Riga’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other.
2. Visit the Corner House
The Corner House (Stūra Māja) is a historical building that was once a notorious KGB headquarters during Soviet times. It now serves as a museum documenting Riga’s darker history.
Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the building’s past, including its role in the Soviet era.
3. Admire the House of the Blackheads
This beautiful building in the heart of Old Town was originally built to house the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild of unmarried merchants. Today, it’s a museum and a symbol of Riga’s history.
Don’t miss the ornate facade and visit the museum to learn about Riga’s rich trading past.
4. Discover Riga's Museums
Riga boasts a variety of museums, including the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
If you’re a museum enthusiast, consider purchasing the Riga City Pass for discounted or free entry to many museums.
5. Day Trip to Sigulda
Sigulda, often called the “Switzerland of Latvia,” is a picturesque town located about 50 km from Riga. It’s known for its stunning medieval castles, lush landscapes, and the Gauja National Park.
Take a train or bus from Riga, and explore the Sigulda Castle and the nearby Turaida Museum Reserve for a full day of sightseeing.
6. St. Peter's Church
St. Peter’s Church is one of Riga’s most iconic landmarks, known for its towering spire and beautiful interior. The church offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Climb the tower for incredible views of Riga, and check out the church’s impressive baroque interior.
7. The Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument is a symbol of Latvia’s independence and a must-see for anyone interested in the country’s history. Located in the heart of the city, it honors Latvian soldiers who fought for independence.
Visit during the day to admire the monument’s grandeur and in the evening when it’s beautifully lit up.
8. Explore Riga Zoo
Riga Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, home to a wide range of animals from around the world. It’s a great place for families and animal lovers to spend a few hours.
The zoo is located in the large Mežaparks area, so combine your visit with a stroll in the park.
9. Shop at Riga Central Market
Located in a series of old Zeppelin hangars, the Riga Central Market is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets. It’s the place to buy fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts.
Visit early in the morning to experience the market at its liveliest, and try local specialties like smoked fish and rye bread.
10. Visit the Christmas Market
During the winter holiday season, Riga’s Christmas market in the Old Town becomes a festive wonderland with beautifully decorated stalls offering handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats.
It’s best to visit in the evening when the market is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Riga City Pass
Purchase the Riga City Pass to enjoy free access to popular attractions and unlimited travel on public transport throughout the city.
6.
When to Visit
Consider visiting Riga in winter for a magical experience with its Christmas markets and a picturesque, snow-covered Old Town.
2.
Where to Stay
Stay in Riga’s charming Old Town to immerse yourself in local culture and be close to top attractions and activities.
7.
Safety
Riga is a generally safe city, particularly in tourist-friendly areas like the Old Town, though it’s wise to be cautious in less populated areas.
3.
Weekend Party Scene
Riga is a top European party destination, with lively nightlife attracting travelers, especially from neighboring Estonia and Lithuania.
8.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s customary to leave 10-15% at restaurants for good service.
4.
Public Transport
Riga’s extensive bus and tram network makes getting around the city quick, convenient, and affordable.
9.
Currency
Latvia uses the Euro, and credit cards are widely accepted, making transactions easy for tourists.
5.
Language
The official language is Latvian, but Russian is commonly spoken, so it’s useful to know a few basic phrases in both languages.
10.
Explore on Foot
Riga is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot, with many of the best sights within walking distance of each other.
6.
When to Visit
Consider visiting Riga in winter for a magical experience with its Christmas markets and a picturesque, snow-covered Old Town.
7.
Safety
Riga is a generally safe city, particularly in tourist-friendly areas like the Old Town, though it’s wise to be cautious in less populated areas.
8.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s customary to leave 10-15% at restaurants for good service.
9.
Currency
Latvia uses the Euro, and credit cards are widely accepted, making transactions easy for tourists.
10.
Explore on Foot
Riga is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot, with many of the best sights within walking distance of each other.