16 amazing things to do in Riga that will maximize your trip

Wondering what to do in Riga, Latvia? Besides the fact that it’s cheap and you get some serious value for your money, there are so many things to do in Riga.

Plan your trip to Riga

🛵 Best guided tours in Riga:

🏡 Where to stay in Riga:

In this post, I’ll take you through the best places to visit in Riga, Latvia step-by-step, with photos and links to all the resources you need to visit Riga Latvia.

Let’s jump in…

❄️ Read next: 15 unforgettable things to do in Riga in winter

This post contains referral links for products I love. Adventurous Miriam earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I appreciate your support ♡ Learn more

Things to do in Riga, Latvia

Most of the major sites are located in the Old Town, which is a UNESCO-protected area with unique buildings and architectural masterpieces.

This part of town has many cafés and restaurants so it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring without having to venture outside for lunch or dinner.

Aside from sightseeing, there’s a great selection of spas & wellness, historic buildings, and markets.

I never ran out of things to do while I was there! Whether you have a week or only a few days, here’s a list of the top things you should do when you’re in Riga.

What to do in Riga

1. Join a guided tour of Riga

If you’re visiting Riga, you probably want to see everything the town has to offer. I couldn’t agree more and it’s a beautiful town to visit.

If you only have limited time in Riga, taking a guided tour is a good way to maximize your time as the guide knows where all the sights are located and will give you the history and background behind the places.

This Riga Old Town: 1.5-Hour Private Walking Tour takes you around the best sights in town, including the Town Hall Square and the largest churches.

Your guide can also give you tips on where to eat, go out, and much more, so make sure to ask.

Things to do in Riga, Latvia

2. Visit the three brothers

Location: In the Old Town on Maza Pils Street

The Three Brothers – almost impossible to photograph, but pretty nonetheless. Together, the houses form the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga. 

The white house is from the 15th century, the yellow is from the 16th and the green is from the 17th century.

Latvia

3. Notice the architecture

Location: Everywhere in Riga

So cozy and so charming. The architecture in Riga goes from wooden buildings to art nouveau, from Modernism to Gothic.

It’s a different landscape depending on which part of town you walk through, and you’ll be able to find unique statues of cats, wooden compounds, and colorful houses.

Be sure to bring your camera as you’ll want to snap pictures!

Read next: Where to find the beautiful Art Nouveau in Riga

Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

4. Visit House of the Blackheads

Location: In the Old Town at the Town Hall Square

If you were a German merchant and single in the Middle Ages, you’d have a room here at the House of the Blackheads. This house was built in 1334 for upper-class merchants and was used as a venue for meetings and banquets.

The House of the Blackheads is to Riga what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, so make sure to put it at the top of your list.

Things to do in Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

5. Relax in the park

Location: Close to the Old Town and Freedom Monument

I love green areas in larger cities. It’s like a breath of fresh air, away from the busy streets and downtown horns.

In Riga, the park has a canal running through it and a bridge with love locks. It’s a great place for a jog, for relaxation or a picnic, and for a boat ride.

In the winter, you can feed the ducks that live on the canal.

Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

6. Learn about the occupation of Latvia

Location: Close to the park and the Old Town

Latvia has a long history of being occupied by foreign powers so freedom is a particularly important value for Latvians. 

Right next to the park, you’ll find the Freedom Monument. It is a significant symbol as it’s dedicated to the Latvian heroes in the fight for freedom 1918-1920.

If you want to learn about the occupation from 1940-1991, you can head to The Museum Of Occupation, which is only a 10-15 15-minute walk away (right next to House of the Blackheads in the Old Town).

Riga, Latvia
The Freedom Monument has the inscription: For Fatherland and Freedom/Tēvzemei un Brīvībai
Riga, Latvia
The Museum of Occupation

7. Visit the Art Nouveau district

Location: Albert Street, a 20-30-minute walk from the Old Town

So, aside from the Old Town, which houses most of the major Riga attractions, you should head to Albert Street and Elizabeth Street.

Here, you’ll find the fascinating Art Nouveau architecture, which is absolutely worth a visit. Riga has a total of 800 art nouveau buildings, but the majority is around Albert Street.

This is one of the best things to see in Riga.

In case you haven’t heard of Art Nouveau before – I hadn’t before I visited – it’s inspired by nature and mythology, so there are lots of flowers, sphinxes and Cerberuses on the houses.

Riga

8. Shop at Central Market

Location: Next to the Old Town by the river

Monday – Saturday: 08.00-18.00
Sunday: 08.00-17.00

Hungry or just in the mood for people-watching? Then go to Central Market. It’s one of the largest marketplaces in Europe, where locals sell anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to cakes, dairy, clothes, and bags.

There’s both an inside and outside area so you could easily spend 45-60 minutes at the different market stalls.

The place is fun to explore, but don’t go wandering off at the outside market.

I ended up getting lost at the outer rim of the marketplace, and this area seemed very poor, dirty, and unsafe, plus there’s nothing to see or do there. You should also be careful of pickpockets and swindlers.

Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

9. Visit Riga’s many churches

Location: In the Old Town

Riga has many beautiful churches and you can’t help but see at least a few when you’re walking around the Old Town.

For me personally, I was most impressed by St. Peter’s Church and Nativity of Christ Cathedral. The latter is Russian and adds a bit of bling to the skyline. These are the most important churches in Riga, Latvia: 

  • Riga Cathedral – the church organ is considered one of the most historical organs in the world.
  • St. Jacob’s Catholic Cathedral – the beginning of the Reformation in Latvia took place here and in St. Peter’s Church in 1522.
  • St. Peter’s Church has a cool observation tower at 72 meters. It costs €9 to enter the tower.
  • Nativity of Christ Cathedral – the biggest Orthodox church in Riga.

Notice that the oldest churches in the Old Town have roosters atop their spires, not crosses. According to tradition, the rooster scares away the devil and keeps watch for God.

Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia

Outside St. Peter’s church, there’s a sculpture of four animals: a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster standing on each other.

It is based on a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm and represents the Town Musicians of Bremen. 

10. Nativity of Christ Cathedral

Location: Close to the Freedom Monument

A list of what to see in Riga should definitely include the Nativity of Christ Cathedral. I actually found it by coincidence on my way to Albert Street, but was really taken aback by the structure and flashy Russian style.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you ask me!

Mind the dress code if you want to enter: You can’t wear shorts, and women must cover their heads. 

Riga, Latvia
The cathedral was built in a Neo-Byzantine style between 1876 and 1883

11. The Swedish Gate and Old City Walls

Location: In the Old Town at the end of Aldaru Street

Only a small part of Riga’s old city walls remains today, and you’ll find it at the Swedish Gate.

The Swedish Gate (Zviedru vārti) was built in 1698 when Sweden took over the city, and it’s the only structure in the Old Town that has preserved its original looks.

Interesting fact: The apartment above the gate belonged to the city executioner, who would put a red rose in his window the night before a head rolled.

Riga, Latvia
The Swedish gate
Riga, Latvia
A bit of the old city wall

12. Try Riga black balsam 

Location: At every bar, pub and restaurant, more or less

When I first heard the word “Riga balsam”, I thought of hair conditioner because that’s what we call it in Denmark.

In Latvia however, Balsam couldn’t have less to do with hair products. Can you guess what it means then?

ALCOHOL, of course!

Black Balsam is an herbal elixir made from pure vodka and it’s used in traditional medicine and sold in every tavern in town. It’s kind of a must when you’re in Riga. Even the locals say it ↓

Riga, Latvia
It’s like visiting Russia without drinking vodka

13. Visit a Latvian spa

Location: Try Espa for a high-end experience. It’s next to Radisson Hotel

I’ve mentioned this before, but the spa in Riga is reason alone to visit! Aside from the fact that the service is excellent, it’s also super cheap.

So, if you’re a girl and you like wellness, facials, and hour-long massages…. okay, who are we kidding → if you’re female, go here. You won’t regret it.

Read next: How to plan a spa weekend in Riga

Riga, Latvia

14. Head to Jurmala beach

Location: 25 kilometres from Riga

The sandy beach of Jurmala is full of life and people in the summer.

Aside from several sports activities, you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy the sunset, or visit one of the many restaurants there.

It’s easy to reach Jurmala beach; simply hop on the train and you’ll be there within 30 minutes. The price is a maximum $1.80.

15. Indulge in the food

Goodness, don’t get me started on the food. I’ve mentioned earlier that sushi is superbly cheap and that Lido is a great restaurant if you want Latvian food at a fair price. Here are some more suggestions.

Where to eat:

  • Sushi: Tokyo City, Ganbei
  • Salads & traditional Latvian: Lido
  • Café: Al Cappuccino; close to Albert Street (the coffee is great for Instagram photos)
  • Hot new restaurant: Koya (at the banks of the Daugava River)
  • Great for sunset view: Terrace Riga (on top of shopping mall Gallery Riga, close to the Freedom Monument)
Riga, Latvia
Roast chicken with glazed vegetables

16. Go out

Location: In the Old Town and the center

Aside from being a cultural and historical capital, Riga also has a party scene worth traveling for.

The many pubs, cafés, and bars in the Old Town are a major draw for stag parties, but there are also quite a few clubs and cocktail bars around town that are worth checking out.

Riga, Latvia

And there you have it. As you can see, there are LOTS to do in the city of Riga, and you can easily spend weeks here. If you’re limited in time, you won’t have trouble seeing all of the above sights in two days.

Hotels in Riga

There are so many great hotels in Riga to choose between. In general, I recommend you stay in the Old Town or in the city center, because it’s close to everything.

You can always take the tram around town, but convenience and location matter when you’re on vacation. I’ve handpicked these hotels based on location, overall comfort, and rating:

Wellton Riverside Spa hotel $64 per night, located in the heart of Riga, just 5 5-minute walk from House of the Blackheads. Excellent location! Click here to see the latest prices.

Rixwell Hotel Konventa Seta $44 per night, excellent location in the Old Town. Click here to see the latest prices.

Riga, Latvia
The Hotel Garden Palace

FAQ – Riga things to do

Is Riga worth going to?

Yes, Riga is definitely worth visiting. Its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and charming Old Town are standout features. It’s got great food, cozy cafes, and it’s easy to get around. Riga offers a rich mix of history and modern life without the crowds of larger cities.

Are 2 days enough for Riga?

Two days in Riga can cover the highlights, but you’ll likely wish you had more time.

Which is better Riga or Tallinn?

Choosing between Riga and Tallinn is tough—they’re both great. Riga has a vibrant art scene and more of a big city vibe, while Tallinn charms with its medieval Old Town.

Is Riga expensive as a tourist?

Riga is generally affordable for tourists, especially compared to Western European cities. Eating out and attractions offer good value for your money.

Before you go – don’t miss this:

Save it!

Looking for the most amazing things to do in Riga, Latvia? Here is my extensive post to get you started and help you plan your trip Riga. You can do everything on this list in two days, but it can be changed to your schedule and budget. #latvia #riga #travel #baltics #europe #guide

Similar Posts

80 Comments

  1. I’ve been thinking about adding Latvia to my itinerary during my European travels this summer, and now I think I definitely have to go! Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. Hey Kirstie,

      Definitely checkout Riga, it is awesome! Another cool beach is Vecaki Beach, it is more of a local beach but still has plenty of facilities. Roughly the same distance from the city as Jumala 🙂

  2. Thanks for this beautiful post, Miriam! We’ve read about Latvia on several other blogs too lately and it looks such an amazing place! We don’t know why we’ve never thought about visiting it, but it’s on the list now. It could not be an accident to bump into these posts anyway, there should be consequences. 🙂

    1. It definitely must be a sign 😉 I’d wait till summer to visit though – it’s super cold at the moment! Let me know if you decide to go, I’d love to hear what you think.

    1. Ja, det gjorde den. Det er vældig underligt, for den gør det ikke ved andre kommentarer. Tak fordi du bliver ved med at prøve!! Det er jeg virkelig glad for, Helena.

  3. I’ve always been curious about Latvia and this post has definitely inspired me to visit! I would love to wander around the Central Market!

  4. A nice list of do’s in Riga. Im from LIthuania and thinking about going for a weekend in Riga. You know, take an airbnb spot, and travel around Riga for a couple days. There is a lot of things to do and see there I see 🙂
    Maybe there is a list also with what do not do in Riga – Don’ts list of Riga? 🙂

    1. Definitely go to Riga since it’s so close. It’s great for a weekend getaway. As for the don’ts list, I’m afraid I can’t help you with that 🙂

  5. A long and so beautiful list of do’s in Riga, The images are also fine and elegant. Images surely inspired to visit Riga. I think i will make a tour to Riga within nest month. I love the 3 brothers from Riga.

  6. Hello Miriam. I discovered Riga because of a singer from it and now, after I read your article I’m thinking serious to visit this beautiful town. I have only one question. How it cost to live here? I mean, approximate beacuse I’m thinking to go and study in Riga. I hope to write more articles like this, because you convince me to see Riga 🙂

  7. Absolutely brilliant website, full of lots of helpful hints. Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to my weekend in Riga and make use of all the information you have supplied me with.

  8. Thanks for some great information and some really good photos, Miriam! I am hoping to do a father-son trip with my 15-year-old son to the Baltics this summer. Do you think that Riga is a good city for teens?

    1. Thanks, Nick! Yes, Riga would be a fun city for teens. There’s a little bit of everything in Riga and the rest of the Baltics, also for boys: Architecture (if that’s your thing), war history, water parks (Livu Waterpark) and a Motor Museum, just to name a few. Tallinn is a lovely town too, if you’re thinking of visiting.

  9. Thanks for the nice post and beautiful images. Riga is one of the beautiful places which has plenty of lovely places to explore. There are some of the best places which are of historical and strategic importance and also places which are close to nature like St Peter’s church, Sun Museum, Central Market, Adventure Park Mežakaķis, Jūrmala and Kalnciema Quarter these are most beautiful places in Riga. We enjoyed a lot the beauty, delicious food and culture of this place.

  10. Awesome post! I just come back from weekend getaway in Riga and now I’m planning to go back for a week or two.
    Your tips are really great! I’ll add some to my Riga to do list!

    I was lucky to stay in amazing Airbnb right in the heart of Old Town and it was so beautiful! I could just walk to all most important tourist atractions. Restaurants in Old Town are simply outstanding and prices are amazing!
    Next time when you go back to Riga check out this Airbnb. Host super helpful and friendly! I get so many insider tips and helpful info how to safe some money and see as much as possible!
    I love Tallinn but Riga is now my favorite – romantic fairytale 🙂

    Keep up the good work and write more about Baltic countries 🙂

  11. RIGA IS MY NEXT TRIP, I’M SO HAPPY BECAUSE I’M GOING TO PLAY VOLLEYBALL TOO IN LATVIA!!
    CSIT 2107 JUNE WILL BE THE BEST MONTH!!!

  12. Hi, Im going to Riga in 2 days and taking my camera, I love art nouveau architecture, cant wait to try the food and the vodka and I beleive there is a chocolate museum I have to try too lol. Your list has helped me to look for accommodation close to where the sights are and a few wonderful things to do and see. I will probably do them all except the beach 🙂

  13. Hi Miriam, I am currentlty in Riga and I found your blog most useful, thank you for writing it.

    I would recommend on your return to visit the Meźaparks area (number 11 tram). Along the way there is also The Brethern Cementary devoted to WW1 and Latvian War of Independence, along with the Meźa cementary.

    Sigulda is also an hour and a half on the train away and is a lovely small village, which also has an old bobsled track, I recommend for a half a day visit.

    1. Oh and also the free walking tour from out the front of St. Peter’s church from midday (alternative tour) is very good as well.

    1. I mention the things in Riga that I think are great to visit. If you have recommendations for other sights, you’re more than welcome to share them here in the comments, Marek.

  14. My husband & I are coming to Riga 22nd – 28th December. Will Christmas markets still be on and will museums etc be open? Really looking forward to it anyway.

  15. Hi Miriam! Thanks a lot for listing such amazing places in just one go. I am planning to come to Riga with my friends within 6 months and definitely share this information with them. Is there any affordable travel facilities for tourists? I need to know some airport travelers so that it will save our time. Looking forward to your kind reply.

    1. Thanks for reading, Flora. I’m not aware of any airport transfort, unfortunately. But I’m sure you can find one at the airport or grab a taxi, which is what I did.

    2. Hey Flora, it´s too late for you now, but maybe it helps other people with the same problem:
      there´s a bus that drives from the airport to the city centre. Here´s the website of the public transport in Riga: rigassatiksme.lv ..and all across Latvia (trains): pv.lv. Both websites should be available in English.
      I hope you had a great trip! I spent my exchange year in Ikskile (45 min from Riga) and will return in a week with a friend. Can´t wait!

  16. Riga is a great place. Thanks for the spa advice. Any advice for gay and lesbian travelers? BTW I married a Latvian!

    1. Glad you found it helpful, Jai! Latvians are wonderful (one of my good friends is from Riga) 🙂

      I don’t have any advice for gay and lesbian travelers, unfortunately. I just checked two LGBT blogs I know, but it seems they haven’t been to Latvia. Otherwise their blogs could have been helpful – maybe for future travels? Here they are: http://www.globetrottergirls.com and https://travelsofadam.com.

      Have an amazing trip to Riga 🙂

  17. Going in Nov/Dec time frame (not my choice) Is everything still open (the market) or do they close once tourist season is over?

    1. Hi Dan,
      I’m sorry that it didn’t live up to your expectations. I’m surprised that there’s no clubbing on week nights – they do make up for it on weekends.

  18. i am not long back from Riga and was not impressed with it at all. Christmas markets were extremely disappointing
    and found it difficult to pass 4days . The holocost museum was very interesting and well worh a visit. Of all the cities i have visited in December over last few years Riga only one i would not return to.

  19. Really informative post!! I recently visited Latvia with my friends. Undoubtedly, Riga is one of the beautiful cities in Baltic States. Apart from Riga, there are so many amazing attractions in Latvia such as Jurmala, Gauja National Park, Cesis Castle, Jelgava, Kuldiga. I got to know about so many attractions of this beautiful country before my visit to Latvia. Really, this was a great trip for all of us.

  20. Hi , great blog.
    I am headed to The Baltic’s in Late June/19
    and am very excited! Thank you for all the tips
    Any extra tips on Denmark would be appreciated !!
    I have 3 days in Copenhagen for a concert on July 11/19.
    Cheers from Vancouver

    1. Exciting! Are you planning on spending those 3 days in Copenhagen? In that case, make sure to stop by Nyhavn, the little mermaid, Christiania, Christiansborg and The round tower.

  21. Hi,
    We agree with a lot (2-9, 11 and 14) of what Miriam has posted on this blog. With so many things to see in the Old Town, forgot to look for the Swedish Gate! Haven’t had time to try any of the spas, but would love to. We will be headed to the beach tomorrow, Friday. Miriam gives a lot of good tips! Too bad we just saw this tonight… It would have been so much easier.
    We have been in Riga for a couple of days and, yes, this city is really worth visiting! The architecture is never-ending and the food is as great as anywhere else in Europe. Have seen a lot of the buildings posted here (including the very first, white-and-blue art nouveau building at the top of this page, tonight) and visited several of the churches: Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and even a Baptist church!
    So far, we have tried Čemodāns, Ģertrūdes iela 39, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011 for traditional a traditional Latvian dinner. This restaurant is advertised as having also Italian, International and other cuisines, but Latvian here was delicious and prices were reasonable.
    For lunch, we have tried:
    Kolonade Restaurant, Brīvības bulvāris 26, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, which is next to the Pulkstenis “Laima” or “meeting point” and about a-minute walk from the Freedom Monument;
    The café at the Latvian National Museum of Art (or Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs on the intersection of Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela and Elizabetes iela). The permanent and temporary exhibits were worth the 3-Euro entrance fee per person, too! And
    A few stands inside the Riga Central Market on Nēģu iela, Latgale Suburb, Riga, where we had seafood pasta at the W-OK & B-Oil; more seafood at Tempura; Georgian huge won ton-looking dumplings filled with spicy meet at Adzika; strawberry and whipped cream crepes at Gluten Active; beers and prosecco at Pounder Bars and cappuccino at Centralais Bars! When we got up, we bought the Latvian version of pumpernickel bread, plus raisin bread, pine honey jam and wine inside the market and fresh strawberries, blueberries and cherries outside the market!
    Could not tell you which of the three was better for lunch. Every single dish was delicious!
    Oh, almost forgot, for dinner, if you are here on a Wednesday, check out the food festival on Kalnciema iela 35 in the Zemgale Suburb, Riga. You can take bus #53 from the Esplanade park, but there are other lines. We walked back and forth (40 minutes each way) because we like to walk, but you can take a taxi, too. It should take no more than 6-7 minutes by car, and probably 10 by bus, but buses run about every 16 minutes in the evening. Last night, they had crepes; Uzbekistani, Georgian and Vietnamese food, ramen, American style BBQ, a burger and fries (closer to the original Belgian fries) truck, donuts, churros and, of course, beer, wine, and some mixed drinks. Everything we ate was delicious!
    We’ll be heading west tomorrow and probably east on Saturday; so, I need to go to bed now.
    Have a great time in Latvia, if you choose to come here!

  22. Great post thank you. Taking the 40 hour cruise from Stockholm to Riga return is one of my favourite things to do, and so cheap. The Stockholm archipelago on the way is gorgeous and – as this blog lists – there is so much to do, just a short walk from the cruise terminal. I’d like to add the National LIbrary of Latvia – the building is stunning inside and out, and it is just across the bridge from the old town. They had exhibitions when I visited and it is free entry.

  23. Whàt kid of problems did you.run into? If you could be SUPER SPECIFIC that would be greatly appreciated.

    Also everyone, sushi in Riga has alot of dairy and sushi express is not reccomended.

  24. Hi. I live in the USA and am planning to visit Riga and Talsu with my husband in July. His grandmother grew up in Talsu. How difficult would it be for us to get from Riga to Talsu and would there be any problems with us not speaking the language of Latvia?

    1. Hi Jane, the quickest way to get from Riga to Talsi would be by bus. It takes about 2 hours. With the train, it takes 3 hours. I haven’t been to Talsi myself, but you can find info on transport, incl. prices, on Rome2Rio: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Riga/Talsi

      In Riga, most people speak English. Some restaurants only have menu cards in Latvian, but they often show images of the dish, so that helps. In Talsi, I don’t know unfortunately.

      I hope you get to visit in July as planned.

  25. I’ve always wanted to go to All over the country and now I really want to go!! Very good guide, thanks for sharing!

Leave a Reply to Miriam Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *