In this Riga city guide, I’ll take you through the best things to do in Riga, plus a flexible 1–3 day itinerary that includes beach trips, Art Nouveau architecture, and even grand palaces just outside the city.
It doesn’t matter if you’re stopping by for a day or planning a long weekend, this guide helps you make the most of your time here.
Read next: The Ultimate Baltics Itinerary | 7–10 Days From Vilnius To Tallinn
Map of Riga’s Highlights
To make planning easier, I’ve pinned all attractions, cafés, and museums on the map below. Save it to your phone in order to navigate Riga at your own pace. The city is incredibly easy to get around on foot.
A Short History of Riga
Riga has a long and layered history that shaped the city you see today.
- 12th–13th century | Riga was founded as a trading settlement and soon joined the Hanseatic League, becoming a major merchant hub.
- Middle Ages – 17th century | Control shifted between the Teutonic Knights, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and Sweden.
- 18th–19th century | The city entered the Russian Empire, bringing economic expansion and architectural development.
- Early 1900s | Riga’s population boomed, and the city became a European leader in Art Nouvea architecture, one of the largest collections in the world today.
- 20th century | Occupied during WWII and later absorbed into the Soviet Union.
- 1991 | Latvia regained independence, and Riga quickly transformed into the lively, creative city you see today.
This layered past explains why Riga has such a unique mix: medieval lanes, elegant Art Nouveau masterpieces, grand 19th-century boulevards, as well as modern structures like the National Library.
Where to Stay in Riga
My Pick: Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town
I’ve stayed here during each of my trips to Riga, and I still think it’s one of the best-located hotels in the city. The Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town sits right behind the House of the Black Heads, in the heart of Old Town.
You’re minutes from cafés, shops, the riverfront, St Peter’s Church, and most major sights. Rooms are modern and quiet, despite the central location, making it the perfect base for exploring Riga on foot.
Other good areas to consider
- City Centre (Centrs) | Good for restaurants, galleries, and shopping. The apartments of MIRO Rooms Skolas are the perfect choice here.
- Old Town (Vecrīga) | Best for first-timers, since everything is walkable. The Hilton Garden Inn is a great choice, but if you are on a budget, then check out the Blue Bird Boutique Hostel.
- Art Nouveau District | A calmer residential area with beautiful streets and stylish cafés. Take a look at TRIBE Riga City Centre.
Not quite what you were looking for, then check the interactive map below to pick the hotel best suited to your style and budget.
Travel tip: For peace of mind on the road, use Heymondo for travel insurance. As a reader of Next Journey Ahead you get 5% off your insurance.
10 Best Things to Do in Riga
I last visited Riga in summer, when the days seemed endless and the Old Town terraces stayed lively until late. It’s a wonderfully laid-back city to explore, especially if you enjoy strolling between colourful squares, grabbing a drink outdoors, or taking a day trip to the sea.
That said, take a look at what I think are the 10 best things to do when you visit Riga.
1. Explore Riga Old Town
Riga’s Old Town is one of the most colourful in Europe, with pastel façades, lively squares, and narrow medieval streets perfect for slow wandering.
During summertime, the terraces spill into the squares, and the atmosphere is relaxed and warm and really ideal for a drink or a long evening walk.
Highlights you must surely include as you explore the city:
- The Three Brothers | The oldest residential buildings in Riga where you can see three houses from different centuries, side by side.
- Rozena iela & Smilšu iela | Two of the prettiest streets, full of photo spots.
- Town Hall Square | One of the most beautiful open spaces in Riga.
- The Cat House | An Art Nouveau-influenced building with two black cats on the roof. Legend says the cats were placed to irritate a guild across the street, which I guess is Riga humour at its best.
The Old Town is compact, charming, and full of character, and you can happily spend hours here.
2. House of the Black Heads
Continue to one of Riga’s most iconic buildings, the House of the Black Heads. The original 14th-century structure was built as a meeting house for the Brotherhood of Black Heads, a guild for unmarried merchants and shipowners.
Why “Black Heads”?
The name refers to their patron saint, Saint Maurice, who was traditionally depicted as a Black African Roman officer. Despite the name, you won’t find carved black heads on the façade, so the association is symbolic rather than literal.
Inside the museum
If you’re curious about history and architecture, it’s worth stepping inside. A few of the highlights include banquets and festival halls, a beautifully restored renaissance interior, as well as exhibitions on merchant life and guild traditions.
If you love the architecture of the building and want to learn more about that, then you can find displays on the building’s destruction in WWII and later reconstruction.
The House of the Black Heads is unquestionably one of the most impressive and educational sights in the Old Town.
Travel tip: Install a Saily eSIM and you’re connected in minutes, no physical SIM needed. Easy!
3. St Peter’s Church & Tower Views
For one of the best views in Riga, head up the tower of St Peter’s Church. If you;re not a fan of climbing narrow flights of stairs you’ll be happy to know that a lift brings you most of the way up. From the viewing platform you’ll see most of the city, including:
- Old Town rooftops
- The Daugava River
- Art Nouveau boulevards
- The National Library
- The vast Central Market
The church itself combines Gothic and Baroque elements, but I have to say that the tower is the real highlight here.
4. Riga Central Market
Set inside five former Zeppelin hangars, Riga Central Market is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Europe. You can spend a long time here exploring the different halls, each specialising in something different.
Expect to find fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty local cheeses, pickled vegetables, smoked fish, baked goods and budget-friendly street food. All the ingredients I think you need for a fun time.
The market is lively, colourful, and very local, as well as a perfect spot for lunch or a snack between visiting all of the things to do in Riga.
5. Bastejkalna Park & the Freedom Monument
Running alongside the city canal, Bastejkalna Park is a green space with shaded paths, small bridges, flower beds, and benches overlooking the water. It’s especially lovely in summer, when everything is lush and vibrant.
The nearby Freedom Monument is one of Latvia’s most important national symbols. Erected in 1935, it honours soldiers who died during Latvia’s War of Independence and remains a powerful emblem of freedom for the country today.
6. Art Nouveau District (Alberta & Elizabetes Streets)
Riga has one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. The best examples are found on Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, where façades are decorated with grand sculptures, floral motifs, and elegant balconies.
Most of the designs were created by Mikhail Eisenstein, a prominent architect known for his dramatic, expressive style. Expect intricate faces and masks, curving lines and floral patterns, as well as theatrical façades on blue and pastel-coloured buildings.
It’s an easy 10–15 minute walk from Old Town and one of the city’s most beautiful and unique neighbourhoods.
7. Latvian National Museum of Art
Housed in a stunning neo-classical building, the museum offers a deep dive into Latvian art, from 19th-century masterpieces to contemporary works. The interior is elegant, with a bright atrium and beautifully designed galleries.
Insider tip: While you’re there, don’t miss the rooftop terrace, which offers great views over the surrounding district.
8. Riga Cathedral & St Jacob’s Church
Continue with two of Riga Old Town’s most historic churches that are just a few minutes apart.
- Riga Cathedral | This is the largest medieval church in the Baltics, famous for its grand organ. Furthermore, there’s a peaceful cloister and a courtyard. The cathedral is a beautiful mixture of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles.
- St Jacob’s Church | Another church, one of the oldest in the city that’s easily recognisable by its red brick tower and open belfry.
9. Day Trip to Jurmala (or the Northern Coast)
Just 25 minutes from Riga by train, Jurmala is the city’s laid-back seaside escape. I really enjoyed a couple hours here during summertime, despite the weather not being the greatest.
Just like at home in the Netherlands the water is guaranteed cold the whole year, but still worth visiting. You can expect long sandy beaches, coastal pathways, some beach clubs to chill with a drink, and an overall relaxed holiday atmosphere.
What I loved most is that as soon as you get out of the car, or off the train you are met with the smell of the pine trees. Pretty unique for a beach destination, so Jurmala should definitely be included on your Riga itinerary.
If you have a car, you can extend your Riga itinerary with a full beach day by driving north along the coast to:
- The White Dune (Saulkrasti) | Beautiful views and sandy trails.
- Garciems | Lovely boardwalk to wide, quiet beaches surrounded by pine forests.
- Kurmrags lighthouse | Dramatic coastal scenery and rugged shoreline.
Also read: Latvia’s Northern Coast Road Trip | From Riga To Kurmrags
10. National Library of Latvia (Castle of Light)
Across the river stands one of Riga’s most eye-catching modern buildings: the National Library of Latvia. Designed by Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts, its silhouette symbolises the mythical Castle of Light from Latvian folklore. In other words it represents knowledge, enlightenment, and cultural identity.
Inside, you’ll find light filled reading rooms, cultural exhibitions, a grand central atrium, as well as excellent views of Riga’s Old Town on the other side of the river.
It’s one of Riga’s most architecturally interesting landmarks and well worth the walk.
Riga Itinerary | 1–3 Days in Latvia’s Capital
Below are flexible Riga itinerary ideas you can adjust to your interests, but let’s start by answering a question.
You can comfortably explore Riga’s highlights in one full day, but 2–3 days lets you experience the coast, nearby castles, and some of Latvia’s countryside.
Day 1 | Old Town, Markets & Art Nouveau
Start the first day of your Riga itinerary wandering through the colourful Old Town. Stop at Town Hall Square, admire the House of the Black Heads, and climb St Peter’s Church for panoramic views.
Spend the late morning exploring the Central Market before heading through Bastejkalna Park towards the Freedom Monument.
In the afternoon, walk to the Art Nouveau district to explore Alberta iela, Elizabetes iela, and the surrounding boulevards. Finally, at the end of the day, return to Old Town for dinner, where the atmosphere is just wonderful on summer evenings.
Day 2 | Jurmala or the Northern Coast
On day 2 of your Riga itinerary you can take a train to Jurmala, or rent a car and drive north passing some of the coastal highlights.
Option 1: Relax at Jurmala
Take the train from Riga Central Station to Majori and spend the day enjoying the beach, pine forests, and scenic boardwalks. Grab lunch at a seaside café and return to Riga in the evening.
Option 2: Road trip up the northern coast
If you can rent a car, explore the stunning coastline between Riga and Kurmrag lighthouse. Along the way make sure to stop at the White Dune (Saulkrasti) for some fantastic views, as well as Garciems for its long sandy beaches.
This is one of Latvia’s most scenic drives, for which I wrote a separate article: Latvia’s Northern Coast Road Trip.
Day 3 | From Riga to Castles & Palaces in the Countryside
Riga is perfectly positioned for day trips to some of Latvia’s most impressive cultural landmarks such as:
- Rundāle Palace | Latvia’s “Versailles,” with grand halls and manicured gardens.
- Cēsis | Medieval castle ruins and a charming historic centre.
- Sigulda & Turaida | Another castle complex with nature trails, fortresses, and views over the Gauja National Park.
If you’re travelling between Riga and Vilnius, you can even combine Bauska Castle, Rundāle Palace, and the Hill of Crosses into a one-way trip. You can do this on your own, or with this handy tour.
Also read: Castle Day Trips From Riga, Latvia | Cēsis, Sigulda & More
Where to Eat & Drink in Riga
Riga has a surprisingly dynamic food and drink scene, ranging from creative modern restaurants to cosy cafés and medieval cellars.Here are some of my favourite places to eat, drink, and enjoy good coffee during your visit.
Best Places to Eat in Riga
- Māsa Restaurant | A fantastic gourmet food restaurant that uses the finest ingredients. The portions are generous and the cocktails are top-notch.
- Beef Room | One of the best places in Riga for burgers. Casual, reliable, and a good choice for dinner after a full day of sightseeing.
- Smør Bistro | If you fancy some modern Nordic-French cuisine rooted in local produce then this is the place to go. It recently received a Bib Gourmand, yet it’s still affordable.
- Rozengrāls | Offers a full medieval dining experience inside a historic cellar lit by candlelight. Expect hearty food, traditional recipes, clay plates, and servers in period dress.
Best Places for Drinks in Riga
- nosaints (Hidden Bar) | One of Riga’s most intriguing hidden bars. Discreet, stylish, and known for its expertly crafted cocktails.
- Andante Vinyl Bar | A favourite for music lovers, as you can browse their vinyl collection, put on a record, and enjoy what many locals say are the best cocktails in Riga.
- Distiller’s Republic | The place to go if you enjoy craft spirits. They produce their own gin, vodka, and liqueurs in a cool industrial-style space.
Where to Have Your Coffee in Riga
Riga’s coffee scene isn’t as extensive as Vilnius, but the city still has several excellent cafés worth seeking out. Here are a few reliable spots for a great cup during your Riga itinerary.
- Zvaigzne CAFE | A modern café with great cakes, and excellent coffee, as well as a calm bright interior. Perfect for an afternoon break near Old Town.
- KALVE Coffee | Kalve is one of Riga’s best-known specialty coffee roasters, with several locations across the city. Their cafés have a clean, Scandinavian feel, and the coffee is consistently excellent.
- Strada | Offers a sleek, minimalist space with a strong focus on high-quality, carefully brewed coffee. Their baristas know their craft, and the menu includes both espresso and filter options with beans from their own roastery.
How to Get There & Around
Getting There
- By air | Riga Airport (RIX) is well connected across Europe. Buses and taxis/Bolt reach the city centre in 20–25 minutes.
- From Vilnius | Check out my full guide on how to travel from Vilnius to Riga including what to see along the way.
- By bus/train | Frequent connections with Tallinn, Kaunas, Vilnius and other Baltic cities.
- By car | Hiring a car through booking.com is a great way to explore the Baltics. As you drive the roads you’ll find out that they are very good, as well as easy to navigate. On top of that it makes it easier to go on day trips from the cities.
Getting Around Riga
- Walking | The Old Town and the centre are incredibly walkable, so to be honest you won’t be needing much other transportation than your own to feet.
- Public transport | Trams and trolleybuses cover longer distances efficiently, although you probably don’t need them.
- Train | The best option for reaching Jurmala if you don’t drive.
- Bolt/taxi | Convenient and inexpensive for short distances. Uber is also available in Riga.
- Car hire | If you’re only visiting the city, then you don’t need a car. However, a car is ideal if you want your Riga itinerary to also include day trips to the coast and castles.
Final Thoughts
Riga blends medieval charm, elegant Art Nouveau streets, lively summer terraces, and easy access to beaches and countryside. Visit Riga for a single day or plan a longer Baltic itinerary and you’ll discover that this city has plenty to offer.
Have you already visited Riga, or have any questions? Then let me know your favourite spots in the city by sharing them in the comments below, or by reaching out to me on Instagram. And don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter to get new travel guides directly in your mailbox.
Planning your trip to Latvia, or the Baltic countries? Riga pairs perfectly with Vilnius. And with Tallinn just a few hours north. Check out my Latvia Travel Guide for more inspiration, or keep on reading with the following articles:
