City Trip Riga: Complete Travel Guide, things to do & where to stay?

Why visit Riga?

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a perfect city trip destination for those who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and modern urban life. The city is known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, impressive Art Nouveau architecture, lively markets, and vibrant café scene. Compact and walkable, Riga is ideal for a 2-3 day weekend trip, offering visitors a rich cultural experience, local cuisine, and plenty of attractions.

Top attractions in Riga

  • Riga Old Town: Explore cobblestone streets, medieval squares, and historic churches.
  • House of the Blackheads: A beautiful historic building in the heart of the Old Town with unique architecture.
  • St. Peter’s Church: Climb the tower for panoramic views of Riga.
  • Central Market: One of Europe’s largest markets, perfect for local food and souvenirs.
  • Art Nouveau District: Take a stroll through Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela to admire stunning architecture.
  • Riga Castle: Historical castle now housing the President’s residence and several museums.

Food & drink in Riga

  • Traditional Latvian cuisine: Sample grey peas with bacon, smoked fish, and rye bread in local restaurants.
  • Cafés & bakeries: Riga is famous for its cozy cafés serving pastries, coffee, and local delicacies.
  • Street food: Try the Central Market for smoked meats, cheese, and seasonal fruits.

Check our Riga food blog about the best restaurants in Riga.

Recommended tours

Where to stay

Getting around

Riga is compact and most attractions are walkable. For longer distances, use trams and buses. Taxi apps like Bolt work well. For a local experience, consider renting a bike or joining a guided bike tour.

Shopping in Riga

Visit Central Market for local products, fresh food, and crafts. Riga also has modern shopping centers like Galerija Centrs and Riga Plaza for souvenirs, fashion, and electronics.

Best time to visit Riga during your city trip

Riga is beautiful year-round. Summer (June-August) has festivals, outdoor cafés, and warm weather. Autumn offers colorful parks and fewer tourists. Winter brings festive Christmas markets, and spring has blooming gardens and comfortable walking conditions.

Riga in 2 Days – weekend itinerary

  • Day 1: Explore Old Town, House of the Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, and enjoy a traditional Latvian dinner in the evening.
  • Day 2: Morning at Art Nouveau district, visit Central Market, relax in Kronvalda Park, optional day trip to Jurmala beach or the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum.

Nightlife & entertainment

Riga has a lively nightlife with bars, pubs, and clubs mostly concentrated in the Old Town and Central districts. Popular spots include Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs for live music and traditional beer, and Skyline Bar for rooftop views.

Day trips from Riga

Consider a short trip to Jurmala Beach for seaside relaxation, Sigulda for castles and nature, or Cēsis for a medieval town experience. These day trips are easy to reach by car or public transport.

Practical travel advice

Riga is generally safe for tourists. Carry some cash for markets, although cards are widely accepted. Learn a few basic Latvian phrases for a friendly interaction, but English is widely understood. Book tours and accommodations in advance during peak season to ensure availability.

Culture & local Riga tips

Experience local culture by attending performances at the Latvian National Opera, exploring art galleries, or trying Latvian cuisine in a family-run restaurant. Don’t miss traditional rye bread, smoked fish, and locally brewed beer. Riga also hosts numerous festivals including the Riga City Festival and Staro Rīga light festival.

Summary city trip Riga blog:

Riga offers the perfect balance of history, modern attractions, and local culture for a memorable city trip. From exploring cobblestone streets and art nouveau architecture to enjoying traditional food and vibrant nightlife, this guide helps you plan a complete weekend itinerary in Latvia’s charming capital.