Riga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Riga
Old Town showing heritage architecture, markets and street scenes
Photo provided by Latvian Tourism / Leons Balodis
Photo provided by Latvian Tourism / nars Plinta
Photo provided by Latvian Tourism / Vita Balckare
Featuring historical architecture and parks, this city is also famed for its festivals and music.

Riga is the capital of Latvia, a Baltic country in Northern Europe. The Daugava River splits the city in two, and much of what you’ll want to see is on the river’s eastern banks.

Go to the Old Town and explore the medieval streets of this World Heritage Site. At its core is Ratslaukums, the Town Hall Square. The area’s twisting lanes lead to main city attractions, including the House of Blackheads and the Museum of the Occupation. At St. Peter’s Church, ride the elevator to the  top of the tower for spectacular views of the city. Admire the baroque and Gothic buildings at Dome Square, where you can enjoy a meal or drink at outdoor cafés and bars.

From Dome Square, it’s a short walk to Livu Square, which comes alive in summer as the host to a beer garden and live outdoor entertainment. In winter, kids will love the ice skating rink here. Continue to Bastejkalns Park, a tranquil green space with a canal running through it. It also has the Freedom Monument, which commemorates the soldiers that fought during the Latvian War of Independence.

Music plays a key role in Riga’s arts scene. Don’t miss an opera or ballet performance at the Latvian National Opera. The RITMI Festival is an annual jazz festival, with previous performers including Bobby Darin and Robert Glasper.

Riga’s cuisine is influenced by German, Polish and Russian flavours. Sample big plates of piragi, the East European dumpling, or pork, cabbage and potato-inspired dishes. At the Central Market you‘ll find cheap fruit and vegetables, and local delicacies such as smoked eel. The market opened in 1930 and takes place in converted Zeppelin aircraft hangars.

The city is ideal for walking as the streets are flat. There is also a cheap public transport system, with trams, buses and trolleys stopping close to all the major sights.

Where to stay in Riga

Old Town showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Old Town Riga

4.5/5(240 area reviews)

Travellers come to Old Town Riga for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Cathedral Square and Riga Cathedral while you're in town.

Old Town Riga
Latvian Art Museum showing a statue or sculpture

Centrs

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Centrs is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Latvian Art Museum and Cathedral of Christ's Nativity while in the area.

Centrs
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Avoti

Avoti is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can plan an outing to Galleria Riga Shopping Center and Cathedral of Christ's Nativity while you're in town.

Avoti
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Agenskalns

4/5(8 area reviews)

Unique features of Agenskalns include the river views and historical sites. Make a stop by Golden Bowling Center or Uzvaras Park while you're exploring the area.

Agenskalns
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Zemgale Suburb

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Zemgale Suburb include the historical sites and river views. Make a stop by National Library of Latvia or SPICE while you're exploring the area.

Zemgale Suburb
Riga Central Market showing interior views and shopping

Latgale Suburb

3/5(6 area reviews)

Latgale Suburb is noteworthy for its churches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Riga Central Market and Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Latgale Suburb

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Riga

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
148
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
100
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Well worth seeing a great city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great restaurants, lovely old town, market -brilliant, very walkable, interesting history, excellent place for a couples weekend.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

There is not a lot to do, you need two days maximum.

5/5 - Excellent

TonyB

Pleasant city full of history and great places to eat!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A very safe and enjoyable trip to a great capital city. Have been to Tallin, Vilnius and now RIGA which wins hands down. It's growing in tourism, so mid week visits are best. Walks into the suburbs gives better prices for restaurants and food

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Airport shuttle good value. Indian restaurant was fabulous. Train ride to Jūrmala beach - wow! Bobsleigh ride in Sigulda - amazing for €10 pp. KGB museum is free of charge. Everything is cheaper at the central market.

Cities near Riga