Top things to do in Rīga
Attractions, tours and activities in Rīga
Recommended museums in Rīga
Where to discover culture and the arts in Rīga
Rīga: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Rīga
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Riga Old Town
0.1 miles from city centre
A living history lesson. This dense cobbled district is a riverside grab bag of architectural delights. Lovers wait under the Laima Clock, Old Town’s unofficial entry point. Peruse epic art museums or spoil yourself at one of the world’s best opera houses. When the sun sets, “Omas Briljants” is the bar to be in.
Places to stay from £6 per night
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Centre
In the city centre
Stroll among the centre’s Art Nouveau architecture – it rivals any in the world. Or buy the city’s most charming groceries from the city’s most bustling market – Riga Central Market. Latvians love their drama. Classical values can be found in Latvian National Theatre. Bring your phrasebook though – it might not be in English!
Places to stay from £6 per night
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Agenskalns
1.2 miles from city centre
Leafy Ageskalns’s cobbled streets are full of quirky museums built to pay homage to poets, stage artists, and railways. In lush Victory Park, the Victory Memorial to Soviet Army is a controversial point of interest. On Saturdays wander the authentic markets at Kalnciema kvartāls in search of local treats like sparkling birch tree wine.
Places to stay from £11 per night
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Kipsala
1 miles from city centre
Once a fishing village, this island is the only one that’s still inhabited. Cycle from one end to the other and check out the range of homes, from wooden houses to luxury suites. Stop off at Kipsala Beach for a summer sunbathe. Get your dose of culture with a show at the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre or a stirring performance at the concert hall.
Places to stay from £35 per night
About Rīga
Including tips for the best time to visit Rīga
Riga’s UNESCO-listed centre and European Capital of Culture status makes it one of Europe’s hippest locations. Offering vibrant nightlife, farmers' markets and photogenic soviet-era architecture, the Latvian capital attracts visitors looking for an enriching weekend escape and robust party atmosphere.
Formerly a thriving Baltic sea port, Riga acted as a vital trading point for growing empires. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Latvia was free to make its own way – a choice visible in the progressive culture and art scene present across the city today.
Riga’s Old Town is where you’ll find the best examples of its art nouveau architecture, such as the Town Hall Square and House of the Blackheads – a 14th-century guild building once frequented by merchant seamen. Other points of interest include the former KGB building, the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Panorama Observation Deck, where you can enjoy views of the Daugava River. For traditional Latvian delicacies, head to Riga’s Central Market which is a former art deco military hangar. Here, you’ll be able to sample pickled cucumber and smoked eel before exploring the trendy Spikeri district.
Featuring cheap beer prices and fun bars, Riga's fast becoming a popular spot for prenuptial celebrations and boozy holidays. Stop by Black Magic bar for medicinal hangover cures that were once favoured by 18th-century Latvian royalty. Alternatively, the Latvian National Opera or the Riga Ballet offer something a little more high-brow with a nostalgic nod to the city’s Soviet traditions.
Tonight
From £34 per night
This weekend
From £81 per night
Next weekend
From £171 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.64 |
| Language | Latvian |
| Average weekend price | £59 per night |
| Average weekday price | £66 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Rīga
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Rīga
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Arena Riga
1.4 miles from city centre
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Riga Three Brothers Complex
0.1 miles from city centre
Rīga reviews
What other travellers say about Rīga
Really nice place for minimum 4 days.
31 May 2023
Really nice place for minimum 4 days. Everything is on walking reach, lots of sightseeing and tourist friendly. Restaurants are really good and value for money! Trying Lido is a must Parks in the city are clean and well maintained! Visit the Markets (even the Agenskalns Market)
Easy to walk around the city and plenty of ‘old’ buildings...
29 May 2023
Easy to walk around the city and plenty of ‘old’ buildings and sights. Took the train to Siligura to walk in the countryside and visit a castle - the two hour round trip was under four Euros. Also visited a nearby palace (Runsdale) which was an hour away on the bus, again, around three Euros! There is a large supermarket, set in a nearby mall, which is under ten minutes walk away. Took a river cruise, which was pleasant.
Nice city with beautiful architecture.
26 May 2023
Nice city with beautiful architecture. Cheaper than other top touristic destinations in Europe and better in some ways like peace, nature and culture. Options like car renting and electric scooters made my trip comfortable.
Visit in summer, check out old town an look for small...
14 May 2023
Visit in summer, check out old town an look for small hipster neighborhoods such as Tallinas kvartals, Kalnciema kvartals, Andrejsala an Miera iela with cosy cafes, artists, street food, musicians and events. Visit the renovated Museum of art and various art exhibition spaces within walking or electric scooter ride distance. Enjoy!
Beautiful city with amazing architecture.
11 May 2023
Beautiful city with amazing architecture. Rich history which you can see within many places of interest. Very clean city. Close to the coast, I recommend a visit in Jurmala, beautiful promenade and very nice beach.
Riga was a wonderful city to visit.
10 May 2023
Riga was a wonderful city to visit. There is much to explore to appreciate its history and culture including some beautiful and interesting museums. There are great restaurants and pubs in the Old Town area and it is very easy to get around. People are friendly and communicate in English with ease. Highly recommend!
Popular places to stay in Rīga
Stay in some of the best accommodation Rīga has to offer
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Revelton Suites Riga Riga Old Town, Rīga
From £69 per night
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Comfort and convenience Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga
From £55 per night
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Jekabpils 2 Apartment Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga
From £104 per night
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Riga A new designed cosy family apartment Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga
From £81 per night
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Dandelion Apartments Brīvības Centre, Rīga
From £246 per night
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