Top things to do in Riga
Attractions, tours, and activities in Riga
Recommended museums in Riga
Where to find art and culture in Riga
Riga: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Riga
-
Riga Old Town
0.1 miles from downtown
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 $7 a night
-
City Center
In downtown
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 $7 a night
-
Agenskalns
1.2 miles from downtown
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 Freedom Monument 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 $13 a night
-
Kipsala
1 miles from downtown
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 $41 a night
About Riga
Including tips for the best time to visit Riga
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 $36 per night
This weekend
From $155 per night
Next weekend
From $145 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.02 |
| Language | Latvian |
| Average weekend price | $73 per night |
| Average weekday price | $77 per night |
| Average stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Riga
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Riga
-
Arena Riga
1.4 miles from downtown
-
Riga Three Brothers Complex
0.1 miles from downtown
Riga reviews
What other travelers say about Riga
All good, not the first time in the city.
August 3, 2022
All good, not the first time in the city. This time visited Riga Zoo. Was right size for visiting it with small kid. Not too big, not too small. Before it went to Tervete Nature park. Was amazing. As well I’m recommending Riga old town, all the narrow streets.
I always wanted to visit Riga.
August 1, 2022
I always wanted to visit Riga. The city is full of history and nice places to visit. Almost everything is in the Old Town. You can save money for fare because it is walking distance, there are also scooters you can rent. There are parks, cathedrals, restaurants, shopping mall and a free museum.
There is something so cool in this city.
July 31, 2022
There is something so cool in this city. Summer is not too hot. People are nice. The streets are so clean (my dear Paris Mayor can come and take few lessons), the people are nice. A lot of restaurants and a very good food. Of course prices are lower than in France and it is obvious that this is e real cool surprise. Museums, great walks in the city, art Nouveau is everywhere. A very lovely city
My first impression of Riga was that it was better than my...
July 29, 2022
My first impression of Riga was that it was better than my expectations. It is a modern and clean city. The old town is very nice and the local food is tasty. Nevertheless, I stayed in Riga for about 4 days and it was too long for me.
Riga is a beautiful city.
July 23, 2022
Riga is a beautiful city. Especially the old town and the quarter where one can see the Art Nouveau buildings. There are a lot of places to eat and a good atmosphere. There are caffees where live music is played especially at weekends. The market is also interesting and fun.
This was my 10th visit to Riga!
July 23, 2022
This was my 10th visit to Riga! I love the Old Town where you can just walk around enjoying the architecture, visit churches and pop in to a nice cafe for espresso with luxurious pastries or a glass of wine. The Grand Market is my big love as fine dine cooking is my favorite hobby: you can find anything and try new ingredients there with nice price. The boat trip on river was so nice: an hour of nice relaxation.
Popular places to stay in Riga
Stay in some of the best accommodations Riga has to offer
-
Riga A new designed cosy family apartment Latgales priekšpilsēta, Riga
From $60 per night
-
Comfort and convenience Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Riga
From $57 per night
-
River Island Kurzemes priekšpilsēta, Riga
From $75 per night
-
Ausekla Deluxe Apartment City Center, Riga
From $66 per night
-
Riga Lux Apartments - Skolas City Center, Riga
From $97 per night
-
