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
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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 $8 a night
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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 $8 a night
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Agenskalns
1.1 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 $14 a night
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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 $43 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 $69 per night
Next weekend
From $122 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.09 |
| Language | Latvian |
| Average weekend price | $83 per night |
| Average weekday price | $87 per night |
| Average stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Riga
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Riga
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Arena Riga
1.4 miles from downtown
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Riga Three Brothers Complex
0.1 miles from downtown
Riga reviews
What other travelers say about Riga
Everything within easy walking distance.
July 26, 2024
Everything within easy walking distance. If you want to visit cathedral of the nativity of christ you will need to have long trousers (men) and head covering (women) - us and many others were turned away. This info is not on their website. Food very good in the 3 restaurants we visited - Belgium beer cafe (burgers immense) Rozengats (medieval fun but good food) and Russian restaurant near Ogle. A bit cheaper than Tallinn but expect UK bar prices in the main areas - Euros 7-9 for a large beer or glass of wine. Easy transport to other areas eg beach. Good place for a long weekend
We liked side trip to Rundale Palace - easy bus trip.
July 24, 2024
We liked side trip to Rundale Palace - easy bus trip. St. Peter's was great. Hotel was so close to St. Peter's and all the attractions. Did a free tour of Art Nouveau which was fabulous. 2 hours and 6 miles, but really saw so much! Riga has amazing Art Nouveau buildings!! Occupation museum was very moving and gave a sobering glimpse into what this country went through between the Russians and the Germans. Seriously concerning. All Americans should understand what occupation and repression means!! Highly recommend PeterGailis>? restaurant at back of St. Peter's church, and Domeni Canas restaurant, just near Bremen Musicians statue.
The occupation museum was fascinating
July 22, 2024
The occupation museum was fascinating We enjoyed the little tourist train as an introduction to the city Concerts in churches, as we were out of season for the symphony orchestra Beautiful Art Nouveau apartment blocks
Overall Riga is one of the nicest capitals that I’ve been.
July 20, 2024
Overall Riga is one of the nicest capitals that I’ve been. There is so much green everywhere which is amazing! They have a nice architecture and lots of things to see and do. The only minus is that people are not really welcoming and polite towards tourists. Riga’s old town is worth it and if you’re visiting for sure you have to go with a boat to the canals.
I loved the green areas within the cty - lots of parks and a...
July 15, 2024
I loved the green areas within the cty - lots of parks and a lovely canal. Everything is easy to reach by foot, however, my sense of directions was thoroughly tested during my visit. :-) Even google could not always keep up. There are more than 40 churches to be seen and plenty of activities during summer.
Riga is a wonderful place to visit because it has so much to...
July 10, 2024
Riga is a wonderful place to visit because it has so much to offer - it is both a vibrant city with everything that you would expect, but it also just a short drive away from beautiful coastal wilderness. The city is old and historic, full of wonderfully preserved and looked-after art nouveau buildings, as well as the Hanseatic old town area. In terms of shopping, dining, and entertainment, it covers all the bases for everything anyone could want. From budget gems, to real luxury. And it is completely walkable. The city is surrounded by vast swathes of natural landscape, from pine forests to endless sandy beaches, both of the wild kind, and the type with more amenities that families tend to like.
Popular places to stay in Riga
Stay in some of the best accommodations Riga has to offer
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Comfort and convenience Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Riga
From $65 per night
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Cozy Home Apartment Kaivas, free parking, self check-in Vidzemes priekšpilsēta, Riga
From $109 per night
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Jekabpils 2 Apartment Latgales priekšpilsēta, Riga
From $97 per night
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Cosy one seperate bedroom apartment in city center, perfect for family trip. City Center, Riga
From $87 per night
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Dream Boutique Apartments Riga Old Town, Riga
From $226 per night
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Apartments
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From $54 per night
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From $12 per night
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From $54 per night
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From $8 per night
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From $20 per night
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From $9 per night
