Riga Travel Guide

Sometimes there are some cities you don't hear about much, but one day you pass by and you say, " Wow, why havent I been there before? "

Riga is exactly that kind of city. Latvia's capital, on the shores of the Baltic Sea, is a vibrant, energetic, and warm place with stories etched into its stone walls.

When I first saw Riga, I thought of “old European movies”: stone streets, tiny cafes, a violinist on every corner…

But Riga is not just a nostalgic city; it also has a young, creative and incredibly unique vibe.

Now let me tell you about this magical city in full detail, from places to visit to food and drink, from seasonal tips to hidden corners.

It's difficult to define Riga, as it's filled with traces of the past and the energy of the present.

On one side, century-old buildings, on the other, modern galleries, hipster cafes and young musicians…

The Daugava River divides the city in two. The Old Town (Vecrīga) side is like a postcard, with history around every corner.

On the other side, local life, markets, and green spaces await you. The best way to explore Riga? Get lost! Literally.

As you wander the streets, you encounter a new surprise every time.

Old Town

When exploring Riga, your first stop should definitely be the Old Town. Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets feels like you've traveled back in time. Every building tells a story; every corner is a photo opportunity.

Be sure to go up to St. Peter's Church. You take the elevator up to the tower, and from the top you can see the red-roofed houses of Riga, the Daugava River, and even the hazy Baltic air in the distance.

Being there as the sun sets is a completely different experience.

Then there's the House of the Blackheads—a magnificent building. This Gothic-style structure was once a meeting place for wealthy merchants. Today, it's packed with tourists taking selfies in front of it, but it's still fascinating.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself wandering the Old Town squares and catching an evening filled with street musicians. Riga is a city alive with music.

Art Nouveau District: The Elegant Side of Riga

Riga fascinates not only with its history but also with its architecture.

It is impossible not to be amazed by the buildings while walking in the “Art Nouveau” area of ​​the city (especially around Albert Street).

Each facade looks as if it were alive; female figures, floral motifs, lion heads...

Some of these buildings were built in the early 1900s and still retain their original elegance.

Take a camera and spend a few hours just on this street — you won't notice how the time flies.

Riga Central Market: The Pulse of the City Beats Here

Riga Central Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe and believe me, you should go there not only to shop but also to feel the spirit of the city.

This market, built inside former zeppelin hangars, brings together all the colors of Latvia: fresh fish, cheeses, jams, flowers, spices…

Don't forget to buy some hot pirojki (meat or potato filled pastries) from the tiny stalls there.

In Riga, the real flavour begins on the street!

What to Eat and Drink in Riga?

Latvian cuisine is shaped by the cold weather of the north: simple, hearty, potato-rich, and delicious.

Here are a few things you should try for a dinner:

Grey Peas with Bacon: a simple but legendary winter dish.

Smoked Fish: You can usually find it fresh in the markets, it goes perfectly with black bread.

Sklandrausis (sweet carrot pie): strange but delicious!

Riga's new generation restaurants are also quite ambitious.

There's a trend they call "New Baltic Cuisine" — modern presentations with local products.

You can find this type of food in the small bistros around Albert Street.

Riga is serious about coffee, too: third-wave coffee shops are on every corner.

The Spirit of Riga: Art, Music and Culture

Riga has a different event every season.

Open-air concerts in the summer, light festivals in the winter, art exhibitions throughout the year…

The Riga Opera Festival and Staro Riga (Festival of Lights) are among the events not to be missed.

Street art is also quite common in the city; you'll see colorful murals, especially in old industrial areas.

If the weather is cloudy on a day, the Art Nouveau Museum or the Latvian National Museum of Art are good options.

But frankly, the most beautiful “museum” of Riga is its streets themselves.

Where to Stay?

Finding accommodation in Riga is easy because there are plenty of options:

Old Town: The heart of all the action. Cafes, restaurants, bars are right on the doorstep.

Centrs: A little quieter but close to everything.

Āgenskalns: You feel more local, peaceful, “like you live here, not like a tourist”.

Mežaparks: For those who want to wake up to the sounds of birds, surrounded by nature.

If you're planning to go in winter, it makes sense to stay in the center; because when the snow hits, walking distance is everything!

Transportation: Getting Lost is Free in Riga

Riga is a small city but quite organised.

Trams, buses, trolleybuses… all running smoothly.

But let me be honest: walking is the best.

There is a new discovery around every corner.

Bike rentals are also common — especially fun in the summer months.

Getting from the airport to the city center is also easy: you're in the city in 20 minutes.

Instead of a taxi, you can choose Bolt or bus.

Experience Season by Season in Riga

Riga takes on a different character every season:

Summer: The sun doesn't set until 23:00 and the city is awash with festivals.

Autumn: A photographic paradise with its yellowing leaves and melancholic atmosphere.

Winter: Christmas markets, lights, the Old Town under snow… a true European fairy tale.

Spring: Parks are blooming, cafes are spilling out—the city is being reborn.

Daily Getaways

If you're staying in Riga for a few days, it's also worth exploring the surrounding area:

Jūrmala: A 30-minute train ride away. Long walks by the sea, spa hotels, pastel-colored houses...

Sigulda: Perfect for nature lovers. Castles, forests, hiking trails.

Rundāle Palace: Known as the Versailles of Latvia, it is enchanting with its magnificent gardens.

Feeling Life in Riga

Riga needs to be "felt", not "visited".

Watching the city slowly wake up while walking along the river in the morning, sitting in a cafe and watching people go about their daily routine…

Or getting lost in the evening listening to the sound of the violin echoing through the stone streets.

Riga will show you all its beauty as long as you don't rush.

Time moves slowly here — but somehow it manages to touch your heart.