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Riga, Latvia

Destination Guide

Riga

Latvia

Best things to do in Riga

30 curated attractions in Riga, Latvia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

7°C/45°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Riga

Riga is the capital of Latvia and a hub of Art Nouveau architecture, with over 800 buildings dating from the early 20th century. The city’s layout reflects a mix of medieval Old Town and grand boulevards, which were designed to showcase this architectural style. The impressive Freedom Monument stands proudly at the edge of the Central Park, while the House of the Blackheads and Riga Cathedral are notable landmarks with rich histories. The Latvian National Opera draws in crowds for its performances, and the sprawling Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum offers a glimpse into traditional rural life. People come for the culture, particularly the architecture and the thriving arts scene, making it a destination for both history buffs and modern art enthusiasts.

Who it's for

Visitors with an interest in architecture, history, and the arts will find plenty to appreciate. If you prefer fast-paced cities or beaches with endless sun, this may not be the place for you. The charm of Riga comes from its slower pace and artistic focus, so anyone hoping for a typical tourist experience might be disappointed.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The Old Town can be walked across in about twenty minutes, with most attractions close together
  • Public transport is frequent and reliable, making it easy to reach places like Jurmala Beach in about half an hour
  • The airport is about a twenty-minute drive from the city centre, but public transport can take longer due to stops
  • Taxis are available, but walking is often quicker in the city
Riga Radio and TV Tower

Riga Radio and TV Tower

Observation decks & city views
Jurmala Beach (a short trip outside Riga)

Jurmala Beach (a short trip outside Riga)

Beaches
House of the Blackheads

House of the Blackheads

Historic houses & mansions
Art Nouveau District

Art Nouveau District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Jacob's Barracks

Jacob's Barracks

Historical
Riga Cathedral

Riga Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Riga Zoo

Riga Zoo

Zoos
Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

History museums
St. Peter's Church

St. Peter's Church

Churches & cathedrals
Bastejkalna Park

Bastejkalna Park

City parks
Riga Central Market (Centrāltirgus)

Riga Central Market (Centrāltirgus)

Food markets & food halls
Vermanes Garden

Vermanes Garden

City parks
Riga Art Nouveau Museum

Riga Art Nouveau Museum

Art museums & galleries
Latvian National Museum of Art

Latvian National Museum of Art

Art museums & galleries
Riga Motor Museum

Riga Motor Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Swedish Gate

Swedish Gate

Historical
Riga National Opera

Riga National Opera

Theatres & opera houses
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs)

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs)

History museums
National Library of Latvia (Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka)

National Library of Latvia (Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka)

Historic libraries & universities
Freedom Monument

Freedom Monument

Monuments & memorials
St. James Cathedral

St. James Cathedral

Religious
Latvian National Opera

Latvian National Opera

Theatres & opera houses
Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church

Religious Sites
Latvian War Museum

Latvian War Museum

Historical
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

History museums
The Corner House

The Corner House

Historical Attractions
Mall Galleria Riga

Mall Galleria Riga

Shopping and Markets
Riga Castle

Riga Castle

Castles & palaces
Cat House

Cat House

Urban Attractions
Old Town (Vecrīga)

Old Town (Vecrīga)

Old towns & historic quarters

Where to eat in Riga

The places worth planning a meal around.

Rozengrals

Rozengrals

Latvian, Medieval · $$

★ 4.5 · 5,102 reviews

Big Bad Bagels

Big Bad Bagels

American, Fusion · $5–$15

★ 4.7 · 1,944 reviews

Daugava River Walk

Daugava River Walk

Latvian, Modern European · $20–$40

★ 4.4 · 13 reviews

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