The secret may be out since declared ‘City of Culture’ in 2014, but Riga can still feel like a new discovery, especially when you venture out of the cobbled Old Town through the historical time warp of its changing architecture. From Art Nouveau glory, Soviet era blocks and hangars, to street art walls, hipster cafes and skyscrapers on its growing outskirts. Riga offers it all within a walkable distance.
Along with experiencing the Baltic’s largest city, you can easily travel to Latvia’s surrounding areas from Riga on a weekend break. Noteworthy experiences include fairytale forests with crumbling ruins and castles, adrenaline dosed activities, popular beaches and swim-friendly lakes, all only an hour or so away.
Here are some suggestions on how you can spend three days:
day one: cobbled streets, cafes and Central market
Start in the UNESCO heritage Old Town what is full of preserved medieval buildings and cobblestone streets. This is one of my favourite old towns in Europe. It is easily covered in half a day to a day, but the reasonably priced cafes and pubs offer many appealing stops what may extend this.
Worth a mention: St Peter’s Church for views over the city, the Freedom monument, the narrow Rozenna street, the canal, and the Livu/ Dome/ Town Hall squares. When I visited in August there were tons of activities on around here, from archery to a skateboarding event.
Whilst this end of town wander a short distance to the largest food market in Europe. Set in three imposing Soviet hangars, it is an apt reflection of Riga’s many architectural and historic contrasts. Additionally locals visit this market so it is a nice way to gain insight into city life from their perspective.
- Add on– if you want to learn more about Riga’s history, take a walking tour.
- Note- Check if any events are on at St Peter’s church as this may influence opening times. It is closed on Mondays.
- Alternative- Panorama Riga Observation deck for good views and cheap entry (4 euros at time of visit). It is on the rooftop of the imposing Academy of Sciences, and you may be the only one there, what is surreal! This is around the corner from central market and easy to spot.
- Eat- Grab a snack at Central market. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs is a popular choice with reasonable prices for traditional food, beer, the underground setting and live music. Example dishes: Rye bread pudding, meatballs, and the seasonal saute pan. I recommend reserving a table. http://www.folkklubs.lv/our-story/
Day two: VENTURE OUT to sigulda
With so much on Riga’s doorstep, take the opportunity to get a sense of Latvia beyond the city’s eclectic confines. This is quite unique for a weekend city break! Personally I would recommend Sigulda; gateway to Gauja National park. It is just over an hour away by train or bus.
Hike, or use the bus to explore the valleys of the 90,000 hectare Gauja National Park and river. It is full of medieval castles, caves and ruins which could be taken straight from a fairytale. Interestingly it is also full of adrenaline activities to try out, with many being reasonably priced. These include zip lining 55 m above the river, bungee jumping, bobsleighing and seasonal sport options such as skiing.
I have written about my experience in detail here.
- Get there: I took the train but you can also catch a bus from RIGA- SIGULDA.. I would recommend going from Central station. It is easy enough to buy tickets from one of the vendors, as they are used to plenty of tourists coming through. However you can also pick the train up at one of the later stops. Journey time is around 1 hour 15 minutes, and €1.90. For further information check out: https://www.1188.lv/en/transport/
- Note: Check transport return times! Likewise, reserve any activities such as zip lining in advance if possible. Sometimes you can be fitted in if you get there for opening (10am): http://siguldaadventures.com.
There is a tourist information by the train station. Grab one of their maps for hiking routes and points of interest. It is about a 20 minute walk to the cable car that links you to the park across the river (€8.00 one way). - Alternative: if you do not want to use the cable car and hike, there are buses that you can catch to explore the area. Other day trips you can consider include Jurmala beach resort, Ķermeri National park, and Rundāle palace.
- Eat: Doma for surprisingly hipster-meets-garden party vibes in a homely setting. Serves tasty waffles, salads, burgers, beers and coffee at cheap prices.
Mr. Biskvits for cake, snacks and coffee. This is opposite the train station.
DAY THREE: neighbourhoods, street art and museums
Once out of the Old Town Riga’s architecture begins to change. Head to Elizabeth and Albert streets for the ‘Jugendstil/ Art Nouveau’ district; an open air exhibition of beautifully restored Art Nouveau buildings. It is easy to just wander around, but there is an Art Nouveau museum and tours, should you want to find out more about the area.
The street art in the above photo was actually paid for by a private company, but it is impressive nonetheless! This is situated on Barona Iela (street) 114, what is about 30 minutes by foot outside of the Old Town. Nearby on Sparģeļu iela is another piece worth checking out. Make your way past Soviet era blocks and gentrifying neighbourhoods with plenty of good coffee and cafes to choose from. One option is to stop off at MiiT coffee on the way. It features commissioned street art and is a top caffeine waterhole in Riga. However there are plenty of places popping up all the time, with many offering help-yourself buffet lunches.
If you have time fit in a museum in the afternoon. Popular museum choices vary dependable on taste, such as Riga’s Ethnographic Open Air Museum, and the motor museum. Both require taking public transport or a taxi. Alternatively the Museum of Occupation of Latvia is within walking distance of the Old Town and receives good reviews.
- Note- When I visited Riga the app ‘Taxify’ (similar to Uber) offered rides that were as cheap as public transport, should you not want to walk far.
- Alternative- Visit one of the other nearby day trips listed above, or spend more time within the Old Town and surrounding parks.
- Eat- Latvian chain ‘Lido’ has a few spots in Riga. Go for cafeteria style fast food what appeals to locals and tourists for its quality, options and price. Also check out some of the many cafes with an emerging coffee scene and buffet style brunches. Noteworthy: Bruninieku 63.
useful information
Getting there- wizz air, RYANAIR, AIR BALTIC AND British airways ALL OFFER DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM london. from riga airport you can take a taxi from the rank, use the ‘taxify’ app, take the no.22 bus, or the ‘riga shuttle bus’.
Getting around: As listed, ‘Taxify’ was handy. Most sights are walkable but there is public transport.
CURRENCY- EURO
Stay- I decided to book an air BnB, because There were plenty to choose from with amazing interiors and unbelievably cheap prices. We stayed in our own MODERN flat 15 minutes walk from the Old Town, and the total cost was less than 35 pounds per night for two PEOPLE.
like it? Pin it!
click here for more on europe
click here for other destination itineraries
21 Comments
Nice! I’ve been thinking of visiting Riga recently and I love that you can visit the national park so easily. I love visiting cities but sometimes the best places are outside of them. Thanks for making it so clear about how to get around and out to the park – it’s those little details that I always get worried about!
Yes I completely agree, and Gauja National Park is a trip within itself. So pleased this post has been helpful for you, I agree!! I try to write posts focused on the information I find useful to know, or struggled to find .
Riga is calling! I was searching for some guide and yours is amazing. Thanks for the detailed information. Keep it up!
Thank you so much for your feedback! Will do, have a great time in Riga!
Ohhh this was so helpful! I was just planning a trip to Riga and found your post. Thanks for sharing it! About the food, did you like it or it was just ok? Did you see many vegetarian options?
Yay I am so pleased! Doma was great for veggie options (in Sigulda). I think it requires some research to find the good spots, but many are cropping up. Like you say, their main dishes are mostly meat based, however I did find there were vegetarian options, with decent options at places such as Miit. There are also veggie/ vegan cafes including Fat Pumpkin, and I am sure many more continue to pop up!
I should visit Riga before it becomes too busy! I love the combination of church spires and tall buildings that dominates the city skyline – I think I’d have such a great time taking photos in Riga.
Yes it is so photogenic with plenty of spots to discover. I hope you make it there soon 🙂
Great guide about Riga. Haven’t been there yet, but have really only heard about the old town. Love the idea I could fit in a National Park as well in a weekend trip!
Thank you for commenting, I am pleased you have found it helpful! Yes definitely, I love how easy it is to experience Latvia’s outdoors from Riga.
Great post! I went to Riga in late November and it was a lot colder and greyer than it looks in your pictures! Didn’t detract from the gorgeous architecture though, I particularly loved all the Art Nouveau architecture. Must go back when it’s a little bit warmer!!
Ah it is so interesting how different cities are in different seasons! Glad you enjoyed it. Go back in Summer to enjoy Gauja National park and the rest of Latvia 🙂
I’ve seen Riga pop up on my travel feed and didn’t know anything about it. I love this three day overview of Riga. It’s the perfect amount of time to embrace the outdoors and also the old town. Visiting Gauja National Park sounds amazing, especially to see the castles and go hiking. Ziplining would be fun as I haven’t done that before. I’ll refer back to this post when planning our trip here.
Brilliant yes I love city breaks where you can also easily access the outdoors too. Gauja National Park is awesome! Have a great trip.
Riga is on my list now! Reminds me of Tallinn, which I absolutely loved. Will definitely refer to your guide when I make it over someday 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Ah I’d love to go to Tallinn- good to know! You’re welcome 🙂
Seems like Riga has it all, cobbled streets, cafes,medieval castes, history, street art and a lot more to qualify as a wonderful location. Loved your guide, will be definitely using it if I plan to travel to Riga sometime soon.
I agree, it is a great city break, and Latvia as a country is great to visit. Thank you I am so pleased my guide is useful for you! Enjoy!
So I’d never heard of Riga before…but now I can’t wait to visit! Lol, food markets, walking tours, and day trips? Sign me up!
Yes it is still pretty underrated! So pleased my post has inspired you! Hope you make it there soon!
Pingback: SIGULDA: FROM A ZIP-LINE TO A BUNGEE JUMP - travelface