Things To Do
in Riga
This city is renowned for its awe-inspiring Art Nouveau architecture and bustling historical center that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into its rich medieval past. The Latvian capital is also celebrated for its vibrant cultural life, hosting numerous festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions that reflect its contemporary spirit alongside traditional influences.
Nestled by the banks of the Daugava River, it serves as the economic, political, and cultural heart of the country, drawing visitors with its picturesque landscapes, historic wooden buildings, and an eclectic mix of modern and historical attractions.
- "Sveiki" - Hello
- "Paldies" - Thank you
- "Lūdzu" - Please
- "Atvaino" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Uz redzēšanos" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the stunning House of Blackheads, an iconic symbol of Riga. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café nearby while soaking in the architecture.
Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, visiting the stunning St. Peter's Church for panoramic views. Don't forget to stop at the local markets for some traditional Latvian snacks.
Dine at a cozy restaurant offering authentic Latvian dishes. After dinner, take a stroll along the Daugava River to enjoy the illuminated skyline.
Visit the Latvian National Museum of Art to view impressive collections of Latvian and European art. Join a guided tour to enrich your understanding of the exhibits.
Explore the Creative Quarter, filled with art galleries, design shops, and unique cafes. Participate in a workshop or craft session for hands-on experience.
Attend a performance at the Latvian National Opera for a taste of local culture. Enjoy post-show drinks at a nearby bar to unwind.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and stunning architecture, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, art galleries, and museums.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western European cities.
- Beautiful parks and natural surroundings, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities.
- Growing expat community and increasing number of international businesses.
- Cold winters with long periods of snow can be challenging for some.
- Language barrier, as Latvian is the official language and not widely spoken by foreigners.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger European capitals.
- Public transportation can be less reliable compared to cities in Western Europe.
- Occasional political instability and economic fluctuations.
Best Activities in Riga
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Mezaparks on a bike and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding nature. There are bike rental services available in the park.
Experience the thrill of canoeing on the Gauja River, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and lush greenery. Several tour operators offer guided canoeing trips.
Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Old Riga, admiring the historical architecture, cobblestone pathways, and vibrant atmosphere of the city's old town.
Enjoy a relaxed outdoor picnic in the scenic Bastejkalna Park, located in the heart of Riga. It's the perfect spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty.
Visit the nearby beach town of Jurmala, known for its stunning beaches along the Baltic Sea. Take a refreshing swim, sunbathe, or simply relax by the seaside.
Tours
Uncover the best of Riga with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Riga
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of Riga's Old Town and city skyline
Provides stunning views of the city and the Daugava River from its tower
Boasts a rooftop terrace with magnificent views of the city
Offers picturesque views of the city and the River Daugava from its surrounding area
Food in Riga
Riga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Latvian dark rye bread, usually dense and slightly sweet with a hint of sourness. Look for it in local bakeries and markets like Riga Central Market.
Must-Try!
Split pea soup with pork, often flavored with caraway seeds and served with a dollop of sour cream. Available in traditional Latvian restaurants like Lido.
A traditional Latvian pie with a rye crust, filled with sweetened mashed carrots or potatoes and seasoned with cinnamon. Try it at cafes such as Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs.
Latvian bacon pies made with rich, flaky dough and a filling of bacon, onions, and occasionally with added spices. Look for them at local bakeries or farmer's markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Riga better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Europe's largest and most vibrant markets, offering a wide variety of local produce, meats, dairy products, and traditional Latvian snacks like smoked fish and pickled vegetables.
A trendy area known for its street food scene, featuring food trucks and stalls offering a range of international and local culinary delights, from gourmet burgers to Latvian pastries and craft beer.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Riga, it is customary to greet people with a firm handshake, and it is polite to maintain eye contact during the greeting.
Showing respect is important in Latvian culture. It is considered respectful to address people using their titles and surnames, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Being punctual is highly valued in Latvian culture. Arriving on time for meetings and appointments is considered a sign of respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Riga with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Riga
Ensure a smooth experience
In Riga, Latvia, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. It is customary to leave a tip of 5-10% at restaurants if the service was satisfactory. Some upscale restaurants may include a service charge, in which case an additional tip is not necessary.
Most businesses in Riga, Latvia, accept major credit and debit cards. Cash is also widely used, especially for small transactions and in markets. It is advisable to carry some cash for these situations. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular in Riga, and many establishments offer this option.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Riga.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Riga, Latvia for mild weather, blooming flowers, and cultural events such as Riga Opera Festival.
Ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and enjoying the long daylight hours in Riga, Latvia.
Beautiful foliage, fewer tourists, and cultural events like Riga International Film Festival make it a great time to visit Riga, Latvia.
Experience the festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities like ice skating and cross-country skiing in Riga, Latvia.
Riga at Night
Hiking in Riga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about an hour's drive from Riga, Gauja National Park offers a variety of hiking trails through beautiful landscapes, including forests, rivers, and cliffs.
A popular hiking destination right outside of Riga, Mežakaķis Hill provides scenic views and well-marked trails through the surrounding forest.
This park features several trails that cater to different skill levels, allowing hikers to explore wetlands, forests, and diverse wildlife just a short distance from the city.
Located about 90 km from Riga, the hiking area around Koknese offers trails that lead to beautiful viewpoints and historical ruins overlooking the Daugava River.
The Blue Hills are part of the scenic landscape near Riga, ideal for hiking with trails that reveal stunning natural views and peace away from the city bustle.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Riga through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Riga by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in the Baltic States, serving as a main hub for both international and domestic flights.
The main international airport in Estonia, located in the capital city of Tallinn, approximately 300 km from Riga.
The primary airport serving Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, located about 300 km south of Riga.
An international airport located in Kaunas, Lithuania, approximately 250 km from Riga.
A smaller international airport located near the border with Poland, around 450 km from Riga.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Riga, comprising around 42% of the population.
The second largest group in Riga, making up about 37% of the population.
They represent a smaller segment of the population, approximately 4%.
This group comprises around 2% of the city's population.
Poles account for roughly 2% of the demographic makeup.
This includes various smaller communities, making up the remaining part of the population.
The Soul of Riga
Discover the essence of Riga through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Latvia, with a strong national team and significant support at both club and international levels.
Basketball enjoys a rich history in Latvia, with many successful clubs and a passionate fan base, contributing to the country's competitive presence in European leagues.
Football is widely played and followed in Latvia, with several local clubs and a national team that participate in various international competitions.
Rowing is a prominent sport in Latvia, with many lakes and rivers providing ideal conditions for both recreational and competitive rowing.
Athletics have a strong presence in the Latvian sports community, with many athletes competing at national and international levels in various track and field events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Riga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Riga's restaurants and cafes typically offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with an increasing number of venues specializing in plant-based cuisine. Look for dishes featuring locally grown produce and creative plant-based twists on traditional Latvian recipes.
While traditional Latvian cuisine centers around rye bread and hearty grains, many restaurants and bakeries in Riga now offer gluten-free alternatives. Additionally, international cuisine options in the city often cater to gluten-free diets, with dedicated menu items and knowledgeable staff.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Riga with these cultural adventures.
