Riga
Visited in 2014 and 2018
At a glance
- Country
- Latvia
- Region
- Latvia
- Population
- 588,911
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Riga International (RIX)
- Coordinates
- 56.96°N, 24.12°E
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Overview
Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states, a Hanseatic trading port on the River Daugava. Its cobbled Old Town of spires and merchants' houses is a UNESCO site, and just beyond it lies one of the world's finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings.
It is compact, easy to walk and good value. Spend the days on architecture and markets, and the evenings in cellar bars, concert halls and restaurants serving modern Latvian food.
Things to see
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Photo: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Old Town
Medieval lanes, guild halls and church spires around the Dome Square, best explored early before the tour groups.
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Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 House of the Blackheads
An ornate gabled guildhall on Town Hall Square, rebuilt after its destruction in the Second World War.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 Art Nouveau district
The façades along Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela are covered in faces, masks and mythical creatures.
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Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 St Peter's Church
Take the lift up the tall wooden-topped spire for the best view over the Old Town's rooftops.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Virtual-Pano, CC BY-SA 4.0 Freedom Monument
A tall granite column topped by a figure holding three stars, the symbol of Latvian independence.
Things to do
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Photo: David Holt uploaded and derivative work: MrPanyGoff, CC BY-SA 2.0 Riga Central Market
One of Europe's biggest markets, housed in former Zeppelin hangars, with smoked fish, rye bread and pickles.
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Photo: PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Sigulda
Castles, caves and forest walks in the Gauja valley, about an hour away by train.
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Photo: Arian Zwegers, CC BY 2.0 Day trip to Rundāle Palace
A Baroque palace by Rastrelli, the architect of St Petersburg's Winter Palace, with formal French gardens.
Find tours -
Photo: Turaids, CC BY-SA 4.0 Try Riga Black Balsam
The city's bitter herbal liqueur, best mixed into coffee or blackcurrant juice on a cold night.
Where to stay
Old Town
Atmospheric and walkable to everything, though busy and noisy on weekend nights.
Hotels in Old TownQuiet Centre
Elegant Art Nouveau streets just north-east of the Old Town, with stylish hotels and cafés.
Hotels in Quiet CentreCentre near the station
Practical, good-value hotels close to the market and airport buses.
Hotels in Centre near the station
Getting around
The Old Town and centre are walkable, and trams, trolleybuses and buses cover the rest. Buy e-tickets or use the Riga Transport app.
Bus 22 links the airport with the centre in about 30 minutes, and a taxi takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
When to go
Summer brings long days, terraces and the Midsummer celebrations of Jāņi in late June. Spring and early autumn are cooler but quieter, and winters are cold and dark, with a Christmas market in the Old Town.
Plan your trip to Riga
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.