Latvia

Riga

Riga blends medieval charm with Baltic energy and Art Nouveau flair.

Local time: UTC+2
Population: 0.6M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Moderate

Food$$$$$About $59 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $70 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $6.7 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

RIXRiga International AirportMain hub, about 9 km southwest of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
Bus 22Old Town and central station	€1.50	30-40 min
Runs all day; night bus N22 after midnight. Buy ticket before boarding.
Taxi (Baltic Taxi)City centre	€15	15 min
Fixed price if booked online.
Taxi (Red Cab)City centre	€12-15	15 min
Metered; use the app for clear rates.
Ride app (Bolt)City centre	€10-20	15 min
See the fare upfront and pay by card.
Carshare (Bolt, Citybee)City centre	€8-15	15-20 min
Register and upload your licence before arrival.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Riga

Getting around

Walk the Old Town and centre; use trams and buses for longer hops, and ride apps at night.

MetroNo metro in Riga. Don't plan around rail inside the city.
Bus ★Trams, buses and trolleybuses by Rigas Satiksme: single fare €1.50 valid 90 minutes with transfers. Buy via Mobilly, Narvesen or ticket machines and scan the vehicle QR code. 24-hour pass €5, 3-day €8, 5-day €10; free on some holidays.
Taxi / ride appsBolt, Panda Taxi and Red Cab work well. Avoid hailing random street taxis.
Rental carNot advised: traffic and parking fees up to €8/hour in the Old Town.
Walking ★Best way to see the Old Town, but cobblestones are rough. Bikes and e-scooters are common April to September.
Ferry / boatSeasonal boat to Jūrmala runs May to September, €15–20, about 2.5 hours.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night works: a walking loop through the Old Town, Central Market and Art Nouveau streets covers the essentials, so Jurmala can wait.

Best for

CultureOld Town lanes, Art Nouveau streets and markets.
HistoryMedieval Riga, occupation museums and Soviet traces.

Weather by month

0°-4°Jan🌧 14d

2°-3°Feb🌧 11d

6°-2°Mar🌧 11d

11°2°Apr🌧 11d

17°7°May🌧 9d

22°13°Jun🌧 11d

22°14°Jul🌧 15d

22°14°Aug🌧 13d

18°11°Sep🌧 11d

11°5°Oct🌧 14d

5°2°Nov🌧 13d

2°-2°Dec🌧 15d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Baltic climate: cold winters, mild summers and rain in every month. Summer days are long; winter days are short.

Best time: June to AugustHighs around 22°C and long daylight. The busiest and priciest season; book ahead.
Rain all yearExpect 9–15 rain days every month. July and December are wettest; May is driest.
Winter is coldJanuary highs near 0°C and lows around -4°C. Snow is possible; wear a warm coat and boots.
Short winter daysNovember to February has little daylight. Plan indoor sights and start early.
Shoulder seasons are quietApril–May and September–October are cheaper with fewer crowds, but pack rain gear.
What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for cobblestones. Add a warm hat and gloves from November to March.

Landmarks 13

Must-see · 10

1
Riga Old Town
A UNESCO-listed maze of cobbled lanes, medieval churches and merchant houses that is the heart of any first visit. Go early in the morning to enjoy the squares before the crowds arrive.
2
House of the Blackheads
This ornate 14th-century guild hall, rebuilt after WWII, is one of Riga's most photographed buildings. Buy a ticket to see the lavish interior and climb to the small museum upstairs.
3
Freedom Monument
A towering symbol of Latvian independence guarded by soldiers, located between Old Town and the Art Nouveau District. Visit at dusk when it is softly lit, and watch the changing of the guard on the hour.
4
Art Nouveau District
Several streets are lined with spectacular early-20th-century facades, many designed by Mikhail Eisenstein. Take a self-guided walk along Alberta iela; the Riga Art Nouveau Museum is a worthwhile stop.
5
Riga Central Market
Housed in converted Zeppelin hangars, this is one of Europe's largest markets and a great place to taste local produce. Go hungry and try grey peas with bacon at one of the food stalls.
6
Riga Cathedral
The city's largest medieval church, famous for its massive organ and cloister. Climb the tower for a panoramic view of Old Town; entry to the tower is ticketed separately.
7
St. Peter's Church
Its slender spire dominates the skyline and the viewing platform offers the best panorama of Riga. Take the lift up (small fee) on a clear day for photos.
8
Latvian National Opera
A grand 19th-century theatre with affordable tickets and excellent productions. Check the schedule for opera or ballet; the building itself is worth a look even without a show.
9
Daugava River
The wide river divides Old Town from the newer districts and offers pleasant promenades. Walk along the embankment at sunset for views of the skyline and bridges.
10
Jūrmala Resort
A short train ride from Riga, this seaside town has a long sandy beach and wooden villas. It is a perfect half-day escape in summer; trains run frequently from Riga Central Station.

Cultural

Modern Architecture 1

Statue 1

Ancient Site 1

Urban Hub 1

Christian 2

Market 1

Museum 1

Old Town 1

Palace 1

Natural

River 1

Activities

Food 1

Theater 1

Day trips from Riga

Tukums · 1 h 14 by train

★★★☆☆ · Half day · 66 km from Riga

Best way: Direct trains reach Tukums in about an hour and the old town and castle hill are walkable from the station.

Direct regional trains from Riga reach Tukums in about an hour; the old town and castle hill are walkable from the station.

Train ★1 h 14 · from $3-$5
Bus1 h 30 · from $4-$5
Car1 h 06 · taxi ≈ €70

What to see

Tukums old town
Tukums Castle Hill
Durbe Manor
Tukums Museum

Good to know

Old town and castle hill are walkable from the station
Allow most of a day to cover the sights

Ogre · 30 min by train

★★☆☆☆ · Half day · 38 km from Riga

Best way: Frequent direct trains take about 30 minutes and the river promenade is a short walk from the station.

Frequent suburban trains from Riga reach Ogre in about 40 minutes with no changes; the river promenade is a short walk from the station.

Train ★30 min · from $2-$4
Bus50 min · from $1
Car46 min · taxi ≈ €40

What to see

Ogre river promenade
Ogre History and Art Museum
Pilgrims' trail along the Ogre river

Good to know

A quiet small-town escape rather than a headline sight
Best in summer for the river promenade

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Riga rewards visitors with a walkable old town, vibrant markets, and green parks along the Daugava. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One full day of Old Town lanes, Art Nouveau streets and the market.

Stay: Vecrīga (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 34
Taxis: ≈ EUR 16

Day 1

Old Town morning, Art Nouveau afternoon

Tickets ≈ EUR 34 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 16

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:30 · Free to walk

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

Quiet lanes before the crowds. Wear shoes for cobbles.

Open Always open; liveliest 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 390 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

10:45–11:45 · ≈ EUR 6–8 adult; check on the day

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

Check opening hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00; check on the day
3

12:00–12:45 · ≈ EUR 8–10 with tower; check on the day

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Climb the tower for a view if the weather is clear.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 420 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

13:00–14:00 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch in the Old Town. Book ahead in summer.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
Taxi · 1346 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 3
5

14:30–16:00 · Free to walk; museum entry extra

Art Nouveau District Landmark quest

Short tram or 20-minute walk from the Old Town. Best in daylight.

Open Streets always open
Taxi · 1390 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 3
6

17:00–18:00 · ≈ EUR 5–8 per drink

Rooftop bar with Old Town view

Back in the Old Town for a sunset drink. Check hours on the day.

Open Afternoon to late evening; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 308 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

Our pick for most visitors: Old Town highlights and Art Nouveau streets in one easy day.

Stay: Vecrīga (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 28
Taxis: ≈ EUR 25
Hotel: EUR 60–160

Day 1

Old Town on foot

Tickets ≈ EUR 28 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 13

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–10:30 · Free to walk

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

Start early for quiet lanes and photos.

Open Always open; liveliest 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 390 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

10:30–11:30 · ≈ EUR 6–8 adult; check on the day

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

Check opening hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00; check on the day
3

11:45–12:30 · ≈ EUR 8–10 with tower; check on the day

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Climb the tower for a city view if it is clear.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 420 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

13:00–14:00 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch: try grey peas with bacon.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
Taxi · 1346 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 3
5

14:30–16:00 · Free to walk; museum entry extra

Art Nouveau District Landmark quest

About 20 minutes on foot or a short tram ride from Old Town.

Open Streets always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 1419 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 3

Day 2

Market and river

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 12

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1077 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
1

09:00–10:00 · Free to enter; pay per item

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Go early for the freshest stalls. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 1092 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

10:15–10:35 · Free

Freedom Monument Landmark quest

Short walk from the market.

Open Always open
Taxi · 189 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

10:45–11:30 · Free

Bastejkalns Park and canal

Walk the canal park back toward Old Town.

Open Always open
Taxi · 572 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

12:00–12:45 · Free to walk the banks

Daugava River Landmark quest

Riverside walk. Sunset is best, but this fits a morning.

Open Always open

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

For first-timers who want the medieval core and a taste of the Soviet era.

Stay: Vecrīga (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 38
Taxis: ≈ EUR 47
Hotel: EUR 60–160

Day 1

Medieval Riga

Tickets ≈ EUR 28 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 12

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–12:00 · Tip-based; give EUR 5–10

Old Town walking tour

Usually runs late morning; check on the day.

Open Usually daily late morning; check on the day
Taxi · 333 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

12:15–13:15 · ≈ EUR 6–8 adult; check on the day

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

Check opening hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00; check on the day
Taxi · 388 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

13:30–14:30 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch in Old Town.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
Taxi · 420 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

14:45–15:30 · ≈ EUR 8–10 with tower; check on the day

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 424 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
5

15:45–16:45 · Free to walk

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

Wander the lanes at your own pace.

Open Always open; liveliest 10:00–22:00

Day 2

Soviet traces and markets

Tickets ≈ EUR 10 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1263 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
1

09:30–11:00 · Free

Maskačka neighbourhood walk

Daylight hours. Take a tram from the centre.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 4
2

11:30–12:30 · Free to enter; pay per item

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 1092 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

12:45–13:05 · Free

Freedom Monument Landmark quest

Short walk from the market.

Open Always open
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 32 min · ≈ EUR 12
4

14:00–16:00 · ≈ EUR 8–12 adult; check on the day

Riga Motormuseum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Check hours on the day.

Open Closed Monday; roughly 10:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 10 km · ≈ 33 min · ≈ EUR 12

1 night · Nature ★ Recommended length

Green space, the river and a beach day if the weather holds.

Stay: Vecrīga (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 33
Taxis: ≈ EUR 77
Hotel: EUR 60–160

Day 1

Parks and river

Tickets ≈ EUR 33 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 15

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 594 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 3
1

10:00–10:45 · Free

Bastejkalns Park and canal

Canal-side park in the centre.

Open Always open
Taxi · 421 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

11:00–12:00 · ≈ EUR 10–20; check on the day

Canal and Daugava boat tour

Canal and Daugava. Runs in season; check on the day.

Open Daytime in season; check on the day
Taxi · 153 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

12:30–13:30 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch in Old Town.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
3

14:00–14:45 · Free to walk the banks

Daugava River Landmark quest

Riverside walk.

Open Always open
Taxi · 378 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

18:00–19:00 · ≈ EUR 5–8 per drink

Rooftop bar with Old Town view

Rooftop view at sunset. Check hours on the day.

Open Afternoon to late evening; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 308 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3

Day 2

Jūrmala beach day

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 62

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 27 km · ≈ 1 h 18 min · ≈ EUR 29
1

09:30–13:30 · Free beach; train fare extra

Jūrmala Resort Landmark quest

About 30–45 minutes by train from central Riga. Best in summer.

Open Beach always open
Taxi · 28 km · ≈ 1 h 21 min · ≈ EUR 30
2

15:00–16:00 · Free to enter; pay per item

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Back in the centre. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1077 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want Old Town lanes, Art Nouveau streets and a market morning.

Stay: Vecrīga (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 34
Taxis: ≈ EUR 28
Hotel: EUR 120–320

Day 1

Old Town on foot

Tickets ≈ EUR 28 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 12

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–12:00 · Tip-based; give EUR 5–10

Old Town walking tour

Meet in Old Town; tips expected. Check the start point on the day.

Open Usually daily late morning; check on the day
Taxi · 333 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

12:15–13:15 · ≈ EUR 6–8 adult; check on the day

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

Five minutes on foot. Roughly 10:00–17:00; check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00; check on the day
Taxi · 388 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

13:30–14:30 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch: grey peas with bacon at an Old Town restaurant.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
Taxi · 420 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

15:00–15:45 · ≈ EUR 8–10 with tower; check on the day

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Short walk. Tower lift gives a city view; check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 424 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
5

16:00–18:00 · Free to walk

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

Wander the lanes at your own pace.

Open Always open; liveliest 10:00–22:00

Day 2

Markets, Art Nouveau and sunset

Tickets ≈ EUR 6 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 16

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1077 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
1

09:30–10:30 · Free to enter; pay per item

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Go early for the freshest stalls. Roughly 07:00–18:00; check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 4
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to walk; museum entry extra

Art Nouveau District Landmark quest

About 20 minutes on foot or a short tram ride. Best in daylight.

Open Streets always open
Taxi · 935 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

13:00–13:45 · Free

Bastejkalns Park and canal

Walk back through the park and canal.

Open Always open
Taxi · 465 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

17:30–18:30 · ≈ EUR 5–8 per drink

Rooftop bar with Old Town view

Rooftop drink over Old Town. Check opening on the day.

Open Afternoon to late evening; check on the day
Taxi · 378 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
5

19:00–19:45 · Free to walk the banks

Daugava River Landmark quest

Sunset by the river, then dinner nearby.

Open Always open

2 nights · History

Visitors who want medieval Riga first, then Soviet and modern traces.

Stay: Vecrīga (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 55
Taxis: ≈ EUR 25
Hotel: EUR 120–320

Day 1

Medieval core

Tickets ≈ EUR 28 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 6

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 313 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
1

10:00–10:45 · ≈ EUR 8–10 with tower; check on the day

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Start early to beat crowds. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–18:00; check on the day
2

11:00–12:00 · ≈ EUR 6–8 adult; check on the day

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

Two minutes on foot. Roughly 10:00–17:00; check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00; check on the day
Taxi · 388 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

12:15–13:15 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch of traditional grey peas with bacon.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
4

14:00–16:00 · Tip-based; give EUR 5–10

Old Town walking tour

History-focused walk; check the time and meeting point on the day.

Open Usually daily late morning; check on the day
5

16:15–17:45 · Free to walk

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

Free time in the lanes and along the old walls.

Open Always open; liveliest 10:00–22:00

Day 2

Monuments, market and river

Tickets ≈ EUR 27 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 19

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 621 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 3
1

09:30–09:50 · Free

Freedom Monument Landmark quest

Short walk from Old Town.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1092 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

10:15–11:15 · Free to enter; pay per item

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

About 15 minutes on foot. Morning is best; check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 1151 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

12:00–13:00 · ≈ EUR 10–20; check on the day

Canal and Daugava boat tour

Canal and Daugava loop in season; check departures on the day.

Open Daytime in season; check on the day
Taxi · 153 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

13:30–14:30 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch in Old Town.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
Taxi · 1182 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3
5

15:30–17:00 · Free

Maskačka neighbourhood walk

Tram or taxi out. Wooden houses and Soviet-era streets; go in daylight.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi back to your hotel · 1263 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 3

2 nights · Nature

A slower trip: parks and the river, then a full beach day at Jūrmala.

Stay: Vecrīga (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 33
Taxis: ≈ EUR 77
Hotel: EUR 120–320

Day 1

Parks and the river

Tickets ≈ EUR 27 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 12

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 594 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 3
1

10:00–10:45 · Free

Bastejkalns Park and canal

Easy start along the canal.

Open Always open
Taxi · 578 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 3
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to walk

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

Short walk into the lanes.

Open Always open; liveliest 10:00–22:00
2

12:45–13:45 · ≈ EUR 9–15 per plate

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Lunch in Old Town.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in many Old Town restaurants
Taxi · 153 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

14:00–15:00 · ≈ EUR 10–20; check on the day

Canal and Daugava boat tour

See the city from the water; check departures on the day.

Open Daytime in season; check on the day
Taxi · 153 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ EUR 3
4

18:00–18:45 · Free to walk the banks

Daugava River Landmark quest

Sunset walk by the river.

Open Always open

Day 2

Jūrmala beach day

Tickets ≈ EUR 6 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 65

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 27 km · ≈ 1 h 18 min · ≈ EUR 29
1

09:30–13:30 · Free beach; train fare extra

Jūrmala Resort Landmark quest

Train from central Riga; about 30–45 minutes. Beach is always open.

Open Beach always open
Taxi · 28 km · ≈ 1 h 21 min · ≈ EUR 30
2

15:00–15:45 · Free to enter; pay per item

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Back in town, pick up snacks; check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 872 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 3
3

17:30–18:30 · ≈ EUR 5–8 per drink

Rooftop bar with Old Town view

Rooftop view to end the day; check opening on the day.

Open Afternoon to late evening; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 308 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 3

Swap in instead

Swap an afternoon for Jūrmala: seasonal boat May to September, €15–20, about 2.5 hours, or a short train ride.
Add the Art Nouveau district walk on Alberta iela and the nearby museum if you like architecture.
History fans can add a half-day at the occupation museum or the Soviet-era sights outside the centre.

Getting around

Trams, buses, and trolleybuses run by Rigas Satiksme; single fare €1.50 valid 90 minutes with transfers.
Buy tickets via Mobilly app, Narvesen shops, or ticket machines; activate by scanning the vehicle QR code.
24-hour pass costs €5, 3-day €8, 5-day €10; public transport is free on some holidays.
Ride apps Bolt, Panda Taxi, and Red Cab work well; avoid hailing random street taxis.
Driving is not advised due to traffic and parking fees up to €8/hour in the old town.
Old Town is best on foot; cobblestones are rough. Bikes and e-scooters are common April to September.
Seasonal boat to Jūrmala runs May to September, €15-20, about 2.5 hours.

Where to stay

Vecrīga (Old Town) · ≈ EUR 60–160 a night
Walk to the cathedral, squares and museums. Noisy at night and cobblestones are rough; ask for a quiet room.
Centrs · ≈ EUR 50–130 a night
Art Nouveau district and good cafés; 10–15 minutes on foot to the Old Town. Good transport links.
Āgenskalns · ≈ EUR 40–100 a night
Quiet wooden-house streets across the river, near the market and parks. Cheaper; cross the bridge to the centre.
Maskačka · ≈ EUR 35–90 a night
Local, budget-friendly neighbourhood with the central market nearby. Simple tram or bus ride to the centre.

Food & drink

Try Latvian dishes: grey peas with bacon, rye bread, and smoked fish. Lunch menus are the best value.
Riga Central Market: old zeppelin hangars with cheese, berries, smoked meat and cheap snacks.
Book ahead for popular Old Town restaurants in summer; walk-ins fill up after 19:00.
Lido is a good budget canteen chain for hearty local food; pay by weight.
Black balsam is the local herbal liqueur. Sip it slowly or try it in a cocktail.

Tips

The city boasts one of the highest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture in the world
The Old Town is entirely pedestrianized and beautiful to explore on foot
Try local favorites like black bread and Riga Black Balsam (an herbal liqueur)
English is widely spoken, but a few words of Latvian are appreciated
Winters are dark and extremely cold; plan accordingly

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Riga Old Town

Stroll the cobbled lanes of the medieval core
Hear stories behind the main squares and churches
1,444 reviews · 4.7 rating

Walking tourLocal guide

Guided Old Town Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,444)

$21View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

House of the Blackheads

Explore the ornate guild hall interior
See the decorated ceremonial rooms
1,337 reviews · 4.6 rating

Entry includedSkip the line

Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (1,337)

$11View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Riga Central Market

Sample traditional Latvian foods
Learn market history in the zeppelin hangars
635 reviews · 4.7 rating

Food tastingLunch included

Riga Central Market: Traditional Food Tasting Tour & Lunch

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (635)

$50View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Rundāle Palace

Tour the baroque palace and gardens
Stop at the Hill of Crosses and Bauska
315 reviews · 4.9 rating

Day tripGuided

Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace Guided & Bauska

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (315)

$123View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Daugava River

Cruise the river past the city skyline
Hear captain stories with heated comfort
1,791 reviews · 4.7 rating

Boat tourAudio guide

Heated Historic Boat Tour with Audio & Captain Stories

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,791)

$10View tour

Souvenirs

Black Balsam

EUR 12–22500ml · estimate

Black Balsam is a herbal liqueur from Latvia. It is a national drink that Riga is known for.

Where: Latvijas Balzams official liquor shop

Check that the bottle is the original strength.

Latvian mittens

EUR 30–701 pair · estimate

Latvian mittens are hand-knitted wool gloves with traditional patterns. They reflect the country's long knitting culture.

Where: Senā Klēts, near Rātslaukums

Check that they are hand-knitted and see how much wool they contain.

Baltic amber

EUR 20–1501 jewelry piece · estimate

Baltic amber is fossilized tree resin found along the Baltic Sea coast. Riga is a well-known place to buy it.

Where: Amber shops in the Old Town

Make sure the amber is natural before you buy.

Flights

Hotels

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eSIM

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Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in RigaDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 13

Must-see · 10

Riga Old Town

House of the Blackheads

Freedom Monument

Art Nouveau District

Riga Central Market

Riga Cathedral

St. Peter's Church

Latvian National Opera

Daugava River

Jūrmala Resort

Cultural

Modern Architecture 1

Statue 1

Ancient Site 1

Urban Hub 1

Christian 2

Market 1

Museum 1

Old Town 1

Palace 1

Natural

River 1

Activities

Food 1

Theater 1

Day trips from Riga

Tukums · 1 h 14 by train

What to see

Good to know

Ogre · 30 min by train

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Art Nouveau District Landmark quest

Rooftop bar with Old Town view

Old Town walking tour

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Freedom Monument Landmark quest

Maskačka neighbourhood walk

Bastejkalns Park and canal

Canal and Daugava boat tour

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Jūrmala Resort Landmark quest

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Art Nouveau District Landmark quest

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Freedom Monument Landmark quest

Bastejkalns Park and canal

Daugava River Landmark quest

Old Town walking tour

House of the Blackheads Landmark quest

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

St. Peter's Church Landmark quest

Riga Old Town Landmark quest

Maskačka neighbourhood walk

Riga Central Market Landmark quest

Freedom Monument Landmark quest

Riga Motormuseum Landmark quest

Bastejkalns Park and canal

Canal and Daugava boat tour

Grey Peas with Bacon Landmark quest

Daugava River Landmark quest

Rooftop bar with Old Town view

Jūrmala Resort Landmark quest