Things To Do In Riga That Are Actually Worth Your Time

Heather ArbourByHeather Arbour Posted on Updated on

After ten days in Riga, Latvia, we have a lot to say about the best things to do in Riga.

We just wrapped up a ten-day working holiday in Riga, Latvia, and were surprised at the things to do in Riga, as well as the things to see nearby that are easily accessible via train.

When we visited Riga, we had every intention of renting a car and exploring the countryside. However, those dreams came to a crashing halt after booking our rental car. Multiple agencies told us we needed an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car in Latvia.

With that said, these things to do in Riga are all accessible on foot and by public transportation.

Historic Old Town street with a church spire rising in the background in Riga.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy.

What To Expect In This Post

  • Places to visit in Old Town Riga
  • Things to do outside Old Town
  • Best food to try and where to find it
  • Perfect half or full day trips from Riga
  • Recommendations on where to stay in Riga
  • What to pack for Riga

Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Riga, we recommend booking the following things in advance! We booked both our flights and accommodation only four days before our trip, and not only were the prices higher, but there weren’t as many opportunities for places to stay in Old Town.

Brick building with a clock tower on a quiet Old Town street in Riga.

How To Use This Guide

In all of our travel guides on ArboursAbroad, we include coordinates of places to visit. This is so you can copy the coordinates and pin them on a map of your choice.

For years, we’ve used the offline map app, Maps.me. However, with the ease of eSIMs providing internet access in almost any country, we have found ourselves using Google Maps more and more.

Grab an eSIM for data on your trip.

We suggest pinning places you want to see, where to eat and park, and photos you want to take — creating a personalized pocket guide!

Things To Do In Riga Old Town

When visiting Riga, especially for a short period of time, most of your time will be spent in Old Town Riga. This is the medieval district of Riga and is home to beautiful historical buildings, churches, and all the happening restaurants and nightlife.

With that said, we recommend venturing out of Old Town as well. We’ll share on what we found interesting outside of Old Town next!

Experience Traditional Latvian Food And Dance At Ala Pagrabs

  • Coordinates | 56.94608, 24.10781
  • Cost | under €20 for dinner and a drink
  • What to Eat in Riga | Our guide to food you need to try in Riga, Latvia
Ribs topped with pickled onions, a dipping sauce, and a side of pickles from Folkpub Ala in Riga, Latvia.

Not only is the food at Folkklub Ala Pagrabs amazing, but the atmosphere is great too, and they have amazing craft beer! We loved it so much that we went back three different times!

With live music every night, there’s an energy about the place that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Riga. If possible, ask the staff when local music and dancing will be, that’s the night you’ll want to visit!

Every time we ate at Ala, we got the ribs, the dark garlic bread, and the beer cheese platter. The savory pancakes are also absolutely amazing.

Don’t miss eating at Ala!

Learn About Latvia’s History At House Of Black Heads

Heather from ArboursAbroad walking towards the House of Blackheads, a colorful guild building and cobblestone square in Riga's Old Town.

The House of Black Heads is a museum in Riga that offers a look into Riga’s past. The building itself is one of the most photographed buildings in Riga, and it’s beautiful. Each time we visited this area, there were locals singing outside, certainly something fun to witness!

Outside the building, you can see where the first outdoor public Christmas tree stood, and you can walk through the outdoor museum to understand Riga’s history and its fight for independence.

Find The Smallest Street In Riga

  • Coordinates | 56.94854, 24.10604
  • Cost | free
  • A Photo Tour Through Riga’s Old Town | We got lost in the streets and found these 10 gorgeous photo spots!
Narrow Old Town alley decorated with colorful hanging flags in Riga, the smallest street in Riga.

We did not do any research on things to do in Riga prior to visiting, but somehow ended up stumbling upon this super photogenic area. After grabbing a beer at the Lido nearby, we wandered around the corner to this shot.

It’s a super cute area in Riga, and is definitely one of the more Instagrammable spots if that’s what you’re after!

The small street with hanging lanterns and the church peeking behind buildings when you look the other way. This area is a great place to wander through!

Climb The Tower of St. Peter’s Church

  • Coordinates | 56.94743, 24.10865
  • Cost | €9
Historic clock tower of St. Peter's Church rising above Old Town rooftops in Riga.

Arguably, the most famous spot to photograph Riga from above is St. Peter’s Church. This church sits in the heart of Riga and screams for a photo from every angle.

It costs €3 to enter the church and €9 to go to the top of the church tower… with lots of stairs involved.

We found cute statues and great photo spots surrounding this church as well.

Walk Along The Old City Walls

Heather from ArboursAbroad walking down a cobblestone alley lined with historic buildings in Riga.

It’s wild to think of a time when the entire Old Town of Riga was encompassed by a city wall. Walking around the coordinates listed above, you’ll find old town walls and towers.

If you look closely, you’ll also find a very interesting sculpture.

We really liked walking in this area of Riga because it seemed very untouched. But once you turn the corner there are loads of people.

Finding the old town walls and walking around here will truly make you get lost in the quaintness of Riga.

See The Famous Three Brothers Medieval Homes in Riga

  • Coordinates | 56.95036, 24.10429
  • Cost | free
Row of pastel-colored historic houses known as the Three Brothers in Riga, Latvia.

While there are many better things to do in Riga in our opinion than seeing the Three Brothers, this is architecture in Riga that holds significant history.

The Three Brothers are a row of three homes, all touching each other, that are from medieval times. These homes used to be on the outskirts of Riga, but the city has since been built around them.

It’s believed that the three homes were owned by three brothers, hence the name, “Three Brothers”. And it’s wild to think that the oldest of the Three Brothers’ homes is from the 1490s!

The buildings were closed when we visited (Saturday and Sunday), but you can actually go inside them and visit the Museum of Architecture for free. Check current opening times here.

Things To Do In Riga Outside Old Town

While the medieval old town center of Riga is a great place to explore, there are some pretty awesome things to see just outside of Old Town Riga, still within walking distance.

The UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vecrīga) is bordered by a river on one side, a nice green park on the opposite side, and the main bus and train station on the other. Making a nice little bubble of Old Town with a clear border to the “new”.

Try The Local Goods At The Riga Central Market

Heather from ArboursAbroad smiling while eating a pastry inside a market pavilion in Riga's Central Market.

The Riga Central Market may be outside of Old Town Riga; however, this place has a rich history! The Riga Central Market is Europe’s biggest market, and when you walk inside the old German Zeppelin hangars, it feels oddly small.

With five different hangars offering different themes of food, think: fish, meat, restaurants, dairy, and produce, the market is so well organized and interesting to walk through.

We found so many online recommendations to eat at the food stalls in the Riga Central Market. However, after trying multiple different things on multiple visits, we’ve got to give the food stalls a hard pass.

READ MORE | 5 Things To Try At The Riga Central Market That Are Actually Worth It

Go To The Top Of The Latvian Academy of Sciences

Riga's Academy of Science Building, a tall spired tower rising above a bridge over the river in Riga.

The Latvian Academy of Sciences building stands tall and proud, dominating the right side of the Riga skyline. This building is just like the Academy of Sciences building in Warsaw, built with multiple layers.

If the weather is good, you can actually go up to an observation deck 65 meters up and take in the views of Riga from above.

This viewpoint is unlike the popular cathedral tower view, as it actually sits outside of Old Town Riga, offering a top-down view of the Riga Central Market.

Walk Through Bastejkalna Park

Bridge railing covered in padlocks left by couples in Riga in the main park in Riga.

We visited Riga in April, and an unusually cold ten days in April made the city not really come fully alive. From what we’ve heard, the park is a place to enjoy boat cruises and rentals, and just soak in the sun or sit in the shade.

It was a bit too cold for all of that to be happening when we were in Riga, but with cruises starting at under €7, we think it sounds like a lovely way to spend your time in the park.

If you’d rather not spend money, enjoy walking along the canal, find the love lock bridge, and soak in the escape of the city right in this park that separates the new from the old.

See The Freedom Monument

  • Coordinates | 56.9514816, 24.1130483
  • Cost | free
Tall Freedom Monument statue rising above a plaza in Riga under a cloudy sky.

The Freedom Monument stands at the center of Brīvības Boulevard, on the main walking street leading to Riga’s shopping district.

This monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Latvian War of Independence. Locals funded the entire cost of building the Freedom Monument, making it even more meaningful and special to see.

Visit The Riga Art Nouveau Center

Heather from ArboursAbroad standing at the base of an ornate spiral staircase inside a the art museum in Riga.

The Riga Art Nouveau Center is a museum showcasing the heritage of Art Nouveau. For €9 you can go inside the museum that’s set up like an old home and really take in what living in the Art Nouveau world would have looked and felt like.

We arrived to the museum just before closing time, so we were unable to visit inside the actual museum, however, inside the building is beautiful too.

There’s a very dreamy picture up a gorgeous staircase that’s free to take and open outside of the museum hours. We recommend visiting earlier in the day even midday to get better lighting coming in the windows illuminating the art on the surrounding walls.

Take In The Art Nouveau Architecture

Close-up of an ornate Art Nouveau building facade in Riga.

When walking over to the Art Museum, we were pleasantly surprised at how the buildings transform into these marvelous works of art the closer you get to the museum.

We literally just kept stopping and taking photos, pointing out little details to each other of each of the buildings we were walking past. Our heads were on swivels just taking it all in.

Go Inside The National Library of Latvia

  • Coordinates | 56.94105, 24.09682
  • Cost | free, although you have to check your coat and bags for a fee
Densely packed wall of vintage books at a National Library of Latvia in Riga.

Across the bridge from Old Town Riga, the National Library of Riga is a work of art. Also known as the Castle of Light, this library is built unlike any other library we’ve visited.

The building is beautiful from the outside, but stepping inside is where the magic begins.

You can head to the top of the library, walking through the building for free; you simply have to register as a guest. However, you must check your coat and bag at the front, and there is a fee.

The National Library of Latvia is one of a handful of places for views of the city from above. Check out another unique top-down city view here.

Near the library, there are some great walking paths along the Daugava River. While you can walk along the river on both sides, this side is nice because you’ll get a skyline view of Old Town Riga.

Photograph The Holy Trinity Church

  • Coordinates | 56.94384, 24.08144
  • Cost | free
Ornate cathedral with blue and gold domes against a cloudy sky in Riga.

The Holy Trinity Church is a gorgeous Russian Orthodox Church painted with bright colored walls and onion domes. The church itself is lovely to see, but what we liked most about visiting this church is the step into the local way of life.

This area of town, where the Holy Trinity Church is located, is outside the hustle and bustle of the tourist side of Riga, offering a glimpse into local life now, and crumbling buildings along the way offering a look into Riga’s past.

Photograph The Nativity of Christ Cathedral

  • Coordinates | 56.9534376, 24.1142915
  • Cost | free
Full exterior view of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral with gold domes in Riga

We stumbled upon this church on our way to the Lido in this area, and were totally blown away with how pretty it is!

It was closed when we went by, but I’ve read you can go inside the church for free!

Best Food To Try in Riga

We found what’s arguably the best place to eat and drink in Riga ever, Ala Pagrabs. In fact, during our ten days in Riga, we went back to this restaurant three times… the food really is that good!

Being in Riga for ten days, we got to dive into the food scene and really understand where to eat, what to pass on, and places you should return to time and time again. With that said, we have an entire post on where to eat in Riga, but here’s a quick list.

  • Ala Pagrabs | get the garlic bread and pork ribs
  • Lido | a traditional Latvian buffet style restaurant
  • Spinati un Sviests | home cooked daily menu
  • Riga Central Market | fresh produce, local cheese, and deer jerky
  • Picas Meistars | for when pizza sounds good
  • Garda Pupa | vegetarian daily buffet style menu
Heather from ArboursAbroad grabbing food at a Lido, a budget buffet style restaurant in Riga, Latvia.
Serving up food at Lido

Perfect Day Trips From Riga

Kemeri National Park

Wooden watchtower reflected in a still pond at sunset in Kemeri National Park near Riga

When looking for day trips out of Riga, we came across photos and videos of Kemeri National Park and knew we needed to visit.

Kemeri is the perfect day trip out of Riga for those looking for a nature escape. The Great Kemeri Bog offers a lovely boardwalk through the wetlands with a viewing platform offering incredible views of the surroundings.

Keep in mind that if visiting Kemeri National Park, you must walk an hour from the train station to the actual national park. This is a big day of walking, though not much elevation.

We spent a half day here, planning to be at the bog for sunset, and while there are so many other areas to explore, we just kept to the Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk, and think it’s a great option if you have half a day!

Visit Sigulda

Aerial view of Turaida Castle ruins on a hillside near Sigulda, outside Riga.

Sigulda is home to a lot of different activities, and is great for those traveling with kids. You can try bobsledding, ziplining, visit multiple castles, and even play at so many different parks, some even having pump tracks for the kids.

We enjoyed a half day in Sigulda hiking from the train station to multiple castles, up through the woods, and to the Baltic’s largest grotto.

Cesis Castle

Unfortunately, we were not able to visit Cesis Castle; however, it was high on our list. We chose to visit Sigulda instead and see the red castle, looking back, Cēsis might have been the better call.

Cesis Castle is located right in town, so there’s no extra hiking or transport involved. Simply a train ride out of Riga and bam, you’re right at the castle.

There’s a Cesis Castle Park, and touring the castle involves walking through dark areas with a medieval candle lantern… talk about dreamy!

Riga City Sign in front of the Ornate golden facade of the House of the Blackheads in Riga's Town Hall Square.

Where To Stay in Riga

Choosing where to stay in Riga can seem daunting. With options in Old Town, the city center, and even across the Daugava River, it’s hard to know where to stay.

Our accommodation was across the Daugava River near the library, and we actually really liked the location. Walking into Old Town each day via the bridge across the river was a great way to feel like we weren’t actually in a capital city and instead in a historic one.

With that said, we’d recommend staying in Old Town if you can. This will give you the easiest access to things to do in Riga.

If you’re looking for a fancier hotel, the city center is where you’ll find it. However, we don’t recommend this, as it really takes away from the Old Town feel Riga offers and puts you more into the city life atmosphere you can find anywhere else.

Where To Stay in Riga

Low-angle view of St. Peter's Church tower against a blue sky in Riga, Latvia.

Things To Do In Riga FAQs

How Long To Spend In Riga

While we stayed for ten days and loved every bit of it, we think two full days cover the highlights comfortably — any extra time is a bonus.

How To Get Around Riga

Bolt is the Uber of Riga. Bolt started in Latvia and is the main taxi system here. With that said, most of Riga is walkable. Check out ways to get from the airport to city center here.

What’s The Best Time To Visit Riga

With colder temps in early spring, late spring into summer is the best time to visit Riga. However, fall offers some lovely foliage in the neighboring areas. There’s also a Christmas market in Riga for those looking to visit in the winter.

What To Pack For Riga

We visited Riga in April and were blown away with how cold it was! We’re talking nearly freezing temperatures! With the Baltic Sea breeze coming in off the coast, Riga can get really cold — even when you don’t expect it!

With that said, the locals we talked to said that was an unusually cold time, but regardless, better to go prepared!

Backcountry Layers | Packing layers is an easy way to visit Riga fully prepared for anything the weather throws at you.

Peak Design Camera Gear | We never travel without our Peak Design camera gear. Their gear helps keep your camera equipment safe and easy to access. Check out our Peak Design locker here.

Good Walking Shoes | Good walking shoes are a must when traveling. We always recommend a waterproof pair of walking shoes just incase the weather isn’t in your favor.

Travel Credit Card | Whenever we travel, we use a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Find the one we use and love here.

Read Next on Riga

Inspired to visit Riga? Check out more of our guides on Riga, Latvia! We went there because it was a cheap place to visit with our cat, and ended up falling in love with the food, the old town, and the nature surrounding the city!

READ MORE | What To Skip At The Riga Central Market

READ MORE | Our Ultimate Guide to Riga | Making your trip to Riga perfect!

READ MORE | How To Get From Riga Airport To City Center

Like this post? Share it with others!

Heather Arbour

Heather Arbour is the co-founder of ArboursAbroad and a full-time travel writer with over ten years and hundreds of published articles under her belt. She has explored 43 countries, lived in five of them, and currently splits her time between vanlife in the western US and part-time European adventures out of her van in Belgium.