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What to do in Riga? This Baltic capital , with its understated charm, boasts a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, spectacular Art Nouveau districts, giant market halls housed in former zeppelin hangars, and the banks of the Daugava River, perfect for leisurely strolls. Climb the towers to frame the honey-colored rooftops, explore the Art Nouveau “Republic” around Alberta iela, wander through the pavilions of the Central Market to sample smoked fish and dark bread, and then enjoy a sunset from an open-air viewpoint. A compact and easy-to-navigate city, Riga is best explored on foot, complemented by a very convenient tram and bus system; hotels, cafes, museums, and saunas add a touch of Nordic charm. First, here’s a handy FAQ to help you plan your trip, followed by nine unmissable experiences.
🗒️ Time of year, hotels: what you need to know before visiting Riga
Before we get into things to do in Riga, here are some useful tips.
What is the best time to visit?
From May to September, the city comes alive outdoors: terraces, parks, cruises on the Daugava River, and long, golden evenings. Spring and early autumn are bright and less crowded. Winter, cold but dry, offers peaceful markets and museums (with unobstructed views from the towers). Whatever the season, pack layers, a windbreaker, and non-slip shoes if the ground is wet or icy.
How many days should I plan for?
Two full days cover the essentials (UNESCO Old Town, churches, Central Market, Art Nouveau). With three or four days, add a viewpoint (Latvian Academy of Sciences), the National Library (Castle of Light), a major museum (Occupations), and a nature escape to Mežaparks or along the Daugava River. Another day? Not Trakai; here, Jurmala is the seaside destination (easily accessible by train).
How to get around (and from the airport)?
The city center is easily explored on foot; for additional travel, there’s tram, trolleybus, and bus. “E-tickets” (90 minutes, 24/72 hours, 5 days) can be loaded at kiosks, ticket machines, or via apps (Mobilly). From the airport (RIX), bus 22 goes to the city center: you can buy a ticket on board with a card (€1.81), or use a pre-loaded time ticket (90 minutes, €1.50); the bus stop is just past parking lot P1 at the exit.
Restaurants to try (simple, classic)
In the market halls and around the market, taste smoked fish, cumin bread and local cheeses; in the center, Baltic-Nordic bistros, cinnamon bun cafes and, for a panoramic drink, the Skyline Bar (26th floor of the Radisson Blu Latvija) offers a grand rooftop theatre.
Where to stay (3 popular and well-located hotels)?
The Neiburgs Hotel (Old Town): a historic building with contemporary design, a renowned restaurant, and views of the cathedral—perfect for exploring on foot. The Grand Poet by Semarah (Bastejkalna Park): stylish, with a full-service spa and a central canal-facing location. The Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel (Old Town): spacious, with a thermal spa and rooms overlooking the Daugava River—convenient and comfortable.
🔝 What are the must-do things in Riga?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and see what there is to do in Riga. Only the must-sees, of course.
Stroll through the Old Town (UNESCO) and around the cathedral (Doms)
Riga’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating tapestry of architectural styles: medieval alleyways, Hanseatic facades, and squares lined with cafes. Start at the vast Cathedral Square (Doms), home to one of the country’s most famous organs, then head towards the Town Hall Square and along the Daugava River. The Old Town’s appeal isn’t just for postcards: it reveals four centuries of trade and reconstruction, the coexistence of church steeples, intimate courtyards, and gabled houses. Return at night: the lights highlight the bricks and stucco, and the cool air makes the bells chime. Tip: leave early to enjoy the nearly empty alleyways, then cross the Akmens Bridge to frame the whole scene from the opposite bank before visiting the Castle of Light (see below).
Climb the St. Peter’s tower for the most beautiful 360° view
The spire of St. Peter’s Church pierces the Riga skyline, and its elevator leads to a magnificent circular platform. With a direct view of the Central Market pavilions, the Daugava River, the National Library, and the rooftops of the Old Town, it’s perfect for getting your bearings at the start of your stay. In practice, aim for late afternoon for the golden hour, dress warmly (the wind can be biting), and expect a bit of a wait depending on the season. After descending, stroll to the House of the Blackheads, one of the most photogenic historical sites in Town Hall Square—in just a few hundred meters, you’ll have a vertical and horizontal summary of Riga: panorama, commerce, and the river.
Getting lost among the mascarons and scrolls on Alberta iela (Art Nouveau)
Riga boasts one of the highest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. The best “corridor” is Alberta iela : shimmering glass and stucco facades, atlantes, faces, and stylized foliage, all the work of leading architects from the early 20th century. Take the time to look up, to observe the balconies, ironwork, and iconographic programs. Extend your visit with a trip to the Riga Art Nouveau Centre, housed in a recreated apartment-museum: spiral staircase, furniture, everyday objects—ideal for understanding the “total look” aesthetic of this style. The area remains pleasant in all seasons; in the morning, the light captures the facades best. Then head to Esplanade and the Orthodox Cathedral, and then to Elizabetes Avenue for more masterpieces.
Eat and browse at the Riga Central Market
Beneath five immense pavilions converted from former zeppelin hangars, the Central Market unfolds stalls selling fish, meat, cheese, fruit, bread, pickles, and food stalls for a quick lunch. It’s a perfect immersion in daily life: you can nibble on marinated herring, buy rye bread and poppy seed pastries, and wander through the brick warehouses of the Spīķeri district , now a cultural hub. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic center: unique architecture, a popular use that has remained intact. Go early for maximum activity (and superb photos); on colder days, the sheltered pavilions are a delight. Just a short walk away, you can reach the Daugava River in minutes for a relaxing break by the water.
Enter the House of Blackheads on the Town Hall Square
Faithfully reconstructed in the late 1990s, the House of the Blackheads restores the square to its Hanseatic splendor: colorful facades, carved gables, coats of arms, sundials… Inside, state rooms and exhibition spaces tell the story of the brotherhood of young, unmarried merchants who once enlivened the city. The cellar, meanwhile, preserves authentic medieval elements—an interesting contrast between reconstruction and original. Even if you choose not to visit, take the time to observe the facade in different lights: in the morning for the details, in the evening for the warm hues. Combine your visit with the nearby Museum of Occupations to transition from mercantile Riga to 20th-century Riga in just a few steps.
Understanding the 20th Century at the Latvian Occupation Museum
Located in the heart of the Old Town, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia documents the Nazi and Soviet occupations, repression, deportation, and struggles for freedom. Objects, archives, testimonies, and temporary exhibitions combine to create a comprehensive experience that illuminates the city you are exploring. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace; plan a break afterward by the Daugava River to reflect. This visit is highly recommended to understand the architecture and squares within their political context. Extended opening hours throughout the day; tickets available on site.
Gaining a new perspective at Panorama Riga (Latvian Academy of Sciences)
Nicknamed “the wedding cake” by locals, the Academy of Sciences tower boasts an open-air terrace around the 17th floor (approximately 65 m), offering a stunning 360° view: the rooftops of the Old Town, the Daugava Arch, the market gables, and the silhouette of the National Library. Access is via elevator to the 15th floor followed by a few steps; it’s one of the best spots for sunset photos. Open daily (with ample time slots), the platform remains a perfect alternative if the line at St. Peter’s is long. Bonus: from the base, you can reach the Central Market in a 5-minute walk.
Cross the Daugava River towards the National Library
Facing the Old Town, the National Library of Latvia has become a major landmark on the skyline: its taut lines, glass, and metal evoke a mountain of light. Inside, it houses reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and event venues; the esplanade and surrounding walkways also offer beautiful vantage points for photographing the Old Town from the left bank. Step inside, explore a few floors, and take a quiet moment in the atrium to soak up the studious atmosphere. The journey itself (on foot or by tram/bus) is worthwhile, especially during the golden hour.
Sailing on the Riga Canal and the Daugava River (wooden boats)
Starting from Bastejkalna Park (near the Freedom Monument), small wooden boats cruise along the historic canal before opening onto the Daugava River: a unique perspective on the Opera House, parks, bridges, and market pavilions. The loop lasts approximately 50 minutes and includes an audio guide; it operates seasonally and weather-dependent (blankets are provided on board when it’s chilly). It’s ideal for resting your legs after a morning of sightseeing, or for a first glimpse of the city upon arrival. Tip: save this boat trip for the end of the day when the facades turn pink, then have dinner near the market halls or in the Old Town.
Get some fresh air at Mežaparks (and greet the Main Stage)
An urban forest north of Riga, Mežaparks unfolds with pine-lined avenues, lakes, cycle paths, and, at its heart, the Great Stage —a vast open-air amphitheater, the symbol of the monumental Latvian Song and Dance Festival. Even when not hosting an event, the stage’s architecture is impressive; the park itself is perfect for a picnic, a jog, or a relaxing break between museum visits. It’s accessible by tram/bus from the city center; rent a bike if the weather is nice. On your return, stop at Esplanade Park or the canal to round off a truly “nature in the city” day.
So, we hope this list of things to do in Riga has helped you plan your stay in the Latvian capital.