Visit Riga: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Latvia?
Riga is the charming capital of Latvia, a small European country that overlooks the picturesque Baltic Sea. Beautiful preserved nature, rich architectural heritage, white sandy beaches and local cuisine for gourmet purposes, making Riga an ideal destination for a small getaway in Europe or even an elongated holiday. But if you visit Riga for the first time, you might be a little frustrated: there are so many opportunities for sightseeing and so many activities that it is really difficult to choose just a few from the long list. Our article therefore aims to help you make the right choice and make the most of your Latvian holidays! So we tell you what to do, what to see and visit in Riga ?
Update: Latvia’s official currency is now the Euro since January 1, 2014 (Lats was the old currency).
Flickr – Casey Hugelfink
1. Lost in the maze of narrow paved streets of the Old Town
Let yourself go to stroll around this pretty corner of the city: narrow streets, charming houses dating from 16-18th centuries. Visit the beautiful squares of the Old Town: the Dôme square with the cathedral and its impressive dome and the Livu square with a multitude of outdoor restaurants (summer). The Old Riga Vecrīga (on the east bank of the Daugava River) is called.
2. Turn on a boat on the canals of the city
The center of Riga is located within the belt of the canals of the city and the Daugava river. Enjoy a relaxing walk on one of the tourist boats that will take you around the old town or rent a pedal boat to explore the canals of the city alone.
3. Visit the Riga Central Market
This crowded and lively place will give you the opportunity to taste some of the best local dishes and buy some delicious souvenirs to bring home. In particular, you can taste Latvian rye bread, birch juice (only available in March-April), Latvian eel, sauerkraut made by local farmers, and local dairy products that are known to be the best in the region. This colorful, Soviet-style market is one of the most important in Europe and Riga’s cheapest products are available.
Flickr – Erzsèbet
4. Observer Riga as a bird can do
Head to one of the places with the best view of the city: at the choice, the tower of the Church of St Peter’s church in the old town, the Skyline Bar on the 26th floor of the Hotel Radisson Blu, or enjoy a cocktail and views from Terrace Riga in the Galleria Riga Shopping Centre.
5. Decorate the black balm of Riga
Lightly bitter with a scent reminiscent of the summer even in the winter, a golden brown color and an incomparable taste, Black balm of Riga is the most characteristic alcoholic beverage in Latvia. It is served in any bar or restaurant, but the best place in town to enjoy this drink is the Riga Black Balsam Bar in the old town.
6. Visit Art Nouveau neighbourhood
Flickr – whl.travel
Riga is internationally famous for its beautiful art new district, which is a bit away from the old town. Head to Alberta Street, raise your eyes and discover the most beautiful art nouveau buildings in Europe. Other Art Nouveau buildings are located on nearby streets Elizabetes, Dzirnavu and Antonijas.
7. Enjoy the nightlife of Riga
From Friday to Sunday the old town becomes a huge discotheque. Dozens of bars and nightclubs open their doors on Kalku Street. You can go from one club to another, enjoying good music, good Latvian beer and a friendly atmosphere. We will return to a new article to find out where to go to Riga.
8. Explore Latvian Farm Market in Kalnciema District
The busiest part of the city is a bit away from the tourist paths on the other side of the Daugava River. Every Saturday, it welcomes a Latvian farm market with the best local specialties that you can both taste on site and buy.
9. Getting to the seaside resort of Jurmala, pretty close
Jurmala is just half an hour’s drive from the city centre and offers long sandy beaches, gourmet restaurants and the lively atmosphere of a seaside resort. It is called the Latvian summer capital and is famous for its beautiful historic wooden architecture.
10. Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
This museum recounts the foreign dominations the capital of Latvia. Extermination of Jews, deportations to the goulag, purge of nationalists, etc... The visit is poignant.
11. See the cave Gutmanis
Flickr – masochismtango
The walls of this cave are covered with engraved or painted writings dating from the 16th century. A legend says that water inside has healing powers. So, if you're tired of walking, or just to get back from your hangover, go see if the legend is true...
Where to sleep in Riga?
To know the neighborhoods to focus on where to sleep in Riga , you can read our dedicated article. If you are looking for cheap hotels in Riga, just use this Compare hotels .
How do I get to Riga?
Cheap flights to Riga exist from Paris and Nice in particular. Find cheap flights on our partner's website Skyscanner .
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