11 Iconic Things to Do in Riga, Latvia

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Riga is one of those cities that feels effortlessly charming, and when it comes to the best things to do in Riga, you can expect a mix of colorful Old Town streets, beautiful architecture (especially its famous Art Nouveau buildings), cozy cafes, and a laid-back energy that makes it really easy to explore.

It was our stop in Latvia during a two-week trip through Prague, Poland, and the Baltics, and it ended up being such a fun addition to the itinerary. It’s not overwhelming, but there’s still plenty to see, eat, and experience, which makes it a great city to wander and take your time with. We had just one day in Riga and were able to cover this list without ever feeling rushed.

Something that did surprise me a little was the nightlife scene—especially on weekends, you’ll notice a lot of groups coming here for a night out since it’s known for being more affordable. It didn’t take away from the experience at all, just something to be aware of.

In this guide to the top things to do in Riga, I’m sharing a mix of must-see spots, great food, and a few of my favorite finds from our time exploring the city.

Things to Do in Riga

1. Visit a Local Market

A great way to get a feel for Riga is by visiting one of its local markets. There are two main options depending on what you’re looking for—Riga Central Market or Āgenskalns Market.

Riga Central Market is one of the largest markets in Europe and is set inside these massive old Zeppelin hangars, which is pretty cool in itself. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and meats to local snacks and ready-to-eat meals. It’s a great option if you want something bigger and more traditional.

We ended up going to Āgenskalns Market, and I really loved it. It feels a little more modern and curated, with a mix of local vendors and small food stalls. Even though we weren’t super hungry, we had to try a traditional Latvian honey cake—and it was so good! It was lighter than expected and honestly just kept getting better with every bite.

Both are worth checking out, so it really just depends on what fits into your Riga itinerary.

2. House of the Blackheads

The House of the Blackheads is one of the most recognizable buildings in Riga, and you’ll find it right in Old Town. It dates back to the 14th century and was originally built for a guild of unmarried merchants and shipowners.

The building itself is so detailed and ornate, it almost doesn’t look real. It was actually destroyed during World War II and later reconstructed, which makes it even more impressive when you see it today.

You can go inside to explore the rooms and learn more about its history, but even just seeing it from the outside is worth it. If you do choose to do the museum, it’s open every day from 10 AM – 5 PM and tickets are around €10 for adults.

3. See Some of Riga’s Beautiful Churches

Riga has so many beautiful churches, and you’ll naturally come across a lot of them just by wandering around. You definitely don’t need to go out of your way to see every single one, but stepping into a few (or even just admiring them from the outside) is such a big part of experiencing the city.

Here are a few of the most popular ones if you want to pick and choose:

• St. Peter’s Church: One of the oldest churches in Riga and home to one of the best viewpoints in the city. You can take an elevator up the tower for €9 and get panoramic views over Old Town and the river—it’s so worth it!
• St. John’s Church: A smaller, more understated Gothic church in Old Town, but it has some really interesting details. Look for the two stone heads built into the wall, there are a few stories behind them that add a little mystery.
• Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral: This one stands out with its gold domes and detailed exterior. It’s a bit outside of Old Town, but really beautiful if you have the time to go see it.
• Holy Trinity Church: A stunning pink Russian Orthodox church that feels so unique compared to everything else in Riga. It’s one of those spots that immediately catches your eye. It is a little out of Old Town area (near the library and Āgenskalns Market), but this was my personal favorite!
• Riga Cathedral: One of the oldest and most important buildings in the Baltic region. It has a mix of architectural styles and is located right in Old Town, so it’s easy to visit.

4. The Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument is one of the most important landmarks in Riga and holds a lot of meaning for the country. It was built to honor soldiers who died during Latvia’s War of Independence and stands as a symbol of freedom and national identity.

You’ll see a tall statue of a woman holding three stars above her head, representing the three historical regions of Latvia. It’s located between Old Town and the city center, so you’ll likely pass it as you move between the two.

5. Swedish Gate

The Swedish Gate is one of the last remaining pieces of Riga’s original city walls, and it dates back to the 17th century. It’s a small, easy stop, but one that gives you a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

You’ll likely pass it while exploring Old Town, so it’s an easy one to check off without going out of your way.

6. Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture

The Three Brothers are a group of three historic houses sitting right next to each other, and they’re actually the oldest residential buildings in Riga. Each one represents a different architectural period, so you can literally see how the city evolved over time just by looking at them.

It’s free if you want to go inside of the Latvian Museum of Architecture. I personally didn’t go inside, but even just seeing the buildings from the outside is worth it. It’s a quick stop, but a really cool one, especially if you appreciate design and history!

7. Local Eats at LIDO Alus Sēta

If you want an easy, no-stress way to try traditional Latvian food, LIDO Alus Sēta is a solid option. It’s cafeteria-style, so you just walk through, pick whatever looks good, and build your plate.

It reminds me a lot of the milk bars in Poland, but everything here is labeled in English, which makes it really approachable if you’re not familiar with the dishes. You’ll find a mix of meats, sides, soups, and local specialties, so it’s a great place to try a little bit of everything.

We did a mix of what caught our eye and what was recommended, and I loved the rice they gave us along with the beefsteak in a rich wine sauce. It’s hearty, comforting food and a really fun, casual dining experience.

8. National Library of Latvia

Even if you’re not usually someone who seeks out libraries when you travel, I feel like this one is worth it. The National Library of Latvia is super modern and striking, and it’s actually nicknamed the “Castle of Light.”

It represents knowledge and cultural identity in Latvia, and inside you’ll find different exhibits spread across multiple floors. One of the standout features is the massive book display that runs through the building. It’s so stunning to see in person.

There’s also an observation deck at the top with great views over the city and river. Just a heads up, it can sometimes be closed for private events, so it’s worth checking before you go if that’s something you’re specifically interested in.

It’s a little outside of Old Town, but easy to get to and a really cool contrast to all the historic architecture you’ll be seeing.

9. Wander the Streets of Riga

One of the best things to do in Riga is honestly just wander. Old Town is so charming, with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, little cafes, and random corners that you’ll stumble into without even trying.

It’s easy to get caught up in checking off landmarks, but this is one of those cities where some of the best moments come from slowing down, looking around, and just going wherever you feel drawn. You’ll naturally come across so many of the main sights just by exploring.

If you do want a little more structure or context, you can also join a free walking tour. They’re led by locals and are a great way to learn more about the city’s history while still seeing all the key spots. Just keep in mind they’re tip-based, and even though it’s free you do need to reserve your spot since they are limited.

But whether you do a tour or not, definitely give yourself time to just wander. Riga is one of those places where that ends up being the highlight.

10. Riga Black Magic

Riga Black Magic is such a fun and unique place to end your day in Riga. It’s themed around Riga Black Balsam, which is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur that dates back to the 18th century.

The inside has a really moody, old-world vibe—dim lighting, vintage decor, and a kind of mysterious feel that makes it stand out from other bars. It feels more like stepping into a different time period than just grabbing a drink.

You can try different variations of the balsam, cocktails, or even just stop in for dessert. I went for the chocolates and loved them, while Rem got a drink.

11. Visit a Speakeasy

Riga has some really fun hidden bars, and this is definitely something I’d recommend adding to your list. Nonsaints | hidden bar was such a cool spot. It’s underground, and the entrance isn’t super obvious at first, which just adds to the whole experience. Once you find it, the vibe is really intimate and a little moody

The drinks here were genuinely so good! Creative, well-made, and just one of those places where everything felt really intentional. If you can, try to make a reservation or go shortly after they open, because it’s not a huge space and fills up quickly.

Getting Around Riga

Getting around Riga is really easy, especially if you’re staying near Old Town. Most of the main sights, restaurants, and bars are within walking distance, so we found ourselves exploring almost everything on foot.

For anything a little farther out, we used Bolt (their version of Uber), which was super quick and very affordable. It’s nice to have for places like the markets, certain churches, or if you just don’t feel like walking as much. It cost around €5 to get us from Old Town to the Āgenskalns Market, for example.

If you want to use public transportation, it operates daily from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. They have trams, trolleybuses, and buses. A 90-minute ticket costs €1.50, with 24-hour (€5), 3-day (€8), and more options available as well.

Where to Stay in Riga

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town and honestly loved it. The location was so convenient, the price was really reasonable, and it made exploring the city really easy.

If it’s your first time in Riga, I’d definitely recommend staying in or near Old Town. That’s where you’ll spend most of your time, and being able to walk everywhere just makes the whole experience smoother.

A few more great options to look into that I also heavily considered:

• Neiburgs Hotel: One of the most popular boutique stays in Riga for a reason. The rooms are gorgeous, super spacious, and the location is amazing.
• Colonel Suites & Apartments: Super cute apartment-style stays that feel more homey but still really stylish. Great if you want a little more space and flexibility.
• Redstone Apartments: These are so beautifully designed and feel very modern and aesthetic while still being right in Old Town.
• Dome Hotel: A more elevated boutique hotel with a really cozy, intimate feel. Perfect if you want something a little more luxe but still charming.

To see more Old Town accommodation options for your dates, check here!

Tips for Visiting Riga

• Use Bolt to get around quickly: It’s cheap, easy, and perfect for maximizing your time.
• They use euros (€): Most places take card, so you won’t need much cash, but it’s always good to have a little on hand.
• Get an eSIM before your trip: We used Airalo and it made everything seamless—maps, Bolt, and communicating.
• Take Lux Express between Baltic cities: It’s usually only a few dollars more than FlixBus, but way more comfortable with reliable WiFi. We used Omio to compare prices and all available options and it made getting tickets super easy!
• Old Town is very walkable: You’ll naturally see so much just by wandering, so plan to explore on foot.
• Make reservations when you can: Especially for popular spots like hidden bars or nicer dinners.
• Don’t overpack your itinerary: Some of the best moments come from just wandering and popping into places that catch your eye.
• Be prepared for cobblestone streets: Wear comfortable shoes and keep this in mind if you’re rolling luggage around.

Are you ready to experience the best things to do in Riga?!

Riga has so much character packed into a relatively small area, and it’s the kind of place where you can see a lot without ever feeling rushed. From wandering the streets of Old Town and checking out beautiful architecture to trying local food and finding cozy bars, there’s a really nice mix of things to do in Riga.

I hope this guide helped you plan your trip! Let me know which Riga activity or stop you’re looking forward to the most.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Europe blog posts:

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2 Days in Amsterdam

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