Riga, Latvia's capital, is a Baltic gem often overlooked by travelers who favor its more famous neighbors. But this compact city offers a perfect blend of stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant culture, and great food at prices that still make it a European bargain. As a local tour guide who has shown thousands of visitors around this beautiful city, I've compiled the essential experiences you shouldn't miss during your visit to Riga in 2023.
1. Explore the UNESCO-Listed Old Town
Riga's medieval Old Town (Vecrīga) is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and colorful buildings that earned UNESCO World Heritage status for good reason. Unlike many European old towns that have become tourist traps, Riga's historic center maintains an authentic charm while still being the heart of the city's life.
Start your exploration at the Town Hall Square with its iconic House of the Blackheads, a magnificent reconstruction of a 14th-century merchant guild house. Don't miss the Three Brothers, the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga, each representing a different period of the city's architectural development.
The stunning House of the Blackheads and Town Hall Square
Insider tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the magical light that makes the colorful buildings glow. Our Old Town Walking Tour takes you through all the highlights with stories and legends that bring the medieval streets to life.
2. Admire the Art Nouveau Architecture
Riga boasts the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, with over 700 structures featuring this ornate style that flourished in the early 20th century. The Alberta Street area is particularly known for its concentration of these architectural masterpieces, many designed by famed Latvian architect Mikhail Eisenstein.
Look up to spot the elaborate facades adorned with mythological creatures, female figures, and geometric patterns. The Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta Street 12 offers insight into the period and includes a perfectly preserved Art Nouveau apartment.
Stunning Art Nouveau architecture on Alberta Street
Insider tip: Join our specialized Art Nouveau Tour to learn about the symbolism behind the elaborate decorations and get access to some beautiful staircases that are normally closed to the public.
3. Visit the Central Market
Housed in five repurposed German Zeppelin hangars from WWI, Riga's Central Market is one of Europe's largest and most fascinating food markets. Beyond being a architectural marvel, it's where locals shop daily, making it a perfect place to experience authentic Latvian culture and sample local specialties.
Each pavilion specializes in different products: meat, fish, dairy, vegetables, and a variety of delicatessen items. Try the local smoked fish, dark rye bread, pickled vegetables, and Latvia's famous hemp butter.
The bustling interior of one of the Central Market pavilions
Insider tip: The market is most vibrant in the morning hours. Look for the outdoor section between the pavilions where countryside farmers sell seasonal produce directly from their gardens.
4. Climb St. Peter's Church Tower
For the best panoramic view of Riga, head to St. Peter's Church in the Old Town. The elevator ride to the 72-meter-high observation platform offers spectacular views of the city's red rooftops, the winding Daugava River, and key landmarks.
The Gothic church itself has a fascinating history, having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout Riga's tumultuous past. The current tower is its third incarnation.
The stunning panorama of Riga from St. Peter's Church Tower
Insider tip: Visit around sunset for magical golden light, but check the closing times as they vary seasonally. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture details of distant landmarks.
5. Stroll Through Mežaparks and Visit the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum
Escape the city center and discover how Rigans enjoy nature at Mežaparks, a beautiful forested area just a short tram ride from downtown. This upscale residential neighborhood features elegant wooden villas, a lake perfect for swimming in summer, and scenic walking paths.
Nearby, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum showcases rural life with 118 historic buildings transported from all regions of Latvia. It's one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe, offering a glimpse into traditional Latvian life from the 17th to early 20th centuries.
Traditional wooden buildings at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
Insider tip: If visiting in summer, check if there are any folk festivals or craft demonstrations happening at the museum. These events bring the historic village to life with traditional music, dance, and craftsmaking.
6. Experience Riga's Vibrant Food Scene
Riga's culinary landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, with a new generation of chefs creating innovative cuisine that showcases local and seasonal ingredients while drawing on Latvia's diverse historical influences.
For modern Latvian cuisine, try restaurants like 3 Chef's Restaurant, Restorāns 1221, or Valtera Restorans. For a more casual approach, head to LIDO, a famous cafeteria-style restaurant serving traditional Latvian foods in a folksy atmosphere.
Modern interpretation of traditional Latvian flavors
Insider tip: Try the set lunch menus (usually offered from 12-3pm) at upscale restaurants for a fraction of the dinner prices. Don't miss black balsam, Latvia's traditional herbal liqueur, which locals claim cures all ailments.
7. Relax at Jūrmala Beach
Just 25 minutes by train from central Riga lies Jūrmala, a charming resort town famous for its 33km of fine white sand beach and distinctive wooden architecture. It's been a favorite holiday destination since the 19th century.
The main pedestrian street, Jomas iela, is lined with restaurants and cafes. But the real star is the wide beach with surprisingly warm shallow waters, perfect for swimming in summer months.
The white sand beach of Jūrmala
Insider tip: If visiting in the warmer months, stay for the sunset. The Baltic Sea's shallow waters create spectacular reflections as the sun goes down. We offer convenient half-day tours to Jūrmala that include transport and a guided walk.
8. Learn About Latvia's Recent History at the Museum of the Occupation
To understand modern Latvia, it's essential to learn about the country's challenging 20th-century history. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia provides powerful insight into the Soviet and Nazi occupations that dominated Latvia from 1940 to 1991.
Recently relocated to the striking "House of the Future" building in the Old Town, the museum's exhibits use personal stories and artifacts to bring this difficult period to life.
The powerful exhibits at the Museum of the Occupation
Insider tip: If the museum piques your interest in Soviet history, consider taking our Soviet Riga Tour, which explores buildings, monuments, and neighborhoods from this era that aren't covered in standard city tours.
9. Discover the Moscow District
Across the Daugava River from the touristy Old Town lies the Moscow District (Maskavas forštate), one of Riga's most authentic and up-and-coming neighborhoods. Once neglected, this area is now experiencing a renaissance as creative businesses and restaurants move in.
The district is known for its wooden architecture, the sprawling Central Market, and the historic presence of multiple cultures and religions. You'll find Orthodox cathedrals, Catholic churches, and Latvia's only synagogue that survived WWII all within a few blocks.
Traditional wooden architecture in the Moscow District
Insider tip: Don't miss Spīķeri Quarter, a former warehouse complex now transformed into a creative hub with exhibition spaces, shops, and restaurants. Our Alternative Riga Tour explores this fascinating neighborhood in depth.
10. Take a Day Trip to Sigulda
If you have an extra day, escape to Sigulda, often called "the Switzerland of Latvia" for its beautiful landscapes. Just an hour from Riga by train, this area offers medieval castles, sandstone caves, and the stunning Gauja National Park.
Adventure enthusiasts can try the bobsleigh track (used by Olympic teams) or one of Europe's longest ziplines. History lovers will appreciate the well-preserved Turaida Castle and its surrounding museum reserve.
The medieval Turaida Castle in autumn colors
Insider tip: Visit in autumn when the dense forests of Gauja National Park transform into a spectacular palette of reds and golds. Our full-day Sigulda Tour handles all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Conclusion
Riga offers a perfect blend of history, culture, architecture, nature, and gastronomy in a compact, walkable city that remains more affordable than many European capitals. Whether you have a weekend or a week, these top 10 experiences will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latvia's captivating capital.
For a personalized experience of any of these attractions, check out our Riga tour options or contact us to create a custom itinerary based on your specific interests.
