Riga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Riga
Old Town showing heritage architecture, markets and street scenes
Photo provided by Latvian Tourism / Leons Balodis
Photo provided by Latvian Tourism / nars Plinta
Photo provided by Latvian Tourism / Vita Balckare
The city of Riga is a beautiful city with a historic old town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Featuring historical architecture and parks, this city is also famed for its festivals and music. Riga is the capital of Latvia in the Baltics, located in the north east of Europe.

The Old Town is undoubtedly the city’s best attraction. Explore the medieval streets of this World Heritage Site and visit the Ratslaukums, the Town Hall Square right in the centre. Follow the area’s twisting cobblestone streets lead to attractions like the House of Blackheads and the Museum of the Occupation. Visit St. Peter’s Church and take the lift to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views over the city. Admire the baroque and Gothic buildings at Dome Square and enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at an outdoor café or bar.

From Dome Square, take the short walk to Livu Square, which comes alive in summer with a beer garden and riveting live outdoor entertainment. In winter, the children will love the ice skating rink here. Be sure to take a moment to relax in the tranquil Bastejkalns Park, a beautiful green space with a canal running through it. Take a moment to observe the Freedom Monument, which commemorates the soldiers that fought during the Latvian War of Independence.

Music is a big part of in Riga’s arts scene. Catch an opera or ballet performance at the Latvian National Opera or come for the RITMI Festival an annual jazz festival, which has seen such big name performers as Bobby Darin and Robert Glasper.

Riga’s cuisine is a incredible melting pot of influences, with input from nearby German, Polish and Russian flavours. Taste big plates of piragi, the East European dumpling, or pork, cabbage and potato-inspired dishes. You‘ll find cheap fruit and vegetables, and local delicacies such as smoked eel at the Central Market. The market opened in 1930 and takes place in converted Zeppelin aircraft hangars.

The city is ideal for walking as the streets are flat. There is also a cheap public transport system, with trams, buses and trolleys stopping close to all the major sights.

Where to stay in Riga

Old Town showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Old Town Riga

4.5/5(240 area reviews)

Travellers come to Old Town Riga for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Cathedral Square and Riga Cathedral while you're in town.

Old Town Riga
Latvian Art Museum showing a statue or sculpture

Centrs

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Centrs is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Cathedral of Christ's Nativity and Skonto Stadium while in the area.

Centrs
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Agenskalns

4/5(8 area reviews)

Unique features of Agenskalns include the river views and historical sites. Make a stop by Uzvaras Park or Victory Monument while you're exploring the area.

Agenskalns
Riga Central Market showing interior views and shopping

Latgale Suburb

3/5(6 area reviews)

Latgale Suburb is noteworthy for its churches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Riga Central Market and Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Latgale Suburb
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Zemgale Suburb

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Zemgale Suburb include the historical sites and river views. Make a stop by National Library of Latvia or SPICE while you're exploring the area.

Zemgale Suburb
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Avoti

Avoti is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can plan an outing to Galleria Riga Shopping Center and Cathedral of Christ's Nativity while you're in town.

Avoti
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel

5 out of 5
11. Novembra Krastmala, 33, Riga
The price is £70 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£70
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Riga. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,041 reviews)
"A very pleasant way to see Riga. Comfortable, clean and in the centre of town. Only problem was that we booked it for the pool and the pool doesn't come with the room although it says there is an indoor pool for the guests to enjoy. All the rest was great."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

4.5 out of 5
55 Elizabetes Street, Riga
The price is £89 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£89
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Riga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
Opera Hotel

Opera Hotel

4 out of 5
33 Raina Blvd, Riga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £63 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£63
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Riga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Origo Shopping Centre and Latvian National ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
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Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Opera Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
aparthotel Amella

aparthotel Amella

4.5 out of 5
Emilijas Benjaminas Iela 8, Riga
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Riga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Latvian Academy of Sciences ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"Excellent property, responsive and helpful reception. 10 min walk from the town centre. Well fitted apartment."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

aparthotel Amella
Apart Hotel Riga

Apart Hotel Riga

2 out of 5
196 Brivibas iela, Riga
Stay at this aparthotel in Riga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Domina Shopping Center and Olympic Sports Centre are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"They were very helpful and flexible ."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Apart Hotel Riga
Revelton Suites Riga

Revelton Suites Riga

3.5 out of 5
59 Kaleju iela, Riga
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Riga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Riga Film Museum and St John's Church are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"It was so amazing everything was perfect"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Revelton Suites Riga
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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