If you’re pondering your next European getaway, let us show you why opting for a Riga city break is one of the best options out there.
A less discovered country in Europe is the small yet stunning Latvia. This country which is covered in large forested areas has a lot of hidden gems to explore, in particular, its gorgeous capital city – Riga.
On this Riga city break, you’ll have the chance to explore the city’s rich history, art scene, and delicious food culture. And, we will even throw in a beach day for good measure.
Before we get into all the great things to do in Riga, let’s find out where exactly Riga is.
Where is Riga?
Latvia is located between Lithuania and Estonia, and together they make up the Baltic States.
You can travel these less explored countries on a 2-week itinerary, or else just visit one of its stunning capital cities on a weekend break.
Riga City Break: Is Riga Worth Visiting?
There are endless options for European city breaks, but have you considered Eastern European city breaks? If so, is Riga worth visiting as one of these city breaks?
In short, absolutely Riga is worth visiting! A Riga city break was high on our travel bucket list and this lesser-visited European destination most certainly did not disappoint.
Riga, the largest city in the Baltic States, is a great destination for those looking for a budget-friendly Eastern European city breaks.
Riga is worth visiting for its stunning UNESCO-listed Old Town, bustling markets, delicious food scene, offering a perfect blend of history, and modern charm for a truly unforgettable European getaway.
Our favourite reason to embark on a Riga holiday, it’s not as well-known as some other more popular European cities, so you’re unlikely to find yourself surrounded by crowds of tourists.
Riga has one of Europe’s most picturesque old towns with a hint of Russian glamour with a real-life fairy-tale feel.
During the day you can explore the many Riga attractions and museums, while at night time you can relax with a beer and listen to live music.
If you have a bit of time left you can even visit some stunning beaches nearby on a Riga day trip.
Surely a Riga city break already sounds appealing?!
Riga City Break: Riga Transport
Another positive of a Vilnius holiday is that it is also a city that’s easy to get around.
Riga’s public transportation system is convenient, affordable, and effortless to navigate.
With Google Maps, you can easily plan your route and find the nearest stops for buses, trams, and the metro, making it simple to get around the city.
Making your way around Riga’s public transportation system is a breeze. We’ve simplified it into a 3-step process:
1: Find the blue bus icon on Google Maps (this is a bus stop) and tap on it.
2: You should now be able to view the bus route and upcoming departures.
3: Tap on the departure you want and it will display all the route stops and estimated time of arrival.
You can view each step in the photos below.
- Alternatively, to get around with even more ease, book a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Or opt for a Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour.
Is Riga Worth Visiting? Riga Things to Do
Let’s find out in some more detail why you should consider Eastern European city breaks, and put a Riga city break on your Europe bucket list.
1. Best Things to do in Riga: Christopher the Great
According to Latvian legend – Once upon a time, a very big and strong man named Christopher lived next to a river.
He earned his income by carrying people on his back across this same river. One night Christopher heard a baby crying on the other side so he rushed across to help.
Thinking he could not leave the child alone he brought it back to his house. But as he approached the banks the baby grew bigger and bigger, and heavier and heavier. With all his strength and effort he had to fight for his life and that of the baby to make it back alive.
Finally, he reached the shore and immediately passed out from exhaustion. When the big man woke up the next morning however he couldn’t find the baby. Instead, Christopher found a big pile of money! That money was then used to build the beautiful city of Riga.
These days you can visit a sculpture of that man right next to the river. There are benches and seats all along the walkways to sit and relax whilst embracing some epic views to watch the sunset.
2. Best Things to do in Riga: The National Library of Latvia
As soon as you read this recommendation were you thinking – “Why would I want to visit a library on my Riga city break?? Boooorring!” There is a reason this Riga attraction is mentioned.
Before or after you sit down to watch the sunset as mentioned above, walk across the bridge to visit the 12-story high and uniquely designed National Library of Latvia.
This is a free Riga attraction, all you need to do is ask for a visitor pass in the lobby. Then take the lift up to the 11th floor and embrace some panoramic views of the Old Town of Riga and the river – Daugava.
There was one small issue. When they built the library they put this strange wire netting in front of the windows.
It doesn’t stop the views of Riga from being spectacular but be prepared that photographs won’t turn out too great due to this reason.
Inside the National library of Latvia, you will discover art exhibitions and a small museum that explains the history of books.
Believe it or not, it’s actually really cool in there!
3. Best Things to do in Riga: Vecrīga – The Old Town
There are two parts to Riga (not counting the surrounding suburbs) – the city center and Riga Old Town (Vecrīga).
Although located next to each other you will notice a difference between the areas.
They are both very appealing with plenty of choices for restaurants and bars. But it is inside Riga’s Old Town that is a bit more special and the main reason for your Riga city break.
Here you will find many free Riga attractions whilst wandering the narrow cobblestone streets admiring its medieval buildings.
The three most famous Riga landmarks would be – the House of the Blackheads, St Peter’s Church with its cool bell tower, and The Three Brothers.
Then of course, you have Riga Cathedral and finally Riga Castle – which is now the President’s palace.
Some smaller and lesser-known Riga attractions would be The Cat House (you will notice plenty of cat statues and ornaments around the city), and the nearby friendly-looking Ghost statue!
Another Riga sculpture that is worth seeing is The Town Musicians of Bremen (Bremen is the sister city of Riga and this statue shows the musicians looking through the Iron Curtain)
It’s supposed to be good luck to touch each animal’s face in sequence, and you can see where the bronze has been buffed up by millions of hands over the last 28 years.
4. Best Things to do in Riga: The Powder Tower
Another famous Riga attraction is the Powder Tower, an in our opinion, a must-visit when on a Riga holiday.
The powder tower was once part of the defensive wall of Riga. These days it is a museum with one of the best collections of military memorabilia we have ever witnessed, in particular the WW1 collection!
Some of the rare items on show from WW1 include helmets, uniforms, weapons, and old propaganda posters. You can always make time for new learnings on your Riga city break right?!
This free museum is not only about WW1. Divided over four floors, it brings you through different stages of the war that involved Latvia.
The self-guided tour begins with the history of Riga and moves into WWI. Next up is WWII and the Holocaust that occurred in Riga.
Finally, on the top floor it explains the recent NATO campaign in Afghanistan and finishes with the modern Latvian army of today.
What a fantastic way to spent time a few hours learning about this fascinating Eastern European gem during your Riga getaway. We loved our visit to the Powder Tower.
5. Best Things to do in Riga: The Freedom Monument
On the edge of Riga Old Town stands a 42-meter tower which represents Freedom for Latvians.
The Freedom Momument remembers the soldiers killed whilst fighting against the Soviet forces during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-20).
Built in 1935, the tower survived WW II and is the main point for official ceremonies in current times.
Every day from 9 AM until 6 PM the monument is guarded by soldiers from the Latvian Army. The only time this does not happen is during extreme weather conditions.
The soldiers remain in a position of attention for an hour before being relieved by a ceremonial drill on the hour every hour.
Let’s do a quick check in and reflect on the question “Is Riga worth visiting?” Where do you stand on this so far? Have you been swayed yet? Do you think Riga is worth visiting?
If you are still undecided, there are more Riga attractions coming up to help with your decision.
Let’s get back to it!
6. Best Things to do in Riga: Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Nobody likes that the Russians once occupied Latvia, however, they did build some impressive buildings whilst there.
A must-see attraction in Riga is the Russian Orthodox-styled Cathedral with onion-structured domes. Exploring the stunning structure is free, but photographs are not allowed inside.
Although much less famous than the Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, however, in our opinions more impressive, is the Holy Trinity Church. Located across the river it is a lot smaller but arguably even more impressive. Decorated with lavish pink walls and blue onion domes this is definitely worth travelling across the river to sight this Riga gem for yourself.
7. Best Things to do in Riga: The Riga Central Market
One of the largest and most visited markets in Eastern Europe is the Riga Central Market. Upon approaching the market you may mistakingly believe you are walking into a train station.
Constructed in the second half of the 1920s the buildings were once used to store zeppelin airships.
Following many accidents with these lethal aircraft all around the world, someone finally came up with the idea to scrap the zeppelins. What to do with the 5 empty hangars someone asked, and voilà – one HUGE marketplace!
It is one of Riga’s cheapest eateries, and most fun places to explore! Meals can be purchased from only 4 Euro, with snacks and cakes as cheap as a euro.
And best of all, 3 Euro pints of wine (yes you read PINTS of wine correctly!) and 1-liter bottle of beer also for a Euro! Now that’s a great deal for two thirsty Irish Wanderers!
Needless to say, we had a very fun time visiting this Riga attraction during our Riga holiday.
8. Best Things to do in Riga: Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum
During the Second World War all of Eastern Europe was severely impacted by the Holocaust. Unfortunately, Riga was no different.
Only a few minutes walk away from the Riga Central Market you will find the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum.
There are several information points and relics inside this free museum such as a train carriage and a recreated walkway from a concentration camp.
What had the greatest impact on us was the memorial wall. Displaying over 70,000 names of Latvian Jews and about 25,000 names of Jews from other European countries who were brought to Riga to be murdered.
9. Best Things to do in Riga: The Free Fox
There is lots of street art in Riga, however, one art piece stood out above all the rest and deserves a special mention.
Dedicated to the protection of animals is a massive 3D fox. The sculpture calls for the end of animal cruelty and the fact that fur farming still happens in Latvia.
What an amazing and unique thing to visit during your Riga city break.
10. Best Things to do in Riga: Jūrmala
Do you fancy visiting a beach during your Riga holiday?
Once all the above Riga attractions have been explored then hop on a train from Riga Central Station to the seaside resort of Jūrmala for a Riga day trip.
Whether on a day trip from Riga or to stay for a few days, we would definitely recommend a visit to Jumala.
Trains leave around every 30 minutes on the Riga-Tukums line, and the ride takes approximately 35 minutes. A one-way ticket to Jurmala will cost you 1.20 Euro per person!!
On arrival, you will sight lots of gorgeous wooden houses which are all uniquely designed and built. Surrounding the area is a large pine forest where there are lots of playgrounds and walkways. Then of course you have the main attraction – Jūrmala’s beach.
The beach is 33 kilometers long and has pristine white sand, but in winter the white you see will be snow! Six of the bathing areas at Jūrmala are awarded the Blue Flag each year.
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Is Riga Worth Visiting? Enjoy Your Riga City Break!
Let’s revisit the important question one last time “Is Riga worth visiting?” We already gave away our answer that in our opinion Riga is worth visiting, but have you made up your mind yet?
What is your opinion, is Riga worth visiting? Have you now put this Eastern European gem on your Europe bucket list? We would love to hear from you.
Hopefully, this Riga guide plants a seed and gets you considering a Riga city break. Why not let us know how you get on?
Feel free to leave a comment below or ask us a question.
Have a great Riga holiday, and don’t forget to check out our socials to find out where we are these days.
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Another fabulous itinerary to a unique place. Thank you! Where do you stay? Would you be willing to add that to your travel suggestions? It would be helpful.
Thank you Dona. We are so happy you are enjoying the read, we are learning as we go so any feedback is so very welcomed. We just find places within our budget ($35/night)on booking.com mainly and sometimes air b n b. It is nothing too complicated (double room and private bathroom!) and it’s pretty basic stays but we will definately take this into consideration to perhaps include in a future post. Thank you again!