Full guide to Riga.
What to do, where to go, what to see.
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see the city from above
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do yoga in the museum
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get lost in the streets of the Old Town
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eat and eat and eat
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marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture
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have afternoon tea "with the Kennedys"
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get to know Latvian art scene
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relax near the Baltic Sea
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get to know the local designers
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listen to jazz at the gallery
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go on a day trip
1. An overview
Riga is one of the European leaders in beauty per square meter. The country’s complicated history allows it to combine different cultures into a unique blend. From Art Nouveau architecture to Scandinavian-style cafes, the city is full of hidden gems. Beautiful yet cosy, eventful yet quite, you’ll fall in love with this wonderful city and won’t even notice!
* poster by @lienevilmane
Riga key points
2. A view from above
St. Peter's Church - located in the old town, the church is magnificent on the inside. For a small fee you can get on the very top of the tower and see the view on Daugava river, the Old town and the main Riga sights.
Pullman Riga Old Town terrace - cosy little terrace, hidden away in the heart of the Old Town. Come there for a drink or a coffee.
Galleria Riga terrace - the very central shopping centre with the biggest roof terrace you will find in Riga. It offers a great view on Riga and gives out strong Parisian vibes.
Philosophers Residence - a unique view from the other side of the river. Need to pre-book in advance.
Latvian Academy of Sciences - Observation Deck - a Soviet high-rise with a very characteristic architecture of the time. The view is quite nice, but the building even more so.
Latvian National Museum of Art terrace - located in the Quiet Centre, overlooking the Art Nouveau buildings. A great place to finish your museum visit.
Zuzeum terrace - not the best view on the town from a touristy perspective, but an amazing place to be. With tasty cocktails, great music and the real summer-in-the-city atmosphere.
Best places to see Riga from above.
3. Art
Best museums and galleries in Riga.
Latvian National Museum of Art - presents the richest collection of national art in Latvia. The building itself is also quite a jewel.
Digital Art House - "space where art comes to live". A space for multimedia immersive exhibitions (and a smaller gallery upstairs).
Art Museum Riga Bourse - displays the largest collection of foreign art in Baltic States.
Museum Storage Facility and Forest of Sculptures
Romans Suta and Aleksandra Belcova Museum
some of the smaller galleries and art spaces that represent (mostly) local artists:
- Rigas Mazaka Galerija
- Alma Gallery
- Sporta 2 kvartals
- Maksla XO Gallery
4. Zuzeum
Your go-to place for art and events.
From yoga classes right in the exhibition halls to open-air movie nights, symphony concerts, rooftop parties, cocktail nights, coffee dates, painting classes, art tours and, well, of-course, the exhibitions themselves - the art and event space Zuzeum has it all!!
5. Riga Old Town
The part of town that's so touristy, but so beautiful.
Old town is a crown jewel of Riga. Medieval narrow streets, beautiful buildings, and gothic cathedrals make walking there particularly enjoyable. It’s a fairytale-like place filled with history, gingerbread houses, and charming souvenir shops. Spend a couple of hours "getting lost" there to get a good impression of the city.
6. Art Nouveau District
"Quiet Centre" - embassies, architecture and beautiful walks.
When you get ready to visit THE best part of town - head to the Quiet Centre. See some of the best looking Art Nouveau buildings and get ready to marvel at facades every 30 seconds.
This neighbourhood is also full of tasty and stylish cafes, bars and restaurants, beautiful parks and fancy embassy buildings. This is the part of town to spend most of your time (just like all the locals do).
7. Riga Food Scene
Cosy coffee shops and bakeries, trendy bars and fancy restaurants.
Cosy coffee shops and bakeries, trendy bars and fancy restaurants. In the last few years Riga food scene has really transformed for the best. You will find huge amount of well-designed places with young promising chefs, carefully crafted decor and artisan coffee and great wine lists. The Michelin guide has not yet arrived here, although quite a few places could have definitely gotten that star.
Find out more about the best places to have dinner, breakfast, drink, coffee break, as well as where to shop food, what kind of food experience you can have and what are the best gastro tourism destinations across the country in my brand new guide.
8. A22
The best hotel with an amazing bar, restaurant and tea ritual.
Did you know that John F. Kennedy once stayed in Riga? Well, we made a hotel at that place. It’s a fantastic location for the Afternoon Tea, gourmet dining and some of the best drinks in town. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, it’s also a perfect place to spend a night.
8. The beauty of the nordic sea
Neighbouring towns with beautiful beaches.
Jurmala - Jurmala is the most famous KURORT (resort) in Latvia. When you say “beach” - people think “Jurmala” and for good reasons.
Enjoy the sea, the amber sand, beach clubs, hotels with spa, fancy restaurants and busy night life.
Vecaki & Carnikava - the east coastline is much more wild and unabundant.
Come there for beautiful sunsets and long beach walks uninterrupted by big crowds.
9. Central Riga
Beautiful walk ideas around town
1. Vermanes Darzs + Kurts + Ziedu Markets.
2. Quiet Centrs + Better Bread + Riga Art Nouveau Center Museum.
3. Mulberry + Viesturdarzs + A22 for drinks.
4. Andrejosta + Kronvalda Parks + Pagalms.
5. Riga Channel Walk (from Kongresu Nams till LU Faculty of Business) + Zvaigzne Café, including National Opera, National Theatre and Bastejkalns.
6. 11. November Embankment + Spikeri Promenade + Spikeri quarter.
7. Barona Street to Valdemara and Elizabetes Streets to Stabu St. with coffee stops at Mikla, Kuktava, Miit, Kalve Coffee, including Splendid Palace, Gertrude Church and National Museum of Art.
8. Miera ielas republika, including Rocket Bean Roastery.
9. Satekles, Marijas, Barona Streets (from Central Station to Zuzeum) with coffee from various cafes in Berga Bazars/ Makonis/ Katkevich, including Latvian Academy of Sciences building.
11. Where to shop?
From the best local designers to aesthetic boutiques.
Manilla - "it is all about stationery, gift wrapping, love and joy of giving". A collection of beautiful things for the heart.
Novaya Riga Bookshop - a Russian-language bookshop in the heart of Riga. Combining the concepts of a museum, coffee shop and a place to gather around books. A joyful space indeed!
RIJA - Latvian design and lifestyle concept store. Great for souvenir shopping (in style).
MCouture - "designed in Latvia for modern women". Love this boutique with all my heart - for the design of the space and, of course, the clothes.
Robert’s Books - second hand English bookshop and community place. A place with a great atmosphere, some truly brilliant finds and occassional jazz night.
Trentini - interior design gallery. The design items and the space itself is amazing. If not to shop, at least have a look around.
Zuzeum Shop - every item is a piece of art - from a book to a brooch.
12. Markets and food courts
Food courts and authentic Eastern European market vibes
Āgenskalns Market - not your typical Latvian market (where babushkas buy meat). It’s the largest food court in Riga and hosts some of the best food places in town. Everything is local, fresh, and super delicious.
Tallinn Street Quarter - the most European place in Riga. Bars, food court, street art and dance clubs - what else does your young soul need?
Kalnciema Quarter Market - another cool hipster place in town. With occasional fresh produce or vintage stalls.
Now more of your typical Latvian markets:
Vermanes Garden Flower Market
Riga Central Market
13. M/Gallery + M/Darbnica
The place for art, jazz and conversation.
A creative, democratic art space in Riga. Located in an old villa with a hint of it's historic charm, the gallery prevails with the modern art, current (mostly local) jazz and other musicians. There is a nice bar, abundance of events and a constant feeling of everyone being welcome.
14. Theatre, opera and classical music
Latvian classical music and grand concert scene
Latvian classical music and grand concert scene is not as big as the London, Vienna, Paris one, but there are quite a few things constantly happening in the city. Most popular concerts are the ones in churches, local event spaces and in the open air. Here is the list of the main places to look for the season programme:
- Latvian National Opera
- Open-air concerts
- The Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre
- Mazā Ģilde
- National Theatre
15. Experiences
Short and fun activities to do while in Riga.
Taka Spa - the best spa in town (imho). The down to earth look, ancient rituals with modern touch and a high-quality service, you will definitely enjoy your time there. Another great option is Kempinski Spa.
Splendid Palace - the oldest cinema in Riga which is beloved by all movie enthusiasts. It’s an architectural monument of national importance, so you’ll enjoy the view regardless of whether you’re going there for a movie, a glass of wine, or passing it by on your daily stroll.
Art and Wine - a cool activity to learn how to draw and drink with your friends at the same time.
Antigravity Yoga - been getting more and more popular in Riga recently. Very cool experience to do while in town. There are quite a few studios to try it in.
Philosophers Residence rooftop - book a terrace just for you, on the very top of the modern housing block. In a small "yurt", have a drink overlooking the city.
SUPing - another super popular activity in Riga at the moment. Pretty much any lake in a close proximity to Riga will have SUP rentals. Spend a few hours enjoying Latvian lakes and a fun workout.
Ozo golf club - a fun experience close to the city centre. On the beautiful golf course at a decent price, enjoy the beauty of the game and have a nice walk.
Open-air movie night - in the warm time of the year the city is filled with places to see a movie outside. Be it at Spikeri Quarter, Zuzeum back garden, Vecaki beach or Splendid Palace summer garden - the choice is yours.
FoodAnatomy - culinary masterclasses from the Gastronome Riga chef - Evgeny Ponomarev. You’ll cook together and you’ll eat together.
Vintage Cinema - located in Riga Plaza centre, this is (imho) one of the best cinemas of this type in Europe. If you are in Riga for quite some time, definitely spending one of your evenings there.
16. Day trip ideas around Latvia
Best places to see around the country.
Rundale Palace - have you ever wondered what place would be deserving of the last favourite of Catherine II? Well, wonder no more. Rundale Palace is the most picturesque place you’ll find, where each room is a piece of art. It’s a truly unique place where you can explore the life of local aristocracy, have a walk in the royal gardena and wonder why anyone would need so much space.
Pavaru Maja - a gastronomic experience at a 'chef's countryside house". In a nice little house that feels like home, surrounded by allotments, forest and fields, you will dine in style with experimental menu and some truly Latvian familiar classics. Just a little more than an hour drive from Riga.
Ogre Blue Hills - majestic trail includes a 30-meter-high observation tower, forest trails and, of course the jewel of the region - the Nature Reserve of a bright blue colour.
Kemeri National Park - to truly appreciate Latvian nature you need to go to Kemeri National Park. Its unique landscape is full of moss, raised bogs and fens. It might not sound that exciting but have you ever walked in a swamp? Didn’t think so, so make sure to visit and enjoy!
Sigulda - a perfect destination for 1-day getaway for Riga. While the town is quite nice and cosy, the city is mostly known for its beautiful nature. Enjoy hikes on very well designed trails, explore what’s inside natural sand caves, and visit medieval castles to truly enjoy the trip.
17. Accommodation
Best Places to stay while in Riga
- A22
- Pullman Riga Old Town
- Neiburgs Hotel
- Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
- Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town
- Grand Poet by Semarah Hotels
- AC Hotel by Marriott Riga
- Airbnb - a lot of central stylish options for a good price
18. Getting around the city
When moving around the town, I would strongly recommend staying central (with very few exceptions). Having said that, Riga public transport is not the best there is, so if you have a chance - walk. If not, use a scooter or a taxi. Bolt app is best for both. There is also scooter rental company called Tuul. For bike rentals - Next Bike, Skok.
More taxis - Taxify, Panda taxi, Baltic taxi, Red Cab.
If you plan to get out of the city, I would recommend renting a car for the day. Alternatively, Latvia has quite a decent train connection between the main cities.
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Riga Food Guide
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