Itineraries for Your Trip to Riga
1 Day in Riga for First Timers
On my first visit to the city, Riga wasted no time working its charms on me. I was instantly charmed by its dense Old Town, packed with stories and medieval character, and its unpretentiousness. There was a calm to the city that set me at ease.
Longer stays since have made me fall for the city even more. Riga seems to have an endless supply of elegant buildings to find or parks to stroll through. Unfortunately, time is a factor if you have just one day in Riga, so make the most of it with this itinerary full of city highlights.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a walk on Riga’s beautiful streets to see its art nouveau buildings.
Pack layers, including a sweater and an umbrella—summer is short in Riga, and good weather isn’t guaranteed.
Get your bearings by starting in Riga’s Old Town, an area of the city with preserved medieval landmarks and scenic squares. Whether on your own or with a walking tour, delve into this historic part of the city to see Riga Town Hall Square with the impressive House of the Blackheads on it, and visit other noteworthy landmarks such as St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, and Three Brothers—a series of medieval homes.
Following lunch, say goodbye to the Old Town and spend your afternoon getting to know other parts of Riga. Start by walking past the gardens outside the Latvian National Opera towards Bastejkalns Park, where you can enjoy a canal boat ride. Follow the Pilsetas Canal to Kronvalda Park, and you’re a block from Riga’s most famous art nouveau buildings. Albert Street and Jauniela Street offer the city’s best examples of the architecture style, more of which you can see inside the Riga Art Nouveau Museum.
Finding opportunities for drinking and revelry is not hard in Riga, as the city’s old town draws many bachelor and bachelorette parties. Try your luck at local bars and bars or join a pub crawl for some company. Travelers who want a more relaxed evening can watch the sunset at the Panorama Riga Observation Deck at the Latvian Academy of Sciences building and then explore Latvian cuisine at an Old Town restaurant.
