Itineraries for Your Trip to Riga
3 Days in Riga for First Timers
Maybe it’s because Riga was my first foray into the Baltic region of Europe, but the city has remained my favorite city there despite its wealth of underrated destinations. There’s something endearing about a capital city that’s as down-to-earth as Riga, where grand art nouveau buildings sit side by side with ordinary wood-panel buildings.
While traveling around Latvia, I spent weeks exploring the city, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing its many highlights. Because of that, I know you won’t be able to see everything Riga offers in three days. But you can at least see why it's special with this itinerary.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to Alberta Iela and Jauniela Iela, Riga’s art nouveau streets.
Summers in Riga are no guarantee of warm weather and clear skies—pack a light sweater and umbrella.
There’s no better place to start exploring Riga than with its Old Town, an area full of narrow lanes, large squares, and many of the city’s most famous landmarks. A walking tour—or Segway tour—is the best way to hit the highlights, such as the House of the Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church, and find smaller spots, including the Swedish Gate.
Following lunch at an Old Town restaurant, head north to Riga’s celebrated art nouveau district across the park. On Albert Street and Jauniela Street, you’ll find street galleries of fascinating architectural designs, plus the Art Nouveau Museum.
Not all of Riga’s history can be covered with charming buildings and old churches. Travel into the city center to visit the Corner House, a museum in the former KGB headquarters of the city. Across town, pay your respects at the enlightening Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum.
Lighten your mood following your heavy morning with a trip up the observation deck at the Latvian Academy of Sciences for sweeping city views. Then, it’s time to tackle Riga’s food scene at the Riga Central Market or with one of the city’s many satisfying food tours.
You don’t have to travel far from Riga to find some of Latvia’s other most interesting tourist destinations. The seaside resort of Juramala (east of Riga) offers beaches, old-fashioned wooden homes, and forest parks that visitors can comfortably visit on foot or by bike. Just outside Jurmala are the scenic wetland bogs of Kemeri National Park.
Another way to spend a day away is by heading to Gauja National Park. Along its pristine river valley, you’ll see a trio of castles: the Livonian Order Sigulda Castle, Turaida Castle, and Cesis Castle.
