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Riga cityscape and bridge at sunset
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Latvia

Riga

Hanseatic streets and Art Nouveau

Last reviewed: 13 September 2026

Recommended stay
2–4 days
Best time to visit
May to September
Airports
RIX
Photo by Kristīne Kozaka · Unsplash

Riga at a glance

Riga is a Baltic capital of a Hanseatic old town, Art Nouveau streets and market halls by the Daugava. Old Town, the House of the Blackheads, Riga Cathedral, the Freedom Monument, the Art Nouveau district, Central Market, the National Library, Āgenskalns Market, Mežaparks and the Daugava waterfront sit in a compact centre and tram-linked districts, with day trips to Jūrmala, Sigulda and Gauja National Park, Cēsis and Rundāle Palace. Most visitors arrive at Riga Airport (RIX).

Quick information

Recommended stay2–4 days
Best time to visitMay to September
AirportsRIX
Budget travelAccommodation and palace or Gauja days drive costs most strongly. Check prices shortly before your trip instead of relying on a fixed estimate.

Milder months suit Old Town walks, Mežaparks and Jūrmala. Winter is cold; keep indoor hours for the cathedral, markets and the National Library. Carry a layer for Baltic wind on the Daugava.

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

Bus 22

City bus between the airport and the centre of Riga, run by Rīgas satiksme

Standard public-transport fareTransport

Must-see sights

Old Town
House of the Blackheads
Riga Cathedral
Sights

One-day itinerary

  1. Morning: Riga Old Town — Town Hall Square, the House of Blackheads and Dome Cathedral.
  2. Lunch: Grey peas with smoked meat at a traditional Latvian restaurant in the Old Town.
  3. Afternoon: Alberta iela Art Nouveau district — the finest collection of Art Nouveau facades in Europe.
  4. Evening: Dinner in the Old Town or the Miera iela neighbourhood.
Itineraries

Best areas to stay

  1. Old Town

    Vecrīga

    A compact Hanseatic core with cobbles and busier evenings.

    Best for

    First visits, the cathedral and the Blackheads

  2. Centre / Freedom Monument

    Centrs

    A practical hub between Old Town and the Alberta iela streets.

    Best for

    Parks, shops and Art Nouveau walks

  3. Āgenskalns

    Needs a tram across the Daugava for most sights.

    Best for

    The market and a quieter left-bank stay

  4. Mežaparks edge

    Mežaparks

    A park district; Old Town needs a tram or taxi.

    Best for

    A greener stay with children

Approximate budget

  • Budget

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Simple rooms, market meals and walking; excludes travel to Riga.

  • Mid-range

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Comfortable room, restaurants, trams and selected interiors.

  • Comfort

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Central stays, frequent dining, private transfers and a reserved Rundāle day.

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