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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

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 walkable or tram clusters, with day trips to Jūrmala, Sigulda and Gauja National Park, Cēsis and Rundāle Palace. Riga Airport (RIX) is the catalogue airport.

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 current prices close to travel 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

Airport bus 22

City bus 22 toward the centre and Old Town connections

Check the current Rīgas satiksme fareTransport

Must-see sights

Old Town
House of the Blackheads
Riga Cathedral
Sights

One-day itinerary

  1. Morning: Old Town, the House of the Blackheads and Riga Cathedral.
  2. Afternoon: the Freedom Monument and one Art Nouveau street.
  3. Evening: the Daugava waterfront.
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 cluster.

    Best for

    Parks, shops and Art Nouveau walks

  3. Āgenskalns

    Needs a tram hop 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.