Riga holidays

Popular holidays

On holidays to Riga, you’ll hop between pretty parks and Medieval streets, and the food and drink scene’s top-notch.

Latvia’s largest city

Riga’s the capital of Latvia, and the biggest city in the country. It sits at the mouth of the Daugava River, where it joins the Baltic Sea, and the place itself is known for its history, architecture and top-tier food and drink scene. When you wander around, you’ll see everything from half-timbered houses in the old town – one of the most popular areas of the city – to pretty parks with views of the river. It’s relatively small for a capital, which means you’ll be able to do most of your exploring on foot. If you fancy venturing a little further afield, the train station’s right in the centre of the city – a few top spots for daytrip are Sigulda, Jūrmala and Rundāle Palace.

Roam around Riga's old town

The old town in Riga’s like a scene from a postcard, with mix-and-match buildings painted in pastel colours, and cobblestone squares dotted with trees. You could wander the labyrinth of pathways for hours, spotting edgy street art and flitting between cafés and bars. If you hit happy hour, the drinks can be great value in this neck of the woods, too. We'd recommend trying a local favourite – Latvian honey beer – if you’re into ales. Plus, there’s plenty to shout about on the food front. One of the most talked-about restaurants in the city is a medieval number set in a 13th-century wine cellar, where you can eat hearty meals by candlelight.

View from the top

If you want to see Riga from a different point of view, head to the top of the spire at St Peter’s Church. It costs around €9 to go in, and before you even reach the tower, you’re met with a grand altar sat beneath massive archways and stained-glass windows where sunlight leaks in. When you’re ready to go up, a lift takes you up to the viewing platform, where you get panoramic vistas over the city. You’ll spy a sea of rooftops and the bending Daugava River, and there’s plenty of space to take photos, so be sure to bring your camera. If heights aren’t for you, you can pay a smaller fee to visit the church without admission to the viewpoint.

Roam around the Art Nouveau district

If you’re a lover of architecture, make tracks for Riga’s Art Nouveau district. Alberta Street is a cultural gem – tall buildings sit one after the other, with neat columns, tiny balconies and decorative sculptures giving them their signature look. There are a few shops and bars to visit while you’re in the neighbourhood, along with the Riga Art Nouveau Museum, if you want to delve even deeper into the area’s history. While we’re on the topic of interesting architecture, there’s also a building known as the ‘pink church’ – officially named the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church – which is about half an hour’s walk away from the centre of Riga. It’s a Baroque-style chapel from the 17th century with bright blue domes topping its flamingo-hued turrets.

Popular hotels in Riga

Top things to see and do in Riga

Beaches

The big beach

If you’re looking for a long stretch of sand, Jūrmala Beach more than fits the bill – it unravels along the coastline for 25km. It has fine sands and a backdrop of trees with wooden walkways winding through them. It’s just outside of the city – around 40 minutes away in a taxi or by train – and you can really make a daytrip out of it. There are plenty of food joints nearby, and you’ll sometimes be able to watch games of volleyball and football by the water.

The city beach

Lucavsala Recreational Park is a relaxed spot on an island in the middle of the Daugava River, around 10 minutes from the centre of Riga by cab. Along with a small beach on the riverbank, it has a skate park, loads of green space where you can lay out a picnic blanket, and a kids’ play park with slides and swings. This place sometimes plays host to outdoor concerts, too.

The secret beach

If you want to venture out a little further from the city, Saulkrasti Beach is a great spot to visit. It’s about an hour’s drive away, and it’s a pretty long swathe – around 17km. It’s a little less busy than Jūrmala Beach, too, if you’re after some peace and quiet. There’s a walking trail right by it that weaves around a huge sand dune, and on breezy days the waters are popular with windsurfers.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The Central Market in Riga is one of the biggest markets in Europe, with five big pavilions where you can pick up everything from clothes and handicrafts to flowers and vegetables. There are rows and rows of stalls, both inside and outside, and it’s right by the city’s main train station, so you’ll see plenty of locals buzzing about.

Mid-range buys

If you fancy browsing some high street shops, Galerija Centrs is just the place. It’s a shopping mall right near the old town, with a tall and long shape, five floors and a glass roof letting in plenty of sunlight. You can visit well-known stores like H&M and Mango, or check out some Latvian brands. You’ll sometimes find art exhibits set up inside the mall, and there’s a food court with plenty of choice for when you’re peckish.

Designer buys

Luxury shopping’s on the cards at Stockmann, a department store that sits right near the Central Market. The fashion department’s home to designers like Coach, Boss and Calvin Klein, and there are cosmetics counters where you can get glam with beauty brands like Chanel and Estée Lauder.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

There are a few places to visit on a low-key evening in Riga, and one comes with a view – the Skyline Bar on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu hotel. You get 360° views of the city from up there. Or, if you’d rather stay on ground level, you could try the famous Black Magic café in the old town. It’s got a long cocktail list and a witchy theme – think golden chandeliers and bookcases that are actually secret doors.

Lively evenings

If you’d rather spend your night hitting the tiles, you’re in luck – Riga has plenty going on into the early hours. There are sports bars with dozens of screens, cocktail joints with happy hour deals, and even a rock bar that has an underground karaoke room. There’s no wonder it’s a popular spot for birthday celebrations and pre-wedding dos.

Food & drink

Rupjmaize

Rupjmaize – AKA rye bread – is one of Riga’s staples on the food front. You can get it in most restaurants, and it’s often served with butter, cheese, smoked fish or deli meats. Some places even turn it into a sweet treat, layering it with fruit, jam and cream for a tasty dessert.

Honey beer

If you have a bit of a sweet tooth and like a beer while you’re on your travels, keep your eyes peeled for Latvian honey beer. Many taphouses around the city will pour amber and dark versions of this local ale, which has historically been one of Latvia’s biggest exports – particularly in the Middle Ages.

Aukstā zupa

Aukstā Zupa – which translates to ‘pink soup’ – is as colourful as its name suggests. It’s a refreshing cold soup that’s popular in Latvia over the summer months. It’s made from beets, radishes, cucumber and herbs, and it’s often served with a boiled egg on top.

Štovēti kāposti

You won’t be able to miss stovēti kāposti, especially if you visit Riga around Christmastime. This warming dish is a stew made up of sauerkraut – a Latvian cabbage – mixed with lard and sugar, and it’s often served with your choice of meat and potatoes. This one’s a winter must-have for locals.

Riga Black Balsam

The local spirit in this city is Riga Black Balsam. You’ll find this on the menu of most watering holes – sometimes in a cocktail, and sometimes on its own. It has a bittersweet taste, with hints of ginger, birch, lime, cocoa and liquorice.

Facts about Riga

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Latvian

Time zone

GMT +2

Flight duration

2 hours 45 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

What should I pack for Riga?

For Riga, pack layers to accommodate changing weather. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a warm sweater. Don't forget essentials like a camera, sunglasses, and any necessary medications. A small day bag is useful for city exploration.

Should I tip in Riga?

Tipping in Riga isn't mandatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, if a service charge isn't included, you might consider leaving 5-10% of the bill. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common practice.

Where can I try local food in Riga?

To taste traditional Latvian cuisine in Riga, we recommend visiting restaurants like Lido or Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs. You'll find local specialties such as grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes, and Riga Black Balsam. The Central Market is also great for sampling local foods and ingredients.

Where are the best places to shop in Riga?

When shopping in Riga, exploring the Central Market is a must – housed in converted Zeppelin hangars, it's the go-to place for local produce and crafts. For modern shopping, head to Galerija Centrs or Galleria Riga malls. The Old Town is perfect for unique boutiques and souvenir shops.

What are the best beaches in Riga?

While Riga itself is not a beach destination, you'll find lovely beaches nearby. We recommend visiting Jurmala, just a short trip from Riga, known for its long stretch of white sand beach. Vecaki Beach, north of Riga, is another beautiful option for a relaxing day by the Baltic Sea.

What travel adapter do I need for Riga?

When visiting Riga, you'll need a Type C or Type F adapter, both with two round pins. Latvia uses 230V electricity, which works with most UK devices, but verify compatibility on high-powered appliances like straighteners or hairdryers. Bring a multi-plug adapter if you're carrying devices with various plug types.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Riga?

When visiting Riga, it's polite to greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. When visiting homes or churches, you might be expected to remove your shoes. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites by covering shoulders and knees.

What's the nightlife like in Riga?

Nightlife in Riga includes a mix of bars, clubs and live music venues, particularly in the Old Town and Moscow District. Many places stay open late, especially on weekends. For city views, try one of Riga's rooftop bars.