A day in Riga

Here’s how to spend a day in Riga if you are visiting Latvia.

I suggest stopping there for a whole day because there are many things to see, plus the atmosphere is really enjoyable, you will spend hours wandering in the charming little streets.

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, located on the Baltic Sea. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, medieval Old Town, and vibrant cultural scene, it is both Latvia’s economic and cultural heart.

Here’s the ultimate itinerary around Riga, from the iconic House of the Black Heads to the beautiful St. Peter’s Church, including the charming Old Town!

Tallinn circuit : 1 hour walk, 12 stops

Start your day at Riga Central Market. It is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Housed in old hangars, you will find lots of artisanal products and traditional food.

If you can, definitely try the caviar there, it’s at least half the price as what you can find in the rest of Europe, and it’s incredibly refined !

After 13 minutes of walking you will arrive to Rātslaukums, Riga’s Town Hall Square. This is a central gathering place in the Old Town, home to iconic monuments such as the House of the Black Heads and the Town Hall.

The House of the Black Heads is a 14th century Gothic building with a richly decorated façade. It was built for the Brotherhood of Black Heads, a guild for unmarried merchants.

Take the time to wander in the little alleys of the Old town, it is really charming, both during the day and at night :

A 4 minute walk will take you to the Riga Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltic states. Consecrated in 1211, it is a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture (see picture 1 & 2 down below).

An additional 4 minutes and you will arrive to Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture: this trio of medieval houses showcases different architectural styles from the 15th to 17th centuries. Being the oldest residential buildings in Riga, they house the Latvian Museum of Architecture (see picture 3 below).

After walking for 10 minutes and passing by Saint Mary Magdalene Church of Riga (a Baroque church from the 13th century) and Zviedru vārti (or Swedish Gate, the only remaining gate of Riga’s 17th-century fortifications), you will arrive at the Powder Tower. This cylindrical brick structure which used to store gunpowder is a part of the city’s medieval fortifications, and now home to the Latvian War Museum (see picture 4).

A few meters away is Līvu Square: a lively spot surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants.

There, you can search for the famous Cat House. It is an Art Nouveau building, best known for the two cat statues perched on its roof, a symbol of Riga.

Next stop is 5 minutes away and it is a breath of fresh air in the city center : Bastejkalna Park. It’s the perfect place for a stroll among the greenery and along canals.

After 4 minutes, you will reach the impressive Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. Built in the 19th century, this is an Orthodox Christian Cathedral with beautiful golden domes.

If you want to explore a bit more this area before heading back into the Old Town, you can go to Alberta iela. This is just 15 minutes away from the Cathedral and is a stunning street renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, and part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see many ornate buildings designed by celebrated architects :

If you want to discover more of Riga, head to the other side of town, to visit Holy Trinity Church. Located on Meža iela, this bright pink church is a modern Lutheran place of worship. There are also other original buildings in the area :

Last but not least is the National Library of Latvia. It was designed by Gunnar Birkerts, and houses a vast collection of books beautifully displayed. You can also head to the upper floor to admire the stunning views of the city and Daugava River :

That’s it for my Riga recommendations !

I hope this article gave you a better idea of what to expect from a day in Riga, it’s definitely worth to stop by if you are coming to Latvia !

If you plan on coming to Latvia soon you can check out my other article about the top places to see in Latvia. 

If you need more information about what to know before going to Latvia, you can check out this article.

If you need a custom itinerary, you can fill this form and I’ll make your own personalised itinerary.