Riga Old Town (Vecrīga)
UNESCO-listed medieval core of Riga, a pedestrian maze of cobbled lanes, Hanseatic merchant houses, church spires and squares such as Town Hall Square and Dome Square.
On this page
About Riga
Riga sits on the Daugava river a few kilometres from the Baltic coast, a position that made it a Hanseatic trading port for more than 800 years. The city has three clear layers: the medieval Old Town (Vecrīga) with its cathedral, guild houses and church spires; the 19th-century boulevard ring and the Art Nouveau streets of the Quiet Centre, where more than a third of the central buildings date from 1900-1914; and the wooden-house suburbs of Pārdaugava across the river. Riga is also one of Europe's more affordable capitals: a market lunch costs around €6 (~$6.90), a craft beer about €5 (~$5.75), and most museums charge under €12 (~$13.80). Visitors pay in euros, cards are accepted almost everywhere, and the Old Town can be explored entirely on foot.
- Capital
- Riga
- Largest city
- Riga
- Population
- ~590,000 (city proper, 2026 estimate); ~0.9 million (wider Riga metropolitan area)
- Languages
- Latvian, Russian, English
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer)
Explore Riga by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Riga
The 19 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Riga Cathedral (Doma Cathedral)
The largest medieval church in the Baltic states, founded in 1211, with an 1884 Walcker organ among the biggest in Europe and a cloister museum.
St. Peter's Church
A Gothic church whose 123 m spire has a lift to a viewing platform at about 72 m, giving the best panorama over the Old Town roofs and the Daugava river.
House of the Blackheads
An ornate Dutch Renaissance guildhall of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, destroyed in 1941 and rebuilt in 1999, with a golden facade and a museum of the guild's silver and ceremonial halls.
Freedom Monument
The 42 m limestone and copper monument unveiled in 1935, topped by a figure of Liberty holding three gold stars, and a national symbol of Latvian independence.
Latvian National Museum of Art
Latvia's main art museum in a 1905 neo-baroque building next to the Esplanāde park, with Latvian painting from the 18th century to the present, including Rozentāls and Purvītis.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Riga Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Riga, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Riga
- Days 1-2Riga city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Riga
- Days 1-3Riga comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Riga, departure
Where to stay in Riga
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €50 (~$57.50)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €130 (~$149.50)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €300+ (~$345+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
Five-star hotel of 141 rooms on the boulevard facing the Latvian National Opera, a short walk from the Old Town. The Spa has a pool, saunas and a private pirts suite.
Check rates on Booking.comPullman Riga Old Town
Five-star hotel in the western Old Town beside Jacob's Barracks, within walking distance of the Dome Cathedral and the Riga Central Market.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Hotel Old Town Riga
Modern hotel on the boulevard between the Old Town and the Art Nouveau district. Reservations line is +371 6706 1147.
Check rates on Booking.comRixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel
Hotel on a quiet Old Town street a short walk from St. Peter's Church and the House of the Blackheads.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Riga
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Lido Atpūtas Centrs
The flagship of the Latvian Lido chain, a large self-service hall with a pay-by-weight buffet of Latvian home cooking, a bakery counter and a beer cellar. It is the standard first Latvian meal for a solo traveler because the food can be pointed at and portions are chosen by the plate.
Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs
A vaulted cellar pub in the Old Town known for live Latvian folk and rock music most nights, local beer on tap and simple hearty plates. It ranks in Tripadvisor's top ten Riga restaurants and is a safe place for a solo traveler to eat and listen to music in the evening.
Rozengrāls
A candle-lit medieval-style restaurant in a 13th-century Old Town cellar near Livu Square, serving meat-heavy dishes, game and mead with costumed staff. Tourist-oriented but atmospheric, and a reasonable pick for a one-off themed dinner.
Milda
A Bib Gourmand listed Old Town restaurant serving traditional Latvian and Baltic home cooking at modest prices, with generous portions and a warm room that suits solo diners.
SMØR Bistro
Opening of the Year in the 2026 Michelin Guide Latvia and a new Bib Gourmand, serving Danish-style open sandwiches (smørrebrød) at lunch and Nordic-French plates in the evening.
JOHN Chef's Hall
One Michelin star. A 20-seat, seven-table chef's hall inside the A22 Hotel serving a seasonal tasting menu built on Latvian produce, with the kitchen pass in view.
Book a food tour in Riga We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Riga
Riga International Airport (RIX) is 9 km southwest of the centre and is the main Baltic hub for airBaltic. Riga Central Station and the International Coach Terminal are adjacent in the city centre, with trains to Jurmala, Sigulda and Cesis and coaches to Tallinn, Vilnius and across Latvia. In the city, trams, trolleybuses and buses run on one ticket system. All prices use 1 EUR = 1.15 USD.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20 (~$23) hostel dorm | €70 (~$80.50) | €170 (~$195.50) |
| Food (per day) | €15 (~$17.25) | €35 (~$40.25) | €80 (~$92) |
| Transportation | €4 (~$4.60) | €8 (~$9.20) | €20 (~$23) |
| Activities | €11 (~$12.65) | €17 (~$19.55) | €30 (~$34.50) |
| Daily total | €50 (~$57.50) | €130 (~$149.50) | €300+ (~$345+) |
Best time to visit Riga
Weather through the year in Riga
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Riga.
Essential travel tips
- Carry a bank card; cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere
- The Riga Tourism Information Centre at Rātslaukums 6 (+371 6703 7900, liveriga.com) gives maps and sells the Riga Pass
- Most museums close on Mondays
- Try rye bread, grey peas with bacon, smoked fish and sklandrausis at a local cafe or the Central Market
- Tipping about 10% in restaurants is customary if no service charge is added
- Latvian is the official language; Russian and English are widely spoken, and 'paldies' means thank you
Safety information
Riga is generally safe for visitors and violent crime against tourists is uncommon; the main risks are pickpocketing and bag theft in crowded places (Old Town squares, the Central Market, Riga Central Station and bus station, packed trams), overcharging in some Old Town bars and clubs, and taxi overcharging
Emergency numbers: 112 (single emergency number for police, ambulance, fire and rescue; answered in Latvian, English and Russian), 110 (police), 113 (ambulance). Dispatchers never call first, so treat unexpected calls claiming to be emergency services as scams
The Riga Municipal Police tourism unit can be reached on +371 6718 1818 around the clock with information in English and Russian
Carry a phone photo or copy of the passport and keep the original in the hotel safe; police can ask foreigners for identification, and non-Latvian visitors should carry ID when out
Avoid dark side streets, parks and the area around the railway and bus stations late at night, and stay on well-lit streets in the Old Town and Centrs
Use Bolt, another ride-hailing app or a licensed taxi company ordered by phone rather than hailing cars outside the airport, station or Old Town; check the price before getting in
Check menu prices and the bill in Old Town bars and clubs, avoid street promoters who steer tourists into unknown venues, and watch drinks
Latvia borders Russia and Belarus; the border areas, particularly within 2 km of the Belarus border, have restrictions, and a special licence from the Latvian Border Guard is required to enter the Belarus border zone. Riga itself is far from the border and operating normally
Winter pavements and tram stops can be icy from December to March, and the dark hours are long; wear grip-soled footwear and a warm coat
Ticks that carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis are common in forest and grass areas (Mezaparks, Gauja National Park); use repellent, check skin after walks and consider the TBE vaccine for long stays in the countryside
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Riga?
Latvia is in the EU and Schengen area. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa with a passport. Check the Latvian foreign ministry (mfa.gov.lv) for your nationality.
What is the best way to get from Riga airport to the city?
Take bus 22 from Riga International Airport to the centre (about 30 minutes, around €2-3 / ~$2.30-3.45), or a Bolt or Uber taxi (about €15-25 / ~$17.25-28.75).
What currency is used in Riga?
The euro (EUR). 1 euro is about $1.15. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, though small market stalls sometimes prefer cash.
What food is Riga famous for?
Riga is known for dark rye bread, grey peas with bacon, smoked fish, sklandrausis carrot-and-potato tart, cold beetroot soup in summer and Riga Black Balsam liqueur.
What are the top attractions in Riga?
Top attractions are the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Riga Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Art Nouveau district on Alberta iela, the Central Market and the Freedom Monument.
Explore Riga by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.