Riga is the capital of Latvia, a Baltic country in Northern Europe. The Daugava River splits the city in two, and much of what you’ll want to see is on the river’s eastern banks. Go to the Old Town and explore the medieval streets of this World Heritage Site. At its core is Ratslaukums, the Town Hall Square. The area’s twisting lanes lead to main city attractions, including the House of Blackheads and the Museum of the Occupation. At St. Peter’s Church, ride the elevator to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the city. Admire the baroque and Gothic buildings at Dome Square, where you can enjoy a meal or drink at outdoor cafés and bars. From Dome Square, it’s a short walk to Livu Square, which comes alive in summer as the host to a beer garden and live outdoor entertainment. In winter, kids will love the ice skating rink here. Continue to Bastejkalns Park, a tranquil green space with a canal running through it. It also has the Freedom Monument, which commemorates the soldiers that fought during the Latvian War of Independence. Music plays a key role in Riga’s arts scene. Don’t miss an opera or ballet performance at the Latvian National Opera. The RITMI Festival is an annual jazz festival, with previous performers including Bobby Darin and Robert Glasper. Riga’s cuisine is influenced by German, Polish and Russian flavors. Sample big plates of piragi, the East European dumpling, or pork, cabbage and potato-inspired dishes. At the Central Market you‘ll find cheap fruit and vegetables, and local delicacies such as smoked eel. The market opened in 1930 and takes place in converted Zeppelin aircraft hangars.The city is ideal for walking as the streets are flat. There is also a cheap public transport system, with trams, buses and trolleys stopping close to all the major sights.
Riga
Travel Guide
Where to stay in Riga

Old Town Riga
Old Town Riga is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Cathedral Square or Riga Cathedral.

Centrs
Centrs is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Latvian Art Museum and Cathedral of Christ's Nativity while in the area.

Zemgale Suburb
Unique features of Zemgale Suburb include the historic sites and river views. Make a stop by National Library of Latvia or SPICE while you're exploring the area.

Agenskalns
Unique features of Agenskalns include the river views and historic sites. Make a stop by Golden Bowling Center or Uzvaras Park while you're exploring the area.

Maskavas Forstate
Historic sites, bars, and shopping highlight some of the noteworthy features of Maskavas Forstate. Make a stop by Riga Central Market or Latvian Academy of Sciences while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Avoti
Visitors to Avoti appreciate its historic sites. A visit to Galleria Riga Shopping Center and Cathedral of Christ's Nativity might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025
Popular places to visit

Riga Central Market
See why this huge market is affectionately known as Riga's belly when you browse hundreds of stalls for fresh produce and Latvian specialties.

Riga Cathedral
Learn about the local history of Riga when you take a trip to Riga Cathedral. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

St. Peter's Church
Riga's tallest church is dedicated to the city’s patron saint and is where you can see new artworks, watch a concert and enjoy great views of the Latvian capital.

House of the Blackheads
Learn about the local history of Riga with a stop at House of the Blackheads. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Three Brothers
You can learn about the history of Riga with a visit to Three Brothers. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Freedom Monument
This large historic monument near Riga’s Old Town is a national shrine of great importance where public ceremonies are held.
Things to do

2 countries! Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace and Bauska castle

Riga: Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads

Riga Medieval combined walking/transportation guided tour

From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida

From Riga: Hill of Crosses and Jelgava Gems Tour
Reviews of Riga
4/5 - Good
Old town is an interesting place to see museums, churches, shops, cobble streets etc.
4/5 - Good
Cheap city to visit. It still retains some of its old medievil charm as well as some soviet feel. The food market near the city is HUGE. I want to come back and stay a few months when i retire.
5/5 - Excellent
Go to Uncle Vanyas for dinner.Everything was within walking distance.Christmas Market as well as the general market,were great to visit.So much to see and a week is not enough.We loved Latvia.Europes best kept secret!
5/5 - Excellent
Fabulous old town; definitely a gem of Europe.
5/5 - Excellent
Friendly, but during weekends there are a lot of people from Russia. All were friendly.
5/5 - Excellent
This is my second trip to Riga this year and I love Latvia & her people. The city is lovely, great food, lovely parks, opera, museums and spas.
Other places like Riga
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Hotels near Great Guild Hall
- Hotels near Riga Christmas Market
- Hotels near House of the Blackheads
- Hotels near Old Town Riga
- Hotels with Laundry Facilities in Old Town Riga
- Hotels with Restaurants in Old Town Riga
- Historic Hotels in Old Town Riga
- Hotels with a View in Old Town Riga
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Old Town Riga
- Casino Hotels in Old Town Riga
- Hotels with Connecting Rooms in Old Town Riga
- Hotels with Free Breakfast in Old Town Riga
- Hotels with Kitchenettes in Old Town Riga
- Hotels with Fireplaces in Old Town Riga
- Hotels near Latvian National Opera
- Hotels near Esplanade Park
- Hotels near National Library of Latvia
- Hotels near Galleria Riga Shopping Center
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Centrs
- Cheap Hotels in Centrs
- Hotels near Centrs
- Hotels near Palladium
- Hotels near Golden Bowling Center
- Hotels near Kipsala
- Cheap Hotels in Kipsala
- Hotels with Free Breakfast in Kipsala
- Hotels with Free Parking in Kipsala
- Hotels near Avoti
- Romantic Hotels in Avoti
- Hotels near Kipsala International Exhibition Centre
- Hotels near Agenskalns
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Agenskalns
- Cheap Hotels in Agenskalns
- Hotels with Connecting Rooms in Agenskalns
- 4 Star Hotels in Maskavas Forstate
- Hotels near Riga City Yacht Club
- Hotels near Olympic Sports Centre
- Hotels near Arena Riga
- Gay friendly Hotels in Andrejsala
- Hotels with Restaurants in Andrejsala
- Hotels with Free Parking in Andrejsala
- Hotels near Tornkalns
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Grizinkalns
- Hotels near Grizinkalns
- Hotels near Zemgale Suburb
- Hotels near Zasulauks
- Hotels near Ilguciems
- Hotels near Brasa
- Hotels near Sampeteris
- Hotels near Domina Shopping Center
- Hotels near Atgazene
- Hotels near Vidzeme Suburb
- Hotels near Darzciems
- St. Peter's Church
- Visit Old Town Riga
- Town Hall
- Art Nouveau Buildings
- House of the Blackheads
- Menzendorff House
- Riga History and Navigation Museum
- St. Jacob's Cathedral
- Freedom Monument
- Riga Central Market
- Vansu Bridge
- Vermanes Garden
- Esplanade Park
- Cathedral of Christ's Nativity
- Origo Shopping Centre
- Latvian Art Museum
- Berg's Bazaar
- Visit Centrs
- National Library of Latvia
- Galleria Riga Shopping Center
- Visit Kipsala
- Visit Avoti
- Visit Agenskalns
- Visit Maskavas Forstate
- Riga City Yacht Club
- Visit Andrejsala
- Visit Dzirciems
- Visit Tornkalns
- Riga Plaza Shopping Center
- Visit Grizinkalns
- Visit Zemgale Suburb
- University of Latvia Botanical Garden
- Visit Zasulauks
- Riga Radio and TV Tower
- Visit Ilguciems
- Visit Brasa
- Visit Bierini
- Visit Sampeteris
- Domina Shopping Center
- Visit Atgazene
- Visit Vidzeme Suburb
- Visit Darzciems
- Visit Ziepniekkalns
- Riga Central Market
- Riga Cathedral
- Riga Christmas Market
- St. Peter's Church
- House of the Blackheads
- Riga Castle
- Three Brothers
- Arena Riga
- Latvian National Opera
- Freedom Monument
- Riga Zoo
- St John's Church
- University of Latvia Botanical Garden
- Kipsala International Exhibition Centre
- Galleria Riga Shopping Center
- Cathedral of Christ's Nativity
- SPICE
- Latvian Art Museum
- Skonto Stadium
- National Library of Latvia
- Alberta Iela
- Cathedral Square
- Latvian Academy of Sciences
- Art Nouveau Buildings
- Riga Radio and TV Tower
- Town Hall
- Mezapark
- Great Guild Hall
- Powder Tower
- Origo Shopping Centre