Welcome to your ultimate Riga travel guide! Latvia’s charming capital is packed with history, culture, and plenty of family-friendly adventures. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to sprawling parks and interactive museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in Riga for all ages.
We’ve gathered local tips to help you explore like an insider, whether it’s finding hidden playgrounds, tasting traditional Latvian treats, or uncovering kid-friendly cultural gems. Let’s make your family’s trip to Riga effortless, memorable, and full of fun!
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Is Riga Worth Visiting For Tourists?
Riga is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. If you love a diverse city with wonderful architecture, museums, and culture, Riga has it all. Plus, it’s easy to escape from the city to explore beautiful forests, lakes, or even the sea!
Meet Our Local Riga Expert
Meet Simona! Simona was one of the first people I connected with on Instagram back in 2022 when I started my account. She has a positive and infectious personality that I just love! She is the mom of 3 little ones and just recently gave birth to her twins.
Riga has been her home for over 18 years now, and she has so many insider tips to share in this Riga travel guide.
Her favorite thing about living in Riga is that you get the big city vibe with the outdoors at your fingertips. Latvia is also a small country, so it is easy to see many different areas from Riga as it is located at the center of the country.
Design Your Adventures
Simona runs a successful high-ticket affiliate marketing business. If you are interested in learning how to make passive income through affiliate marketing, connect with Simona!
You can reach her at @design.your.adventures on Instagram. She also is a very positive person with a great message. Another great reason to give her a follow!!
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Frequently Asked Questions – Answered By A Local
What Is The Best Month To Visit Riga?
There are positives to visiting Riga throughout the year.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit. You can enjoy outdoor cafes and restaurants, evening festivals and everyone is relaxed and happy.
Riga is not as popular of a destination in Europe as other countries like Italy or France, which makes it really nice to visit in the summer. European vibes without the crowds!
Autumn brings beautifully colored trees. If you don’t mind the cooler temperatures it is also a good time to visit Riga and the surrounding natural areas, like Sigulda.
The winter is also a good time to visit if you are looking for a snowy city with wonderful Christmas markets!
Is English Widely Spoken In Riga?
Yes, English is widely spoken in Riga, especially among younger people and those working in tourism, restaurants, and shops. In the Old Town, hotels, and major attractions, you’ll have no trouble communicating.
While older generations may primarily speak Latvian or Russian, many still understand basic English. Learning a few simple Latvian phrases like “Paldies” (Thank you) is always appreciated. Overall, you’ll find it easy to get by in English throughout the city.
How Many Days Is Enough To Visit Riga?
Spending three to four days is the perfect amount of time to explore Riga at a relaxed pace. This gives you enough time to wander the Old Town, visit top attractions like the Riga Central Market and the Art Nouveau district, and explore family-friendly spots like Mežaparks or the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
If you have more time, consider a day trip to Sigulda for castles and nature or Jurmala for a beach escape. Riga is compact and walkable, so you can experience a lot in just a few days without feeling rushed!
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Top 8 Riga Tourist Attractions
Like all my local travel guides, I researched multiple blogs and found what are said to be the best things to do in Riga, Latvia. Below are the top 8 Riga tourist attractions with Simona’s ratings and tips.
Explore Old Town Riga
Photo credit for both images: Simona Kisuro
Exploring the Old Town Riga should be on everyone’s agenda due to its blend of medieval charm and vibrant culture. It features cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and a rich history.
Here are some of the most popular attractions in Old Town.
St Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is an iconic landmark, known for its tower that offers panoramic views of Old Riga. It dates back to the 13th century with Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architectural styles.
Climb the tower to get a bird’s eye view of the city and take some fantastic photos!
To tour the church and tower you must buy tickets at the church. Adults are €9, children 8 – 18 years old are €3 and children 7 and under are free.
Dome Square And Riga Dome Cathedral
Dome Square is the largest square in Riga and surrounded by beautiful historic buildings like the Latvian Radio and Television house. Many open-air events are held here including the Christmas market.
At its center is the Riga Dome Cathedral which is the largest medieval church in the Baltic states. It’s known for its massive pipe organ and stunning interior.
It has an interesting history too. In 1991, it held a lot of Freedom Fighters and doctors who were fighting for the independence of Latvia.
You can also tour this grand church and climb the 217 steps to the top of the tower if you are interested; although, it is not an easy process. You must pre-book your tickets at least 3 days in advance via email.
For more details visit the Riga Dome Cathedral’s website.
House Of The Blackheads
The House Of The Blackheads in Old Town Riga was built in the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants. It was destroyed in WWII and reconstructed afterwards.
This beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architectural building is gorgeous to see from the outside.
If you are interested in the history and would like to take a tour of its luxurious interior, it is open from 10am – 5pm every day. You can rent an audio guide to learn about its history while you wander around the house.
Grab your tickets for the House Of The Blackheads here.
3 Brothers
While you are wandering Old Town Riga, stop for a photo op in front of the 3 Brothers.
3 Brothers is a trio of historic houses in Riga. Each showcases a different architectural style from the 15th to 17th centuries. They are the oldest residential buildings in the city and now house the Latvian Museum of Architecture.
There’s not much to see there, but it is a nice place for a picture and isn’t too far from Dome Square.
Swedish Gate
The Swedish Gate is the last remaining gate from Riga’s old city wall and was built in 1698 during the period of Swedish rule. According to legend, walking through the gate brings good luck!
There’s not much to see, so don’t go out of your way to see it. However, if you are in the area it is nice to visit. Might as well walk through and grab a little luck! 🙂
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Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument is one of the most important historical monuments in Latvia and honors soldiers that were killed during the Latvian War of Independence. It was built near Riga’s Old Town in 1935 and completely funded by donations from residents.
Visiting the Freedom Monument is one of the top things to see in Riga. Afterward, take a relaxing stroll through Bastejkalna Park and enjoy the peaceful green space in the heart of the city.
Latvian National Museum Of Art
The Latvian National Museum of Art is one of the most important art museums in Latvia and was the first building in the Baltics designed specifically for the needs of an art museum.
If you appreciate art, this museum is one of the best things to do in Riga, offering a mix of classic and contemporary Latvian masterpieces.
They also have interactive games which would be interesting for kids. The art exhibits rotate, so check out the Latvian National Museum of Art’s website to see what is being displayed during your trip.
Bonus Tip: On the last Sunday of the month, visitors can visit the museum’s permanent displays and the exhibition halls on the 2nd, 4th and 5th floors for free!
Explore The Art Nouveau District
The Art Nouveau District is a beautiful area of Riga to explore if you love architecture. These famous houses are gorgeous and have been renovated to their former glory.
These houses are all about the details. Slowly stroll down Alberta Street to see a high concentration of the stunning façades and take in all the unique elements.
You can also see more gorgeous buildings along Elizabetes and Strēlnieku Street which are in the same area.
If you want a personalized tour where you get learn more about the history of the Art Nouveau buildings. I would book one of these two highly rated tours:
- Riga: Art Nouveau highlights & Visit of Art Nouveau Museum
- Riga: 2-Hour History of Art Nouveau Walking Tour
Try Black Balsam
When visiting Latvia, you must try Black Balsam. This traditional Latvian beverage is made of many ingredients, 24 to be exact! Many of the ingredients are Latvian herbs.
It has quite a distinct flavor, yet you definitely have to try it. Simona recommends trying the black currant flavor.
You can enjoy this bitter neat or in a cocktail of your choice. Some good options are in a Latvian Old Fashioned or a Riga Mule. Ask your bartender for recommendations!
Central Market
The Central Market is one of the most visited places in Riga for good reason. This massive market opened in 1930 and holds several market pavilions with a diverse selection of Latvian products and handmade crafts. There are also small restaurants at the market where you can eat.
A great way to learn about Latvian food is to book a food tour. If you’d like a Latvian guide to take you through the market while you sample traditional local food, I would recommend booking this highly rated tour: Riga: Central Market Latvian Food Tour. Come hungry!
Museum Of The Occupation Of Latvia
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia offers a profound insight into Latvia’s tumultuous history under Soviet and Nazi occupations, providing a powerful reminder of resilience and the value of freedom.
In the museum you will see expositions about Latvia when it was under the Rule of the Soviet Union and National Socialist Germany from 1939 –1991. Additionally and most importantly, you will see the story of the stamina and spiritual strength that allowed the Latvian nation to renew the Latvian state and to rejoin the world community of independent countries.
Note: The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Tickets are €8 for adults, students are €3 and children 7 and under are free. Audio guides are available for €4.
Bonus Tip: The museum has free days throughout the year. For 2025, they are March 25, May 4, June 14, July 4 and November 18.
Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Latvia
If you want to see how Latvians lived historically, this is the place to visit. The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience traditional Latvian rural life.
Explore historic buildings, crafts, and cultural exhibits, all set in a picturesque natural environment. There are over 100 authentic historic buildings. In addition, you can watch artisans demonstrate weaving, pottery, blacksmithing and woodworking.
The nearby natural setting is also beautiful. Stroll along the scenic forested trails or enjoy a picnic by Juglas Lake.
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Additional Family-Friendly Activities – Riga Travel Guide
If you are traveling to Riga with kids, it’s nice to have a few family-friendly options to choose from. Here are Simona’s recommendations for few activities for kids in Riga.
Lido
For a fun place to eat with children, check out Lido at Krasta iela 76. This restaurant is also part amusement park for the kids in the summer months.
They have a large variety of food options, including Latvian dishes, so everyone will be sure to find something they love to eat.
Note: There are other Lido locations that are just restaurants in Riga. If you want to visit the one with the amusement park, you need to visit the Krasta iela 76 location.
Indoor Attractions
If you are looking for some indoor fun for the kids, we have a few different options for you. All three of these indoor playgrounds are a perfect way for kids to burn off their energy.
Motivate your kids to be good while sightseeing and head to one of these amazing fun spots for a reward.
Mežaparks And Riga Zoo
Mežaparks is Riga’s large green space and one of the best places to visit in Riga as a family. It is a place where you can relax in the woods with lots of activities such as minigolf, playgrounds, cafes, cycling, roller skating, swimming, and seeing concerts at the open-air stage.
The Riga Zoo is also located in Mežaparks. This internationally accredited zoo is one of the oldest in the Baltic states and a great place to take the kids.
Pro Tip: Check out the family ticket options to save money on admission!
Latvian National Museum Of Natural History
If you love a good natural history museum, you won’t want to miss the Latvian National Museum of Natural History.
It is a very good museum for families as there are so many interactive activities. It is also one of the oldest multi-disciplinary museums of natural sciences in the Baltics.
Keep in mind that it will probably take more than 2 hours to explore. Kids love it.
Visit The Chocolate Museum
If your family loves chocolate, the Laima Chocolate Museum is a must-visit in Riga! Located just a 15-minute walk from the city center on Miera Street, this interactive museum is a fun and delicious experience for all ages.
At the museum, your family can:
- Taste rich hot chocolate while learning about how it’s made.
- See raw ingredients up close and discover the differences between chocolate varieties.
- Explore the history of Laima’s iconic packaging and even design your own.
- Engage in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop where kids (and adults!) can craft their own treats to take home.
The museum is open daily except Mondays, making it an easy and flexible activity to add to your itinerary.
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Unusual Things To Do In Riga
Take A Canal Boat Or River Boat Cruise
One of the unique experiences we recommend in this Riga travel guide is taking a canal or riverboat cruise. These cruises offer a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to glide along the historic Riga Canal and the majestic Daugava River.
A riverboat tour is a fantastic way to see Riga from the water. Several options cater to different interests:
- Riga Panorama River Boat – A 1-hour panoramic tour of the Daugava River with views of Old Town, Riga Castle, and the National Library. You can even take the 2.5-hour Sunset Trip to the Sea Gate. Kids under 6 ride free!
- Jūrmala River Boat – Travel from Riga to Jūrmala, a seaside resort town known for its beaches. Perfect for a family day trip!
- Riga Mežaparks River Boat – Cruise from Riga to Mežaparks, a green oasis where you can explore nature and visit the Riga Zoo.
- Private Boat Tour Of Riga – Book this affordable and luxurious boat tour and see many amazing sites in Riga from the water.
Latvian Song And Dance Festival – Dziesmu Un Deju Svētki
Every 5 years Latvia puts on the Latvian Song And Dance Festival. It’s a magical event where you can see thousands of singers and dancers perform. This vibrant festival celebrates Latvian tradition and national pride.
This amazing cultural festival has many events. There is an opening ceremony, colorful parades, and over 60 concerts and performances throughout the 10-day festival.
The last festival was in 2023, so if you are interested in celebrating Latvian culture at the Song and Dance Festival, plan your trip to Riga for 2028.
Lucavsala Island
Lucavsala is a hidden gem in Riga and a very family-friendly attraction. This picturesque island in the Daugava River is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Enjoy a beautiful green space, hiking, cycling, scenic viewpoints and swimming. You will also find a playground for the kiddos and various concerts and events happen on the island throughout the summer.
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Day Trips Or Nearby Overnight Trips From Riga
Sigulda And Turaida Castle
Sigulda, often called “Little Switzerland” in Latvia, is a must-see destination near Riga.
The most beautiful time to visit is in autumn when the rolling hills filled with trees change to brilliant shades of orange, yellow and red.
Sigulda is packed with fun and adventure for all ages. Step back in time at the Castle of Sigulda and Turaida Castle, where you can explore medieval ruins and learn about Latvia’s rich history.
For a thrill, tackle the treetop obstacle course at Mežakaķis amusement park, or race down a bobsleigh and luge track—even in summer!
Soak in stunning views of the Gauja Valley on an aerial cable car or take it to the next level with a hot air balloon ride.
Prefer to stay on the ground? Hike through Gauja National Park’s scenic trails.
For an action-packed family day, Tarzāns Adventure Park is a must. It’s one of the largest in the Baltics and filled with climbing courses, zip lines, and rides.
Whether you’re exploring castles or chasing adrenaline, Sigulda is the perfect mix of history and adventure!
Jurmala
Jurmala is a fantastic city for a day trip from Riga if you are looking for some nature and a relaxing beach. It can be reached by train, car or a riverboat and is only about 30 minutes from the city.
Many travelers and Latvians will go to Jurmala in the summer to relax on the beach. With 24 kilometers of sandy shoreline, you will still be able to spread out!
If you are a beach volleyball fan, check out if a world tournament is happening in the area!
For adventurous travelers, Jurmala has many areas to explore.
The Dzintari Forest Park has a huge viewing tower to climb with multiple viewing platforms at various heights. You can also enjoy playgrounds, a skate park, cafes, and trails.
In the winter, the park is decorated in lights and is a magical place to take a walk.
Kemeri National Park and Ragakapa Nature Park are two scenic areas to take a hike.
If you are looking for a waterpark to splash around in, check out Līvu Akvaparks. This water park is one of the largest in Northern Europe with 20 slides, multiple pools, family recreation, a spa and a beach. This is sure to be a hit with the kids!
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Cesis – Castle And Nature Trails
A little under an hour and a half drive from Riga is an 800 year old castle. Cesis Castle was a mighty medieval Livonian fortress, but today it is the most impressive and best-preserved castle ruins in Latvia.
Besides visiting this really cool medieval castle, there are other interesting things to do in Cesis too such as enjoying a stroll in Castle Park, exploring the cobblestone streets of old town, taking a hike on the Cirulisi Nature Trails, and seeking out the black swans.
Saulkrasti
If you want to go to the beach, but don’t like being surrounded by people, then Saulkrasti is the place to go. Saulkrasti beach is roughly an hour from Riga and is a gorgeous shoreline with over 17 kilometers (10 miles) of sand and stone.
If you are feeling adventurous and want to see a picturesque view of the Gulf of Riga, visit White Dune, which is a tall, 18 meter high sand dune. At White Dune, you can also enjoy a 4km forest trail that stretches along the seashore.
Don’t miss watching a stunning sunset on the beach here in Saulkrasti!
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Rundāle Palace And Bauska
If you like palaces, then you need to add a visit to Rundale’s palace museum to your Riga itinerary. This beautiful palace in the southern part of Latvia is stunning and very well maintained.
It is especially nice to visit when the gorgeous rose gardens are in full bloom. Roses bloom throughout the summer starting in late May.
Combine a trip to the Rundāle Palace with a visit to Bauska. Bauska is most known for its castle.
Bauska’s castle is unique as it is part castle ruins and part renaissance palace built in the late 16th century. It is quite interesting to see the two sections side by side.
Līgatne Nature Trails
In between Sigulda and Cesis lies the Ligatne Nature Trails. These nature trails are special because you can safely view the wild animals of Latvia in a setting that is identical to their natural habitat.
The hiking trails are between 4-5 kilometers (2.5-3.1 miles) in length and usually take between 2-3 hours to complete.
In addition to the Līgatne nature trails, there are a couple of interesting things to do in Līgatne.
One activity is to visit the Līgatne Paper Mill where you can take a guided tour and learn about its rich and interesting history, paper production and how the mill created the city of Līgatne.
Also, you can visit a secret Soviet bunker, which was intended to serve as a shelter for Latvia’s Communist elite in case of a nuclear war.
Other Beautiful Cities Of Latvia To Visit
In addition to the top day trips from Riga listed above. A few other cities around Latvia stand out as areas worth visiting.
- Kuldīga – This charming city is known for having the widest natural waterfall in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved old town.
- Liepāja – This coastal gem on the west coast of Latvia is known for its rich history and seaside vibe. A beautiful beach lines one side of the city while a lake takes up the southside making it a nature lovers paradise. In addition, the city showcases Art Nouveau buildings and really beautiful churches.
- Ventspils – This picturesque city is filled with outdoor recreation and family fun! Choose between multiple swimming beaches, nature trails, a waterpark, an adventure park, interesting sightseeing, and more.
- Kolka – Kolka is where waves from two seas clash and thousands of birds migrate. In addition, this is where to begin a visit to Slitere National Park. Nature and adventurous travelers will love visiting Kolka.
- Ogre – This beautiful town on the River Ogre is filled with outdoor recreation options such as hiking and cycling. In addition to land activities, you can also get on the river and explore via kayak, SUP or paddle boat.
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Riga Restaurant Recommendations
Below are some yummy options to fill your belly that have been recommended by Simona.
Restaurants With A Remarkable View
- €€€ Koya Restaurant and Club
- €€ Restorāns Osta
- €€€ Fabrikas restorāns
- €€ Cabo Cafe – only open in the summer!
- €€ Herbary
Delicious Latvian Cuisine
- € Lido
- €€€ Ferma
- €€ Folk club ALA Pagrabs
- €€ Lokās Karbonādes
- €€ Lidojošā Varde
Top Breakfast Joints
- €€ Chambao Riga
- €€ Mr. Bunny Kitchen
- €€ Innocent Coffee Shop
- €€ Lowine
- €€ Annas Dārzs
Best Lunch
- €€ Vairāk Saules
- €€ Ganbei
- €€ Bāka
Notable Dinner
- €€ Andalūzijas Suns
- €€€ Meat Chef
- €€€ Portofino
- €€€€ Rivjera
Good Cheap Food
- € Lido
- € Ezītis Miglā
Also if you are tired or just do not want to go out, you can order food delivery with Bolt Food and Wolt.
Where To Stay In Riga, Latvia
The best place to stay while visiting Riga is the city center. A couple of other nice neighborhoods are Āgenskalns and Mežaparks.
Simona says to avoid the Sarkandaugava, Pļavnieki, and Purvciems neighborhoods and the areas behind Central Station or Central Market.
Best Hotels In Riga
Simona says that almost all of the hotels that are located in Old Riga are amazing, some with better views than others, but overall all great places to stay.
I looked up some reviews and listed the top-rated hotels for families in Old Town Riga:
- €€€ Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah
- €€€ Grand Palace Hotel
- €€ Pullman Riga Old Town
- € Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
- € Hestia Hotel Draugi
Another great place to stay is the Marriott hotel on Dzirnavu Street near the Art Nouveau Houses – € AC Hotel Riga
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