Riga Travel Guide: How Best to Visit Riga's Old Town
Last Updated: October 30, 2025
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Winter Wonderland or Summer Sun... When Will You Visit?
Are you deciding on where your next city break should be?
Hopefully, this Riga travel guide will throw Latvia's capital city firmly into the hat, as it has something most cities don't.
What's that? I hear you cry.
Riga is versatile and can mask as a picture-perfect winter wonderland, with scenes full of snow and colourful lights with the sound of joy, laughter and delight, whilst also delivering a knockout scent as the warming foods fill the chilly air of the Christmas markets.
Likewise, after the bright kaleidoscopic autumnal colours, summer springs to life, rose gardens, canal boat rides and lush green parks carpet the city. Furthermore, blue skies and the warm summer sun reign supreme over this once-snowy city.
In this article, I'll show you all the best things to do in Riga, including an unmissable day trip to Sigulda, the best place for a cup of tea and where to find all the food and drink you'll ever need.
This Riga travel guide has it all from my six-day winter wonderland trip in February 2024.
What's Riga, Lativa Like?
Riga centralises on the northern banks of the Daugava River amid the petit and playful medieval town, comprising of houses on the wonk, rickety rooflines and an unbelievably uneven maze of cobbled streets.
Imagine a child's drawing of an old toy town. Add bright, vibrant colours, and you'll be halfway to how astonishing Riga truly is. There's more charm and beauty here, in one city, than some countries can muster.
However, out of season, it's eerily quiet, but that adds to the enchantingness and playful old soul that Riga is. You could easily dance across the cobbles like no one is watching, and they won't be.
Nothing looks or feels real, and you start to feel young again.
Yet, history lurks around every corner, and stories get carried in on the breeze. The wonky old art nouveau buildings are architecturally superb. Each is more vivid, distinctive and grand than the last.
The remains of the old city walls puncture the ground in places before the city extends into a thin strip of green and colourful parklands dominated by the beautiful Pilsฤtas Kanฤl. From there, the vast expanse of Riga awaits with a more modern, greyer, dull-looking block-by-block setup.
In winter, this lush, green and colourful city becomes a hazy white fluffy blanket of snow. The blue skies and green shrubs die back, and the misty dark skies return. Lights from the buildings punch through, guiding you around the city like a lighthouse in the storm.
It's somewhere you have to see to believe.
How to Get To Riga, Latvia
Firstly, I'll assume you're flying into Riga.
Therefore, you will land at Riga Airport (RIX), roughly 6 miles (10 kilometres) southwest of the old town.
Getting to the old town couldn't be easier or cheaper. Exit the terminal, cross the three lanes of traffic via one of the many zebra crossings, and before you cross the next couple of lanes, you will see a bus stop called Lekรฃpลกana Embark.
Wait there for the number 22 bus, and hop on. The journey to the old town stop of Krastmala, on the river, takes roughly twenty-five minutes.
You also have two options on how to pay. Firstly, you can buy a ticket before getting on the bus for โฌ1.50 (ยฃ1.28) at the machine nearby or pay the driver by card, which weirdly costs โฌ1.81 (ยฃ1.55). For the return journey, buy a ticket before getting on the bus. Our driver didn't open his door or accept people to his counter.
Obviously, another option is a taxi, which will be much comfier and quicker, but you will pay a premium.
If you are already in Latvia and arriving by train, you will arrive at Rฤซga-Pasaลพieru on the eastern fringes of the old town, near the Central Market. From here, you can easily walk to the old town. Outside the station is a large underpass. Duck into it, and if you come out the right exit, you'll enter the old town. It should take less than five minutes.
Likewise, Riga Bus Station is just outside the Central markets on the eastern side of the old town, and a short two-minute walk will have you entering the old town.
Weirdly, as of February 2024, there are no direct trains between Riga and the nearest capital cities of Tallinn, Vilnius or Minsk.
Timing your Trip
How Long Should You Spend Visiting Riga, Latvia?
I love Riga and think it's beautiful. However, there isn't a lot to do.
So, that said, and in no way a slur on the city, you do not need more than three whole days. In fact, two whole days will be enough to see the city itself. Yet, you might want to take day trips, such as to the magical castles in Sigulda and Turaidas. Which, by the way, you do. Therefore, for each additional trip, add a day.
The Best Time Of The Year For Discovering Riga, Latvia
Again, this is a bit of a tricky one. Why? Because it entirely depends on you. Are you a fan of summer sun, greenery and colourful scented plants, or thick lashes of white snow? Likewise, you also have to remember Riga has, from what I've heard, a fantastic Christmas Market.
Either way, I went in mid-February, and the city was like a ghost town, very wet, and the snow disappeared while I was there. I cannot, hand on heart, recommend that time of year.
Therefore, this Riga travel guide suggests the best time to visit Riga is during the warmer months when the lush parks spring to life and the skies are blue and cloud-free... or during the exciting Christmas Markets and thick blankets of snow.
Just remember - Riga's summer school holidays are long - from the beginning of June to the end of August, so you may want to avoid that.
Where to Stay Whilst Visiting Riga
As you'd expect with any capital city, Riga is awash with accommodation.
Wherever you look, you'll find somewhere to stay. So much so that, in the off-season, you could arrive without a booking and still find somewhere to stay. The city is super quiet, which isn't surprising when you think the population is only around 620,000 and falling year after year.
Similarly, you'll find a massive variation in style, comfort, standards and price. Hence, there will be something to suit your expectations and needs. That said, Riga is not as cheap as it used to be.
As to the question of which is the best location to stay in Riga?
Stay on the eastern side of the river, ideally somewhere within the old town whereย if a building isn't a bar or restaurant, it's probably a hostel, hotel or apartment.
After all, this is where the action, nightlife and all the best things to do in Riga are.
So, let's look at the only place I've stayed in Riga and now thoroughly recommend in this Riga travel guide.
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
- What: Stylish hotel and spa.
- Where: On the southeast corner of the old town, overlooking the Daugava River. (map)
- Why: The hotel is in a great location and is fantastic value for money. Plus, it's super cosy, clean and tidy.
- Why Not: A hostel dorm will be cheaper.
With cracking views over the river, the central markets or the old town, the Wellton Riverside is the perfect place to stay in Riga. Furthermore, it's only a two minutes' walk from the airport bus stop. That's a cheeky win when you have all those bags to carry.
Once inside, the Wellton is clean, stylish and has everything you need to relax.
Friendly staff at the reception are on hand twenty-four-seven and know the city inside out. There's a great bar, restaurant and, of course, their pride of joy, the superior spa.
Likewise, the rooms are bright, warm, clean and super cosy. Like the rooms, the bathrooms are well-equipped, and my shower was one of the best I've ever enjoyed in a hotel.
Finally, the location... It's right in the fun zone. You can be anywhere within the old town within minutes. However, once back in your room, you won't know it. It's peaceful...
In Feb 2024, I paid โฌ350.20 (ยฃ299.31) for two people for five nights. I think you'll agree that that's an absolute steal at around ยฃ30 per person per night.
Further Accommodation
As always, you don't have to jump into my bed.
There are plenty of places to stay. Below are three links to accommodation in Riga, and between them, they should cover just about every style and price you could wish for.
If you want fun, friendly and cheap, with group activities thrown in, then click the Hostelword link.
Yet, if you are visiting Riga as a group and want your own space, check out the Airbnb button below.
Of course, if it's hotels and picking up those genius points you're after, then it's Booking.com for you.
No matter what you go for, I'd be interested to hear about where you stay and what you think of it. Please drop me a comment at the bottom of this Riga travel guide.
Best Things to do in Riga, Latvia
As mentioned, the old town is the central hub for all the best things to do in Riga.
And... luckily, unless you get lost within the maze of cobbled streets, you can easily walk from one side of it to the other within fifteen minutes. Furthermore, much of the old town is pedestrianised, which makes it even easier and safer to wander about.
Once you leave the comfort of the narrow streets, old buildings and crazy rooftops, numerous trams, buses, trolleybuses (buses with electrical hookups to the wires above), and taxis crisscross the city and are reliable and cheap. They will take you wherever you decide to go should you find something to do further afield.
Truthfully, your time in Riga will not be spent doing things. Riga is all about walking around, exploring and taking in the exquisite architecture of the old town. No two buildings are the same, and I think that's beautiful. Alongside my list below, don't forget to check out some of these buildings, including the Three Brothers, the square of Lฤซvu Laukums and the buildings within the square on Tirgonu iela.
I spent six days in Riga, and if there is a cobble I didn't trip over, then it's not worth tripping over, so let me and this Riga travel guide talk you through the weird and wonderful on offer in Riga.
If you require further information or have any random questions, don't forget to slide into my DM's on Instagram. I'm always happy to help.
Discovering Riga, Latvia: The Highlights
- Take in the views of Riga from St Peter's Church Tower
- Explore the House of the Black Heads
- Experience a Cup of Tea Like Never Before at Tejo - Yes, I'm British.
- Dive into the Central Market for a Tasty Treat
- Relax Along the River Amid the Parks and Gardens
- Visit one or two of Riga's Weird and Wonderful Museums
- Jump on a Bus for a Day Trip to the Castles of Sigulda and Turaida
Take in the views of Riga from St Peter's Church Tower
- Why: From the top, you'll have 360ยฐ views of Riga.
- Where: Nestled in the old town near the House of the Black Heads. (map)
- How long: Spend forty-five minutes in the church and aloft the tower.
- How much: OK, so it's not the best news. Entry to the church and tower will costย โฌ9 (ยฃ7.70) per person.
St Peter's Church is sublime.
Whether you're religious or not, the architecture, grandeur and appeal have to be respected. Yet, the thing I like most about St Peter's is that whilst it is all of these things, it is not over-the-top lavish as you would see in other churches.
It's impressive in its simplicity.
Once you've explored the church, head up some stairs to the lift, and you'll be flung like a jittery cannonball into the atmosphere above the beautiful city of Riga.
At the top, you'll stand nearly eighty meters over Riga, with the tower soaring a further thirty or so meters into the sky above.
From the platform, you'll have insane 360ยฐ views of Riga, looking over the mishmash of colourful and crooked rooftops and buildings below.
Explore the House of the Black Heads
- Why: The Blackheads, as it turns out, are a rather interesting bunch. Plus, look at that architecture. Wow!
- Where: In Rฤtslaukums square next to the Museum of Occupation of Latvia within the old town. (map)
- How long: An hour should suffice.
- How much: A remarkably reasonable โฌ7 (ยฃ5.98) per person.
To be open and honest, I'll say that before landing in Riga, I'd never heard of the Black Heads. So, having noticed the painstakingly striking buildings, I had to discover a little more about them.
It turns out I wasn't alone in not hearing about them, but once inside, you are taken on a tale of the Black Heads. How they started, who they were, what they did, what powers and influences they had over people and even governments, and where they are today.
Honestly, it was, for something I had never heard of, an engaging tale.
Without spoiling the surprise, you plunge underground, where you discover the early days and hear about the people involved and what sort of life they led. Then, you're shown some of the silver the Black Heads amassed and how they came to collect it before moving up to the first floor, where you can admire the lavish, peaceful rooms and imagine what has happened within these walls.
This tour is a must during your visit to Riga.
Experience a Cup of Tea Like Never Before at Tejo
- Why: Insanely goodย tea, beautiful settings and an acoustic soundtrack to die for whilst overlooking the canal.
- Where: On the enchanting banks of the Pilsฤtas kanฤls within Bastejkalna Parks. (map)
- How long: I could have happily spent hours here. In reality, give yourself an hour to sit back and enjoy.
- How much: A pot of tea costs between โฌ5-7 (ยฃ4.27-ยฃ5.98). Cakes and other tasty treats vary.
I have found my calling, and it's here at Tejo Tea House.
I know I'm biased, as I love a good cuppa, but Tejo takes a great cuppa to a whole new level. Tea is not simply something you drink. Oh no, it's now an experience.
Imagine being curled up on a sofa overlooking the canal, snug and warm within the captivating and gorgeous wooden framed structure, overflowing with greenery and plants with a pot of tea.
What can be better?
Oh, yeah, they also have a relaxing acoustic cover album gently caressing you in the background. Well, my friends, this is paradise.
With numerous flavours and types of tea for whatever mood you're in, they have it here. Sleepy tea, tick. Energetic tea, tick. Concentration tea, tick. Hallucinogenic tea, tick. I'm not joking, but it isn't drugs. It's only tea.
Add in a few sticky desserts, and you have Tejo Tea House.ย This is my Riga travel guide number one thing to do in Riga.
Dive into the Central Market for a Tasty Treat
- Why: If you can imagine it and want to buy it, you'll find it here.
- Where: On the banks of the Daugava River, east of the old town, next to the bus station. (map)
- How long: Give yourself an hour to explore Riga Central Markets properly. They're huge.
- How much: Free to look around. However, it depends on what catches your eye and how good yourย haggling skills are.
I'm not going to teach you to suck eggs.ย It's a market selling food, drink, handmade goods, flowers and anything that doesn't fit into those categories. Furthermore, there are restaurants and food courts, should you get peckish, and I'm sure if you're like me - you will.
Riga Central Market holds the record for being the most extensive central market in Europe. Once home to the humongous German Zeppelins.
Nevertheless, for me, it cannot rival the central markets of Barcelona or Madrid in Spain. However, it still packs an aromatic punch as you meander through the fragrant smells swaying from flowers to fresh fruit onto fish and meat before turning into a scented smell of leather that could rival a Moroccan tannery.
You could get lost, but that wouldn't be a bad thing.
Keep your eyes on your bags and belongings. Pickpockets use the market as a tourist finder app. I had to give a couple the old "I can see you, now fuck off" look.
Relax Along the River Amid the Parks and Gardens
- Why: The sounds of trees and views of the canals and parklands are great for the soul.
- Where: There are numerous throughout Riga. The best of which is Bastejkalna Park and Canal. (map)
- How long: Walk the length of the canal. Perhaps stop in Tejo Tea House and walk back. Two hours, maybe?
- How much: Walking is free, but many things may catch your eye, such as a canal boat ride (in the summer).
Whatever the weather, be it snow or sun, the canal and parks of Riga are somewhere you should enjoy during your visit.
If you visit Riga in the winter, as I have in this Riga travel guide, expect frozen winter wonderland scenes: icicles falling from the bridges, the canal frozen solid with the cheeky footprints of those who dare cross it, and the dark, almost lifeless, looming trees overhead.
Snow builds on the ground where once the green, green grass flourished, yet the pathways remain clear and mainly ice-free.
It's clean and refreshing. Yet, you will need that tea stop.
However, a few months later, the butterfly that is Riga transforms. Leafy trees, colourful scented rose gardens, flowers and meadows of greenery crawl through the open spaces. The canal runs free from ice, the birds return to swimming rather than sliding, and boat rides carry happy faces once again.
Get back to nature, relax and enjoy the freedom, free from pollution.
Visit one or two of Riga's Weird and Wonderful Museums
- Why: Some of the museums are fascinating and will blow your mind.
- Where: Dotted across the city. Most are within a twenty-minute walk from the old town.
- How long: It truly depends on which museum and how interested you are in the exhibits.
- How much: Again, it depends on which museums.
Museums are there to teach us about life, art, history, nature, people and even science. Often they are intriguing, occasionally exciting, sometimes dull as shite... Here in Riga, the museums are all of these. Uniquely, they are also darn right weird.
Never before have I been to so many weird and random museums in one place. Nevertheless, they all have one thing in common. They all have cloakrooms, and you're expected to hang your coats and put your bags in lockers before enjoying the exhibits.
So, let me talk you through which museums in Riga you should see and which you shouldn't.
The museums
Let's start with the miniature, and unique in every way, Ritums, Kultลซras un Tautas mฤkslas Centrs.ย This one-room museum tells the story of Riga folk law with the madest costumes, pictures and masks. It's weird as hell, but if you're looking for something different and cheap to fill fifteen minutes, this is it. Location. Price: โฌ1.
Staying with the weird and wonderful - it's time to visit Paula Stradiลa medicฤซnas vฤstures muzejs. Here, you'll discover the whacky world of the history of medicine. Everything from the black death to dentistry awaits, along with a few unexpected exhibits, such as a space monkey, a two-headed dog and an insight into some of the ideas and thoughts people once had about merging animal and human body parts. Location. Price: โฌ2.50.
Other more usual museums are available,ย such as the Latvian War Museum, which is an absorbing, well-laid-out display of past conflicts, the weapons and the stories of those involved. The exhibition is over many floors, so brace yourself. Location. Price: free.
The Corner Houseย explores the dark and mysterious world of the KBG. Location. Price:โฌ15.ย
Finally, the Latvian National Museum of Art. Sadly, the art wasn't exactly great. In some spots, the art was weird, possibly a talking point, but in others, it was just pure rubbish. This was an overpriced disappointment. Don't waste your money. Location. Price: โฌ8.
Jump on a Bus for a Day Trip to the Castles of Sigulda and Turaida
- Why: Without sounding like Ed Sheeran, there are castles on the hill. Ancient ones in the forests. Why wouldn't you?
- Where: An hour and ten minutes northeast of Riga (by bus or train). (map)
- How long: A day trip means a day.
- How much: The Bus one way from Riga costs โฌ2.60. Entry to Sigulda Old Castle costs โฌ2.50. The return bus to Turaida Castle from Sigulda costs โฌ1.40, with the castle costing โฌ3.50. Finally, the train back to Riga costs โฌ2.10. Total, minus food, is an incredible โฌ12.10.
The Castles
Whilst I don't like blogging about attractions in another city, this day trip is phenomenal and worthy of your time. Therefore, I've put it in this Riga travel guide.
Sigulda is a remarkably pretty little town surrounded by forest, mountains, the meandering Gauja River and, during the winter - plenty of snow. It's traditional, yet still one of the most sought-after cities to live in Latvia.
However, there is far more to it than that. There's history, stories and, more importantly, the castles from the thirteenth century to explore.
Within the grounds of Sigulda Castle, you can roam at your leisure for free. You'll discover numerous landmarks, shops, workshops, a new modern Sigulda castle (โฌ4.50 entry fee - Not worth it) and cafes.
However, if you want to check out the old castle, which you should, you will have to pay โฌ2.50. Cross the drawbridge and discover remains of a watch tower and outer walls, which you can walk around. Again, both have sublime views over the forest canopy. Just keep a watch for bears and other wild animals.
However, the piรจce de rรฉsistance to this day trip has to be the exquisite grounds of the Turaida Museum Reserve, which includes Turaida Castle. While easy to find off the main road, the grounds cover vast parklands and the wilderness within the forest. Hidden within are a collection of exhibits, an old Latvian village, history, the castle, sculptures and other outstanding artefacts and views over the river.
Spend most of the day here as there is lots to see and do.
Where to Eat in Riga, Latvia
Riga isn't known for its food, and having scoured the city, I can understand that.
Nevertheless, that doesn't mean you can't find it because there's great food out there. You merely have to search for it.
Many of the traditional dishes involve warming foods and large portions. Both are right up my street. However, they also tend to involve bread, meat, fish and or cheese. If you're veggie or vegan, you might struggle during your visit. Although fear not, ye shall not starve. I've got you covered.
If throwing down a knuckle of pork doesn't worry you. I hear you. You shall feast well.
A couple of local dishes to experience during your visit to Riga include:
The national 'stewed' dish of Pelฤkie zirลi ar speฤทi. Made of smoked ham and fried onions and peas. Delicious.ย
And... Karbonade, a type of pork chop, which can occasionally be breaded to make a type of schnitzel, often served with the Latvian favourite, sauerkraut.
With that said, let's dive head first into the food section of this Riga travel guide.
Breakfast and Brunch
Booch
- What: Simple vegan (plant-based) breaky, brunchy, lunchy cafe.
- Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday: 9am to 3pm.
- Where: A twenty-minute walk northeast of the old town, on the corner of Aleksandra Caka and Gertrลซdes. (map)
- How much: The Skฤbmaize Ar Avokado, a cuppa and a fruit smoothy for a banging โฌ18.50 (ยฃ15.85). (menu)
I cannot lie. Stepping into this small underground cafe was nice, but it didn't excite and thrill as some restaurants do. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was classy, but in a simple, chic way.
White-washed bricks, bookcases and counter, a small splash of colour and lots of vegan-based cookbooks.
Nevertheless, when the food came out, it was the complete opposite. Loud, proud, bold and as colourful as the Rio Carnival. If the lettuce could samba, it would have. Even the salad was full of flavour. It was out of this world.
Honestly, this is hands down the best vegan food I've had. Frankly, it's easy to see why the Booch Cafe has a five-star review on almost every review page.
I am not veggie or vegan. But this place still gets my recommendation for serving some of the best food in Riga.
Kozy Eats
- What: Another vegan hangout with style and flavours to die for.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm. (6pm Sundays).
- Where: Likewise, it's a short walk northeast of the Old Town, between Booch and the Vฤrmane Gardens. (map)
- How much: The above-pictured rice stir fry in gyudon sauce and a cup of tea was โฌ14.40 (ยฃ12.33). (menu)
When style, class and insane flavours meet, they come here.
Whilst I've put Kozy Eats under the brunch/ lunch section, it would also happily slide into an evening meal location. It just so happens I went for a late brunch and loved it.
Whatever that gyudon sauce is, it blew my mind. It was like nothing I had had before and took me back to living in Asia. Despite being another vegan hangout, you could have fooled me. The flavours and texture were as if meat was hiding within the succulent pile of noodles.
With larger-than-life characters serving fresh, colourful, bold and flavoursome meals with a smile. What is not to love?
Furthermore, I thought the setting was fantastic too. The whole vibe has been thought through and gives off a sense of calmness and relaxation as you enjoy your meal.
Everything about Kozy Eats makes me want to return.
Main Meals
Garaza
- What: Essentially, it's a sports bar that takes you on a journey. You'll understand when you visit.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11am to midnight. (2am Friday and Saturday and 11pm on Sundays).
- Where: Near the Swedish gate and less than a five-minute walk north of Riga Cathedral. (map)
- How much: Two starters, two mains and four beers cost a very reasonable โฌ70 (ยฃ59.65). (menu)
Considering this bar is small, geared for sports and a full-on session, I was shocked to discover a world of incredible food.
Firstly, I will warn you that the portions are massive and much more filling than the images portray. But that's a good thing, right?
Secondly, the flavours and textures of the potato and chicken were perfect, juicy, soft and melt in the mouth. The vegetables had a crunch, and the mushroom sauce complemented every mouthful.
Pure heaven on a plate.
However, the real surprise is the unique decor, seating arrangement and style of the bar/ restaurant. Every table, bar stool or booth takes you on a journey. For example, the booths are like train carriages with windows into the wilderness. The bar stools are motorbikes. One table even has bucket racing car seats. Frankly, it's mad.
So when combining that with a screen showing basketball and other sports and a bar so stocked it could wipe out Aerosmith, you wouldn't expect one of the best meals I had in Riga. Yet, that's exactly what I had.
Having loved the atmosphere in Garaza so much, I went back during the day for drinks. Even if you visit just for drinks, Garaza is a must during your trip to Riga.
Rozengrals
- What: A medieval castle with large plates of traditional foods.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, midday to 11pm (11:30pm Friday to Sunday).
- Where: On the side street of Krฤmu between the Cathedral and Riga City Hall. (map)
- How much: Two meals, including this pork shank, and four beers cost โฌ75 (ยฃ64). (menu)
OK, get ready for this one.
Once you enter through the large arched wooden door and descend the staircase, you enter a medieval castle. Even the waiters and waitresses dress in costumes of the time. One even had a sword.
The tables are large and wooded as I assume (I don't know, I wasn't there) they would have been back in the medieval period. The vast arches loom above, with dim lighting and candles flickering throughout. Vast stone water vases take their spot on the floor as huge family crests don the walls.
Everything has been meticulously planned and prepped, and this passion for perfection continues with the food. The pork knuckle was succulent, melt-in-the-mouth delicious, and when mixed with the sauerkraut and other tasty dressings, it was divine.
If you don't eat here at Rozengrals, you are missing out on more than an exceptional, mostly traditional meal. You're missing out on a food experience.
The Stage by Two More Beers
- What: Small glass house with a stage, occasional live music and epic decor.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, midday to 11pm (2am Friday and Saturday).
- Where: Within a beautiful square in the heart of the old town, next to Lฤซvu Laukums. (map)
- How much: A good-sized burger and chips with a massive stein of beer costs around โฌ22.10 (ยฃ18.92). (menu)
If super cool and friendly, with great vibes, is your thing, then look no further than The Stage at Two More Beers. The staff are great, the atmosphere is buzzing and as for the decor, well, you take a look and not smile. I dare you.
The beers flow in steins (smaller options are available, as are bigger ones), and the name of the game is to relax.
As for the food, it's a relatively simple list of snacks, salads, soups, burgers and steak, but sometimes these warming and comforting foods are just what you need.
While none of these options, especially burgers and chips, may sound like 'local' or 'traditional' cuisine, they appear in many shapes and sizes on every menu. Which I guess makes it a local favourite.
I admit I'm a bit of a burger fiend, and having tried a few in Riga, this was by far the best.
Therefore, if you are up for a laugh and comforting food, you should come here. Likewise, if you want to listen to live music and have a few beers, The Stage will be rocking on weekends. Get your groove on.
Where to Party in Riga
Firstly, I visited in February when the drizzly rain ran almost constantly from dawn to dusk, and the temperatures plummeted to around zero.
Nevertheless, after booking my trip to Riga, everyone told me about the wild nights and crazy party scenes that awaited.
So when I found a ghost town (day and night), I was a bit disappointed. Of course, it was out of season. Maybe I might have been unlucky. Who knows? But I'm coming back in the summer to find out.
After a few days, admittedly mostly midweek, I was in a bar, and other than the two of us, the only other person was the girl serving us. So I asked her where these wild nights I'd heard and read about were. She told us that the party in Riga doesn't start until 1am and typically finish around 5-6am.
Hence, over the next few nights, we made a point of going to a few bars at 1am. Albeit, there was nothing I'd describe as wild.
However, there are more bars in Riga's old town than you could ever dream of visiting. For this reason, I think summer must be buzzing to keep them all profitable. Wherever you go, you'll find a cool and unique bar. Some of which I have listed below.
If you like to try new things when you go somewhere, Riga is famous for two types of drinks. Black balsam, which tastes like a medicine your nan gave you back in the day, and cherry flavour alcohol drink called Lviv liqueur. Again, it's not to my taste, but you should try it.
Finally, as for safety, I found the old town of Riga to be incredibly safe at all times, so that shouldn't put you off letting your hair down.
NoSaints
- What: A fun, friendly and cosy hidden cocktail bar.
- Where: Concealed down some steps under a block of flats on Teฤtra Street just south of the National Opera House. (map)
Despite being tricky to find, this tiny little cave-like bar is my favourite in Riga.
In brief, it looks incredible, feels like you're part of a secret club, and has some of the friendliest and most fun staff. Furthermore, their cocktails are insanely good.
Magical lighting, classic artwork and stylish design give NoSaints a touch of class the other bars lack.
Plus, you get free nuts and olives. I mean, it feels like you're cheating at life.
If you don't follow this Riga travel guide's advice and go to Nosaints for a cocktail, you will be missing out.
Black Magic
- What:ย A delicious chocolate specialist who also throws together a cracking cocktail.
- Where: In the heart of the old town, near The Stage By Two More Beers. (map)
When you enter, it appears to be like any other chocolate shop, only an upper-class one. Nevertheless, there is far more to Black Magic than just chocolate. Although you should order some, they're delicious.
When you sit down and read the menu, you realise the chocolate shop is just a front for a cosy and comfy cocktail bar.
Black Magic is the best place in Riga to try Black Balsam, as they seem to put it in almost every cocktail. On the whole, it isn't for me. The taste was too overpowering, but I'm glad I tried it, as I think trying the local delicacies is an important part of travelling.
Ultimately, Black Magic is a cracking little place with cocktails, great vibes, friendly staff, and numerous tasty little treats to help you through your day.
Skyline Bar
- What:ย Fancy cocktail venue on the 26th floor overlooking Riga.
- Where: On top of the Radisson Blu next to the Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral.ย (map)
Sky bars are becoming more and more popular with locals and tourists alike. Riga now boasts the Skybar, overlooking the old town and the more modern parts of the city.
Riga's Skybar is stylish, elegant and charming, and worth visiting purely for the views, which, even from the toilets, are phenomenal. It's something you have to experience whilst visiting Riga.
Yet, despite the charm, charisma and beautiful views, I can't help thinking that you could get two cocktails in the old town for the price of one up here.
Are the views worth that? Only you can decide.
All in all, it's got to be worth one cocktail, right?
Garaza
- What:ย A fully-stocked sports bar with a travel twist.
- Where: Near the Swedish gate and less than a five-minute walk north of Riga Cathedral. (map)
Another of my favourites now as we return for the second instalment in this Riga travel guide to Garaza.
Given that I had an exceptional meal the night before, I wanted to experience the drinking side of Garaza. And I'm glad I did.
They have more local beers on offer than any other bar we visited and had a staggering selection of whisky, rum, gin, brandy, vodka, and tequila. The list is endless.
There was sport on the TV, the seats were all unique and told a story, and the atmosphere was buzzing, as it was the night before.
Overall, it was probably the busiest bar in Riga, with a lively atmosphere and lots of laughter.
The Armoury
- What: Wild Gun Club turned bar with games.
- Where: On the eastern side of the old town on the crossroads of Alksnฤja and Vecpilsฤtas. (map)
This is a first for me and Far Out.
Within the bar area, there are more guns and other killing devices strewen across the floor and walls than there are beers, and there are a lot of them.
The Armoury has numerous craft beers and a fantastic selection of other drinks behind the bar.
Obviously, every gun in the bar is decommissioned and can no longer fire anything. Hence, you can pick them up and play with them.
The staff are friendly and happy to help with any questions you might have about the weapons.
In essence, it is one of the most unique bars I have ever visited. After all, how many times have you been to a bar, been able to play with guns one minute and then pop downstairs and play table football?
Ogle
- What: Large bar with a pub vibe.
- Where: Next to St Peters Church on the corner of Kalku and Skลซnu.ย (map)
In contrast to the other bars on my list, OGLE is what you'd expect. There are no guns, no hidden entrances to discover and no secret black balsam cocktails out the back.
OGLE is a simple yet stylish bar serving local beers and classic bar meals in a beautiful environment.
There is sport on the TV if you're sitting at the bar, but I couldn't and wouldn't describe OGLE as a sports bar.
In truth, I wouldn't come here for the food, but if you're looking to quench your thirst, you'll always find a great atmosphere here.
Is Exploring Riga Safe?
In truth, Riga felt like one of the safest cities I've ever been to.ย However, as with any city in Europe, especially a capital city, crime can happen.
Riga is home to around a third of the population of Latvia. Therefore, it is the hub of crime in Latvia. Yet, the chances of you experiencing anything, especially being a victim of crime, are remarkably low. A simple vigilance check from time to time should solve any issues or worries you may have.
Furthermore, numerous police patrol the city day and night.ย You cannot go more than two or three streets without seeing a police officer.
As mentioned, if you are at the central markets or a major transport hub, where crowds gather, keep an eye on your belongings. Other than that, enjoy the city and make the most of every second you have in Riga.
In reality, the greatest danger to you in the city comes with the freezing winter temperatures. If you're not wearing adequate clothing or prepared for the weather, you could easily catch hypothermia. Similarly, you don't want to run off drunk and get discovered a few days later when the snow thaws.
Likewise, you genuinely don't want to try and cross the rivers and canals when the ice forms. I know the locals do, but they know when and where is safe to do so. Don't risk falling in. If you do, please don't tell anyone you read my Riga travel guide.
Finally, with the snow, rain, and freezing temperatures comes ice. Whilst the city is fantastic at clearing the pathways and pavements, occasionally there are patches of ice. Keep an eye out, and you'll have a thoroughly safe time in Riga.
Leave a comment
Congratulations. You made it through this Riga travel guide. Firstly, good effort, and secondly, thank you.
I hope it's been beneficial in helping you plan your trip to Riga and hopefully answered some questions, such as when are you going to visit, Summer or Winter?
If you have used this Riga travel guide and found it helpful, please drop me a comment at the bottom. Likewise, if you've been and think I'm missing something, let me know in the comments below.
I loved the city and hope you find it as intriguing, weird and wonderful as I did.
Enjoy the city, and if you have any further questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram.
Cheers.
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