Things to do in Riga
Riga, Latvia's art nouveau-saturated capital on the Baltic Sea, delivers medieval charm, a buzzing food scene, and nightlife that rivals cities twice its size, all at prices that make Western Europe feel like a scam. Your euros and dollars stretch remarkably far here, with world-class museums, gorgeous architecture, and hearty meals rarely exceeding $10.
Why go to Riga
Riga Old Town (Vecrīga)
A UNESCO-listed labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, Gothic spires, and pastel merchant houses dating to the 13th century.
Alberta iela Art Nouveau District
The most concentrated stretch of Art Nouveau architecture on Earth, over 800 ornate facades that look like fantasy made stone.
Latvian National Museum of Art
A grand neoclassical palace housing centuries of Baltic and Latvian masterworks for just a few dollars entry.
Riga Central Market
Five colossal repurposed WWI zeppelin hangars packed with smoked fish, amber, black bread, and local produce, a feast for all senses.
House of the Blackheads
A jaw-dropping 14th-century guild house reconstructed in dazzling detail, with a gilded interior that photographs can't do justice.
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Good to know in Riga
- Transit: Riga's trams, trolleybuses, and buses cost around $1 per ride, buy an e-ticket card at any Narvesen kiosk to avoid cash surcharges.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 10% at sit-down restaurants is considered generous by local standards.
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Riga, skip the bottled water and save a few euros each day.
- Free-entry days: The Latvian National Museum of Art and several state museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
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