12 Best Things To Do in Riga, Latvia

The best things to do in Riga range from strolling among medieval spires and cobblestone lanes to admiring the world’s richest collection of Art Nouveau facades. Over 700 ornate buildings are adorned with mythological creatures, feminine forms, and floral motifs.

Despite being Europe’s largest city in the 13th century, Latvia’s modern capital remains walkable. Wander from the UNESCO-listed Old Town’s colorful guildhalls to the bustling Central Market, where five massive zeppelin hangars now house vendors selling smoked fish, black balsam liqueur, and hand-knitted wool socks.

We’ve curated this guide through our personal visits and consultations with travel experts. Riga is the cultural crossroads where Germanic, Nordic, Russian, and Baltic influences converge.

From climbing St. Peter’s Church tower for panoramic views of the Daugava River to sampling Latvian cuisine, our recommendations take you through a city that balances its Hanseatic League heritage with its post-Soviet renaissance.

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Highlights at a Glance

Here are three top-rated Riga hotels:

Luxury Hotel: Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World has elegant rooms with heated bathroom floors and a 24-hour gym. It is located in Riga’s Old Town, steps from Riga Castle and Doma Square.
Mid-Range Hotel: Pullman Riga Old Town offers modern rooms with luxury amenities in a unique 18th-century horse stable setting, featuring a rooftop terrace and spa facilities.
Budget Hotel: Aston Hotel Riga has modern, air-conditioned rooms, a rooftop terrace, and on-site dining. It is conveniently located near Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral and the Latvian National Museum of Art.

Here are three things not to miss in Riga:

Go on an Old Town walking tour – This is an excellent way to learn more about Riga’s history.
Visit Riga Cathedral – Riga Cathedral is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.
Explore the Corner House – The Corner House is one of Riga’s most historic attractions.

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If you’re in Riga, which activity screams ‘I’m living my best tourist life’ the most?

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Best Things To Do in Riga, Latvia Explore the Corner House

Explore the Corner House 1/5

Visit Riga Cathedral 2/5

Best Things To Do in Riga, Latvia Go On an Old Town Walking Tour

Go On an Old Town Walking Tour 3/5

Best Things To Do in Riga, Latvia Have Fun at the Apollo Skypark Bumper car

Have Fun at the Apollo Skypark 4/5

Cheapest Places To Visit in Europe Riga, Latvia

Photograph the House of the Black Heads 5/5

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Explore the Corner House

3 7

Visit Riga Cathedral

5 5

Go On an Old Town Walking Tour

3 7

Have Fun at the Apollo Skypark

3 7

Photograph the House of the Black Heads

6 4

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Go on an Old Town Walking Tour

Riga’s Old Town is the most popular thing to see in the Latvian capital. This historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It has many popular attractions and breathtaking buildings, such as St. Peter’s Church and the Town Hall Square.

It’s also an excellent place to people-watch, buy souvenirs, and enjoy a meal and a drink. However, the best way to experience the Old Town is on a walking tour, where you can discover more of its history with the guidance of an expert.

Luckily for us, Riga offers a free Old Town walking tour. The tour starts at St. Peter’s Church at 10:00, 12:00, and 15:00 and lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Free Old Town Walking Tour: The free tour departs from St. Peter’s Church at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM and lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to meet the guide and secure your spot. While the tour is free, a tip of €5–€10 per person is customary and appreciated.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the Old Town’s cobblestone streets can be uneven. After the tour, head to Rozengrāls, a medieval-themed restaurant, to enjoy traditional Latvian food and soak in medieval decor. It’s a short walk from Town Hall Square.

Visit Riga Cathedral

The Cathedral, which opened in 1211, is an iconic structure and the seat of the Archbishop of Riga. It’s easily one of Latvia’s most recognizable landmarks.

Interestingly, it’s also one of the Baltic region’s oldest and largest sacred buildings. The cathedral’s architecture combines Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. Its best feature is a 210-foot (64-meter) tall spire.

However, despite the cathedral’s remarkable exterior, most of the action is inside. Riga Cathedral features a grand organ with over 6,700 pipes, vibrant stained glass windows, and stunning works of art.

The cathedral’s tower has an observatory with beautiful city views.

The Grand Organ: One of Europe’s most famous and largest pipe organs, it boasts over 6,700 pipes and is known for its magnificent sound. Check the schedule for organ concerts, which are a must-see.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll around Doma Square, where you’ll find charming cafes and street performers. Grab a table at Osiris or Shot Cafe nearby for a drink while soaking in the historic atmosphere.

Explore the Corner House

The Corner House is a historic tourist attraction. It was the Soviet KGB’s headquarters in Latvia between 1940 and 1941 and 1944 and 1991. Today, the former headquarters offers an insight into the horrific mistreatment of Latvian citizens.

The Corner House was a place of incarceration and interrogation. Although official numbers are unknown, it’s believed that over 45,000 people passed through the Corner House during the Soviet occupation.

You can explore jail cells, dungeons, interrogation rooms, and offices at The Corner House, open daily from 10:00 to 17:30.

Opening Hours: The Corner House is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last tour starting around 4:30 PM. Plan your visit early to allow enough time for the full tour experience and explore the exhibitions thoroughly.
Respect the Atmosphere: The Corner House holds significant historical and emotional weight. While photography is sometimes allowed, follow the directives from the guides and maintain respectful silence in more solemn areas.

Photograph the House of the Black Heads

The House of the Black Heads is a breathtaking 14th-century property in the Old Town and one of Riga’s most beautiful buildings. The building was originally a warehouse.

However, it’s famously known for being used by the legendary Brotherhood of Blackheads, an association of unmarried shop owners, merchants, and foreigners in Riga. The best place to photograph the House of the Black Heads is from the front.

That way, you can photograph its gorgeous, bright orange facade, which features sculptures, spires, and a beautiful Gothic design. You can also photograph the luxurious halls, medieval cellars, and grand meeting rooms inside. The interior is so elegant that people have photoshoots inside.

Admission and Hours: Entry to the House of the Black Heads costs €8 ($8.60) for adults. The building is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last entrance is allowed 30 minutes before closing.
Best Photography Spots: Stand directly in front of the building in Town Hall Square for the most iconic shot. Visit in the morning or late afternoon when the light beautifully highlights the bright orange and white Gothic architecture.

Have Fun at the Apollo Skypark

The Apollo Skypark is a four-story entertainment center that offers endless fun for younger children and teenagers. It has many exciting activities, including laser tag, bumper cars, and play areas.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the trampoline park, which claims to be the largest trampoline area in Europe. It has two trampoline fields, basketball trampoline courts, and interactive game areas. Meanwhile, the children’s amusement park features several slides.

Entry to the Apollo Skypark entertainment area costs €10 ($10.40) to €16 ($16.60), but parents can pay just €2 ($2.10) for a companion ticket.

Entry and Pricing: Tickets for Apollo Skypark range from €10 to €16 ($10.40 to $16.60), depending on the day and session length. If you’re just accompanying the kids and not participating, you can purchase a companion ticket for €2 ($2.10).
Snacks and Rest Areas: There’s an on-site café with snacks, coffee, and kid-friendly meals, so you can relax while the kids have fun. Alternatively, pack light snacks if you’d prefer to save money.

Watch Riga FC

Watching Riga FC is one of the most exciting things for sports enthusiasts. Riga FC is one of Latvia’s most successful soccer teams. They’ve won the Latvian Higher League on three occasions, including the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The club has also won the Latvian Football Cup three times. Admittedly, you’ll have to time your visit right to catch Riga in action, but it’s well worth the extra organization. Riga FC plays at the 8,087-seat Skonto Stadium. This capacity might seem small, but it’s still Latvia’s second-largest soccer stadium.

You can purchase tickets to watch Riga FC on their website. Matchday tickets cost less than €10 ($10.40).

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Ticket Purchase: Matchday tickets for Riga FC are very affordable, costing less than €10 ($10.40). Purchase them through the official Riga FC website to secure your seat. Tickets are usually available closer to game dates, so check the schedule in advance.
Matchday Experience: Arrive early to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere and explore the compact but lively stadium. Grab a small meal or drink from the concession stands, which are reasonably priced. Sit near the home supporters’ section to experience the passion of Riga FC fans.

Enjoy a Walk Along the Daugava River

The Daugava River is one of the largest in the Baltic region and runs through the center of Riga. As such, travelers can enjoy scenic riverside walks that pass many of the city’s best attractions, including the historic Old Town.

We recommend walking along the Daugava Promenade. Located on the right side of the Daugava River, this promenade stretches from Riga’s Old Town to the city’s Ķengarags suburb.

The Ķengarags suburb is approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute walk. You’ll find plenty of riverside benches and parks to rest on the promenade.

Start at Riga’s Old Town: Begin your walk along the Daugava Promenade from the heart of Riga’s Old Town, near Kronvalda Park or Riga Castle, for beautiful views of the river and the city’s historic architecture.
Pack for Comfort: Bring a water bottle, wear comfortable shoes for the long walk, and stop at riverside benches or parks to relax. Walk in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler weather and softer light for photos.

Peruse Riga Central Market

Walkable Cities in Europe Riga Latvia — © tichr / Shutterstock

Riga Central Market is the largest market in Europe. It spans 778,230 square feet (72,300 square meters), features five pavilions, and has over 3,000 traders. Opened in 1930, the market sits inside converted German Zeppelin hangars.

It was officially listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998. The market is split into several areas. Those areas are as follows:

Vegetables
Dairy
Meat
Fish
Gastronomy products

At the market, you can find everything from local produce and local dishes to iconic international cuisine. We recommend exploring the local produce hangars before trying a selection of dishes in the food court hangar.

Try the Latvian soup, freshly baked pastries, and loaded French fries.

Food Recommendations: Try the Latvian soup, such as zirņi un speķis (pea and bacon soup), and don’t skip on freshly baked piragi (savory pastries) filled with bacon and onions. For something heartier, the loaded French fries in the food court are a satisfying option for a quick bite.
Must-Visit Section: Don’t miss the Gastronomy Pavilion for street food favorites and hearty Latvian dishes like Latvian rupjmaize (rye bread) or potato pancakes.

See the Animals at the Riga National Zoological Garden

Best Things To Do in Yerevan, Armenia Have Fun at Yerevan Zoo Lion — © Mojoeks / Shutterstock

The Riga National Zoological Garden opened in 1992. This zoo is the oldest in the Baltic region. It’s home to over 4,000 animals from approximately 500 species.

The zoo houses some of the world’s most magnificent animals, including African lions, Amur tigers, and Burmese pythons. Visitors can explore the zoo independently or take a two-hour guided tour led by expert guides.

A guided tour is a good option for learning more about the zoo animals. However, numerous information boards and zookeepers are scattered throughout the park, too. Riga National Zoological Garden is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Must-See Animals: Don’t miss the African lions, Amur tigers, and Burmese pythons, which are among the zoo’s highlights. For a more unique experience, visit exhibits featuring rare species like the snow leopards and giraffes.
Admission and Hours: Entry costs around €3-30.00 ($3.23 to 32.31) for adults. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours may vary seasonally, so check the official website before visiting.

Admire the Antique Car Collection at the Riga Motor Museum

At the Riga Motor Museum, you can learn about the world’s most unique vehicles and significant moments in car history. The largest antique vehicle museum in the Baltic countries contains over 100 antique vehicles.

The museum has several exhibition areas. One of the main highlights is the Origins of the Automotive Industry exhibition, which details the early production of automobiles in Europe and America and includes some of the earliest car models.

There are plenty of interactive games and play areas for children. Tickets cost €12 ($12.50) for adults and €6 ($6.20) for children.

Pro Tip: Plan for 2–3 hours to explore the exhibits thoroughly. After your visit, stop by the on-site café, which offers snacks and coffee, or visit the souvenir shop for unique automotive-themed gifts. The museum is located about 15–20 minutes by car from Riga’s city center, and there’s free parking available on-site.
Must-See Exhibits: Start at the Origins of the Automotive Industry exhibit, which displays some of the oldest European and American car models and delves into the history of early car production.

Enjoy the City Views From St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is one of the best places in Riga for epic city views. This Lutheran church, dedicated to Saint Peter, was built in the 13th century in the Old Town. It is best known for its 403-foot (123-meter) tower.

Aside from its stunning appearance, this tower features an observation platform that offers 360-degree city and river views. Entrance tickets to the observation deck cost approximately €9 ($9.40). You’ll ride an elevator up the tower, so you don’t need to worry about walking up many steps.

If you visit early in the morning, you might have the viewing platform to yourself. The church is open daily from 10:00 until 18:00.

Photography Tip: Bring a camera or phone with a wide-angle lens to capture the 360-degree views from the observation deck fully. For the best framing, include iconic landmarks like Riga Cathedral, the House of the Black Heads, and the city skyline.
Pro Tip: St. Peter’s Church is centrally located in the Old Town, so combine your visit with nearby attractions like Town Hall Square or a relaxing lunch at Rozengrāls, a medieval-themed restaurant just steps away from the church.

Visit the Latvian Museum of Architecture

The Latvian Museum of Architecture is housed within a medieval building that belongs to Riga’s famous Three Brothers. For those who don’t know, the Three Brothers are a complex of three houses built in Riga between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Together, the three houses form the oldest complex of dwelling houses in the city. One house is also the oldest known surviving stone-built house in Riga, a perfect setting for an architecture museum.

Before entering the museum, take a photograph of the old houses. Inside, you’ll find thousands of original architectural works, including drawings, drafts, and designs. One of the oldest possessions is designs by K. Hāberlands (1750-1803).

Admission and Hours: Entry to the Latvian Museum of Architecture is free, but donations are appreciated. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s closed on weekends, so plan your visit during the week.
Photography Tip: Start outside with photographs of the Three Brothers complex, focusing on the unique façades of the houses. Use a wide-angle lens to capture all three buildings in one frame.