Riga in a Weekend: Explore, Relax, and Immerse

Discover the hidden charm of the Baltics in Riga, Latvia.

03 May 2023

Experience the charm of a medieval city on a trip to Riga, Latvia. Wander through the quaint cobbled streets of Old Town, marvel at the Gothic architecture of St. Peter's Church, and explore the largest market in Europe, the Central Market, for a taste of local cuisine. With a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of cultural attractions, Riga is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Old Riga

  • Hotel: Europa Royale Riga – Elegant hotel in Old Riga with contemporary rooms and a fancy restaurant.
  • Start your day in Old Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a cup of coffee in one of the many cute cafes.
  • Walk around the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful buildings, cathedrals and museums.
  • Visit the Riga Cathedral, one of the oldest and largest churches in Riga with a stunning interior.
  • Head to the Latvian National Museum of Art, housing an impressive collection of Latvian and European art.
  • For dinner, try traditional Latvian food at Restorāns “Key to Riga” and enjoy local beers.
Day 2

Relaxing and Nature

  • Visit the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum and see traditional Latvian houses, farms and lifestyles.
  • Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride in the beautiful Mezaparks, a large park filled with lakes and greenery.
  • Head to the Riga Central Market, the biggest market in Europe, with fresh produce, delicious food stalls and souvenirs.
  • Take a dip in the Riga Seaside, a sandy beach just a 30-minute bus ride away from the city center.
  • For dinner, try the cozy and intimate Valtera Restorāns for traditional Latvian cuisine and a romantic atmosphere.
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Explore the Art Nouveau District, a stunning area with intricate, ornate and colorful buildings.
  • Visit the Latvian Occupation Museum, showcasing the country’s history during World War II and the Soviet Occupation.
  • Head to the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, a beautiful theatre with fantastic shows and events.
  • Discover Latvian folk music and dances at the Latvian Song and Dance Festival Museum.
  • For dinner, enjoy some continental cuisine at the elegant and stylish Vincents Restaurant.
  • Enjoy your stay in Riga!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Riga, Latvia by plane is to fly into Riga International Airport (RIX) with various airlines such as Air Baltic, Ryanair or Wizzair, from major cities like London, Madrid or Berlin.

Car

The easiest way to get to Riga, Latvia by car is by driving through Lithuania and traveling along the A2/E272 highway. Alternatively, one can also get to Riga through Estonia by crossing over the border on the E67 highway.

Train

Although there is no direct train to Riga, you can take the train to the closest city across the border in Lithuania, and then take a bus or taxi to Riga. The closest train station is in Šeštokai, Lithuania.

Boat

One can take a ferry from Stockholm in Sweden to Riga by using the services of Tallink or Stena Line. The ferry arrives into Riga Passenger Terminal.

Bus

The best way to get to Riga, Latvia by bus is to take an international bus from major European cities such as Berlin or Warsaw run by companies such as Ecolines or Lux Express which has a stop in Riga Central Bus Station.

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