Riga

Old Town gems, markets & Soviet-era views

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Riga is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Vecaki Beach, Latgale Market (Latgalite Flea Market) and Rozena Street. Food lovers should not miss Gauja (Soviet-style bar) and Parunasim kafe'teeka. Below you will find 13 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Riga at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Vecaki Beach and Latgale Market (Latgalite Flea Market)
Where to stay: Old Town and Zakusala
Local picks: 13 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Riga

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Riga: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Riga, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Riga

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Centrs

Otrā Elpa

Why it matters: founded in 2009 as Riga’s first charity shop, Otrā Elpa (‘Second Breath’) donates all its profits – more than 150,000 euros and 2 million items to date – to over 170 Latvian causes, from animal shelters to senior organisations. The Marijas iela branch is the handiest for visitors: racks of secondhand clothes, books, vinyl and the odd Soviet-era curiosity, all at honest prices. Come to hunt for a one-of-a-kind souvenir that actually gives back. Tip: it’s two blocks from the Central Market, so pair the two on one walk – and note it’s closed Sundays.

Old Town

Parunasim kafe’teeka

Old Town’s hidden treasure – a cosy café tucked in the courtyard of St. James’s Cathedral, all carefully chosen vintage detail and famous for gorgeous home-baked cakes. Its name means ‘let’s talk’. Find it beside the Saeima (Parliament).

★ 4.6

Parunāsim kafe’teeka

This is Old Town’s hidden treasure and by hidden I mean – literally. It’s located in a small courtyard and not just any but a church courtyard! Cakes are their speciality, they…

Centrs

RB Cafe

Why it matters: opened in 2018 by the Rūpju bērns association, RB Cafe is the first cafe in the Baltics where the majority of staff are people with disabilities – over 20 employment contracts so far, with several employees moving on into the open job market. It is also simply a very good bakery-cafe: the Pavlova cake is the house legend, backed by pies, cupcakes and coffee locals rate among Riga’s best. Order a slice of Pavlova and a flat white, and browse the counter for pastries to take away. Tip: it’s an easy stop between the Art Nouveau district and the A. Čaka street neighbourhood.

★ 4.7

Centre

Riga Art Nouveau Walking Tour

A guided walk through the old town and the worlds finest Art Nouveau quarter.

★ 4.5

Centre

Riga Central Market

A vast, atmospheric market housed in five old Zeppelin hangars.

★ 4.5

Zakusala

Riga TV Tower

The 368-metre Riga TV Tower on an island in the Daugava is the tallest structure in the European Union, a striking tripod-legged landmark. Its observation deck has been undergoing long renovation, so check whether it’s open before making the trip.

Central Market

Riga: Central Market & Traditional Latvian Food Tasting Tour

★ 4.7

Old Town

Riga: Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide

★ 4.6

Old Town

Riga: Old Town Walking Tour with a Local Guide

★ 4.9

Daugava

Riga: Panorama River Cruise on the Daugava

★ 4.4

Robert’s Books

Robert’s Books has the best selection of used and new English-language books in Latvia. They have a wide range of affordable books about all the possible topics, including books on Latvian history,…

Old Town

Rozena Street

One of Old Riga’s hidden gems – the shortest and narrowest street in the city (with long-enough arms you can touch both walls). Usually quiet, with a beer garden and a medieval-style restaurant at either end.

★ 4.5

Old Town

Rozena Street (Rozena iela)

One of the shortest and narrowest streets in Riga’s Old Town, a quiet hidden gem tucked between two historic ends.

Centrs (Tallinas iela)

Saule Pērkons Daugava (Mural)

Shot Café

Shot Café is a Riga night-out institution — a buzzy little cellar bar right opposite the Powder Tower on the edge of the old town, famous for its wall of 121 different…

★ 4.6

Centrs

Skyline Bar

Riga’s classic high-altitude drink: a panoramic elevator whisks you to the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Latvija, where glass walls give a 360° sweep over Old Town rooftops. Order a signature cocktail or a poke bowl and circle the bar for the best angles — sunset is prime time. Tip: there’s a small cover charge (around €5) Thursday to Saturday evenings from 20:00, so arrive earlier to skip it and grab a window seat.

Vecaki

Vecaki Beach

One of Riga’s three official seaside swimming beaches, in the leafy northern suburb of Vecaki – a summer sunbathing spot and, for locals, a year-round place to walk and clear the mind. Easy to reach by train (~25 min), bus or the Riga-Mezaparks-Vecaki cycle route.

★ 4.5

Before you go

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Riga travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Riga?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Riga at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Riga?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Riga?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Riga guide.

What is the best time to visit Riga?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Riga is worth visiting year-round.