How To Spend 3 Days In Riga, Latvia
My 3 Day Riga Itinerary
Spending 3 days in Riga gives you just enough time to fall completely in love with Latvia’s capital.
And honestly? Most people have no idea how much this city has going for it.
When I first started planning my trip, I had the same questions you probably do right now. Is three days enough? Will it blow my budget? Is there actually enough to fill my itinerary?
Short answer: Yes, reasonable, and absolutely yes.
Here’s what makes Riga special.
The Old Town looks like someone took the best parts of Prague and cut the tourist prices in half. Art Nouveau architecture can be found in the city (we’re talking over 800 buildings). The food scene mixes traditional Latvian flavours with modern European techniques. And the history? Let’s just say visiting the KGB Museum will stay with you long after you leave.
I spent three days exploring pretty much every major site. The Central Market, Freedom Monument, the cathedral, all of it. Made a whole video documenting the experience, which turned out to be way more fun than I expected. You learn things about a place when you’re trying to capture it on camera.
Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, Riga works.
It’s walkable. It’s affordable. It’s beautiful without trying too hard.
And three days is the sweet spot. Enough time to see everything worth seeing, eat at the places locals actually go to, and still have moments where you’re just wandering with no particular destination in mind.
That’s when cities reveal themselves.
So let me show you exactly how to make those three days count.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
🇱🇻 Riga Quick Guide 🇱🇻
Best Time To Visit Riga:
May to September for warm weather, long daylight hours. December is great if you want Christmas markets and atmosphere.
Where To Stay:
Swedish Gate One Bedroom Apartments Old Town Riga ***, Elegant Old Town Toffee Bliss Apartment ***, Boutique Hotel KRISTOFS ****
Getting Around Riga:
Walk around the Old Town since most sights are close. Use trams and buses for longer distances.
Discover The Best Things To Do In Riga With My Full Guide
Day One In Riga
St Peter’s Church
A beautiful church dedicated to St Peter can be found in Riga.
The church dates back to 1209 and features Gothic and Romanesque styles. When I visited, I admired its tower from the street and the fact that it was destroyed in 1941 during the war.
Reaching the top (123 meters high) by lift and getting that iconic picture of Riga was a highlight for me and totally justified the €9.00 entry fee. Make sure to listen for the folk song ringing five times a day called Riga Dimd.
The clock only has one hand, showing Latvian tradition.
House of the Blackheads And Town Hall Square
This is another iconic spot, right in the heart of the Old City.
The original building was constructed in 1334 as a warehouse. In the 15th century, it became home to the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, shipowners and foreigners in Riga.
However, the patron saint St Maurice, being depicted as a Black African knight, is why they were called Blackheads.
It was also destroyed during the war. The current building was completely rebuilt and completed in 1999 after being demolished in the Soviet era. It is now an event centre and museum. I did not get to see the museum when I visited, but you can book tickets for a sweeping tour for €12.00.
Watch out for the writing “Should I ever crumble to dust, rebuild my walls you must” above the entrance, a cool, interesting detail to me at least.
The Three Brothers
The Three Brothers were one of my favourite monuments in Riga.
They are among the oldest dwelling houses in the city, and they are beautiful.
When I visited, standing to the right of the narrow street, it felt like a pinnacle moment, as I had seen this image long before I went on the trip. In 2020, it was designated a European heritage label!
I wish I had visited the Latvian Museum of Architecture, which is free, but we did not have time because we joined a free walking tour.
The houses are all different shapes, sizes, and colours. They were built in different centuries and restored in 1957.
I did not stay for too long, but it is worth coming along to appreciate the history, which goes back to the 15th century.
Riga Cathedral
Riga Cathedral is simply beautiful, with Gothic architecture of the highest quality.
My favourite element was the stained glass windows, as well as the artefacts inside.
It cost me €5.00 to enter, and I wish I had experienced a 20-minute organ recital, which happens at midday.
This large Evangelical Lutheran church is one of the most beautiful places in Riga, in my view. It dates back to 1211, and today it has a famous pipe organ. Interestingly, during the Second World War, a recording from Latvian composer Lūcija Garūta captured the sound of battle nearby.
Walking through the cathedral, the orange and brown colours, and the smell of incense, were beautiful for the senses.
The Swedish Gate
The small but significant gate in Riga did not take long to visit, but it is a nice spot to pass through.
It was erected in 1698 so people could reach the barracks outside the city walls.
In the past, there were eight gates, and only this one still stands today. Legend says a local girl was dating a Swedish soldier, and they met at the gate.
Because this was not allowed, it is said that she was buried in the walls, and her voice can still be heard echoing through the city.
The Cat House
The Cat House really caught me by surprise.
Friedrich Scheffel is to thank for this bright yellow Art Nouveau building.
It was made in 1909, and the two cat sculptures perched on the roof are the real appeal.
The story behind them is a little crazy. The original owner was denied membership in the Great Guild next door, and so, he positioned the cats with their tails pointing directly at the guild building in retaliation.
He was eventually forced to turn them around, but the grudge lives on in the name.
You’ll find black cat souvenirs all over Riga. Now you know why.
Riga Central Market
If you want to visit Europe’s largest bazaar, come to Riga Central Market.
When I visited, it was so impressive. Outside, there are clothes stalls behind the Meat Pavilion, and even a Pepco. Inside, there are loads of food to try in areas like Centrālais Gastro Tirgus and the Fish Hall.
With over 3,000 stalls, you have plenty of choice for food and clothes.
The market is set inside former zeppelin hangars, and seeing them is a real wow moment. I found it hard to speak English here, so it helps to brush up on a little Latvian or Russian if you want to connect with vendors.
I recommend trying the pickled vegetables and some of the meats. We ate some small snacks for a couple of euros, so you can make your dollar stretch.
In 1998, the market, along with Old Riga, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Don’t miss it when you’re in Riga.
Latvian Academy of Sciences
This building blew my mind.
Taking an elevator to the top, the views of the city were sublime. The sun was high in the sky, and the city shone like the sea. It cost €8.00 to enter and reach the top.
It was built between 1951 and 1961, and I noticed the hammer and sickle symbols. It is 65 metres tall with 17 floors. When I visited, there was an art exhibition on the ground floor by local creators.
Typical Stalinist architecture is found throughout the city, and this is another great example.
Nativity Cathedral
Built between 1876 and 1883, this beautiful cathedral is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Baltic countries.
The Soviets turned it into a planetarium in the 1960s, but it reopened when Latvia regained independence in 1991.
Some parts of the altar were changed during restoration work, but it still has a beautiful altar and lots of gold leaf.
When we visited, we went inside while a procession was taking place, but we did not stay long. We were even blessed by a priest when we went inside.
For me, it was one of the city’s most beautiful cathedrals. Don’t miss the children’s playground outside the church and the Colourful Tree With Birdhouses.
It’s a very beautiful part of the city, with lots of green space.
Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument is a special place to appreciate today’s city.
It’s a whopping 42 metres tall and was built in 1935.
When I visited, I stood on the path as people walked past and enjoyed the buzzing atmosphere around this symbol of Latvian pride. You’ll find Bastejkalna Park on both sides, so enjoy the nature in the Old Town surroundings.
The monument honours those who battled and died during the War of Independence.
For a nice meal to end the day in the old city, I recommend eating at Province Restaurant for some hearty Latvian food like potato pancakes and fresh salted salmon.
Find Out How To Best Spend 3 Days In Riga With My Full Guide
Day Two In Riga
KGB Museum / Corner House
On our second day in Riga, we passed by the House of the Blackheads once more as we made our way to the KGB museum (also known as the Corner House).
It cost €15.00 to enter, and we did a guided tour, which I found to be a fantastic deep dive into the history of the KGB in Latvia.
Located at Brīvības iela 61, you will spend an hour being brought around the Corner House. I have to say this was the most tragic site we visited in my opinion. We went through the old food hall, which was now converted into an art gallery of sorts. Then, onto the interrogation room and prison on the bottom floor.
To see the preserved prison was like being brought back in time to when the Soviet Union was at its peak. The prison housed many people thought to have been spies, even if there was no proof.
As you can see from the image below, people were not allowed to think for themselves!
It must have been an extremely harsh way to live.
National Library Of Latvia
After completing the tour, we made our way to the National Library of Latvia.
The building features marvellous architecture. Though people praise the views from the top, we encountered a cloudy, windy day that obscured our view!
But from what we did see, we now believe the hype.
Check out the two fascinating monuments outside the building! Aigars Bikše created two statues of Rainis (the pen name of poet Jānis Pliekšāns) at the Latvian National Library to celebrate Rainis’s 153rd birthday.
The structures both symbolise the notion of the greatness of the Latvian people and their interest in the development of Latvia. Get your photo here!
The library is free to enter, as well as the observation deck, but you will pay one euro to use the cloakroom.
Latvian Railway History Museum
When we found the Latvian Railway History Museum, we weren’t looking for it.
While the museum was closing when we arrived, we only managed to walk around quickly outside, and we would enter the museum again if we had time.
The museum is packed with details on Latvian railway history, from the 19th century through to Soviet times. When I visited, I saw trains, carriages, and old locomotives.
The cost to enter is €5.00, and it is worth a stop, even if it is a short one like ours.
Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church was spectacular outside and inside.
Mass was about to begin when we arrived, so we did not spend long inside, but the architecture is still worth seeing.
It is Eastern Orthodox, with a blue dome at the very top and a red and white exterior that really stands out.
When I visited, I sat on the benches in silence for a few moments and took in the cold winter day and the bare tree branches. It made for a beautiful scene. I recommend visiting after the National Library of Latvia, as it is a 15-minute walk away.
It is open every day from 8.00 am to 06.00 pm.
Once day two is finished, I recommend heading back to the Old Town on foot as the sun sets, then having dinner at LIDO, which closes at 08.00 PM.
Day Three In Riga
Bastejkalna Park
I loved exploring Bastejkalna Park, even for a short time.
When I went in March, it was cold, but it was still nice to wrap up and walk through the bright park, with some green still visible for late winter.
The park was busy, and I enjoyed the small canals, Rudolf Blaumanis Monument, Fountain Nymph at Latvian National Opera House, Fountain City Canal, and the little bridge full of locks.
The park was built on the site of the destroyed Riga fortress in 1856, and it also has many monuments, including memorial stones for victims of a 1991 Soviet OMON deployment.
What caught my attention was the bright yellow building with the Coats of Arms of Latvian Municipalities mural, which really stood out. There are even small waterfalls and the option of boat tours, which would have been peaceful.
Next time I visit, I will be first on the boat!
Riga Ghetto And Holocaust Museum
The Jewish Ghetto Museum’s sobering exhibits struck us deeply.
It is a really good place to learn about the dark past of Riga, as beautiful as the city is, terrible things happened here.
On October 25, 1941, the Nazis forcibly relocated all Jews from Riga and the surrounding areas into the ghetto and expelled the non-Jewish inhabitants. The Nazis killed most of the Latvian Jews (about 35,000) on November 30 and December 8, 1941, in the Rumbula massacre.
The Nazis forcibly transported German Jews to the ghetto and later murdered most of them in mass killings. The museum shows how far and wide Nazi Germany influenced other countries at the peak of its power. It’s free to enter, but a suggested donation is €5.00.
It was sad but an eye-opener into the history of the region.
We learned a lot here.
Alberta Street And The Art Nouveau District
Strolling through Alberta Street and the Art Nouveau District is a peaceful and fun way to occupy the minds of those who love creative architecture.
This is what Riga has become synonymous with, and people travel from all over Europe for this reason.
I wish I had visited the Art Nouveau Museum, located at 12 Alberta iela, because it looks interactive, has a spiral staircase, and some historic rooms.
As I roamed the streets, I found myself always looking up at the ornate buildings. The Riga Graduate School of Law is a beautiful example that caught my eye. Entry costs €5.00. It is open from 11.00 am until 06.00 pm, and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
It would be worth visiting Riga alone for these streets!
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
Back in the old town, we recommend having a drink in one of our favourite places, Folkklubs ALA pagrabs.
If you can go there for a music event, all the better. We sat through an hour of Latvian folk music and ended up dancing the night away with all the locals in a disco.
We truly felt Latvian for a few hours. It was great!
Day Trips From Riga
If you cover the city of Riga and still want more of Latvia, then don’t worry, you can take some fascinating day trips from the city centre.
We could have made one of these day trips, but we loved the city so much and wanted to take it at a slower pace, so next time we will have to wait until we do a day trip from Riga!
How Many Days In Riga Are Enough?
Three days are enough to see all of Riga’s main attractions.
Even if you only had one day, you could tick many of the sites off the list as they are in proximity to each other.
I felt that 3 days were perfect, as we could spend time at each location, immerse ourselves fully in its history and get to see what life in Riga is like.
We didn’t have to rush. We could stop. Sit on a bench. If something caught our eye, we could explore further if we chose to. Don’t leave yourself short.
Riga is a wonderful city to explore fully and appreciate all that it has to offer.
How To Get To Riga
Thankfully, Riga has an international airport (Riga, RIX) located about 10 kilometres away.
I flew in from Dublin, and I recommend taking the bus to the centre, or a private taxi if you prefer and have lots of luggage.
If you are coming from neighbouring Baltic nations, you can take a bus. Four hours later, you can be in Riga from Estonia or Lithuania (two interesting countries I want to visit).
Taking a ferry from Estonia is another exciting option.
Is Riga Cheap?
When I visited Riga, I was delighted by how cheap it was.
If you visit other capitals in Europe, such as Berlin or Dublin, you can expect to pay much more, around 30% higher than in Riga.
That means you can have a more lavish trip and get better value compared to other places. You can expect to pay around €80 per night in summer, but if you visit in March, as I did, it is closer to €58 per night, often with a great breakfast.
If you like a drink, €3 to €7 is cheaper than in many other cities. If you want good value meals, places like Lido, similar to Golden Corral in the States, are hard to beat for the price.
Getting to the city centre from the airport cost us about €1.80.
Packing For 3 Days In Riga
The last thing you need is to remember what you should have brought.
This is here to help you come prepared. For a winter trip, I recommend you pack:
- Warm jacket
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Day backpack
- Thermal base layer
- Camera
- Fanny pack
- Sunscreen – it was very sunny in Riga in March
What Is Special About Riga?
Visiting Riga, you will see that the Art Nouveau architecture makes the capital stand out.
Alberta Street is especially known for this architecture.
The colour. The shapes. The overall contrasting design makes walking through the streets of Riga entertaining.
The city centre is awash with this style of design, from the hotels to the small cafes. It is said there are over 800 buildings in the small city, which gives it the distinct category of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are also beautiful green parks in the city, like Bastejkalna Park and Vērmane Garden, for a nice place to walk and feel nature for a time.
Best Time To Visit Latvia?
The best time to visit Riga is between May and September in terms of weather.
Lupe and I went to Latvia for St. Patrick’s Weekend. We left on the evening of March 17th. We found the city to be perfectly populated, if I can say that.
While there were other people on the tour we took, we were always very comfortable in terms of the crowds, which makes travel so much better.
This made a huge difference. One thing to say is that Riga is a Baltic city, and therefore, it was very cold in March. Bring a hat, gloves, scarf, jacket – all the essentials to ensure you don’t freeze if travelling between October and March!
It must be much worse in December and January when the snow comes.
How To Get Around Riga?
Arriving at the airport, we got the bus literally outside the terminal, which took us about 30 minutes to a stop at the side of the Daugava River.
From there, we walked to our hotel in minutes. It was one of the smoothest transitions from the airport to the hotel we’ve ever had.
No issues.
After that, we found the best way to explore Riga was on foot as everything was within walking distance. Maybe we could have taken some trams or the bus more, but we wanted to feel like the local Latvians, so we stuck to the streets and covered as much of the city as possible.
The bus is cheap. The most you will pay is two euros for a single trip, so if you are tired, this is the way to go. Riga also has ten tram lines, nineteen trolleybus lines and fifty-five bus lines that run from 05:00 am to 01:00 am.
You can easily purchase tickets from your driver except on the new trams, where you purchase tickets at the machine with cash or coins.
Where To Stay In Riga?
The old town. It’s beautiful.
It’s close to everything: restaurants, nightlife, museums, and architecture. We stayed at the Hestia Hotel. It was exceptional.
A huge Buffet breakfast each morning with so many choices we couldn’t have asked for any more with the accommodation.
Not to mention it was in the middle of the old town. Perfect!
Some other notable options include:
- Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
- Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
- Bellevue Park Hotel Riga with FREE Parking
Read My Full Guide About Where To Stay In Riga
Is Riga A Safe City?
We didn’t feel unsafe once.
However, like any other city, it is advisable to stay alert, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, but they are not widespread.
In 2023, the crime rate in Riga showed a downward trend. According to the Latvian Central Statistical Bureau, the overall crime rate decreased by around 2.3% compared to 2022. The reported incidents of pickpocketing saw a dip of about 1.7%, and assault cases were down by approximately 3%.
The majority of visits to Riga are trouble-free, and the local authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and security of both locals and visitors.
Remember, safety does not solely depend on statistics; it also comes from being informed, smart and aware.
Discover What Riga Has to Offer During The Winter
Is Riga Worth 3 Days?
There you have it, my 3 days in Riga guide, and hopefully you can now have an amazing city break one day.
It was exciting, informative and fresh to see a new region of Europe.
I would say Riga is completely worth spending three days, maybe even a couple more! The food, architecture and history make for a fascinating trip to the Baltics for a few days. If you want a more unique city to visit, think Riga!
If I had to revisit the city again, I would go in the spring or summer when it is warmer and spend more time at the markets, experience local music and cuisine even more!
I hope you enjoy your time in this beautiful country!
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Riga A Good City Break?
Yes, Riga is an excellent city break. It’s a budget-friendly destination that offers great value for money. The city is somewhat underrated, but those who visit are often pleasantly surprised by the wealth of activities and sights on offer. The city’s architecture is particularly noteworthy, with a mix of medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau, and modern designs.
Is Riga A Good Tourist Destination?
Yes, Riga is a great tourist destination. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the city even though it was cold in March. Riga offers a rich history, stunning architecture, a vibrant food scene, and unique cultural experiences. It is particularly ideal for those interested in exploring a less crowded European city that is rich in culture and history.
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What a comprehensive guide.. would love to go there sometime
Thanks so much. Hope you root something from it. It’s a great city.
I don’t know that much about Riga but your 72 hour itinerary has definitely changed that. I’m intrigued now and would love to plan a trip to the Baltics. I particularly enjoyed Riga’s architecture and the city views you’ve shared from the St Peter’s Church.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story