Riga 5 Day Itinerary

Riga, Latvia: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Old Town Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Riga and check-in at Hotel Justus or similar.
  • 9:00 am: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at MiiT Coffee, a cozy coffee shop in the heart of Old Town.
  • 10:00 am: Explore Riga’s stunning Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit:
    • Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms)
    • House of Blackheads (Melngalvju nams)
    • Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums)
  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy traditional Latvian cuisine for lunch at Mārtiņi.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the National Museum of Art to learn about Latvia’s rich cultural heritage.
  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Daugava River and admire the city’s beautiful skyline.

Day 2: Art Nouveau and Markets

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with a visit to the Riga Central Market, one of the largest marketplaces in Europe.
  • 11:00 am: Explore Riga’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture, a style that dominates the city’s buildings. Visit:
    • Alberta iela (Alberta Street)
    • Elizabetes iela (Elizabetes Street)
  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at Māksla, a trendy restaurant serving modern Latvian cuisine.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Riga Bourse Art Museum to discover an impressive collection of art and cultural artifacts.
  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy a relaxing evening at Kaļķu Vārti, a popular beer garden in the heart of Old Town.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

  • 9:00 am: Take a day trip to the beautiful Sigulda, known as the “Switzerland of Latvia”.
  • 11:00 am: Hike through the stunning Gauja National Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • 2:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Sigulda, serving traditional Latvian dishes.
  • 4:00 pm: Relax at Ebreju Spa, offering a range of spa treatments and saunas.
  • 7:00 pm: Return to Riga and enjoy dinner at 36. Line, a cozy restaurant serving international cuisine.

Day 4: History and Culture

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to learn about the country’s complex history.
  • 11:30 am: Explore the Riga Castle, a stunning medieval castle that now houses several museums and institutions.
  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at Alus Arsenāls, a popular brewery and restaurant serving traditional Latvian dishes.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Latvian War Museum to discover the country’s military history.
  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy a scenic evening stroll along the Daugava River.

Day 5: Shopping and Departure

  • 9:00 am: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring local boutiques in Old Town.
  • 11:00 am: Visit the Riga Flea Market for a unique shopping experience.
  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy a farewell lunch at Fazenda, serving modern Latvian cuisine.
  • 3:00 pm: Departure from Riga.

Things to Know

  • Language: Latvian, but most locals speak English
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Riga can be chilly and rainy, so pack accordingly
  • Safety: Riga is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions

Transportation

  • Riga International Airport (RIX) is approximately 10 km from the city center
  • Public transportation: buses, trams, and trolleybuses are available
  • Taxi services: available, but make sure to use reputable companies

Tips

  • Try traditional Latvian cuisine, such as Aukstā kāpostu zupa (cold beet soup) or Kļava (a type of rye bread)
  • Explore the city’s many parks and gardens for a peaceful retreat
  • Learn some basic Latvian phrases to interact with locals

Accommodation

  • Hotel Justus: a cozy hotel in the heart of Old Town
  • Alternative options: consider staying at a hostel or Airbnb apartment for a more budget-friendly option

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation, giving you a comprehensive experience of Riga and its surroundings. Enjoy your trip!