Riga 7 Day Itinerary
Riga, Latvia: A 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old Riga
- Morning: Arrive in Riga and check-in at Hotel Neiburgs or similar
- Afternoon:
- Visit the iconic House of the Blackheads (free admission)
- Explore the charming streets and squares of Old Riga, including Town Hall Square and Livu Square
- Stop by the Riga Cathedral (admission: €5-7)
- Evening:
- Enjoy traditional Latvian cuisine at Restorāns 1221
- Take a stroll along the Daugava River and enjoy the city lights
Day 2: Art Nouveau and Markets
- Morning: Visit the Riga Central Market (free admission)
- Afternoon:
- Explore the stunning Art Nouveau architecture in Riga, including a guided tour of the Art Nouveau Museum (admission: €7-10)
- Visit the nearby National Museum of Art (admission: €5-7)
- Evening:
- Dine at Mārtiņi, offering modern Latvian cuisine
- Enjoy live music or a show at the Riga Opera Festival Hall
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
- Morning: Visit the beautiful Mežaparks, a large forest park with walking trails (free admission)
- Afternoon:
- Relax at the Riga Botanical Garden (admission: €3-5)
- Take a stroll along the nearby Ādaži Lake
- Evening:
- Enjoy a casual dinner at Kaļķu Vārti
- Take a leisurely walk around the city, enjoying the evening atmosphere
Day 4: Museums and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (admission: €5-7)
- Afternoon:
- Explore the Latvian National Museum of History (admission: €5-7)
- Visit the Riga Film Museum (admission: €3-5)
- Evening:
- Dine at Restorāns Domini, offering modern European cuisine
- Enjoy a concert or event at the Riga Congress Centre
Day 5: Day Trip to Sigulda
- Morning: Take a day trip to Sigulda, known as the “Switzerland of Latvia” (train ticket: €5-10 return)
- Afternoon:
- Visit the stunning Gauja National Park (free admission)
- Take a hike in the picturesque Sigulda Valley
- Evening: Return to Riga and enjoy dinner at Alus Sēta, offering traditional Latvian beer and cuisine
Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation
- Morning: Visit the popular Riga Central Market for some shopping (free admission)
- Afternoon:
- Relax at a local spa, such as Eiropa Spa
- Take a stroll along the Daugava River and enjoy the city views
- Evening:
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market (free admission)
- Afternoon: Depart from Riga, bringing back memories of this beautiful city
Additional Tips and Information
- Transportation: Riga has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. You can also take taxis or use ride-hailing apps.
- Language: Latvian is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.
- Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency in Latvia.
- Safety: Riga is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Riga’s climate is humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly.
Accommodation
- Hotel Neiburgs: A 4-star hotel in the heart of Old Riga, offering comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet.
- Airbnb: Consider staying at an apartment or guesthouse through Airbnb, which offers a range of options for all budgets.
Dining
- Traditional Latvian cuisine: Try dishes like Aukstā kāpostu zupa (cold beet soup), Kļava (buckwheat and meat stew), and Rupjmaize (rye bread).
- Modern Latvian cuisine: Enjoy contemporary twists on traditional dishes at restaurants like Mārtiņi and Restorāns Domini.
Things to Know
- Old Town: The historic center of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stunning architecture and charming streets.
- Art Nouveau: Riga is famous for its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, which can be found throughout the city.
- Festivals and Events: Riga hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Riga Opera Festival and the Riga Jazz Festival.