Riga-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City Center

Morning

  • Arrive at Riga International Airport (RIX) and take a taxi or bus to your accommodation
  • Check-in to Hotel Dominique (3-star, starting from €60/night), located in the heart of Old Town
  • Visit the House of the Blackheads, a beautiful Gothic building with a rich history (€1.50 admission)

Afternoon

  • Explore the charming streets and squares of the city center, such as Livu Square and Cat House
  • Visit the Riga Cathedral, a stunning example of Baroque architecture (free admission)
  • Take a stroll along the River Daugava

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Latvian cuisine at 3 Pavaru restaurant (€15-25 meals) in the Old Town
  • Explore the nightlife on Elizabetes Street, where you’ll find bars, clubs, and live music venues

Day 2: Art Nouveau and Culture

Morning

  • Start the day with a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum (€6 admission), showcasing the city’s famous Art Nouveau architecture
  • Explore the beautiful Art Nouveau District, where you’ll find stunning buildings, cafes, and shops

Afternoon

  • Visit the Latvian National Opera House (free admission) for a guided tour or a performance (tickets from €10)
  • Head to the Riga Central Market (free admission), one of the largest markets in Europe, where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and local products

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Pierogi & More, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Latvian cuisine and Polish dishes (€10-20 meals)
  • Visit the Riga Old Town Nightlife area for live music and bars

Day 3: Beach Day and Seaside Walk

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Jurmala, a beautiful beach town just outside Riga (bus from €2, train from €5)
  • Relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, or take a leisurely walk along the promenade

Afternoon

  • Visit the stunning Rundāle Palace (€10 admission), a Baroque-style palace with beautiful gardens and architecture
  • Enjoy lunch at Dzintari Forest House, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Latvian cuisine and homemade bread (€15-25 meals)

Evening

  • Return to Riga and enjoy dinner at Laundry Cafe, a trendy cafe serving creative dishes and cocktails (€10-20 meals)
  • Visit the Riga Old Town Nightlife area for live music and bars

Day 4: History and Architecture

Morning

  • Visit the Riga Synagogue (free admission), one of the oldest synagogues in Europe
  • Explore the beautiful Park Sniedzele Street, where you’ll find stunning Art Nouveau architecture, cafes, and shops

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation (€5 admission), showcasing the city’s maritime history
  • Head to the Riga Central Market for lunch at one of the many food stalls or vendors

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restorans Kalna, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Latvian cuisine and homemade bread (€15-25 meals)
  • Visit the Riga Old Town Nightlife area for live music and bars

Day 5: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions
  • Check-out of your accommodation and depart from Riga International Airport (RIX)

Transportation

  • Taxi: €10-15 from city center to airport
  • Bus: €2 from city center to airport, buses run frequently
  • Train: €5 from city center to airport, trains run frequently

Tips and Essentials

  • Currency: Euro
  • Language: Latvian (but most locals speak English)
  • Weather: Riga has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers
  • Safety: Riga is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting churches or cultural sites
  • Don’t forget: To try traditional Latvian cuisine and drinks!

Where to Stay

Hotel Dominique (3-star, starting from €60/night) Pierogi & More (hostel, dorms from €10/night, private rooms from €30/night)

What to Eat

  • Traditional Latvian dishes: Aukstā Kāpostas Zupa, Kļava, Cepelinai
  • Local cuisine: Riga-style pierogi, Latvian sausages, Fish soup

Where to Eat

  • 3 Pavaru: traditional Latvian cuisine (€15-25 meals)
  • Pierogi & More: traditional Latvian and Polish dishes (€10-20 meals)
  • Laundry Cafe: creative dishes and cocktails (€10-20 meals)

Note: Prices are estimates and may vary depending on the season, availability, and other factors. Always check for updates before making any plans or bookings!