Riga 7 Day Itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Riga
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old City
- Morning: Arrive in Riga. Check into your accommodation. The city has a wide range of hotels and hostels, many of which are located in the historic center.
- Afternoon: Start exploring the old city (Vecriga). This is one of Riga’s most popular attractions. Begin at the House of Blackheads (Aizkraukles street 12), a medieval guild hall that’s now home to the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. From there, wander through the narrow streets lined with picturesque wooden houses, including the famous and historic House of Cats.
- Evening: For dinner, try La Rocca for Italian cuisine or Pier for a more modern take on traditional Latvian dishes.
Day 2: Art Nouveau and the Central Market
- Morning: Spend the morning exploring Riga’s beautiful Art Nouveau quarter. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptionally well-preserved collection of wooden buildings from the early 20th century, featuring intricate facades and ornate decorations.
- Afternoon: Visit the Central Market (Centrāltirgus). Despite being a market, it also features some of Riga’s most unique architecture. Here you can find traditional Latvian food and drinks, as well as souvenirs.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Dzivnieku Grāmata for a variety of dishes including game meat or Bārs & Sēde for cocktails in a historic setting.
Day 3: Riga’s Museums and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Latvian National Museum of Art (Mūzeja iela 1) to get an overview of Latvian art history. The museum is housed in a beautiful, historic building.
- Afternoon: Head to the Ethnographic Museum of Latvia for insights into the traditional way of life and architecture in Latvia.
- Evening: Attend a performance or concert at the Riga City Opera, which often features Latvian as well as international artists.
Day 4: Outdoor Activities
- Morning: Start with a walk along the Daugava River, offering great views of the city. This is also a good spot for some outdoor activities like kayaking or paddle-boating.
- Afternoon: Visit the Riga Botanical Garden (Daugavellen park 3), which provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens include a variety of plant species and a small pond.
Day 5: Beach Day and Swimming
- Morning: Take a trip to Jūrmala, a resort town just outside Riga. It’s famous for its beaches, natural spas, and wooden houses.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the beach at Kemeri National Park if you’re looking for something more secluded.
Day 6: More of Old Riga
- Morning: Visit St. Peter’s Church (Skārņu street 16), a stunning Gothic church that offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the old city, perhaps visiting some of the lesser-known churches and historic buildings.
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or revisiting any places you loved. Check out Vecrīga Street (Old Town) for a variety of shops selling traditional goods.
- Afternoon/Evening: Head back to the airport for your departure flight, reflecting on your wonderful time in Riga.
Transportation:
Riga has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses and trams. You can also use taxis or ride-sharing services, like Bolt.
Tips:
- Be respectful of historical buildings by not touching or sitting on them.
- Learn some basic Latvian phrases like “Sveiciens” (hello), “Paldies” (thank you), and “Lācus” (goodbye).
- Don’t miss the traditional Latvian food, such as rye bread (Rupītes), Aukstās Pankūtės (Latvian potato pancakes with sour cream and applesauce), or Kibinai (meat pies).
This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, and outdoor activities that will give you a well-rounded experience of Riga. Enjoy your trip!