In 60 seconds
The Baltic metropolis and capital of Latvia, Riga is an architectural powerhouse of astonishing depth and elegance. Settled along the wide curves of the Daugava river, its UNESCO-inscribed core divides into two distinct masterworks: the Hanseatic cobbled maze of Vecrīga (Old Riga), punctuated by the soaring brick Gothic spires of Riga Cathedral and St. Peter's Church, and the Quiet Centre (Klusais centrs), which boasts Europe's finest collection of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture. Here, along Alberta and Elizabetes streets, over eight hundred ornate facades cascade with carved stone nymphs, gargoyles, screaming masks and floral plasterwork designed by Mikhail Eisenstein. South of the centre, five repurposed German Zeppelin hangars form the legendary Central Market, one of the largest and most sensory open food halls on the continent.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You seek sleepy rural mountain hamlets; Riga is a bustling, cultured European capital with vibrant café culture and wide boulevards.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Riga fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
World-renowned concentration of flamboyant Jugendstil residential facades designed by Mikhail Eisenstein
Look up at the mesmerizing riot of screaming stone masks, sphinxes and floral wrought iron along Alberta and Elizabetes iela.
Glorious Dutch Renaissance guild house reconstructed in meticulous detail on Town Hall Square
Step into the opulent gilded ballrooms and medieval wine cellars of the legendary brotherhood of unmarried merchants.
Vast market housed in five repurposed German Zeppelin hangars, overflowing with local produce
Wander through separate hangars dedicated to smoked Baltic fish, pickled rye vegetables, artisan cheeses and dark sourdough.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Lively underground stone tavern featuring traditional Latvian food, folk music and 30 local craft beers on tap
Eat steaming grey peas with bacon and garlic bread in an ancient cavern cellar while local folk bands fiddle live.
Pioneering modern Latvian dining founded by celebrated Riga chefs in Jacob's Barracks
Famous for its playful opening course drizzled directly onto paper tablecloths, followed by seasonal forest and river delicacies.
Apothecary-style candlelit salon located in the 18th-century laboratory of pharmacist Abraham Kunze
Sip warm Riga Black Balsam coffee behind a hidden bookshelf doorway amidst antique pharmacy drawers and handmade truffles.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Historic cobblestone centre surrounded by canal parklands, churches and squares
The most atmospheric area for first-timers, with endless dining, bars and sights on your doorstep.
Refined embassy district filled with Art Nouveau facades, wine bistros and tree-lined parks
Quiet, sophisticated and architectural, offering Riga's premier boutique hotels and fine dining.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
Bishop Albert of Buxhoeveden founds Riga, rapidly establishing it as the major Hanseatic commercial hub of the Baltic.
A phenomenal economic boom fuels construction of over 800 elaborate Art Nouveau apartment buildings.
Latvian patriots erect barricades around Old Riga and parliament to defend restored independence against Soviet forces.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Sprawling pine forest park on Lake Jugla with over 100 historical thatched farmsteads, windmills and wooden churches
Step back into 18th-century Latvian village life across four historical provinces tucked beneath towering pine trees.
