Away With The Steiners

20 Epic Things to do in Riga, Latvia with one day in the Capital City. 

Sarah Steiner

In case you are venturing this way and wondering how much time to dedicate or which Baltic capital to choose over the others, Riga is a great pick.  The best things to do in Riga include stunning medieval architectural landmarks, historic alley ways in the cobbled old town, cafes and world heritage sites, lush parks and green spaces offering a brief and beautiful city escape. 

It seems almost unfairly understated as the middle of the three Baltic states.  But Riga has lots to do and a unlikely but trendy mixture of history and culture that works in its favour. 

Here are all the things to do in Riga that we can recommend for a first visit and a great time in the Latvian capital. 

About Riga today and what it is like as a visitor (tourist or traveller)?

The Latvian capital is the largest city in the three Baltic states and is also home to one third of Latvia’s total population.  

As a visitor in the northern region of Europe the capital city of Latvia offers an unlikely mixture of history and culture that it wouldn’t be bolshy to say is unexpected.  

The city holds fast to its medieval history in nature and architecture, and it truly is a wonderous old town to explore.  But coupled with the history is a youthful vitality to the city and there is no shortage of trendy cafes and coffee shops, restaurants, nightlife and thriving alternative and hipster culture.  

It’s an exciting place to visit whether you are seeking culture, history or just to get to know a bit more about this middle sibling of the Baltics!

How long do you need to see all the things to do in Riga? 

I said to Gavin while we were walking not to let me forget to write about the smell.  (No doubt that sounds strange.  But trust me; and read on for this one).  

The city still has that small-city feel that I especially noticed walking through the parks.  There are many parks and green spaces (especially considering the comparatively small size of Riga).  And walking around you can smell the sweet honeysuckle and flowers on the roadside.  In the parks you can smell the woody scent of freshly cut grass and evergreen trees.  

Obviously, we aren’t talking comparison with the megacities of Asia.  It’s a far cry from the dust and chaos (and colours) of Delhi or the bustle of Damascus.  But it’s like it hasn’t become a(nother) of Europe’s large and touristic cities yet either.  And we like that about it. 

Definitely don’t judge the number of things to do in Riga on the size of the city or the population.  It’s a cool small city to wander and one that you can really get a good feel of with one day to explore.  

Best things to do in Riga.
Castles and palaces to one way and cosmopolitan guilds and cafes to the other.

When is the best time to visit Riga?

Summer is the best time to visit Riga.   In Latvia the spring and summer months are from May to September when the city is in full swing, and the parks are green, lush and colourful.  

The sun doesn’t set until 10:00pm in the summer and it truly is a great time to visit the Baltic region. 

Money and currency in Latvia

The currency in Latvia is the Euro.  

Latvian towns and cities all over the country are served by a solid network of accessible ATMs.  And in Riga there are ATMs all over the town. 

All the best things to do in Riga with one day in Latvia’s capital city 

Albeit you might not have pictured Riga as a European city destination high up on your bucket list. But we reckon it should be! It is a cosmopolitan capital city and it truly surprised us.

We didn’t have huge expectations for the Latvian capital but it makes for a great day out and a city that we would recommend anyone to visit whether for interest, history, or coffee and food it is well worth it.

Here is what we recommend for the 20 best things to do in Riga, Latvia.

1. Stalinist Architecture / Latvian Academy of Science

Without even trying this must be the first of things to do in Riga. Because even upon entering the city by road from any direction you can see the tall spire top of the Latvian Academy of Science building. 

Albeit the building is a reminder of Latvia’s long subjugation to Soviet rule.  And the Communist Party was not generally known for aesthetic sensibilities.  But regardless of the history the capital city now boasts one of the most iconic buildings of Stalinist architecture. 

The Latvian Academy of Science was not only the first skyscraper in Latvia but until recently overtaken by the Swedbank headquarters it was the tallest building in the country.  

The building was constructed in the Communist 1950’s and has a deep connection to Latvian people.  Not necessarily for the best of memories but the construction was partially funded by salary deductions from citizens(!).  

The history of this icon is intense (to say the least).  And if you look closely there is a combination of Communist symbols like the hammer and sickle right alongside Latvian folk scenes.  

Originally the building was constructed as a dormitory for collective farm workers to stay in when visiting Riga.  But it was never utilized (fulfilled?) as it’s purpose.  Today it is the Latvian Academy of Science.  And despite competition for being the tallest it is inarguably the most notable on entering the region of Riga. 

The impressive Stalinist Architecture of the now Latvian Academy of Sciences.

2. Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady Church, Riga

Assuming you have ventured closer to view the famous Stalinist skyscraper in Riga, just across the road is the striking Eastern Orthodox church on Emilijas Benjaminas Street. 

Even without going inside this is the kind of church that makes a statement.  And the contrast between these two buildings is enormous.  

The church is in what was the former Moscow Suburb (now the Latgale District).  It is often called the Church of St Nicolas the Miracle Worker.  

In the early 18th century, there were already two other wooden Russian churches in existence in the city.  But both were removed with the extension of Riga’s city fortification in 1773.  And so, it was the only Orthodox church remaining. 

During the war between Russia and France in 1812 most Riga’s suburbs were burned down in a vicious fire.  And a new church in Classical style was completed in 1818 on the original site. 

The Church of Our Most Holy Lady.

3. Riga Central Market

If I was to suggest the best thing to do in Riga with one day in the city, it would hands-down be the Riga Central Market.  This place is enormous.  Just when we thought there might be the chance we were getting over the markets of Eastern Europe we discovered Riga Market which dwarfs any of the others.  

The Riga Central Market has long been the largest market in the East of Europe.  It is one of the most notable structures from the 20th century in Latvia and has been included in UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1998.  

The building itself is spectacular.  And even if you didn’t know before you could likely guess upon entering the market that it takes place inside huge hangars.  These were historically five pavilions constructed by reusing old German Zeppelin hangars and incorporating Neoclassicism and Art Deco styles.  

It’s pretty darn incredible. 

The iconic Zeppelin hangars of the now-Riga Central Market.
Each hangar has a different specialty from meats to dairy and fresh produce, fish and delicatessen.

Riga Central Market (continued; and where to eat in Riga Market). 

The market is abuzz of colour and every item imaginable for purchase (fresh or otherwise).  There is all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables displayed beautifully in vibrant colours and gravity defying stacks.   There is a section entirely dedicated to meats.   And in the end hangar closest to the sea is the fish – fresh, dried and cured.  

And just in case you are thinking you don’t need to purchase any fish during your stay in Riga; this end of the market is probably the most impressive.  Latvian’s love their fish.  And the cuisine and food style of the country involves a lot of dried and cured fish. (After all the temperatures in winter chug along below zero with cold snaps as low as -30 and who wants to go out fishing in that?).  

We found the best café in the fish market with typical salmon and cured fish sandwiches for less than 1 EUR each.  If I was to recommend anywhere in particular to eat in Riga it would be here at the Central Market.  Give it a whirl! 

Can you imagine the space for airship hangars?
Inside the bustling seafood section closest to the port of the Riga Central Market.
The humble but highly recommended small cafe inside the seafood section. Joint the locals for a (very) memorable cafe experience in Riga.

4. River Daugava – and the 1905 Fighters Monument

The city lies on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava River where it meets the Baltic Sea. The Daugava (or Western Dvina) is a river rising in the Valdai Hills of Russia and flowing through Russia, Belarus and Latvia into the Gulf of Riga. 

Sounds cold right? 

It is cold in the winter but during most months of the year the River Daugava is one of the things to do in Riga that can’t really be missed.  

There is a long promenade along the riverfront with many statues and memorials to the wars and history of Riga.  On a beautiful day it is a popular place to wander.  And on a grey day it is even still worth a peep to see this mighty river heading out to the Baltic Sea. 

5. Crumble Cake Café 

Any search online for the best cafes in Riga will pop up with the small and privately owned Crumble Cake Café.  And for good reason. This is one of the most popular cafes in Riga.  It’s only small (with six tables inside) but a cake cabinet and coffee machine that have been worthied to write home about for any visitors to the Latvian capital. 

We met café owner Guntis who proudly showed us the crumble cabinet including the famous house specialty of apple and cinnamon crumble cake.  We tried the specialty and the pear and caramel and while we can’t choose favorites of the two they were both delish.  

The coffee is strong, and the cakes are unique. This is the kind of place that is worth hunting down in any new city.  And right now, writing from a day out in the city we can say with confidence that the Crumble Cake Café is one of the tastiest things to do in Riga. 

The house specialty apple crumble cake is top right (and personally recommended).
Apple crumble cake and pear and caramel were delish.

6. St. Peters Church, Riga

The Saint Peter’s Church is a Lutheran Church in Riga.  It is notably one of Latvia’s landmarks as well as one of the oldest buildings in Riga and the tallest spire in the city.  The building style is undeniably Gothic. But it was first built in 1209 AD as a Roman Catholic church.  

And a fun fact for the church?  The statue of the rooster on top of the church weighs 158kg and of that contains 140 grams of gold used to plate the statue!   

You wouldn’t be wrong in connecting Prague-vibes with the iconic St. Peters Church in Riga.  It is built in the same era and style as many of those in Czech and dates to 1209.  (Although it has been destroyed and restored several times over the subsequent centuries).  It is one of the oldest monuments of medieval architecture in the Baltics. 

Entry from the street behind to the small chapel at the back of St. Peters.
The top is so high it didn’t fit in the photo and hence the spire does offer the best views of Riga.

7. House of the Black Heads, Riga

I’m pretty sure I’m not the first traveller to have conjured up instant images of something to do with skins and pores on hearing the name of this site.  However, this site has nothing to do with that.  

The house of the Black Heads is one of the most sought things to do in Riga and certainly it is a popular site in the capital city.  (I can confirm you won’t be alone in visiting or photographing the iconic building and surrounding square). 

The original building was erected in 1334 as a warehouse, meeting place and place of celebration for merchants in Riga.  It was the biggest public building in the region of it its time.  

From the mid-15th century, it was used by the ‘Brotherhood of Blackheads’ which explains where it got its name.  The Brotherhood of Blackheads was a guild for unmarried merchants in Riga and thus the large building got its name that stands today. 

Now the House of the Blackheads is an event centre and museum.  On the upper level are grand ballrooms where historically many prestigious events and welcoming ceremonies for European monarchies and presidents have been held. 

The historic House of the Black Heads is one of the most popular things to see in Riga.
Get a photo with the iconic sign (that is; if you can handle the wait for posing outside the House of Black Heads?).

8. The Great Guild and Small Guild, Riga

The concept of a ‘Guild’ is not one that’s very common in modern European society.  However, the city of Riga has two iconic buildings that are worth checking out.  

The Great Guild is one of the oldest public buildings in the Baltics going right back to the first half of the 14th century.  The Great Guild building has always been open to cultural and social events in the city. 

From the exterior the Guild is an English Gothic style with elements of Eclecticism (which even without prior knowledge of these types of architecture the elements of eclectic nature are fairly self-explanatory!).  After a fire in 1963 the interior was reconstructed and has been adapt to the needs of a concert hall now home of the Riga Philharmonic. 

The Small Guild or the Guild of St. John (Die Kleine Gilde zu Riga, Sankt-Johannis-Gilde) was a fraternity of master craftsmen existing from 1352 to 1936 when the original Riga Chamber of Crafts was founded.

In 2000 the Small Guild underwent major renovation and restoration and the entire finish was restored according to the documents and photographs of the 19th century.

Today the Small Guild is used for festive events, celebratory concerts, formal business meetings, conferences, presentations and balls.

Quirky, but cool to see in Riga! 

The Great Guild in Riga. (Quirky? No?).

9. The Cat House, Riga

Fairly officially known (seriously) as The Cat House in Riga is a building situated in the old town styled in both medieval architecture and Art Nouveau.  

The building is known for the two cat sculptures with arched backs and raised tails on its roof.  

It is said that the owner wanted the cats to be placed with their turned towards the Great Guild nearby as he held a grudge against its members.  One legend has it that the owner was a wealthy tradesman who commissioned the building despite being refused membership to the Riga Tradesmen’s Guild.  And so, it was ordered that the cats should be turned to face the guild house. 

A backwards facing cat? Guild-facing perhaps?
Definitely see the Cat House.

10. Rozena Iela / The Smallest Street in Riga

Tucked away behind the houses and central streets of old Riga is the most narrow street in town.  The street of Rozena Iela gets its claim to fame as the narrowest street in Riga. 

And that’s truly about it for this claim to fame. It really is a very narrow alley in the centre of the old town of Riga. But it is worth checking out (as long as you are prepared that you won’t be the only one on such a mission!).

Visiting the narrowest street in the old town (along with everyone else).

11. Albert Street and Art Nouveau style

Albert Street in Central Riga is known for its Art Nouveau buildings.  Many of the apartment buildings along the street were designed by the architect Mikhail Eisenstein who was particularly active in Riga at the beginning of the twentieth century.  His creativity is reflected in the numerous atypical (very) decorative buildings along Albert Street. 

And there is the rather fancy (also, very) Sienna Art Café on Albert Street.  If you are looking for luxury patisserie cakes, champagne or coffee this is the place to go.  But do be ready for the price match with Art Nouveau surroundings and a seeming transportation back to the 20th century times of luxury too…

Assuming you’re game to splash out for a cappuccino at Art Cafe Sienna it is up there and fitting for the Art Nouveau district.
See Albert Street and the (quirky) Art Nouveau district of Riga.

12. Three Brothers House 

The famous and oh-so-iconic Three Brothers House in Riga forms the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Latvia. And the cool thing is that each house represents various periods of development of dwelling house construction from that time. 

The first house (to the left) is the oldest and dates from the late 15th century. The exterior of this building is characterized by Gothic decorations and a few early Renaissance details. 

The middle house has an exterior dating from 1646 (as displayed on the front) with a stone portal added in 1746.  The style of the middle building in particular shows influence of Dutch Mannerism. 

The last house (on the right) is a narrow Baroque building likely constructed in the late 17th century. 

Today the three houses are home to the State Inspection for Heritage Protection and the Latvian Museum of Architecture.  

You won’t be alone at the Three Brothers but it is well worth a visit.

13. The Peitav Synagogue / Riga Synagogue

The Riga Synagogue is the only synagogue in Riga to have survived the Holocaust and to be currently active.  It is the centre of the Jewish Latvian community and is recognized by the government as an architectural monument of national significance. 

The Synagogue was built in 1903 and designed in an Art Nouveau style in keeping with much of the city growth of the time.  When Riga’s synagogues were burned in 1941 by the Nazi’s, the Peitav Synagogue was the only one to survive because of its location in the Old Town.  

After Latvian independence from Soviet rule in 1991 the synagogue was damaged by bombings in 1995 and 1998 and was only restored to operational in 2009. 

Riga Synagogue.

14. Riga Castle and Presidential Palace 

Riga Castle has been the official residence of the President of Latvia since 1922 when the institution of the President of Latvia was founded.  

The foundation stone of the castle was laid in 1330 although its structure was thoroughly rebuilt between 1497 and 1515.  

Today the Riga Castle is one of Latvia’s greatest medieval castles.  

Time for changing of the guards at the Presidential Palace.
Riga Castle and Presidential Palace.

15. Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral 

The iconic blue and white Our Lady of Sorrows Church was the first stone built Catholic church in Riga.  

It was commissioned in 1785 after the Reformation had reached what was then Livonia – a historic region encompassing what is today Latvia and Estonia. 

The beautiful blue and white Cathedral.

16. Mikla Bakery and Coffee

For every search on where to eat in Riga or which cafes to try the Mikla Bakery always came up.  Sure, there is a flood-list of patisseries and fancy schmancy cake shops.  But by this time in the day after covering a chunk of the main things to do in Riga it was well overdue for a coffee, and I searched again where to head for. 

When we detail (below) a bit more about the best cafes in Riga I’ll add a disclosure that despite the high prices for much of the coffee it truly has been pretty bad.  But that was until we found Mikla Bakery.  The service wasn’t the friendliest (sorry Latvia; your service in hospitality isn’t anything to recommend so far).  But we even ordered two macchiatos each from Mikla and told the barista it was the best coffee we’d had in a while.  (It really was).  

So, among the multitude of patisseries and high-end cake shops if what you are looking for is just a decent coffee; this is the place to go. 

Mikla Bakery (and the best coffee in Riga).

17. Latvia Freedom Monument in Riga

We were officially those tourists advancing on the famous Freedom Monument in Riga and questioning (embarrassingly out loud) as to whether or not the two soldiers standing on either side were in fact real…

Turns out they are real.  And with both professionalism and a sense of humour.  (Well, if a raised eyebrow counts as a hint of a smile at our questioning their realness from a safe distance).  

In fact, the Freedom Monument has been the central landmark in Riga for almost a century.  The towering statue is 42m high of granite and copper and is a symbol of the Latvian nations stiving for freedom and independence. 

During the Soviet occupation of Latvia any gathering at the Freedom Monument was strictly forbidden.  But after the country’s independence was restored in 1991 people gathered again to honour the War of Independence and the establishment of the Republic of Latvia.  And since then, the two Honour Guards have been deployed at the foot of the monument. 

The two (very still) Honour Guards at the Latvian Freedom Monument.

18. Laima Clock Tower / Laimas Pulkstenis

The Laima Clock Tower is on many a list of things to do in Riga.  But I’m going to go against the grain and say that of all the recommendations for things to do in Riga the Laima Clock Tower was perhaps the biggest disappointment.  

Maybe it is in comparison to medieval era wonders and architecture from centuries ago.  But the Laima Clock Tower didn’t seem to have the same scope of wonder at all.  

However, it IS one of the listed sights of the Latvian capital.  And albeit for (fairly) good reason too.  The clock was originally completed in 1924 and first named the Big Clock. (London vibes perhaps?).  But when bureaucracy for maintenance was taken over by the Laima confectionery company in 1936 the name has stuck.  

Laima is the largest producer of confectionery in Latvia most famous for the chocolate candy, Serenade.  So, although the clock isn’t all that old (comparatively) it does have connections with chocolate and the largest confectionery company in Latvia. 

19. Kronvalda Park / Bastejkalna Park 

Even a quick squiz on Google maps shows the Latvian capital with several decent sized green spaces and parks.  Kronvalda and Bastejkalna are two of the biggest parks in Riga and located not far from the central district and old town.  

Pronunciation of these two isn’t the easiest and so when I looked up the history of each park it interestingly announces on the Live Riga website that the parks were originally deemed ‘resorts’ as a place to relax and regain health.  

In total the city has more than twenty parks and gardens of different sizes.   

The Grand Canal in Bastejkalna Park.
Kronvalda Park, Riga.

20. Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral / Russian Orthodox Cathedral 

The Nativity of Christ Cathedral was built between 1876 and 1883 when the country was part of the Russian Empire.  It is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Baltic provinces and was built with the blessing of the Russian Tsar Alexander II. 

Today the cathedral is renowned for its icons which have long withstood the change of independence of the country’s religion and leadership.  

During the First World War when German troops occupied Riga the cathedral was turned into a Lutheran church.  When Latvia regained independence it once again became an Orthodox cathedral in 1921.  

The incredibly grand Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Riga.

The verdict? How are all the best things to do in Riga? 

We thoroughly enjoyed Riga.  The highlight was the Central Market and the local food stalls in there.  Plus, the wandering amongst the Medieval architecture, historic streets and the green parks.  

There is plenty of things to do in Riga that are free and interesting.  And lots to taste! It really seems to have it all.  

And although we visited in our motorhome and explored the city on foot, we can absolutely imagine all the things to do in Riga being the perfect cityscape weekend European destination. 

Enjoy! 

Where to eat / Best cafes in Riga

Riga has a bustling café scene and trendy coffee culture in the downtown old parts of the city.  There is also the many food stalls in the Central Market and a couple of notably local and traditional Baltic style restaurants in the market with great prices and simple, home cooked food.  (And vodka!). 

The Latvian capital also has an abundance of cake shops, bakeries and patisseries with beautifully decorated cakes and treats.  We rate the cafés in Riga as whole drawcard for the city on its own! 

Here are some of the best cafes in Riga to try: 

Outside the Great and Small Guild is another coffee option and fantastic patisserie.
The enticing bakery underneath the subway from the Central Market to Old Town Riga.
Trying local Latvian food at the Central Market in Riga.

Where to stay / Accommodation in Riga

One of the best things about the small size of Latvia’s capital city means that there is lots of options for accommodation close to the old town.  And actually, inside the old part of town is a mixture of budget and mid-range accommodation that lands you right up close to all the best things to do in Riga from your doorstep. 

Parking in Riga / Parking for motorhome in Riga, Latvia 

We found a great park for the night close to the centre of Riga within a 25-minute walk to the old town.  

RIGA 4 NATANA BARKANA

About: A very friendly couple in the payment kiosk. A great safe place to park and a quiet night. We stayed two nights and recommend it as an ideal location to explore close to all the things to do in Riga. 

Useful links for your travels in Eastern Europe and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

Read more about travel in Europe by motorhome.

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