Step back in time as you wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town Riga. Medieval spires and colorful merchant houses create a storybook setting in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gothic cathedrals and ornate guildhalls reveal Latvia's rich past at every turn. The pedestrian-friendly district invites exploration of architectural treasures like the Three Brothers and House of Blackheads. Traditional restaurants serve hearty Latvian cuisine in atmospheric medieval cellars. Amber shops and craft boutiques offer authentic souvenirs between historic squares and hidden courtyards.
Old Town Riga's UNESCO-protected Centrs district dazzles with Art Nouveau splendor along Alberta Street. Medieval spires rise from cobblestone squares while the Freedom Monument stands tall on Brīvības Boulevard. Centuries of architecture blend harmoniously across this walkable cultural heart of Latvia. Visitors can explore world-class museums or catch performances at the ornate Latvian National Opera. Winding streets reveal amber jewelry shops, medieval cellar restaurants, and hidden courtyards. The Daugava River provides scenic backdrops for this fairy-tale neighborhood where history comes alive.
Across the Daugava River from central Riga lies Agenskalns, a historic district where 19th-century wooden houses tell stories of Latvia's past. Art Nouveau buildings with ornate facades line quiet streets. The riverfront offers peaceful walking paths and scenic views. Locals go about their daily lives far from tourist crowds. The cultural heart of Agenskalns is Kalnciema Quarter, famous for weekend farmers' markets and outdoor concerts. Visit the Latvian Railway History Museum or stroll through Uzvaras Park. Trams and buses connect you to central Riga in just 15 minutes.
This former port area along the Daugava River has transformed into Andrejsala, Riga's creative district. Art lovers can explore contemporary galleries housed in converted warehouses with industrial-chic design. The atmospheric riverfront offers scenic harbor views and walking paths for enjoying city panoramas. Cultural events and festivals bring the neighborhood to life throughout the year. Trendy cafes serve modern Latvian cuisine in spaces where concrete meets artistic installations. Visitors can discover artist studios, pop-up exhibitions, and creative workshops while exploring the cobblestone paths between repurposed brick buildings.
Zemgale Suburb offers a peaceful residential escape from Riga's bustling center. Soviet-era apartments stand alongside newer developments, creating an authentic slice of local Latvian life. The Mārupīte River valley provides green spaces for relaxing walks and bird-watching. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodations and dining options. While quieter than downtown, local buses connect you to central Riga in just 20-30 minutes. Neighborhood parks and tree-lined streets create a refreshing atmosphere for morning jogs or evening strolls.
Housed in repurposed WWI Zeppelin hangars, Riga Central Market offers Europe's most vibrant food culture experience. Explore five pavilions of local delicacies and sample authentic Latvian dishes.
Riga Christmas Market
8.8/10 (94 reviews)
Riga's Christmas Market fills the historic Old Town with handcrafted gifts and Latvian traditions. Enjoy spiced mulled wine and folk music performances amid medieval architecture.
Photo by Prins Ramosa
Open Photo by Prins Ramosa
Riga Cathedral
8.6/10 (1,602 reviews)
Riga Cathedral, the Baltic's largest medieval church, blends Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. Experience its magnificent organ during daily midday concerts.
Three Brothers
8.4/10 (988 reviews)
The Three Brothers—three adjacent medieval houses (15th-17th centuries)—showcase Riga's architectural evolution. These oldest surviving residential buildings house the free Latvian Museum of Architecture.
Freedom Monument
8.6/10 (1,701 reviews)
Standing 42m tall, this copper and granite monument honors Latvia's independence with historical sculptures. Witness the hourly changing of the guard while admiring Liberty holding three gilded stars.
St. Peter's Church
8.6/10 (1,413 reviews)
St. Peter's Church offers breathtaking panoramic views of Riga from its elevator-accessible observation deck. Ascend the medieval tower at sunset to capture the Old Town's golden-hour glow against the Daugava River.
Riga Castle
8.0/10 (853 reviews)
Riga Castle stands as both Latvia's presidential residence and a living museum of national history since 1330. Visitors can explore vaulted medieval cellars and historic chambers with a free multilingual audio guide.
Arena Riga
8.2/10 (260 reviews)
Arena Riga hosts thrilling ice hockey matches and world-class concerts in Latvia's premier indoor venue. Experience clear sightlines and vibrant atmosphere during events, with cashless concessions available.
What to do in Riga
Riga Central Market & Traditional Food tasting Tour
"This was our last night in Latvia and we booked this hotel due to its proximity to the airport. The bus stop that takes you to the airport is 1 minute walk away, the journey at 05.13 takes 4-5 mins. We stayed at various hotels prior to this as we visited 4 countries in 10 days (I know 😅) and this was by far the cleanest place with that crisp bedding feeling you want in your hotel, pristine shower and just that vibe of: I’m in a great place.
The only downside was the breakfast as it offers...
"The air-conditioning was at par.
The room was clean and towels changed everyday. Location was amazing
Staff is helpful
Breakfast was really below par. Looked as if everything was opened from a can, tin or packet. Nothing seemed fresh and probably wasn’t. The yogurt was pink and apparently fruit (but that pink colour is not anything but color and flavouring!) when asked they didn’t have natural.
It was exactly the same each day."
"The room had a very strong smell like carpet that hasn't been washed in a long time. They denied a room change and just applied some odor spray to the carpet and opened windows. Breakfast was not bad but it might just not be worth it. Definitely staying somewhere else next time"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a vacation to Riga costs! Our packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Riga?
You can typically find lower prices and greater availability in January, February and November. Browse our cheap Riga vacation packages and you could get some great off-season discounts.
How many days is enough for Riga?
Dedicate at least 3 days for your Riga vacation if you're hoping to enjoy all that makes this destination unique. Wander around popular areas, including Old Town Riga and Centrs. Then head to the top sights such as Riga Zoo and Golden Bowling Center. With a well-organized itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some me-time too. Want to travel outside of Riga? Consider squeezing in an excursion or two.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Riga?
Whether you'd like to visit top sights like Riga Central Market and House of the Blackheads on your Riga vacation, or coming for its excellent dining, culture and history, there's something for everyone here. With so many things to do, you'll soon find out why so many visitors think Riga is a good vacation destination.
How to find the best Riga package deals?
Start your search for a Riga package deal by entering your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply a few filters, like "Popular locations" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the perfect Riga package deal straight away, just tweak your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Riga getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Riga vacation as a package?
Expedia vacation packages are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Bundle your hotel, car rental and flight into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll generally score a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still get the flexibility to create a customized Riga vacation by choosing your preferred accommodation type, airline and car class.
When to book a vacation package to Riga?
Score amazing discounts by booking your flights early with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your style, grab one of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Riga adventure.
How to plan a trip to Riga?
Choose your travel dates: The things you plan to do in Riga and your favorite season can help you decide when to get away.
Work out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and food to activities and flights. Your accommodations will likely be the biggest expense during your trip to Riga.
Decide how long to go away for: Now that you know more about Riga, you can figure out the ideal length of your break. Pull together a draft plan and give yourself enough time to get through everything on your must-do list.
Combine your hotel and flights: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left is to choose a Riga vacation package that brings all your bookings together.
Book with confidence
Things to do in and around Riga
Shopping
Located in the heart of Riga, the Domina Shopping Center offers a vibrant mix of business and entertainment for families. Alternatively, the Riga Central Market provides a bustling atmosphere for local goods. Don't miss the Origo Shopping Centre for a delightful shopping experience with city vibes.
Recreation
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Skonto Stadium, where sports enthusiasts gather for thrilling events. Enjoy the serene outdoors at Ozo Golf Club, perfect for a relaxing day of golf amidst nature. Revel in the cultural allure of the Latvian National Theatre, offering captivating performances for families and couples alike.
Adventure
Experience the thrills at Livu Akvaparks, a vibrant waterpark located 14.5km from Riga, offering exhilarating slides and family fun. Try your hand at bowling and arcade games at the Golden Bowling Center, right in Riga. For a scenic adventure, hike the Saulkrasti Trailhead, 35.4km away, amidst stunning nature.
Nightlife
Riga’s nightlife buzzes with energy, featuring vibrant bars and clubs. Experience the eclectic atmosphere at Skyline Bar for stunning views and cocktails. For a lively night, visit One One Club, known for its electrifying music and dance vibe. Enjoy the charm of local pubs like Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs for traditional Latvian brews.
Find the best attractions in Riga
Riga offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, beach relaxation, and urban exploration. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Riga Cathedral and Riga Castle. With its historic churches and captivating architecture, the city promises a memorable experience for those seeking both cultural enrichment and family fun. Whether you’re wandering through historic buildings or enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere, Riga has something for everyone.
Freedom Monument: This iconic memorial stands as a symbol of Latvia's independence and national pride. Towering at 42 metres, it features a bronze statue of Liberty holding three stars, representing the historic regions of Latvia. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it’s a perfect spot for reflection and to soak in the local culture.
Cathedral of Christ's Nativity: This magnificent Eastern Orthodox cathedral, with its stunning golden domes and intricate frescoes, offers a serene atmosphere. Its rich history and architectural grandeur provide a unique glimpse into Latvia's religious heritage and cultural tapestry.
Corner House KGB Museum: A haunting yet fascinating insight into Latvia's Soviet past, this museum is located in a former KGB headquarters. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing espionage, repression, and the resilience of the Latvian people, making it a poignant historical experience.
Best time to go to Riga
The best time to visit Riga can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Riga falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Riga falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is very cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Riga
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Riga.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to March) for more affordable package holidays to Riga.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.