The 10 Best Things to Do and See in Riga, Latvia

So much more than a weekend destination, Riga offers excellent museums and restaurants, incredible architecture and natural attractions right on its doorstep. I put on my tour guide hat to bring you some of the best tips for getting to know this northern city.

1. RIGA CENTRAL MARKET: A FEAST FOR ALL THE SENSES

First and foremost a place for locals to do their grocery shopping, Riga Central Market offers a slice of real life in Latvia. This sprawling market is housed in five cavernous pavilions and the area surrounding them. Built as hangars for military Zeppelins, the pavilions were repurposed in the 1930s to establish what was then the most modern market in Europe. 

Riga Central Market is the perfect place to try the food that locals eat at home, such as smoked meats and fish, fresh cheese and pickles – produce that reflects the historical methods of preservation in Latvia. In summer, the stalls are brimming with the season’s harvest, including wild mushrooms and forest berries. Foraging is a national passion! 

2. BE WOWED BY RIGA’S ART NOUVEAU ARCHITECTURE 

Riga is renowned for its collection of around 800 Art Nouveau buildings, characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the most magnificent facades – adorned with nature-inspired motifs – are found in the city’s so-called Quiet Center, a thriving area full of restaurants, bars and boutiques. 

The best way to explore this area is by taking a guided walking tour. To peek beyond the facades, visit the Riga Art Nouveau Centre – a museum that brings the period’s interiors to life. The museum is housed in a building designed by two of Latvia’s most celebrated architects: Konstantīns Pēkšēns and Eižens Laube. Even the staircase is a masterpiece!

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3. LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF LATVIA THROUGH ART

The Latvian National Museum of Art, dedicated to collecting, preserving and promoting Latvian art, invites visitors to explore its permanent exhibitions which trace the nation’s development, hopes, successes and struggles. Be sure to look out for the works of Vilhelms Purvītis, a Latvian artist famous for his incredibly realistic landscapes! The museum also hosts thought-provoking temporary exhibitions showcasing works by local legends, unsung heroes and emerging talent.

Don’t miss the rooftop terrace, which offers views over Esplanāde Park and the ornate Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. 

4. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS AT THE HOME OF OLA FOUNDATION 

Designed by architect-turned-businessman Uldis Pīlēns, the eye-catching Ola serves as the home of the foundation that he co-founded with his wife which is dedicated to encouraging self-exploration and a deeper understanding of the world.

Hosting an eclectic mix of exhibitions, concerts, talks and personal development events, this remarkable venue fosters the exchange of ideas and energies, sparking new synergies.

In 2023, Ola was honoured with the 'Building of the Year in Latvia' award and recognised as one of the country's most promising new visitor attractions. A visit to Ola can be perfectly paired with a scenic stroll along the River Daugava, offering panoramic views of Riga's Old Town and the wooden architecture of the Ķīpsala neighbourhood.

5. GO ON A LATVIAN DESIGN SHOPPING SPREE

Latvians have preserved the tradition of craftsmanship through the centuries, with local artisans creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces from abundant natural materials like wool, stone and wood. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift, be sure to visit two local design and craft stores on Tērbatas Street: Riija and Mūsmāja, where you’ll find handmade treasures such as linen clothing, homeware, pottery, jewellery and beeswax candles. 

Wool mittens make for a truly traditional souvenir. Their intricate patterns feature symbols from Latvian mythology, each carrying messages inspired by the local deities and what they represent. 

6. DEVELOP A TASTE FOR LATVIAN CIDER

Latvian soil cultivates crisp, flavourful apples, ideal for crafting artisan ciders. Gaining increasing attention on the world stage, Latvian ciders have earned awards at competitions in Germany, Spain and even Japan! Many producers experiment with fusion flavours, blending in other fruits like chokeberries and blackcurrants, and some even create mulled ciders – perfect for sipping hot during the winter months. Be sure to ask for a craft Latvian cider at restaurants and bars throughout Riga. 

7. ENJOY AN EVENING AT THE LATVIAN NATIONAL OPERA

Enjoy an evening at Riga’s own White House – the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. This legendary institution has nurtured numerous talents who have gone on to shine at the New York Metropolitan Opera, Milan’s La Scala, Vienna State Opera and beyond, including Elīna Garanča, Kristīne Opolais and Egils Siliņš. The ornate building dates back to the late 19th century. Conveniently, it’s right next to Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga!

Before the performance or during the interval, join the locals at the on-site bar for a glass of bubbly or a taste of the warming Riga Black Balsam with blackcurrant – an essential part of the Latvian opera or theatre experience.

8. INDULGE IN AN UNFORGETTABLE MICHELIN-STARRED DINING EXPERIENCE

Michelin now includes all three Baltic states in its guide, and since 2024, Riga has been home to two-starred restaurants. Max Cekot Kitchen is well worth the journey to an unassuming industrial part of the city. Housed in a former wood processing plant, this coveted restaurant even has space for its own garden. Chef Maxim Cekot and his team celebrate seasonal produce, offering thoughtfully crafted menus for both carnivores and vegetarians.

9. EXPERIENCE THE TRADITIONAL LATVIAN BATHHOUSES 

A wellness experience like no other, Ziedlejas is a retreat centred around the Latvian pirts, a relative of the sauna. Guided by trained professionals, its rejuvenating rituals last three to four hours and incorporate elements of massage. Set in the serene, forested landscape of Gauja National Park, the retreat is also a showcase of contemporary Latvian architecture, earning recognition from international media, including Dezeen and Designboom, and is well worth the hour-long drive from central Riga.

10. ADMIRE RIGA’S HISTORICAL WOODEN ARCHITECTURE

While many European cities have lost their wooden heritage to fire, war and development, Riga still boasts around 4,000 historical timber buildings. Kalnciema Quarter, a beautifully restored cluster of 19th-century late-classicism gems, offers a glimpse into this preserved architecture. Enjoy refreshments at the on-site café and wine shop, or visit on Saturdays for a lively farmers' and crafts market, come rain or shine.

11. TAKE A STROLL IN THE FORESTED MEŽAPARKS

The Mežaparks neighbourhood, established at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, is one of Europe’s first garden cities. It boasts a sprawling forest park along the shores of the picturesque Lake Ķīšezers, as well as a collection of stunning historical villas. Take a guided walking tour to fully soak up the atmosphere!

12. SAVOUR SUSTAINABLY SOURCED PRODUCE

Pavāru Māja has earned a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. Located in the quaint village of Līgatne, which is built around a historical paper mill, the restaurant is surrounded by scenic hiking trails – perfect for building up an appetite before your meal. Embracing the slow food philosophy, Pavāru Māja collaborates with local growers and producers to showcase humble, yet flavourful ingredients such as sour cherries and swedes.

13. VENTURE INTO THE LATVIAN WILDERNESS AT SUNRISE

Latvia takes pride in its sweeping natural landscapes, from beaches and forests to ancient bogs. There’s something truly magical about experiencing a sunrise in a bog! Several tour operators offer morning excursions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness – whether by stand-up paddleboard or on a guided hike with snowshoes, which make it easier to walk across safely. It’s an unrivalled opportunity to feel the power of Latvia’s nature. 

14: TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY

The Riga Motor Museum showcases over 100 antique vehicles, including one of only two surviving Russo-Balt cars, built in Riga in the early 20th century. You can enjoy interactive activities such as designing your own minibus or taking a virtual ride on a vintage bus to a 1970s wedding. It’s a fun and immersive way to explore the evolution of the automobile.

15. INDULGE IN THE FINEST LOCALLY ROASTED COFFEE

Riga’s coffee scene is booming, with local roasters Kalve and Rocket Bean Roastery welcoming coffee connoisseurs at several central locations. Savour their fresh house roasts paired with a delicious pastry. The city boasts a wealth of talented patissiers crafting regional specialties such as honey cake and cinnamon buns alongside, perhaps surprisingly, Riga’s current favourite: the Portuguese pastel de nata!

Whether you're visiting for just a few days or indulging in the luxury of a longer stay, enjoy your time in Riga as you wander around its charming streets and markets, savour the freshest seasonal flavours and immerse yourself in its rich cultural scene.

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