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Planning a trip to Riga, Latvia? You’ve come to the right blog.
We’ve explored the best of Riga and beyond, from its charming Old Town to the breathtaking nature just outside the city. Now, we’re here to help you make the most of your adventure with our guide to the best things to do.
This blog is full of need-to-know info about the most fun and interesting activities that Riga has to offer. Whether you feel like savoring Latvian cuisine, exploring forest trails on an e-bike, or hiking through Gauja National Park, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to plan your perfect trip!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this private walking tour of Riga! We saw so many of the city’s highlights with an incredible guide. It helped us get a feel for the city on our first day and navigate with confidence for the rest of our trip.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Riga, Latvia
- 1. Taste Latvian food in Riga Central Market
- 2. Visit Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle
- 3. See Riga’s top sights including Old Town, the Freedom Tower, and more
- 4. Get outside and ride an e-bike through Riga’s forest roads
- 5. Go hiking in Gauja National Park
- 6. See the castles in Sigulda and Turaida
- 7. Watch the sunrise at Kemeri National Park
- 8. Range tour with an instructor
- Where to Stay in Riga, Latvia
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Renting a Car in Europe
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Riga, Latvia
1. Taste Latvian food in Riga Central Market
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 12:30 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the open-air Central Market, learning about Baltic food traditions, sampling lots of different dishes and drinks, discovering Latvian culture, small group tour
- Inclusions: All food samples, drinks, local guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I’ll admit it – I’m a sucker for a good food tour. So of course, I just had to book this tour of Riga’s iconic Central Market while I was in town. The market is housed in five huge former zeppelin hangars, each of which has its own theme, so it makes it easy to explore Latvian cuisine bit by bit.
Right from the start, my guide, Annette, was phenomenal. She told us stories about Riga and weaved in personal memories and information about Latvian traditions so we got a feel for the city’s culture. And the food itself was phenomenal, starting with smoked meats and rye bread.
Later, we moved on to local cheeses and fish delicacies such as smoked eel and sprats, which is a beloved Baltic specialty. I also really enjoyed sipping on kvass, which is a fermented, low-alcohol drink that tastes a bit like beer!
I also really enjoyed trying some sweet treats like honey candies and blueberry dumplings. One of my favorite things about this tour was that I got to try a ton of different foods that I had never even heard of. So if you want to dive into Riga’s food scene, I highly recommend this tour!
Check availability and book this tour here with FREE cancellation!
2. Visit Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace Museum, Latvia-Lithuania border, Hill of Crosses
- Inclusions: Air conditioned transport, parking fees, Bauska Castle entry, Rundale Palace and Gardens ticket, guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re interested in Baltic history (or just cool old buildings) this day trip from Riga is a must. In just one day, we got to visit some of Latvia and Lithuania’s most important cultural sites.
We started with the medieval Bauska Castle. It looks like it’s straight out of Game of Thrones, and we even got to climb up the newly renovated tower to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Next up, we went to visit Rundale Palace, which is often nicknamed “Latvia’s Little Versailles.” As soon as we saw the breathtaking baroque architecture, we understood why! We loved strolling through the lavish halls and admiring the intricate details of every room, and the gardens were just as gorgeous.
After that, we made a quick stop at the Latvia-Lithuania border before heading to the Hill of Crosses. This Pilgrimage site was where many Lithuanians came to pray for peace during the country’s struggle for independence, and seeing the thousands of crosses here was a very moving experience. We were even allowed to leave our own crosses behind to keep the tradition going.
This tour allowed us to dive deeper into both Latvian and Lithuanian history. It makes it super easy to visit a ton of important sites in just one day, but for that reason, it usually sells out in advance. So if you’re into history, don’t hesitate to book.
Grab your spot on this popular tour here before it sells out!
3. See Riga’s top sights including Old Town, the Freedom Tower, and more
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Time: Multiple timeslots available between 8 am – 9 pm
- Highlights: Private tour, House of the Black Heads, Riga Town Hall Square, St. Peter’s Church, Cat House, Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers Latvian Museum of Architecture, Freedom Monument
- Inclusions: Private guide, local taxes
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If it’s your first time in Riga, this walking tour is the perfect way to get your bearings and dive into the city’s fascinating history. We did it on our first day, and it helped us to navigate with confidence during the rest of our trip, as well as giving us a great overview of the Old Town.
We loved the fact that it was a private tour, too, as we were free to ask as many questions as we liked and take things at our own pace.
Our guide, Edvards, was fantastic. He really knew his stuff, and was full of engaging stories! He helped us get a feel for the city’s history as we strolled through the Town Hall Square and admired the striking House of the Black Heads. We also loved stopping by the legendary Cat House, where Edvards shared the amusing tale behind its feline-topped towers.
We also walked through the Swedish Gate and past the medieval Three Brothers. These are the oldest medieval houses in the city, although now they house the Latvian Museum of Architecture. Even though we didn’t enter the buildings, the exteriors were stunning – and totally Insta-worthy!
I highly recommend booking this tour for your first day in Riga. Not only did it introduce us to the city’s layout, but it provided a lot of historical and cultural context that made exploring on our own more meaningful later on.
Book our favorite Riga tour here, with FREE 24-hour cancellation!
4. Get outside and ride an e-bike through Riga’s forest roads
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Time: Tours available between 10 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Cycling along forest trails and scenic roads, taking in the views from Bomb Hill’s fire watchtower, the Lielupe River, the Riga Dunes, Juramal’s White Dune
- Inclusions: Use of e-bike, helmet, local guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a break from the city and want to explore Riga’s natural beauty, this e-bike tour is a must! I loved getting out of the urban setting and diving into the wilderness.
Our adventure began at Bomb Hill’s fire watchtower, where we climbed up to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Riga and its surrounding forests. Then, we hopped on our e-bikes and hit the trails. The electric assist made the cycling effortless, even on sandy dunes and hilly sections. We barely broke a sweat!
One of the highlights of the tour was riding along the Sahara of Riga, which is a unique 10-kilometer (6-mile) stretch of dunes that are covered in pine forests. One moment, it felt like we were deep in the woods and the next, we found ourselves cruising through an open, desert-like landscape. It was surreal!
The grand finale was reaching the White Dune, a 17-meter (56-foot) high sand dune that overlooks the Lielupe River. It was so peaceful, and we loved the sweeping views from the top. It was the perfect note to end on before cycling back to the watchtower.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or haven’t been on a bike in years, the e-bike makes this tour easy and fun. It’s the perfect way to experience Latvia’s incredible landscapes without exhausting yourself. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Grab your spot on this e-bike tour here!
5. Go hiking in Gauja National Park
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Hiking in Gauja National Park, visiting the Gutman Cave, seeing the Gauja River, small group tour
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, return transport, English-speaking guide, pre-planned route, herbal tea
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This hiking tour in Gauja National Park is the perfect way to experience Latvia’s breathtaking landscapes. Just bear in mind that it’s very popular, so it sells out quickly!
We started our 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) hike in Sigulda, which is nicknamed “the Switzerland of Latvia.” From there, we followed scenic trails along the Gauja River to some incredible spots. We even got to visit Gutman’s Cave, which is the largest cave in the Baltic region.
The hike had its challenging sections, sure, but the trails were well-maintained and we even came across a few wooden staircases that made the climbs more manageable. The hardest part was climbing to the top of a steep bluff, but we were rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the river valley. Plus, we stopped halfway through to rest and enjoy some herbal tea.
Our guide, Valdis, was fantastic too, and full of knowledge about the park’s wildlife and folklore. Listening to his stories really enriched our experience and, towards the end, took our minds off of the fact that our legs were getting tired!
This hike was one of the biggest highlights of our time in Latvia, and we highly recommend it to anyone who loves the great outdoors. Gauja National Park is Latvia’s largest national park, and its untouched beauty is sure to blow you away, just as it did for us!
Don’t miss out – reserve your spot on this epic hiking tour before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. See the castles in Sigulda and Turaida
- Duration: 7 – 8 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Turaida Castle, Castle of the Livonian Order, Cesis Medieval Castle, Araisi Lake Dwelling Site, Zvartes Rock
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, private driver and guide
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you love medieval history and breathtaking landscapes, this private full-day castle tour is an absolute must! We felt as though we had stepped back in time as we explored Latvia’s historic fortresses, and every castle had its own unique story and charm.
The first stop of the day was Turaida Castle, a red-brick fortress that towers dramatically over the Gauja River. Our guide, Normund, painted a vivid picture of its history for us, detailing fierce battles and the legendary (albeit chilling) love story of the Rose of Turaida. We even got to climb the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Latvian countryside!
Next up was Sigulda Castle, a partially ruined site that truly belongs in a fantasy novel. The original castle was built in 1207, so it’s safe to say that this place contains plenty of history! Then came Cesis Castle, which is the best-preserved medieval fortress in Latvia. We loved walking through its grand halls and using lanterns to explore its dark, winding passageways, which were peppered with medieval artifacts.
Normund also surprised us with a stop at Araisi Lake Dwelling, where the remains of a 9th – 10th-century settlement offered a fascinating glimpse into Latvia’s medieval history. We also stopped by the Zvartes Rock, which is one of the most scenic spots in Gauja National Park. If you want a deep dive into Latvia’s history, this tour is a must!
Check availability and reserve this private tour here!
7. Watch the sunrise at Kemeri National Park
- Duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Time: 3:30 am – 7:30 am
- Highlights: Walking in the Kemeri Bog, watching the sunrise in Kemeri National Park, driving tour of Jurmala, Dztinari viewing tower, swimming in the Baltic Sea (summertime only), private tour, customizable itinerary
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, WiFi on board, tea or coffee, pastry, bottled water, private guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Waking up before dawn is usually a “no” from me, but it was 100% worth it for this sunrise tour of Kemeri National Park! Our guide, Mikalis, picked us up in Riga about an hour and a half before sunrise, and we drove out to Kemeri National Park in time to see an epic sunrise.
Walking through the park at dawn was so peaceful, with mist rising over the wetlands as the sky shifted between shades of pink and orange. We felt like we had the park all to ourselves at this hour – in fact, pretty much the only sound we heard was birdsong.
After soaking in the sunrise, we drove out to Jurmala, which is Latvia’s most famous seaside resort town. Mikalis took us to see the contrast between the more traditional wooden villas and the modern beachfront mansions that are slowly taking over. We also had some time to walk along the beach and we even dipped our toes in the Baltic Sea – although if you’re braver than we are, there’s always the option to swim!
One of my favorite parts of the tour was climbing the Dzintari Forest Park viewing tower in Jurmala. The view above the treetops was stunning, and then we wrapped up the tour with a coffee and a pastry before heading back to Riga. It was the perfect way to spend a morning in Latvia, so don’t miss out.
Grab your spot on this sunrise tour here!
8. Range tour with an instructor
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Time: Timeslots available between 9 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Thrilling range session, keeping targets as souvenirs, competing with friends
- Inclusions: Targets, safety goggles, ear defenders, professional instructors
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience in Riga, this range session is a must! Whether you’re a first-timer or are experienced, the expert instructors will make sure that you’re safe and comfortable.
We had a blast – literally – and we’re clearly not the only ones. Check out the glowing reviews here!
The session began with a safety briefing, where we got fitted with protective gear and learned the basics. Then, it was time for the real fun to begin.
We got to try several different models and compete against each other! Plus we got to keep our targets as souvenirs afterward. How cool is that? On the day, we also had the option to purchase extra rounds, which we ended up doing because we were just having so much fun, although there was no pressure.
If you’re looking to do something totally different in Riga, then we highly recommend booking this tour. We were surprised by just how much we loved it! Just don’t forget to bring your passport for registration.
Book this session here and pay nothing until 48 hours beforehand!
Where to Stay in Riga, Latvia
Now that you’ve planned your Riga itinerary, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! From charming boutique hotels to budget-friendly stays, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. To make things easier, I’ve rounded up the best hotels for every budget below!
Luxury – $$$
Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah is a stylish 5-star stay in Riga located right across from the city’s Bastion Hill. The hotel has elegantly designed rooms and features a full-service spa, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. It is a fantastic choice for a luxurious stay in the heart of the city!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start around €150- €200 per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Avalon Hotel & Conferences is a great mid-range choice in Riga’s Old Town, just steps from major attractions and public transport. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, a stylish bar, and private parking. Plus, its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city at a reasonable cost!
Prices are usually around €75 to €150 per night depending on the season and you can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Rixwell Elefant Hotel is a budget-friendly stay located between Riga’s Old Town and the airport, offering easy access to both. The hotel features comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, a gym, and private parking. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for a well-connected and affordable base in the city!
Rooms can start as low as €60 per night. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Riga here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
That’s all for our guide on the best things to do in Riga! I hope you have as much fun exploring this city as we did. From the food to the history and the incredible sights in the city and nearby, this is a place you won’t want to skip over.
If this is only the beginning of your travels, have a look at our full blog here with destinations around the world. Or if you’re sticking around Europe, our European section or the blogs I picked out for you below may be helpful!
10 Best Things to do in Krakow, Poland
salem Elwerfly
Wednesday 30th of April 2025
I was live in Rige in 1987 it was beauitful live