How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Riga, Latvia

The ultimate city guide to Latvia’s charming capital — what to do, where to eat, and how to plan your visit

Riga, Latvia’s capital, is often overlooked in favour of other European cities — but it shouldn’t be. As the largest and most dynamic of the three Baltic capitals, Riga delivers an unbeatable mix of moody medieval charm, vibrant food culture, and some of Europe’s best-preserved Art Nouveau architecture. It’s a city where history lives in the walls, and yet creativity and cool cafés are around every corner.

We spent two full days exploring everything Riga has to offer, and here is everything you need to know:

Day 1: Get Lost in Riga’s Old Town (Vecrīga)

Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is compact, colourful, and packed with charm. Spend your first day wandering its cobbled streets and uncovering stories hidden in the architecture.

• St. Peter’s Church – Take the lift to the top for sweeping views over the rooftops — one of the best photo spots in the city. The price of the ticket is steep at EUR 9 per person but IMO the views are worth it!

• House of the Blackheads – This striking Gothic facade is one of Riga’s most photographed. Inside, you’ll find a museum that dives into the city’s merchant history. For a fun twist, opt for the €2 tour upgrade and enjoy a glass of bubbly or Riga Black Balsam.

• The Three Brothers – These quirky medieval homes are Riga’s oldest residential buildings and showcase three unique architectural periods.

• Rozengrāls – End your day at this medieval-style restaurant with hearty food served by candlelight in a former wine cellar.

PRO TIP: Join a free walking tour to kick things off. It’s the best way to get your bearings, hear quirky local legends, and dive deeper into Riga’s layered past.

Day 2: Art, Markets & Soviet Shadows

This is the day to dig deeper into Riga’s creative, culinary, and complex sides.

• Riga Central Market – One of the biggest markets in Europe, housed in old Zeppelin hangars. Try smoked fish, local cheeses, or just grab a pastry and people-watch.

• Art Nouveau District – Did you know Riga has the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture? Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela are iconic, but you’ll find jaw-dropping facades everywhere.

• KGB Museum (Corner House) – A haunting but essential stop. This was the Soviet secret police HQ during Latvia’s occupation. The permanent exhibition is free, but only a guided tour will take you into the basement — and that’s where the real stories come alive. For some, this is history. For others, it’s memory. For too many, it’s still happening today.

PRO TIP: If you’re a design lover, don’t miss the Art Nouveau Museum, where even the stairwell is photo-worthy.

PRO TIP 2: The guided tour at the KGB museum sells out, sometimes even a few weeks in advance. Buy a ticket online to avoid disappointment.

Where to stay in Riga

We stayed at Konventa Sēta Hotel, a charming boutique hotel set within a historic complex in the heart of the Old Town. It felt like a peaceful little world of its own, just steps from the city’s best sights. Check out our full review of our stay here.

PRO TIPS FOR RIGA:

• For the best views with no crowds, be at St. Peter’s Church tower when it opens—the light is gorgeous and the platform is quiet.

• Riga is walkable—ditch the hop-on-hop-off buses and explore on foot. You’ll find hidden courtyards, quirky statues, and quiet corners.

• Visit Jauniela Street near the Three Brothers for one of the most photogenic streets in Riga—and go early if you want it to yourself.

• Want to blend in? Locals love snacking on pastries from the market—grab one and sit along the river for a quiet moment.

Riga is a city that reveals itself slowly — through its winding lanes, Soviet scars, art-filled streets and culinary gems. It’s elegant, lived-in, a little rough around the edges, and entirely unforgettable.

Planning a trip to Latvia? Drop your questions below or DM us on Instagram — we’re always happy to share Baltic tips!

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