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Are you planning to visit the Baltic countries and the largest city in the Baltics? In our ‘1 Day in Riga’ guide, you’ll discover everything you need to see, from the historical center to the beach just 30 minutes away from the capital. Riga is quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers looking for a quieter city that’s not as crowded with tourists as other European cities.
We’ve visited Riga in different seasons and always enjoy coming back — it’s affordable, and the largest spa town in Latvia, Jūrmala, is just a short train ride away, making it an easy and relaxing day trip from the city.
If you’re a fan of spa cities, you might also enjoy our article one day in Tbilisi, another great destination known for its own unique spa culture.
Table of Contents
1 DAY IN RIGA ITINERARY
If you’re planning to visit Riga for the first time, we’ve put together a guide to the city’s main attractions that you can easily explore during your ‘1 Day in Riga.’ In addition to the must-see sights, we’ve also included some extra activities, such as a trip to the spa town of Jūrmala and its beautiful beaches, or a relaxing evening sunset cruise on the Daugava River.
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HOUSE OF THE BLACKHEADS
One of the main attractions and landmarks of Riga, located in the heart of the Old Town. The House of Blackheads is located on Town Hall Square and is known for its distinctive facade, richly decorated with sculptures, carvings, and ornaments. These decorative details symbolize the city’s wealth, power, and trading connections. This is one building you simply cannot miss during your 1 day in Riga.
➡️ House of Blackheads official website ⬅️
Today, it houses the House of Blackheads Museum, where you can learn about the history and importance of the Brotherhood in Riga’s development. The original building was founded in the 14th century as a guild hall for unmarried German merchants. Its purpose was both social and commercial, serving as a meeting place for the guild. During World War II, the building was severely damaged and left in ruins.
The current structure was rebuilt between 1995 and 1999, based on the original architectural plans.
➡️ Buy your ticket for House of Blackheads here ⬅️
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Inside of the St.Peter Church
The Lutheran church with the tallest tower in Riga and in all of Latvia is an unmissable landmark located in the heart of the Old Town. Its spire reaches a height of 123.25 meters and contains a metal structure with a built-in elevator that takes visitors up to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Riga.
One of the most interesting features of this historic church is the rooster on top of the tower, a symbol of vigilance and the arrival of a new day. Over the centuries, several roosters have been replaced due to damage or renovation, and a few of the preserved ones can still be seen inside the church. The current rooster is made of gilded metal and, like its predecessors, it rotates with the wind, serving as a symbolic guardian of the city.
The tower offers one of the best panoramic views of Riga. This is a must-visit spot for your one day itinerary in Riga!
Tickets to the viewing platform cost €9 per person, and it is definitely worth visiting. More information about St.Peter church you can find on the official website.
THE FREEDOM MONUMENT
Between the Old Town and the city center stands the Freedom Monument, built in honor of the soldiers who fell during the Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920). The monument stands 42 meters tall, and at its top is a 9-meter statue of a woman holding three golden stars above her head, representing the three historical regions of Latvia: Vidzeme, Latgale, and Courland.
A guard of honor is stationed at the monument every day, with a ceremonial change every hour—a respected tradition that many visitors stop to witness.
The monument is within walking distance of all major city attractions and is located near Bastejkalna Park, making it a place that is definitely worth visiting during your time in Riga.
In recent years, Riga has also emerged as a city popular with digital nomads. Thanks to its affordability, vibrant culture, and reliable infrastructure, it has become an attractive base for remote workers. You’ll find several coworking spaces with high-speed internet, as well as plenty of cozy cafes ideal for working on the go.
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RIGA CENTRAL MARKET
Housed in five massive pavilions that were originally used as Zeppelin hangars, the market has operated here since 1930 and, together with the Old Town, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its central location makes it easily accessible, just a short walk from the Old Town. At the market, you’ll find a wide variety of goods, including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, clothing, household items, souvenirs, and more.
ART NOUVEAU BUILDINGS (Alberta iela street)
A visit to this iconic street in Riga is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture, or photography. The Art Nouveau buildings lining Alberta iela were designed in the early 20th century and feature ornate facades, sculptural details, and floral motifs. The Art Nouveau Museum is also located on this street, offering visitors a glimpse into life at the beginning of the 20th century.
✨ Book your activities for Riga here ✨
THE THREE BROTHERS
A trio of neighboring historic houses located at Mazā Pils iela 17, 19, and 21 in Riga’s Old Town, the Three Brothers are the oldest surviving residential buildings in the city. They were not built at the same time, and each one reflects the architectural style of its respective period.
The oldest of the houses is number 17, built at the end of the 15th century, showcasing typical medieval architecture. House number 19 was built in 1646 in the Dutch Mannerist style, while the youngest, number 21, dates from the late 17th century and features Baroque elements.
Originally, the houses served as private residences for wealthy merchants or craftsmen. Today, building number 19 houses the Museum of Latvian Architecture.
The Three Brothers are often visited for their asymmetry and architectural contrast, making them a popular spot for photography and a must-see during your 1 day in Riga.
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ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES IN RIGA
RIGA MOTOR MUSEUM
The largest museum of antique vehicles in the Baltic States, the Riga Motor Museum offers a fascinating journey through automotive history across three floors.
The ground floor introduces the history of automobiles, beginning with the earliest developments and continuing with cars from the early 20th century, including vehicles produced in Latvia.
The first floor focuses on motorsports and features a remarkable collection of Soviet state vehicles, including the armored car used by Joseph Stalin.
In the basement, visitors will find trucks and special-purpose vehicles.
One of the museum’s standout exhibits is a replica of the world’s first car by Karl Benz, which helps illustrate just how far automotive technology has come. More informations about tickets, opening hours you can find on official website of the museum.
In addition to its collection, the museum also includes a café and a sport club.
THE LATVIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART
The museum is located in a historic building that is a work of art in itself, combining Baroque and Art Nouveau architectural styles. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates art. The museum houses over 52,000 works by local artists, offering a deep insight into Latvian artistic heritage. For details on opening hours, ticket prices, and current exhibitions, visit the museum’s official website.
JŪRMALA
Jūrmala is a Latvian seaside town built along the Gulf of Riga, boasting 33 kilometers of sandy beaches. It consists of several small resorts that were especially popular during the Soviet era. Jūrmala is well known for being just a short train ride from Latvia’s capital, Riga (25 km), and is equally famous for its charming wooden architecture, pine forests, and historic sanatoriums with mineral springs. Thanks to these features, it remains a sought-after destination for relaxation, wellness, and tourism.
It’s an ideal place to escape the city and its hustle and bustle.
We visited Jūrmala in early autumn, when the weather was still pleasant enough for a walk on the beach. On our way from the train station, we passed beautiful wooden Art Nouveau houses and walked through a peaceful pine forest before arriving at the beach. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, and we spent a few hours there. We could easily imagine spending the whole day here in summer — the sea looked clean, and there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves without the beach feeling overcrowded.
Jūrmala was one of the best activities we had in Riga during our visit !
CANAL BOAT TOUR
Riga offers many beautiful viewpoints, but some of the most unique and memorable are from the Daugava River, where you can enjoy enchanting views of the Old Town from the water. Some tours take place on reconstructed historical boats, which adds a special atmosphere to the experience. The boat ride usually lasts around an hour and operates from spring to autumn. Some tours include an audio guide, while others offer a welcome drink or take place at sunset, making them an ideal option for couples.
✨Book your canal boat tours for Riga with GetYourGuide:
1. Riga: Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour With Audio guide (1 hour)
2. Riga: Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Drink and Audio Guide (50 min)
3. Riga: Private Boat Tour with Sparkling Wine (50 min)
GUIDED WALKING TOUR IN OLD TOWN
A guided walking tour of the city is another great way to spend a few hours during your 1 day in Riga. These tours cover all the key attractions, including the House of the Blackheads, Riga Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, and the Three Brothers — the oldest residential buildings in the city. Guides will introduce you to more than 800 years of the city’s history, sharing fascinating stories from the past. Walking tours typically last up to two hours and are a fantastic option for solo travelers, offering the chance to meet other visitors along the way.
✨Book your walking tours with GetYourGuide:
1. Riga: Guided Old Town Walking Tour (2 hours)
2. Discover Riga’s Old Town and Its Art Nouveau Gems (2 hours)
3. Riga: Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party (3 hours)
WHERE TO STAY IN RIGA
Old Town
One of the most popular areas to stay for tourists. There are several boutique hotels and guesthouses located close to all the main attractions. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of picturesque cobblestone streets and medieval buildings.
City Center
Within walking distance of the Old Town, you’ll find more modern accommodation, including luxury hotels, as well as plenty of cafés, shopping centers, and dining options. We stayed near the Origo Shopping Center, close to the train station, as we continued our journey from Riga to Estonia by train.
Kipsala
Ideal for those looking for a quieter environment while still being close to the city center. This area offers several upscale hotels with beautiful views of the Daugava River and the Old Town.
➡️ Book your stay in Riga via Booking.com ⬅️
HOW TO GET AROUND RIGA
As we mentioned earlier in the article, Riga is a very walkable city, especially if you stay near the city center or the Old Town, where all major attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, Riga has a well-connected and affordable public transport system, including buses and trolleybuses. The official public transport website provides all the necessary information about ticket prices and route planning.
The main train station is conveniently located in the city center, close to the Old Town, making it easy to plan day trips — for example, to the seaside town of Jūrmala — or to continue your journey elsewhere by train. The city also has a popular taxi app, Bolt, which is a reliable and budget-friendly option for getting around.
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Q&A
Is Riga a walkable city?
The center of Riga is very walkable. It’s flat, and many streets in the Old Town are pedestrian-only. Most of the city’s main sights are located in this historic area, making it perfect to explore on foot. You’ll find plenty of charming cobblestone streets, hidden corners, and architectural gems along the way. Walking really is the best way to experience the heart of Riga.
What is Riga most known for?
Riga is famous for its architecture, especially its Art Nouveau buildings, as well as a number of medieval structures in the Old Town (Vecrīga), which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the largest city in the Baltic States.
Is Latvia cheap or expensive?
Latvia is an affordable destination for all types of travelers, especially compared to Western Europe. Outside the summer months, you can find reasonably priced mid-range hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs. Attractions are also budget-friendly, and you can enjoy a meal at a good restaurant for less than you would pay in most Western European countries.
Why is Latvia so popular?
Latvia has a charming capital city, Riga, which is famous for its architecture and Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than half of the country is covered in forests, making it one of the greenest countries in Europe. It also has a long coastline along the Baltic Sea, with the seaside city of Jūrmala located just 30 minutes from Riga. Latvia is becoming a popular destination for travelers who want to avoid large crowds, as it offers a peaceful, authentic, and less touristy experience compared to many other European countries.
Is one day in Riga enough?
The city itself is easily discoverable in one day. However, if you plan to visit its museums or the nearby beach during the summer months, you will need more than one day. It depends on your pace and interests.
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
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Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
For hostels, we use Hostelworld where we find cheaper options and meet new people.
Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets worldwide we use Direct Ferries.
All travel options in one place: Omio.com we use for easy travel planning where we can find trains, buses, ferries, and more.
Tours and other activities: Wherever we go we look at GetYourGuide to find the best tours and many other activities around the world!
Travel insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! Ekta works all over the world and has 10 years of experience in the industry. It is your right choice!
Reviews: Before we travel somewhere we always look at Tripadvisor, where we always find a summary of restaurants, places to visit, or hotels with current ratings and photos from people who have visited this place recently.
Luggage storage: Radical storage is such a helpful Luggage storage network! When we have a late check-in or an early check-out we don’t need to carry our luggage with us, we just simply put it in the Radical storage which operates in over 70 countries!
E-sim card: The best way how avoid all the stress of searching for local SIM cards or wifi signals and save time after you arrive in your new country is to get Airalo e-sim. Download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions!
