Step back in time as you wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town Riga. Medieval spires and colourful 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 splendour 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 jewellery shops, medieval cellar restaurants, and hidden courtyards. The Daugava River provides scenic backdrops for this fairy-tale area 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 harbour views and walking paths for enjoying city panoramas. Cultural events and festivals bring the area 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 centre. 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 travellers will appreciate the affordable accommodation and dining options. While quieter than city centre, local buses connect you to central Riga in just 20-30 minutes. Area 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 honours 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
"Great stay! The hotel was very clean, comfortable, and in a perfect location just minutes from Riga Airport. It was an ideal choice before our early morning flight. Highly recommended!"
"Very nice, kind and helpful staff. Hotel located in a lovely central region so everything was very easy to get to. The food is exceptional and the Skyline bar is fantastic, with great views over the city. Pet peeve: the tiles in the bath needed some extra care."
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 holiday 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 holiday 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 holiday 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 Centre. With a well-organised 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 holiday package to Riga?
Whether you'd like to visit top sights like Riga Central Market and House of the Blackheads on your Riga holiday, 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 holiday 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 holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday 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 customised Riga holiday by choosing your preferred accommodation type, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday 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 favourite 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 accommodation 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 holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
Riga offers a delightful mix of family-friendly activities, city explorations, and beach outings. Visitors can enjoy vibrant public markets, picturesque recreational areas, and a variety of city tours. Ideal for a weekend getaway, the city also presents easy excursions and opportunities to explore the Baltic capitals. Whether you're indulging in local cuisine or soaking up the city's rich culture, Riga promises a memorable experience for all.
Shopping
For a unique shopping experience, visit Riga Central Market, a vibrant public market offering local produce and crafts. Alternatively, explore Origo Shopping Centre and Galleria Riga for a mix of shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all set in the lively atmosphere of the city.
Recreation
At Skonto Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of various sports events. Ozo Golf Club invites you to enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes. For a cultural escape, the Latvian National Theatre offers enchanting performances, perfect for a romantic evening or family outing.
Adventure
Experience the thrills at Golden Bowling Center, where family fun meets adventure in an exciting arcade atmosphere. Visit Livu Akvaparks, a waterpark 14.5km from Riga, offering exhilarating water rides and entertainment for all ages. For a scenic escape, hike the Saulkrasti Trailhead, 35.4km from Riga, and immerse yourself in nature.
Nightlife
In Riga, explore the vibrant nightlife in the Old Town, where cobbled streets come alive with bars and clubs. Visit the trendy Miera Iela for alternative venues, or head to the stylish Skyline Bar for stunning views. Enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere throughout the city.
Find the best attractions in Riga
Riga, Latvia, is an ideal destination for families and city enthusiasts alike, offering a rich blend of cultural experiences. Visitors can explore notable attractions such as the Riga Cathedral and the historic Riga Castle, alongside charming churches and historic buildings. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse points of interest, Riga provides a delightful vacation experience for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in this beautiful Baltic city.
St. Peter's Church: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Riga at St. Peter's Church, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture. Climb the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding Old Town.
Vansu Bridge: Embrace the modernity of Riga with a walk across Vansu Bridge, a striking example of contemporary engineering. This pedestrian-friendly bridge offers striking views of the Daugava River and connects the city's bustling districts, embodying the urban energy of Riga.
Riga Cathedral: Discover the magnificent Riga Cathedral, a masterpiece of architectural design. Its stunning interior and impressive organ make it a cultural landmark. The cathedral's serene ambiance invites reflection amidst the lively city life.
Best time to go to Riga
The best time to visit Riga is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is very cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Riga
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Riga during the low season (January to March) for more affordable options.
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.