Guide to Riga
Virtual tour to Riga
Exploring the city of Riga should commence with a visit to its historical heart, Old Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among its most renowned landmarks are the Dome Cathedral and St. Peter's Church, which offers panoramic views from its observation deck. Nearby, you'll find the charming Bremen Musicians monument.
A leisurely 15-minute stroll from the center leads you to the Spīķeri district, a hub for creative professionals and a venue for concerts and open-air events. Along the Daugava River embankment, take in the views of bridges and the Old Town, with the concert hall of the same name housing the Sinfonietta Rīga Chamber Orchestra and the Latvian Radio Choir.
Riga also boasts a beautifully restored quarter of unique 19th-century wooden buildings, now home to local designer stores, fairs, exhibitions, and various captivating events.
Lastly, don't miss the renowned Covered Market, where you can savor local delicacies like blood sausage, cheese, and the traditional "piparkukas" cookies—sweet sand dough treats with mustard and pepper that are exclusive to Latvia.
Photos of Riga
Tours to Riga
The ancient European city of Riga evokes various delightful sensations. Some think of Riga balsam, others of unique perfumes, while some envision the warmth and coziness of Riga's coffee shops.
Regardless of what comes to mind, every trip to Riga promises to create lasting memories of this Baltic gem. A visit here is an opportunity for leisurely strolls along the winding streets adorned with old houses.
You can certainly explore iconic landmarks like the Dome Cathedral and other churches in Riga. However, hot tours to this destination typically offer more extensive itineraries, including double-decker bus tours that encompass both the Old Town and excursions outside of Riga.
Typically, the cost of a hot tour in this direction ranges from 300 to 500 EUR, although this can vary based on the time of year and your preferences.
If you're looking to reduce expenses, consider traveling to the country by bus, which can significantly lower the cost of the most budget-friendly tours. Additionally, keep in mind that summer travel tends to be 100-200 EUR more expensive due to peak season prices.
Cheap tours don't mean sacrificing luxury when exploring Riga. The key is to familiarize yourself with the city's map to locate the most popular coffee shops, restaurants, romantic squares, and sites featured in old movies.
Interesting places in Riga
If you're visiting Riga for the first time, it's a good idea to start with a guided sightseeing excursion. An experienced guide will not only show you the main attractions but also share interesting facts about the city's history. Movie enthusiasts can explore online hiking routes following the footsteps of famous movie characters. For shopping enthusiasts, Riga offers major shopping centers, and those who love music and dancing can enjoy the numerous nightclubs in the Latvian capital.
Flight ticket prices
Getting to Riga from Europe is easy with airlines like airBaltic, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Lufthansa. Direct flights operate from Kraków, Hamburg, Budapest, Prague, Paris, Milan, and Chișinău. The cheapest tickets can be found for €20-40 if booked in advance, while peak season prices can go up to €120-180.
Low-cost airlines offer affordable flights, but keep in mind that additional baggage fees may apply. The average ticket price from Brussels, Barcelona, or Vienna is €60-110. In winter, airfare is often cheaper than in summer, especially for midweek departures. To secure the best price, it's a good idea to subscribe to airline newsletters and monitor promotions.
The best hotels in Riga
When planning your vacation, keep in mind that accommodation prices are highest during the New Year and Christmas holidays. If you're on a budget, you can stay in one of the hostels or guesthouses. For a night in a common room you will pay only 10 EUR, and you can rent a separate apartment for 20 EUR. A room in a 3* hotel costs 30-55 EUR, 4* - 50-150 EUR, 5* - from 100 EUR per night. The most popular 5* hotels in the center are Grand Palace Hotel, Hotel Bergs, Gallery Park Hotel, Dome Hotel&Spa.
Travel budget
If you're looking to manage your budget, please be aware that during the New Year and Christmas holidays, ticket prices to Riga and accommodation tend to increase by an average of 30%.
To help you save on your cultural activities and transportation, consider getting a RigaCard. The 24-hour card is available for 25 EUR, with options for 48 hours (30 EUR) and 72 hours (35 EUR). As an additional bonus, cardholders can enjoy discounts at restaurants and the opportunity to join excursions for free or at a special price.
| The budget for a trip to Riga | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 150 EUR | Accomodation | from 10 EUR per day |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 25 EUR | Transportation fare | from 1.15 EUR |
| Excursion | from 25 EUR | ||
| Total: about 470 EUR for four days | |||
Riga Airport
Riga International Airport is located 13 km from the city center. The largest in the Baltics in terms of cargo and passenger transportation, it is the base airport for Air Baltic and other Latvian companies. It serves about 5 million passengers annually.
Public transportation in Riga
Buses (including night routes), trolleybuses, streetcars, minibuses and trains are available. A ticket for one trip bought in the transport costs 2 EUR, if you buy it in advance it costs 1.15 EUR. If you travel frequently, it's better to use a bus pass.
Car rental in Riga
To rent a car in Riga, you need to be over 19 years old (most companies charge an additional 6 EUR per day for persons under 25 years old), have an ID card, passport and credit card. Rental costs from 25 EUR per day.
Security in Riga
It's safe to be in the center of Riga at any time of day, but it's best to refrain from walking around the port and train stations. Pocket theft is not uncommon, so keep an eye on your bags and don't show your money in front of strangers.