The Ultimate Travel Guide For Riga, Latvia

Riga, the capital of Latvia, has become the star of the Baltic region for me. This historic port city on the banks of the Daugava River is waiting for you to discover. In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. If you haven’t been to Riga yet, I think it’s time for you to visit this year. I have prepared a Latvian Riga travel guide with all the details for you to make your Riga travel plan easily.

Things to Know Before Traveling to Riga

• What is the currency in Riga? The currency of Latvia is Euro.
• What is the language spoken in Riga? The official language in Riga is Latvian. English is widely spoken.
• Is a visa required to travel to Riga? Yes, you need a Schengen visa to travel to Latvia.
• Is Riga safe? Riga is a very safe city, crime rates are quite low. There was no place in Riga where I felt unsafe, even walking alone late at night.
• Riga was the first place where the Christmas tree was decorated for the first time, the first Christmas ornament in history was found here. 🙂 This is an interesting fact to know.

When to visit Riga?

The best time to visit Riga is usually from the beginning of May until the end of September. Between these months the temperatures are milder and the days are much longer. The summer months are perfect for spending time in Riga’s parks, terrace cafes and by the river. June and July are the months with the least rainfall and the most sunny days in the city. The best thing about Riga is that it is not crowded even during this period, which we can call high season.

How Many Days to Visit Riga?

You can easily visit the center of Riga in 2-3 days, an ideal time to visit the main places of Riga and enjoy a little bit. But if you say that I want to visit all the museums in detail, you can add 1 or 2 more days. If you want to visit places in Latvia such as Jurmala beach town, Rundale Palace or Sigulda Castle, which you can visit on a day trip from Riga, you will need to increase the number of days.

Riga Accommodation Guide

First, I will talk about which region in Riga is more suitable for whom and then I will move on to my hotel recommendations. All of the hotels have been carefully selected according to the location.

Which neighborhood to stay in Riga?

Old Town is ideal for history buffs and first time visitors. Because it is within walking distance to the main attractions of the city. Centrs is a more suitable area for those who love shopping and modern city life. Agenskalns can be recommended for those looking for affordable accommodation and those who want to experience local life. Those who want a hipster atmosphere and affordable accommodation on the one hand can consider Miera iela.

Riga Hotel Recommendations

Budget Friendly Hotels in Riga: Hotel Saida, Blue Bird Hostel, Orange Cat Rooms, Allure Rooms & Coffee

Mid-Class Hotels in Riga: Aston Hotel Riga, Metropole Hotel by Semarah, Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, Relais Le Chevalier, Hotel Justus, Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town, Radisson Hotel Old Town Riga

Luxury Hotel Recommendations in Riga: A22 Hotel, Grand Hotel Kempinski, Dome Hotel, Grand Palace Hotel, Pullman Riga Old Town, Royal SPA & Hotel Resort

Click here to see all available hotels in Riga.

Riga Transportation Guide

Önce Riga Havaalanından şehir merkezine ulaşımı anlatayım sonra da Riga şehir içi ulaşımdan bahsedeceğim.

Getting from Riga Airport to City Center

Riga International Airport is located about 10 kilometers from the city center and you have two options to reach the city center:

• Bus: The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is by bus. Bus number 22 runs regularly from the airport to the city center and the journey takes about 30 minutes. The fare is €2 for one way and you pay with your bank card.
• Taxi: Taking a taxi from the airport to the city center is a more comfortable and faster option. Taxi fare to the city center costs around €20 and the journey time takes 15-20 minutes depending on the traffic situation.

Getting around Riga city center by public transportation

Urban transportation in Riga is provided by bus, tram and trolleybus lines. There is public transportation to almost every point of the city.

Single tickets from the vending machines cost 1.5 € and last 90 minutes. For longer stays and frequent public transportation users, 24-hour (€5), 3-day (€8) and 5-day (€10) tickets may be more economical. These tickets offer unlimited travel on public transport for the duration of their validity. Tickets must be scanned when boarding the vehicles, otherwise there is a fine of 15-30€.

Riga Dining Guide

Riga is a city that can attract gourmets with its delicious and authentic Baltic cuisine. Latvian cuisine is influenced by German, Russian and Swedish cuisines. Potatoes and rye bread are indispensable products in the kitchen, while meat and local vegetable-based dishes also stand out. There are many places in Riga, each offering a different taste experience and they are really successful. For those who want to explore both traditional Latvian cuisine and international cuisine, Riga is quite satisfying in terms of variety and quality. The nightlife is also very lively. For these reasons, I have specially prepared a separate Riga food and drink guide. Make sure you read that article.

The Ultimate Food Guide for Riga, Latvia

Riga Shopping Guide

First I will write about what you can buy in Riga, and then I will share the main places to shop.

Souvenirs to Buy in Riga

• Amber: Latvia is one of the largest producers of amber, known as Baltic amber. In Riga you can find many shops selling jewelry made of amber.
• Linen: Latvia is also known for its high quality linen products. In Riga you can buy linen towels, tablecloths, clothes, etc.
• Ceramics: Latvian ceramics are known for their handmade and original designs. In Riga you can buy ceramic figures, plates, mugs and other products.
• Sun Designed Products: The sun symbol has an important place in Latvian culture, representing abundance, fertility and the cycle of the universe. Sun motifs are frequently seen in jewelry, decorative items, wall decorations and even textiles. Wall decorations can be taken home for positive energy.
• Latvian Wool Products: Handcrafted products made in Latvia using wool and decorated with traditional Latvian patterns can be considered. Especially in the cold winter months, warm socks, shawls, gloves and hats are very popular.
• Riga Black Balsam: This dark herbal liqueur is Riga’s most famous alcoholic drink and has a rich history. An ideal souvenir for those who like to taste different spirits.
• Rye bread: It may not seem normal to shop for bread from a country, but I loved Lithuania’s rye bread, it’s so good.

Where to shop in Riga

• Old Town There are many small shops and stalls selling handmade goods, souvenirs and traditional Latvian products.
• Galerija Riga: Latvia’s largest shopping center, with a wide selection of international brands and local shops.
• Central Market: A large indoor market where you can find fresh produce, flowers, meat, fish and handcrafted souvenirs typical of Latvian cuisine.
• You can also visit the shops in shopping centers such as Riga Plaza, Stockmann, Mols, Alfa, Spice, Sky & More. Kalnciema Quarter and Berg Bazaars are other famous market places in Riga.

Top things to do in Riga

Riga is one of the most fascinating capitals of the Baltic region, offering visitors a rich historical and cultural experience. It is a small but full city. Old Town takes you on a journey through time with its remarkable architecture dating back to the Middle Ages and narrow historic streets. Iconic historical buildings such as the Gunpowder Castle, the Swedish Gate and the Three Brothers buildings are a must-see. The wonderful parks all around the city are also perfect for a peaceful time. There are also good museums for those interested in Latvian history or art. Riga Central Market attracts attention with its local delicacies and handicraft products. For those who want to learn more about these important stops of Riga and more, I have prepared a detailed guide to places to visit in Riga. There are also daily route suggestions that you can follow while exploring the city. Be sure to take a look at this guide while planning your trip to Riga.

Top Things To Do in Riga – 2 Days Itinerary

Is Riga Cheap or Expensive? Riga Travel Budget

Riga, Avrupa’daki diğer başkentlere kıyasla nispeten uygun fiyatlı bir destinasyon, hatta Kuzey Avrupa’dakiler arasında belki de en ucuzu diyebilirim. Tabi sizin harcama alışkanlıklarınıza bağlı olarak masraflar yükselebilir. Riga’yı ziyaret etmeyi planlayanlar için bazı genel harcama kalemleri ve bunlara göre hesaplanmış ortalama bütçeleri paylaşacağım.

Average Budget by Expense Categories

• Accommodation: In hostels or budget hotels you can expect to pay on average between €15-30 per night. Accommodation in mid-range hotels averages around €50-100 per person per night. In 5-star hotels and higher-end accommodation options, prices start at €120 per night and go higher.
• Dining: With options such as fast food and local bakeries, it is possible to have a meal with a budget of around 3-8 €. Main courses in average restaurants range between €10-20 per person. For dinner in higher quality restaurants, you can expect prices starting from €25 per person.
• Transportation: Transportation in Riga is quite affordable. You can walk almost everywhere in the city center. In case you need to use public transportation, I have written the fares under the transportation heading.
• Activities: Some museums are free and some are free on some days of the month. Exploring the city parks and historical streets is free. 😉 Entrance fees to the rest of the museums and attractions vary between €5-10 per person.

Average Daily Budget

• Budget Friendly Travel: Average €30-50 per day.
• Moderate Travel: Average €70-150 per day.
• Luxury Travel: €150 and above per day.

How much did I spend in Riga in 2 days?

• Accommodation: 24€
• City Transportation: 4€
• Food and Beverage: 102€
• Activities: 9€
• Total: 139€

I hope my Latvia Riga Travel Guide will be useful for you and you can plan a nice trip to Riga. If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments. If you have any extra suggestions, I would also welcome them in the comments. Have a nice holiday. 😉

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