Riga is the capital of Latvia, Eastern Europe. It is a lively city famous for its astonishing architecture and medieval Old Town.
Here you can check out our personal list of top 5 things you cannot miss when you are lucky enough to visit Riga.
Things to do in Riga, Latvia
Stop by the House of the Blackheads
This is probably the most recognized building in Riga. In the 14th century it was inhabited by wealthy merchants of the city and served as a center for their trade meetings. It was completely destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt in 1999. Be sure to take a camera with you to capture the beauty of this unique piece of architecture.
Walk and admire
The great advantage of the Latvian capital is that you can easily reach most places on foot. We suggest you take a long walk in the city center, stroll in the narrow streets, marvel at the great art nouveau architecture at Albert Street, and take snapshots of old churches and monuments, such as the famous Freedom Monument. It’s also a great idea to join a walking tour of the city, like this one.
Buy fresh food at the Central Market
You cannot miss a visit to the Central Market which is said to be Europe’s largest market. It offers a wide variety of produce, such as fish, fruit and vegetables, spices, honey, and more. You can find here fresh and ecological products from Latvian farms. Strolling through different pavilions of the market can be an adventure on its own (the structure has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1998). Join this food tour of Central Market to taste authentic foods from Latvia and learn more about the culture.
Pay a visit to the Latvian National Museum of Art
The Latvian National Museum of Art boasts the largest art collection of national art in the country. The building itself is one of the most impressive architectural wonders in Riga. As a museum visitor you can also access the roof terrace and admire Riga from above.
Entertain yourself
Visit a pub and try the famous Black Balsam, a traditional Latvian liqueur made with natural ingredients, crafted by a pharmacist in 1752. You also cannot leave Riga without trying Latvian traditional food: kartupeļi (potatoes) and kāposti (cabbage) for dinner, and sklandrausis (sweet pie) for dessert – you can find it at the Central Market.
After the meal, go on an adventure and visit the Exitoria Escape Room, where you can solve riddles and participate in activities that are enjoyed by the locals as well.