Best Things to Do in Riga 2026
Tucked along the shores of the Baltic Sea, Riga is one of Northern Europe’s most rewarding yet underrated city break destinations. Compact but rich in architectural and cultural treasures, Latvia’s capital blends medieval charm with elegant Art Nouveau boulevards and a vibrant modern energy. From the cobbled lanes of the Old Town and the iconic House of the Blackheads to the lively Central Market and leafy canal parks, Riga offers remarkable variety within easy walking distance. Beyond the historic centre, you’ll find creative neighbourhoods, sandy beaches in nearby Jūrmala, and a café and cocktail scene that rivals far larger European capitals.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more deeply, Riga delivers a compelling mix of history, culture, and contemporary Baltic life. To help you plan your trip, here are the best things to do in Riga — from must-see landmarks to memorable local experiences.
1. Wander Riga’s Art Nouveau District
Latvia’s capital, Riga, is often called the Art Nouveau capital of Europe, and for good reason: over a third of the buildings in its city center are built in this ornate architectural style. Stroll along Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, where you’ll find rows of richly decorated façades featuring sculpted faces, floral motifs, and intricate balconies. These buildings date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Riga was booming as a trading hub, and today they stand as one of the city’s most distinctive highlights.
Riga’s Art Nouveau is not just about façades — step into the Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta iela, a perfectly preserved apartment that shows how the wealthy lived during the city’s golden age. Afterwards, continue your walk toward the Freedom Monument and the city’s Old Town, where medieval streets and lively squares blend seamlessly with elegant cafés and restaurants.
If you’re staying overnight, consider basing yourself near the city center, within walking distance of both the Art Nouveau district and Riga Old Town.
2. Visit Latvian National Parks
While the Baltic capitals are brimming with history and culture, Latvia’s national parks offer some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. Just an hour outside Riga lies Gauja National Park, often called the “Switzerland of Latvia.” This vast protected area is known for its sandstone cliffs, dense forests, and the ruins of medieval castles that once guarded the Gauja River Valley. The towns of Sigulda and Cēsis make perfect bases for exploring the park, with hiking trails, cycling routes, and river rafting in summer, plus skiing and bobsleigh in winter.
Closer to the coast, Ķemeri National Park is famous for its wetlands and raised bogs, best explored via the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk. This surreal landscape of moss, pools, and stunted pines looks especially magical at sunrise. For birdwatchers, Slītere National Park on Latvia’s northwest coast offers unique coastal habitats and untouched nature.
Reaching these parks is easiest with a car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
3. Relax on Baltic Sea Beaches
The Baltic coastline may not be as famous as the Mediterranean, but it has its own unique charm. Wide sandy beaches, pine forests, and charming seaside towns make the region a fantastic summer destination.
In Latvia, the resort town of Jūrmala is just 30 minutes from Riga and offers endless stretches of golden sand, lively cafés, and spa hotels. Estonia’s Pärnu is considered the country’s “summer capital,” with shallow waters perfect for families, plus vibrant festivals and nightlife. Lithuania’s Palanga and the nearby Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combine natural beauty with cultural attractions.
Beach season runs from June to August, but spring and autumn are also peaceful times for long walks along the coast. For a complete experience, many travelers combine beach time with spa and wellness retreats available throughout the region.
4. Sample Baltic Cuisine & Craft Beer
Food is one of the best ways to connect with a culture, and the Baltics offer hearty, authentic flavors shaped by centuries of tradition. In Latvia, you’ll find dark rye bread, smoked fish, and the comforting grey peas with bacon. Lithuania is known for cepelinai (potato dumplings) and cold beet soup in summer, while Estonia’s specialties include elk stew, black bread, and a thriving craft beer scene.
Each capital has vibrant markets where you can taste local specialties — Riga Central Market, Tallinn Balti Jaam Market, and Vilnius Hales Market are all worth visiting. Food tours are an excellent way to sample regional dishes while learning the history behind them. For travelers who enjoy a drink, local beers, ciders, and homemade herbal liqueurs provide a true taste of the Baltics.
5. Take a stroll in the Latvian Capital
One of the great advantages of visiting Riga is how compact and walkable the city is. Most of the main attractions are located within or just beyond the Old Town, making it easy to explore on foot without relying on public transport.
From the cobbled streets of Vecrīga, you can stroll to the elegant Art Nouveau district in around 15–20 minutes, passing leafy parks and the city canal along the way. The Central Market, housed in vast former Zeppelin hangars, is also within easy walking distance, as is the Freedom Monument and the National Opera. Even a relaxed walk along the Daugava River promenade offers beautiful views and a different perspective of the skyline.
Riga rewards slow exploration. Walking allows you to discover hidden courtyards, independent cafés, historic facades, and quiet side streets that many visitors miss. For first-time visitors especially, exploring Riga on foot is not just practical — it’s one of the city’s greatest pleasures.
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