Latvia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Riga

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of Riga’s traditional cafes such as Café Bristol or Māko Central Market.
    2. Visit the House of the Black Heads (Melngalvju iela 1) - an iconic building in Old Town Riga, originally built in the 14th century.
    3. Explore the Albert Street Methodist Church (Alberta iela 29), a beautiful Art Nouveau style church and one of the city’s architectural gems.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Stroll around the historic Old Town Riga (Vecrīga) with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture.
    2. Visit the Latvian National Museum of Art (Jēkaba iela 1-5) to learn about Latvia’s rich artistic heritage.
    3. Take a break at Central Market (Rātsmarkets), one of Europe’s largest and oldest markets, offering a variety of local produce, souvenirs, and food stalls.

  • Evening:

    1. Enjoy dinner at Restaurant 3 (Kalku iela 46) or Forest Restaurant (Mazu iela 5), both known for their contemporary Latvian cuisine.
    2. Experience Riga’s vibrant nightlife in the trendy neighborhood of Kalnsvarti or visit St. Peter’s Church Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Day 2: Discovering Sigulda and Turaida Castle

  • Morning:

    1. Take a day trip to Sigulda (approx. 1 hour drive from Riga), known as Latvia’s “Switzerland.”
    2. Visit the Turaida Museum Reserve, where you can explore the beautifully preserved Turaida Castle and learn about the history of the Livonian Order and medieval Latvia.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Take a walk through the Gutman’s Cave (approx. 2 km from Turaida), one of the longest caves in Latvia with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
    2. Embark on a thrilling Sigulda Bobsleigh Track or Lauri’s Jump Tower adventure for adrenaline seekers.

  • Evening:

    1. Return to Riga and have dinner at Vincents Restaurant (Emerhenu iela 10), a fine dining experience not to be missed.
    2. Spend your evening exploring the vibrant streets of Riga or relax in one of its many cozy bars or cafes.

Things to Know:

  • Language: The official language is Latvian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Currency: Euro (EUR) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Check your country’s specific requirements before traveling.
  • Transportation: Riga International Airport (RIX) is the main gateway to Latvia, with flights from various European cities. Public transportation in Riga includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Taxis are also readily available. For day trips like Sigulda, consider renting a car or using organized tours.
  • Safety: Latvia is generally safe for tourists, but exercise the usual precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.