Riga 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Central Riga

  • Morning: Check-in at your accommodation (recommended: Hotel Riga, centrally located with great facilities). Start the day with breakfast at Māksla X Art Residence & Cafe, known for its delicious breakfast options and artistic ambiance.

  • Afternoon: Visit the House of Blackheads and the nearby Great and Small Guild Houses. Don’t miss the Riga Cathedral and Dome Square. Enjoy lunch at Kumpirai, a popular local spot offering various types of baked potatoes.

  • Evening: Explore Alberta iela (Albert Street), one of Riga’s trendiest streets with many cafes, bars, and boutiques. Have dinner at Restorans 3, known for its modern Latvian cuisine.

Day 2: Art Nouveau District & Freemeistere

  • Morning: Visit the Art Nouveau District. Take a guided tour or explore on your own. Have breakfast at one of the cafes in the district, like Cafe Monette.

  • Afternoon: Head to Freemeistere (Central Market). It’s one of the largest markets in Europe offering fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. Grab lunch here or at a nearby eatery like Kartupelejums.

  • Evening: Explore the vibrant Kazanlakas Street and have dinner at 1862, a restaurant offering traditional Latvian dishes with a modern twist.

Day 3: Day Trip to Rundale Palace & Bauska

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Rundale Palace and Bauska, both can be reached by train or bus. Explore the beautiful Baroque-style Rundale Palace and the medieval Bauska Castle.

  • Afternoon: Return to Riga and have dinner at Fabrique, a popular burger chain in Latvia.

Day 4: Modern Riga & Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Art Museum Riga Bourse. Grab lunch at the on-site restaurant at Art Museum Riga Bourse.

  • Afternoon: Before departing, take a stroll along the beautiful Elektrenai Street, known for its colorful buildings and independent boutiques. Have an early dinner at Fish House before heading to the airport or train station.

Things to Know:

  • Riga’s old town is compact, making it easy to explore on foot. However, consider using public transport (buses, trams, and trolleybuses) for longer journeys or when you need to get to less touristic areas.

  • Latvia uses the Euro as its official currency.

  • English is widely spoken in Riga, especially among younger people. However, it’s always helpful to have a phrasebook or translation app handy.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are available, but public transport is more cost-effective and efficient. You can buy tickets from newsstands, vending machines at stops, or the Riga Pasažieru Vidus (RPV) app.

  • To get to Rundale Palace and Bauska, consider taking a guided tour or using public transport (train or bus).

Tips:

  • Try local dishes like black bread, herring, smoked fish, and rye whisky during your stay in Riga.

  • Don’t forget to visit one of the many art nouveau buildings at night when they are beautifully illuminated.