Riga 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Riga, Latvia

Day 1 - Arrival & Central Riga

  • Arrival: Rīga International Airport is the primary gateway. You can reach the city center by bus (Bus 22 or 32) or taxi.

  • Accommodation: Consider staying at one of Riga’s central hotels like the Grand Poets Aparthotel, Hotel Wellton Riga, or Luxury Apartments Riga Center.

  • Activities: Visit the House of Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, and the Dome Cathedral. Explore the Central Market for local produce and crafts. Don’t miss the Art Nouveau district!

  • Dinner: Try traditional Latvian cuisine at Forest Restaurant (Mājas vīnas) or 3Telšu iela.

Day 2 - Old Town & Museums

  • Activities: Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Riga Cathedral, and the Swedish Gate. Explore the Guild Halls and the Powder Tower.

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Keks Uz Pie Dzirnu or Trastu Maja.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Latvian Art (LMA) or the Riga Motor Museum.

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Vincents, known for its modern Latvian cuisine.

Day 3 - Modern Riga & Parks

  • Activities: Visit the National Library of Latvia, the Bastejkalns district, and the Central Park (Esplanade). Check out the Līvu Square and the Academy of Sciences.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Cafe Art Nouveau or Mili Mili.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Latvian National Opera or the Riga Zoo.

  • Dinner: Dine at Fork or Siena restaurant for a taste of contemporary Latvian cuisine.

Day 4 - Art Nouveau & Jurmala

  • Activities: Spend the morning exploring more of Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture. Take a guided tour if you prefer.

  • Lunch: Lunch at Café Avotu or Malders.

  • Afternoon: Head to Jurmala, Latvia’s famous seaside resort city. Relax on the beach or explore the charming town.

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of Jurmala’s restaurants, such as Restaurant Jūrmalas Dzintars or Albatros Restorans.

Day 5 - Rundale Palace & Sigulda

  • Activities: Take a day trip to Rundale Palace and the town of Bauska. In the afternoon, head to Sigulda for bobsled tracks, Turaida Museum Reserve, and Gutmanis Cave.

  • Lunch: Pack a picnic or try local restaurants in Bauska or Sigulda.

Day 6 - Explore More of Riga

  • Activities: Visit the Ethnography Open-Air Museum to learn about Latvia’s rural heritage. Explore the Central Post Office and the Freedom Monument.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Kartu Peitiena or Restaurant Riflesso.

  • Afternoon: Relax at the River Riga Promenade, take a boat tour, or visit the Riga Central Market again for some shopping.

  • Dinner: Dine at Forest Restaurant (Mājas vīnas) or Restaurant 3Telšu iela one more time before departure.

Day 7 - Departure

  • Departure: Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance to explore any missed sights or do some last-minute shopping. Head back to Rīga International Airport for your journey home.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Latvian, but English is widely spoken in the city.
  • The currency is Euros.
  • Public transportation is reliable and affordable. Consider getting a 72-hour travel card for unlimited travel.

Tips:

  • Don’t miss the sunset over the Dome Cathedral.
  • Try traditional Latvian black bread (pagrūbele zieda) and smoked fish (sildze).
  • Enjoy a coffee break at one of Riga’s many artisanal coffee shops, such as Café Bišpuks or Café Milk.