Riga

Airport bus 22 to city center(30 minutes)

Bus 22 runs every 10-15 minutes from outside arrivals. Buy a ticket from the driver or e-ticket on the Rīgas Satiksme app (2 EUR). It drops you near the National Opera, a 5-minute walk from Old Town

Check-in and Old Town orientation(1 hour)

Stay in Old Town — Neiburgs Hotel for boutique luxury, or Riga Old Town Hostel for budget. The Old Town is compact and entirely walkable. Cobblestone streets — wear comfortable shoes

Riga Old Town walking tour(2 hours)

Self-guided or free walking tour (tips-based). Hit the key landmarks: Dome Cathedral (1211), House of the Blackheads (rebuilt 1999, 6 EUR), the Three Brothers (oldest stone residences in Riga), and the Cat House with its rooftop feline sculptures. Each has a story that brings medieval Riga alive

Dinner at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs(1.5 hours)

A beloved cellar pub in Old Town. Latvian beer sampler (5 EUR for 5 glasses), grey peas with bacon (6 EUR), and pork schnitzel (9 EUR). Live folk or rock music most evenings. One of the best-value dining experiences in Riga

Art Nouveau District walking tour(2.5 hours)

Walk 15 minutes north from Old Town to Alberta and Elizabetes streets. Over 800 Art Nouveau buildings with ornate facades by Mikhail Eisenstein. Download the free 'Riga Art Nouveau' walking app. The district is best photographed in afternoon light. Look up — the details are on the upper floors

Riga Art Nouveau Museum(1 hour)

Alberta iela 12 — inside a beautifully restored Art Nouveau apartment. 9 EUR. Open Tues-Sun 10AM-6PM. The spiral staircase alone is worth the visit. Gives context to the facades you've been admiring

Lunch at Riga Central Market(1.5 hours)

Five former Zeppelin hangars housing 3,000+ vendors. Each hangar specializes: meat, dairy, fish, vegetables, gastronomy. Buy smoked fish, Latvian rye bread, local honey. A full meal from vendors costs under 5 EUR. Join a guided food tour (~25 EUR) to taste through all five pavilions

St. Peter's Church tower(1 hour)

9 EUR for the elevator to the 72m viewing platform. The best panoramic view of Riga — Old Town rooftops, the Daugava River, and the Art Nouveau district in one sweep. Open daily 10AM-6PM. Try to time it for golden hour

Evening at Black Magic Bar(1.5 hours)

The home of Riga Black Balsam — Latvia's famous 45% ABV herbal liqueur made from 24 botanicals since 1752. Cocktails from 7 EUR. Try it mixed with blackcurrant juice — straight is an acquired taste. The medieval-themed bar in Old Town is atmospheric

Train to Jūrmala(25 minutes)

Trains from Riga Central Station to Majori every 30 minutes (1.40 EUR one-way). Majori is the main beach area. In summer (June-August), a small resort tax applies (~2 EUR). The train ride passes through pine forests

Jūrmala beach walk(2 hours)

32 km of white sand — walk from Majori toward Dzintari along the beach. Water temperature reaches 20-25°C in July-August. Free entry to all beaches. The wooden boardwalk in Dzintari forest park is beautiful

Lunch at 36. Līnija(1 hour)

A popular Jūrmala restaurant near the beach. Grilled fish and Latvian cuisine. Mains 10-18 EUR. Good terrace seating in summer

Dzintari Concert Hall area(1 hour)

Walk through the residential streets to see Jūrmala's wooden Art Nouveau villas — some beautifully restored, others charmingly weathered. The Dzintari Concert Hall hosts the annual New Wave music festival

Return and dinner at 3 Pavāru Restorāns(1.5 hours)

Back in Riga. Three chefs — three cuisines — one restaurant. Creative Latvian-meets-international. Tasting menu ~45 EUR or à la carte mains 15-25 EUR. One of Riga's best restaurants. Reservation essential

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia(1.5 hours)

Covers both Nazi and Soviet occupations (1940-1991). Free entry (donation appreciated). Powerful personal testimonies, deportation lists, and resistance artifacts. Heavy subject matter but essential for understanding modern Latvia. Located near the House of the Blackheads

Freedom Monument and Bastejkalns Park(1 hour)

The 42m monument (1935) is Latvia's most sacred symbol — the changing of the guard happens hourly. Bastejkalns Park behind it has the canal where the 1991 barricade defenders held their ground. Free. Peaceful duck-filled canals and tree-lined paths

Lunch at Lido Atpūtas Centrs(1 hour)

A massive Latvian buffet complex near the Central Market. Self-service with dozens of traditional dishes — load your tray with grey peas, piragi (bacon buns), and beef stew. A full meal for 6-10 EUR. Kitsch atmosphere but genuine local food at great prices

Latvian National Opera(2.5 hours)

World-class opera and ballet at remarkably low prices — tickets from 5-40 EUR. The Latvian National Ballet is particularly acclaimed. Book at opera.lv. The neoclassical building (1863) and canal-side park are worth seeing even without attending a performance. Check evening schedule

Evening walk along the Daugava River(1 hour)

Cross the Vanšu Bridge for a panoramic view of Old Town's skyline — spires, domes, and the TV tower reflected in the river. The left bank has a developing restaurant scene. At night, the illuminated Old Town is beautiful from across the water

Morning at Āgenskalns Market(1.5 hours)

Cross the river to the Āgenskalns neighborhood — a recently renovated market hall with local vendors, craft coffee, and artisan food. Less touristy than Central Market. Try fresh kvass (fermented rye drink, 1-2 EUR)

Miera Street (Peace Street) neighborhood(2 hours)

Riga's hipster quarter. Independent coffee shops (MIERA, ROCKET BEAN), vintage stores, and street art. The Kalnciema Quarter on Saturdays has an organic farmers' market with live music. Walk along Miera iela from the railway crossing northward

Lunch at Milda(1 hour)

Modern Latvian kitchen on Miera Street. Seasonal menu with foraged ingredients. Lunch mains 10-15 EUR. The birch sap cocktails are uniquely Latvian

Craft beer tasting at Labietis(1.5 hours)

Riga's most creative craft brewery — unusual beers brewed with Latvian botanicals, smoked grains, and wild-fermented styles. Located in the Spīķeri warehouse quarter. Tastings from 5 EUR. The taproom has 12+ rotating beers on tap

Train to Sigulda(1 hour)

Direct trains from Riga Central Station every 1-2 hours (2.50 EUR). Sigulda is the gateway to Gauja National Park — Latvia's most scenic natural area with sandstone cliffs, caves, and medieval ruins

Turaida Castle and Museum Reserve(2 hours)

A restored 13th-century red-brick castle overlooking the Gauja Valley. 6 EUR entry. Climb the main tower for panoramic views. The surrounding sculpture garden and folk song hill are peaceful. The legend of the Rose of Turaida is Latvia's most famous love story

Cable car across Gauja Valley(30 minutes)

A 1-km cable car crossing the valley — 12 EUR return. The views of the forested valley and sandstone cliffs below are stunning, especially in autumn when the foliage turns gold and crimson

Lunch at Aparjods(1 hour)

A rustic Latvian restaurant near Sigulda castle. Game dishes, mushroom soup, and Latvian dark rye bread. Mains 8-14 EUR. The terrace overlooks the castle ruins

Gūtmanis Cave(30 minutes)

Latvia's widest and highest cave — 12m high, 18m wide. The sandstone walls are covered with inscriptions dating back to the 17th century. Free entry. A short walk through the forest from the Sigulda side of the valley. Atmospheric and slightly mystical

Morning at Riga Central Market(1 hour)

Stock up on Latvian food souvenirs: smoked sprats in tins (~3 EUR), dark rye bread, local honey, and a ceramic bottle of Riga Black Balsam (~12-18 EUR). The fish pavilion is best in the morning

Last coffee at Mierā Café(45 minutes)

A final specialty coffee in the Miera Street neighborhood, or at Rocket Bean Roastery near Old Town (flat white ~3.50 EUR). Riga's coffee scene is surprisingly excellent

Airport transfer via bus 22(30 minutes)

Bus 22 from the National Opera stop to Riga Airport (2 EUR, runs every 10-15 min). Or use Bolt taxi (~10-15 EUR). Allow 2 hours before international flights. The airport is modern and efficient

Airport bus 22(30 minutes)

Every 10-15 min. 2 EUR. Drops near National Opera

Old Town walking tour(2 hours)

Dome Cathedral, House of Blackheads (6 EUR), Three Brothers, Cat House

Dinner at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs(1.5 hours)

Cellar pub. Beer sampler 5 EUR, grey peas 6 EUR, pork schnitzel 9 EUR. Live music

Art Nouveau District(2.5 hours)

Alberta and Elizabetes streets. 800+ buildings. Free 'Riga Art Nouveau' walking app

Art Nouveau Museum(1 hour)

Alberta iela 12. 9 EUR. Restored apartment interior

Lunch at Central Market(1.5 hours)

Five Zeppelin hangars. Full meal under 5 EUR. Food tour ~25 EUR

St. Peter's tower(1 hour)

9 EUR. 72m panoramic view

Evening at Black Magic Bar(1.5 hours)

Riga Black Balsam cocktails from 7 EUR

Train to Jūrmala(25 minutes)

Every 30 min, 1.40 EUR. Summer resort tax ~2 EUR

Beach walk Majori to Dzintari(2 hours)

White sand. Water 20-25°C in Jul-Aug. Free

Lunch at 36. Līnija(1 hour)

Near beach. Mains 10-18 EUR

Return and dinner at 3 Pavāru(1.5 hours)

Three chefs, three cuisines. Tasting menu ~45 EUR. Reserve essential

Occupation Museum(1.5 hours)

Nazi and Soviet occupations. Free (donation). Near House of Blackheads

Freedom Monument and Bastejkalns(1 hour)

42m monument. Hourly guard change. Canal-side park behind

Lunch at Lido(1 hour)

Massive Latvian buffet. Full meal 6-10 EUR. Traditional dishes

Latvian National Opera(2.5 hours)

Tickets 5-40 EUR. Book at opera.lv

Daugava River evening walk(1 hour)

Vanšu Bridge for illuminated Old Town panorama

Āgenskalns Market(1.5 hours)

Across the river. Renovated hall, less touristy. Fresh kvass 1-2 EUR

Miera Street(2 hours)

Hipster quarter. MIERA coffee, vintage stores, street art

Lunch at Milda(1 hour)

Seasonal Latvian. Lunch 10-15 EUR. Birch sap cocktails

Labietis brewery(1.5 hours)

Creative craft beer with Latvian botanicals. Spīķeri quarter. Tastings from 5 EUR

Train to Sigulda(1 hour)

2.50 EUR. Every 1-2 hours

Turaida Castle(2 hours)

13th-century red-brick. 6 EUR. Tower climb, sculpture garden

Cable car across Gauja Valley(30 minutes)

12 EUR return. Valley and cliff views

Lunch at Aparjods(1 hour)

Near Sigulda castle. Game dishes, rye bread. 8-14 EUR

Gūtmanis Cave(30 minutes)

Latvia's largest cave. 17th-century inscriptions. Free

Drive or bus to Rundāle(1.5 hours)

77 km south. Bus from Riga bus station via Bauska, or rent a car. The countryside drive through flat Latvian farmland is peaceful

Rundāle Palace(2.5 hours)

Designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli (who built the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg). 12 EUR. Stunning rococo interiors — the Golden Hall and White Hall rival Versailles' rooms. Restored French-style gardens are immaculate

Palace gardens walk(1 hour)

Formal French gardens with fountains, rose gardens, and a labyrinth. Best in June-August when roses bloom. Free with palace ticket

Lunch at Pilsrundāle restaurant(1 hour)

Inside the palace complex. Latvian-French cuisine. Mains 12-18 EUR

Train to Cēsis(1.5 hours)

From Riga Central. ~5 EUR. Scenic route through Gauja Valley

Cēsis Castle complex(2 hours)

Medieval castle ruins with a lantern-guided tour through dark chambers. 8 EUR. The new castle (18th century) adjacent has restored rooms and exhibitions

Cēsis Old Town walk(1.5 hours)

Cobblestone streets, the church of St. John (1284), and charming wooden houses. Much less touristed than Riga's Old Town

Lunch at Cafe Popular(1 hour)

Trendy cafe in the Old Town. Creative sandwiches and Latvian craft beer. 8-14 EUR

Cēsis Brewery(1 hour)

Latvia's oldest active brewery (since 1590). Tours and tastings from 8 EUR. Their porter is excellent

Revisit favorites or explore new neighborhoods(4 hours)

Return to Central Market, browse more Art Nouveau facades, or explore the Spīķeri warehouse district's galleries and cafes

Dinner at Muusu(2 hours)

Modern Latvian fine dining. Tasting menu ~55 EUR. One of Riga's top restaurants. Local ingredients, creative preparations

Drive to Tērvete Nature Park(1.5 hours)

80 km southwest. A fairy-tale forest park with wooden sculptures of Latvian folk characters. 5 EUR entry. Perfect for a nature walk (3-5 km trails)

Jaunmoku Castle(1 hour)

Neo-Gothic manor (1901) near Tukums. 5 EUR. Tower views over Latvian forest. Small but atmospheric

Lunch at a countryside homestead(1.5 hours)

Several agrotourism farms offer traditional Latvian meals. Fresh bread from wood-fired ovens, smoked meat, potato pancakes. ~10-15 EUR. Ask at Riga tourist info for current recommendations

Return via Tukums market town(1 hour)

Small town with a weekly market, art museum, and the Rose Square

Drive or bus to Liepāja(3 hours)

220 km west. Bus from Riga (~10 EUR, 3.5 hours). Or fly (seasonal). Worth the journey for a different Latvia

Karosta — former Soviet military district(2 hours)

A haunting area of abandoned military buildings, a Soviet-era prison (tours ~7 EUR — you can even stay overnight in a cell), and the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The contrast with cheerful Riga is stark

Liepāja beach(1 hour)

Wide Baltic beach with white sand. Free. Less developed than Jūrmala. The sunset over the open Baltic is dramatic

Lunch at Vecais Kapteinis(1 hour)

Traditional fish restaurant near the canal. Smoked fish platter ~10 EUR. Local beer from Līvu brewery

Drive to Kemeri National Park(45 minutes)

35 km west, between Riga and Jūrmala. Free entry

Great Kemeri Bog boardwalk(2.5 hours)

A 3.4 km wooden boardwalk through a raised bog — mirror-still pools, stunted pines, and vast open sky. One of Latvia's most unique landscapes. Free. The observation tower offers panoramic bog views. Best in early morning for mist

Kemeri Manor Park(1 hour)

Romantic park with sulphur springs (strong smell), a restored manor house, and peaceful walking paths. Free

Lunch at Jūrmala (return route)(1 hour)

Stop in Jūrmala on the way back for seafood at one of the beach restaurants

Morning at Latvia Ethnographic Open-Air Museum(2.5 hours)

One of Europe's oldest open-air museums (1924). 4 EUR. 118 historic buildings from all Latvian regions. Farmsteads, churches, windmills. Located on Lake Jugla, 20 min from center

Lunch at Fazenda(1 hour)

Farm-to-table Latvian cuisine near the museum. Seasonal dishes, homemade bread. 12-18 EUR

Final Art Nouveau and souvenir walk(2 hours)

Last chance for Art Nouveau facade photography (afternoon light is best). Buy Black Balsam, Latvian linen, amber jewelry, and smoked sprats

Farewell dinner at Vincents(2 hours)

Riga's most celebrated restaurant. Chef Mārtiņš Rītiņš serves Latvian haute cuisine. Tasting menu ~75 EUR. World-class dining at remarkably fair prices for the quality

Morning Central Market visit(1 hour)

Last shopping: smoked sprats, rye bread, honey, Black Balsam

Last coffee at Rocket Bean Roastery(45 minutes)

Flat white ~3.50 EUR. Excellent send-off

Airport transfer via bus 22(30 minutes)

2 EUR. Every 10-15 min. Or Bolt taxi ~10-15 EUR

Art Nouveau Museum(1 hour)

9 EUR

St. Peter's tower(1 hour)

9 EUR

National Opera(2.5 hours)

5-40 EUR

Rundāle Palace(2.5 hours)

12 EUR

Castle complex(2 hours)

8 EUR. Lantern-guided tour

Cēsis Brewery(1 hour)

Since 1590

Open-Air Museum(2.5 hours)

4 EUR. 118 historic buildings

Bus to Tallinn(4 hours)

Lux Express from Riga bus station. From ~15 EUR. Or fly (1 hour)

Tallinn Old Town evening walk(2 hours)

UNESCO-listed medieval center. Toompea Hill viewpoints (free), Town Hall Square, narrow lanes. One of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities

Dinner at Rataskaevu 16(1.5 hours)

Modern Estonian. Elk steak, wild mushrooms. Mains 14-22 EUR. Tallinn is 30-40% cheaper than Riga for comparable quality

Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral(1.5 hours)

Castle exterior only. Cathedral free. Russian Orthodox onion domes overlooking the city

Tallinn city walls walk(1 hour)

Walk sections of the medieval walls and towers. Hellemann Tower and wall walkway 4 EUR. Views over red-tiled rooftops

Kadriorg Palace and Park(1.5 hours)

KUMU Art Museum (8 EUR) — the largest art museum in the Baltics. Peter the Great's baroque palace in a beautiful park

Lunch at Telliskivi Flea Market/F-Hoone(1 hour)

Creative quarter in former industrial buildings. F-Hoone restaurant: modern Estonian. Mains 10-16 EUR

Tallinn TV Tower(1 hour)

15 EUR. 314m observation deck with glass floor sections. Views across to Finland on clear days

Drive to Lahemaa(1 hour)

70 km east. Rent a car or join a tour (~60 EUR)

Palmse Manor(1.5 hours)

6 EUR. Restored 18th-century Baltic German manor. The estate, gardens, and distillery are beautifully maintained

Viru Bog boardwalk(1.5 hours)

A 3.5 km loop through a raised bog. Free. Watch for carnivorous sundew plants. The observation tower gives panoramic bog views

Käsmu 'Captain's Village'(1 hour)

A charming coastal village of ship captains' houses. Boulder beach walk. Free. One of Estonia's most picturesque villages

Morning in Tallinn(2 hours)

Last shopping, coffee at Maiasmokk (Estonia's oldest cafe, since 1864)

Bus to Vilnius(4 hours)

Lux Express from ~12 EUR. Or fly (1 hour). Vilnius deserves its own trip, but a taste is possible

Vilnius Old Town highlights(4 hours)

Cathedral Square, Gediminas Tower (funicular 2 EUR), St. Anne's Church, Užupis Republic. Hit the highlights of Europe's largest baroque old town

Lunch at Šnekutis(1 hour)

Home-brewed beer, cepelinai. Most authentic Lithuanian pub

Farewell dinner at Domini Canes(2 hours)

Fine dining in a medieval cellar. Latvian-European tasting menu ~60 EUR. Atmospheric vaulted ceilings and candlelight

Riga Motor Museum(1.5 hours)

10 EUR. The largest antique automobile museum in the Baltics. Includes Stalin's and Brezhnev's bulletproof limousines

Final Central Market visit(1 hour)

Last sprats, rye bread, honey

Lunch at Kalku Varti(1 hour)

Modern Latvian in Old Town. Seasonal small plates. 8-14 EUR each