Day 1 in Riga

Welcome to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your afternoon by exploring the Old Town with its fairytale atmosphere and fascinating buildings. In every corner of the old city, you`ll find charming cafes and modern restaurants, galleries, medieval churches, and museums. As you wander, stop in for a lunch break and take in the vibe of the city and people.

We highly recommend a walking tour for exploring Riga`s Old Town. Having a guide in such a fascinating city is invaluable, especially with the amount there is to see in Old Town alone. As you explore the area, make sure to take notice of St. Peter`s Church, Livu Square, Bremen Town Musicians, Dome Square, Three Brothers, The Swedish Gate and the House of the Blackheads. These are part of the historic center.

Just a short walk from Old Town, in the Art Nouveau Quarter, around Elzabetes and Alberta streets you will find a few blocks of the most amazing art nouveau architecture. With over 800 art nouveau buildings in the city, there is nowhere else in Europe where you will find a better collection of wonderfully preserved art nouveau buildings than in Riga. If you`re interested in exploring further into the art nouveau style, stop by the Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta Street to admire the incredible staircase from the foyer.

A great way to unwind at the end of your afternoon is to pay a visit to the Bastion Hill Park which runs along the northeastern edge of old town. Once the old city`s fortifications, Bastion Hill was replaced with this romantic park full of gardens, canals, and ornate bridges. The park makes a perfect transition space between downtown Riga and the historic center, while also being an attraction in its own right. Other key landmarks in the park include the mighty Freedom Monument dedicated to those who fought for Latvia`s independence and the city`s Opera House.

Finish your day at one enjoying some Latvian cuisine at one of the many restaurants located in old town. There are numerous eateries to choose from offering something for everyone. And if energy allows, continue on from here to enjoy the nightlife of Riga. There are various nightclubs all around the city, which invite both locals and foreigners to party till the morning light. Most of the pubs and clubs are located in the historical center of Riga. The old town is pretty small and it`s easy to visit many clubs throughout the night.

Day 2 in Riga

Start your day off with a trip to Riga`s Central Market, and get a sense of what local life is like in the city. This lively indoor and outdoor market is housed within the enormous converted Zeppelin hangars. There are several local Latvian goods, from meats and fish to loads of other locally grown produce. Outside, it`s hard to escape the smell of delicious food ranging from takeaway bakery-style shops, diner style restaurants through to fantastic fish cafes.

After the market, head outside of the city`s center to explore some other landmarks such as the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum which details the city`s history of the Holocaust. Set inside an outdoor courtyard, this museum illustrates what happened to the local Jewish population during the city`s Nazi occupation and the devastating events of the Rumbula massacre. The exhibits focus on individuals` stories and photographs from the time.

Just up the road from the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum, head over to the Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation deck. Built during Latvia`s period under Soviet rule, the towering figure looks very similar to the huge Palace of Culture in Warsaw, Poland. The best way to visit is to take the elevator up to its observation deck. Once you reach the top, you`ll find fabulous panoramic views of Riga.

Continue exploring with a visit to Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral. This Russian Orthodox Church in the Esplanade park sparkles thanks to its gilded façade, and is remarkable inside as well. Make sure to pay a visit inside to admire the painted icons which it is best known for.

Finish your day learning more about the history of the area with a visit to the KGB Museum. Like the rest of the Baltic States, Latvia became part of the USSR during the Second World War. Living under Soviet rule meant being under the watchful eye of the KGB, the history of which you can learn about in the KGB Museum. This was the headquarters from which the KGB secret police operated and tortured subjects. Make sure to take a tour to get a chance to see the full museum.

Additional Days in Riga

If you are visiting in the summer and need to escape the heat, head to Jurmala, the nearest seaside town. A little over half an hour away by train, this popular beach resort town is also known as Riga Beach.

Jurmala`s white sandy beach is long and beautiful and the town center is great for walking, shopping and people watching. After a relaxing time on the beach, you can take a bike ride and spend a couple of hours exploring the old seaside town with its quiet residential areas, ornate architecture, parks and tree-lined avenues.

Your Last Day in Riga

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out..