No trip to the Baltic nations is complete without visiting Riga, the capital of Latvia. Riga really packs a punch with its beautiful medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture and colorful streets. This post covers how to spend 2 days in Riga.
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Table of Contents
Notes About this Itinerary for 2 Days in Riga
- The city is very walkable so you don’t need to rent a car for your 2 days in Riga. However, do make sure you wear some comfortable walking shoes.
- You can do these 2 days in Riga in any order.
- I have mapped out the itinerary in order of appearance but free to move things around if you need to.
- Riga is a cruise port so try to start your day early to avoid large mid-day cruise crowds
- Buy tickets in advance to the Museum of Occupation.
Getting Around Riga
As I mentioned, Riga is very walkable. However, if you need to use public transport, then Riga has trams, trolleybuses and buses operated by Rīgas Satiksm. You can buy at tickets machines, Narvesen kiosks, or via the Mobilly app. They are usually less expensive pre-paid than from onboard the bus. Riga also has day passes for 24 hours, 3 days and 5 days.
Use Google Maps to show you how to use public transport. To do this, go to Google Maps, type where you want to go and then click directions and then select the “tram/bus/train” symbol (usually the 2nd one after the car symbol). When you click this Google will show you the most efficient way to catch public transport from where you currently are to where you want to go.
Practically, with only 2 days in Riga, I think it is best to catch a Bolt or taxi as these are faster and more efficient given your limited time in the city. They are relatively inexpensive but I do understand that they may not be in everyone’s budget.
Are 2 Days in Riga Enough Time?
I think 2 days in Riga is enough time to explore the city. Most of day 1 of this itinerary is all close by. If you are on a cruise and only have one day, then start your day as soon as the ship docks and you should be able to cover all of day 1 and even some of day 2 in 1 day.
How to Spend 2 Days in Riga
Day 1
On day 1 of your 2 days in Riga, explore the Old Town and the sights in and around it. Today is very walkable so put on some good walking shoes and get ready to see Vecrīga, which is another word for Old Town. What I loved most about the Vecrīga was the architecture! The buildings here are both colorful and really beautiful!
Town Musicians of Bremen
It is said that if you rub the noses of the animals in this sculpture that it will bring you good luck! So, let’s start your 2 days in Riga by doing just that for good luck. This sculpture is based on a Grimm Brothers story.
St. Peter’s Church and Tower
St. Peter’s church is a must visit in Riga. This Lutheran church is said to be the tallest in the city and was founded in the 13th century. The church has been rebuilt several times over the years. Today, it’s famous for its tower which offers superb views over the city of Riga. You can buy tickets at the church and the best part is that there is an elevator that takes you right up!
From St. Peter’s make your way to Riga Town Hall Square. This square was originally from the 13th century but was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt later.
House of the Blackheads
The House of the Blackheads is one of the most prominent buildings in Riga Town Hall Square. This building was also destroyed during WWII and rebuilt. The original building was constructed in 1334 as a warehouse and a meeting and celebration place for merchants. From mid-15th century it was also used by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a sort of fraternity for unmarried merchants, shipowners and foreigners in Riga! Today, the grand hall of this building is used to host royalty and presidents from around the world. The cellar is the only part of the building that survived the destruction of WWII.
I highly recommend visiting the House of the Blackheads during your 2 days in Riga!
Jauniela (New Street)
Jauniela is one of the most colorful streets in Old Town Riga. This colorful street, with its charming little buildings is very photographic.
Riga Cathedral and Dome Square
The Riga Cathedral is an Evangelical Lutheran church that was originally built in 1211 and has gone through many modifications over the years. This cathedral is considered the largest medieval church in the Baltic states. The church is also known for its 19th century pipe organ.
Riga Castle
This castle was founded in 1330 but its structure was rebuilt between 1497 and 1515. I don’t think it is worth going inside. There were a few exhibits but nothing much to talk about. Save your time and money on this one but I included it on the list to take a look from the outside.
The Three Brothers
The Three Brothers are the oldest medieval dwelling houses in Riga. The oldest of the 3 was built in the 15th century. It is said that manufacturing and trade happened in this house. The 2nd oldest is the middle one. This house was built in the mid 17th century and is said to have large rooms. The skinny house is the youngest brother and this house was built in the late 17th century and is said to have small apartments on each floor.
Swedish Gate
This gate was built in 1698 as a part of the Riga Wall to provide access to barracks outside the city wall. There used to be 8 such gates in Riga but the Swedish Gate is the only one standing today. When you enter from the Swedish Gate into Old Town, you cross paths with Troksnu Iela. This street is one of the oldest streets in Riga.
Powder Tower
The Powder Tower was a part of the the 14th-century defense fortification of Riga and is one of the few remaining medieval towers in the city. This tower housed the Latvian Riflemen museum in 1919 and which later turned into the War Museum. The Latvian War Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in Latvia.
The museum is free of charge but closed on Mondays.
Cat House
Cat House was built in 1909 by an architect called Friedrich Scheffel. This Art Nouveau building is famous for the two black cat statues that are on its roof. These cats were placed with their backs to the Guild Hall as the owner of the building, a wealthy merchant held a grudge against the guild for denying him membership. Talk about making a permanent statement!
Livu Square
Once the site of the Riga river, this colorful square was another favorite of mine. I really love colorful places and quirky architecture and the restaurants on this square delivered on both! With it being the end of the day, grab a cocktail or glass of wine at one of the restaurants and enjoy it outside on the square.
Walk Around Old Town
If you have some time, walk around Old Town and enjoy the colorful streets and beautiful architecture.
Black Magic Bar
When in Riga, you have to taste balsam. This Northeast European liquor was originally used for medicinal purposes and is still said to cure many an alignments! It has a high alcohol content and is a bit of an acquired taste but definitely think it’s a cultural experience that you must try. The Black Magic Bar is the perfect place to sample balsam. Try it with their homemade chocolates!
Day 2
On day 2 of your 2 days in Riga, explore the sights outside of Old Town. You may have to take a Bolt taxi or use public transport a couple of times today and I will call these out!
Bastejkalna Park
Start your day at this beautiful park just outside the Old Town. You can also take a boat ride along the canals of Riga here. If you visit during the spring and summer, you may see lots of colorful flowers at this park. Noticed how there are always red and white flowers and the red is always double the volume of the white flowers, just like the Latvian flag!
The Freedom Monument
Next, check out one of the most iconic places in Riga! The Freedom Monument was built to honor the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence. It was considered for demolition a couple of times during the Soviet Occupation but luckily was not. Today, the Freedom Monument serves as a place for public gatherings and official ceremonies in Riga.
Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
This church is massive and was built in the Neo-Byzantine style between 1876 and 1883. It was converted into a Lutheran church during WWI when German troops occupied the building but was converted back to an Orthodox church after the war. This church is said to be renowned for its valuable icons.
Latvian National Opera House
The Latvian National Opera House was built in 1863! They run some world class ballets and operas if you are interested in seeing one in the evening. They also have a guided tour of the opera if you like to see the inside. See HERE for more details. Even if you don’t do either of these, just take a look at the building itself from the outside. It’s really beautiful!
The Latvian Academy of Sciences
The Academy of Sciences building is one of the best view points over the city of Riga. This building was constructed in the 1950s and early 60s and is reminiscent of many other structures built in the Soviet era. To get to the best view point of Riga, buy a ticket at the 1st floor and then take the elevator and a few flights of stairs to the 17th floor. From here, you can see all four corners of Riga.
Central Market
The Riga Central Market is one of the most notable structures in all of Riga. The market is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built from 1924 to 1930. Today, it is said to be one of the largest markets in all of Europe. The market has 5 pavilions selling vegetables, dairy, meat, fish and food like nuts, baked goods, sweets as well as clothing, souvenirs, and household goods.
Given it maybe lunch time now, consider taking this food tour where you can sample more then 20 food and drink samples at the market.
While all the places above were walkable, you will have to catch a taxi or take public transport to get to the next place.
Art Nouveau Buildings
The Art Nouveau architecture in Riga makes up roughly one third of all the buildings in the city center. It is estimated that over 800 buildings have been completed in the Art Nouveau style. The best examples of these buildings are in the “Quiet Center”. Check out the following streets for these beautiful buildings.
- Alberta Street, Elizabetes, and Strelniku streets
- Strēlnieku, Vīlandes, and Rūpniecības streets
There is also an Art Nouveau museum that you can visit to learn ore about these buildings and their history. It is located at Alberta iela 12.
The Corner House
What seems like a perfectly normal building from the outside, housed many horrors inside back during the Soviet Occupation. The Corner House was the headquarters of the Soviet KGB in Latvia from 1940 to 1941 and from 1944 to 1991. Today, it is called the Museum of Occupation where you can learn all about how the KGB detained, interrogated, imprisoned and executed innocent people for decades.
Although quite dark, this is the one experience I highly recommend you do during your 2 days in Riga. You need to buy tickets in advance and can do so HERE. The tour is timed so you may have to move things around if you don’t get tickets for a late afternoon or evening tour.
Agenskalns Market
From Corner House, take a Bolt or public transport to Agenskalns Market. This is the oldest market in Riga. While the building was opened in 1914, there has been a market at this site since 1898. You can grab something to eat here or have a cocktail at the bar upstairs.
If you are visiting during the weekend, there is a flea market from 8 AM to 3 PM.
Where to Eat
Seasons
This restaurant is at the fancy Grand Palace Hotel and is on the Michelin Guide. I had the tasting menu and the food and service were good. It’s ideal if you are looking for a romantic night out!
Milda
This restaurant is also on the Michelin Guide and serves traditional recipes from Latvia and neighboring Lithuania. Milda is ideal if you want to taste traditional Latvia food in a slightly upscale setting.
Rozengrāls
This medieval themed restaurant is a bit of an experience. The restaurant is set in an ancient wine cellar dating back to 1293. Staff dressed in periodic costumes serve traditional food dating back to the middle ages.
LIDO Alus sēta
A simple restaurant that has traditional and other food. There is a huge selection that is already ready made and you choose from the buffet or shelves and then pay by the weight. Try the grey peas. It’s a must in Latvia!
Rigensis
This bakery in the heart of Old Town is great when you are trying to grab a quick lunch.
Where to Stay
I stayed at Boutique Hotel Justus and the location was beyond perfect! It was located on Jauniela, which is the cutest road in all of Riga in my opinion! and is super close to all the main attractions on Old Town. The hotel is very unique and they serve a good breakfast too . In general, I always use Booking.com to book my accommodation and have been doing so for over 10 years. I really love that booking lets you filter for the facilities and amenities that you are looking for and the more you book with them, the more you get rewarded.
Staying Connected
Whether it’s to map out this 2 days in Riga itinerary or catch public transport, having data will be very useful for your 2 days in Riga. I always use an eSim from Airalo when I travel outside the country because they are cheap and easy to set up and use. If you are going to other countries in the Baltics or to other European nation, then you can even buy a regional sim, which will work in almost all countries in Europe.
Riga Guided Tours
Do you have more than 2 days in Riga or prefer guided tours? Then check out these tours below!
I also show you how to do some day tours independently. Check out my post HERE!
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Are you going to Lithuania next? Check out my posts HERE! How about Tallinn? Find a full guide HERE!
