Latvia · 3 days · 15 stops
3 days in Riga – a ready-made itinerary
Riga is the largest city in the Baltics: an old town from the Hanseatic era and, next to it, whole streets of Art Nouveau buildings. Day one covers the Old Town, day two the market and the Art Nouveau district, and on day three you take the train to the beach at Jūrmala. The stops are in walking order.
In short
- Length
- 3 days, 15 stops
- Highlights
- House of the Blackheads, Latvian Academy of Sciences, Jomas iela, St. Peter's Church, Riga Cathedral
- Where to stay
- Old Town (Vecrīga), Art Nouveau district
- Getting around
- The Old Town, the market and the Art Nouveau district are close together and easy on foot.
- Best time to go
- May to September is the most pleasant, and July and August are also good for the beach at Jūrmala.
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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Day 1
Old Town
House of the Blackheads
The ornate guild house on Town Hall Square. Destroyed in the war and rebuilt in the 1990s to the old plans.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): House of the Blackheadsright next door
St. Peter's Church
A Gothic church with a tall spire. A lift goes up to a viewing platform above the Old Town.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): St. Peter's Churchabout 5 min on foot
Riga Cathedral
The largest medieval church in the Baltics, with a famous organ. Ask on site about organ concerts.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Riga Cathedralright next door
Three Brothers
Three narrow houses side by side – the oldest homes in the city, each from a different era.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Three Brothersright next door
Swedish Gate
The only surviving city gate, part of the old town wall in a quiet lane.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Swedish Gateabout 5 min on foot
Freedom Monument
The monument to Latvian independence. Right next to it, the park along the city canal is good for a walk.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Freedom Monument
Day 2
Central Market and Art Nouveau
Riga Central Market
One of the largest markets in Europe, in old zeppelin hangars. Try smoked fish and rye bread.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Riga Central Marketabout 5 min on foot
Latvian Academy of Sciences
A Stalin-era high-rise. There is a viewing platform at the top – check opening times first.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Latvian Academy of Sciencesabout 20 min on foot
Nativity of Christ Cathedral
Orthodox cathedral with golden domes in Esplanade Park. Photography inside is usually not allowed.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Nativity of Christ Cathedralabout 10 min on foot
Alberta iela
The street with the city's best-known Art Nouveau facades – heads, masks and figures on almost every house.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Alberta ielaabout 5 min on foot
Latvian National Museum of Art
Latvian art from the 18th century to today in the large museum building by Esplanade Park.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Latvian National Museum of Art
Day 3
Beach day in Jūrmala
Regional train from Riga Central Station to Majori, about 30 minutes. Trains back run regularly until the evening.
Jomas iela
The pedestrian street of Majori, with cafés and old wooden villas in the side streets.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Jomas ielaabout 20 min on foot
Majori beach
A wide, pale sandy beach on the Baltic. From here, walk along the water towards Dzintari.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Majori beachright next door
Dzintari Concert Hall
A wooden concert hall in the pine forest. Concerts are held in summer – check the programme in advance.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dzintari Concert Hallabout 10 min on foot
Dzintari Forest Park
Pine forest with an observation tower looking over forest and sea. Then take the train back to Riga.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dzintari Forest Park
Good to know
Best time to go
May to September is the most pleasant, and July and August are also good for the beach at Jūrmala. Around 23 June the midsummer festival Jāņi is celebrated, and many people head to the countryside. Winter is cold and dark early; in December there is a Christmas market by the cathedral.
Getting around
The Old Town, the market and the Art Nouveau district are close together and easy on foot. Trams, trolleybuses and buses serve other districts; buy tickets at the machines or via the app. A bus runs from the airport to the centre in about 30 minutes.
Where to stay
Old Town (Vecrīga)
Right among the churches and lanes. Short walks, but some streets are loud at night.
Art Nouveau district
Quieter streets north of the parks, with cafés and handsome old buildings. About 15 minutes' walk to the Old Town.
Your plan
Start with this plan.
Copy it into YesTrip, pick your dates and make it yours: move stops, drop them or let the AI add more. On the road the app shows you the next stop and how to get there.
Riga: frequently asked questions
Are 3 days enough for Riga?
Yes, for the Old Town, Art Nouveau and a day by the sea. With more time, Ķemeri National Park with its boardwalks across the bog is worth a visit.
What currency is used in Latvia?
The euro. Cards work almost everywhere; a little cash is handy for market stalls.
Is Jūrmala worth it outside summer?
Yes, for a beach walk and the wooden villas. Swimming is only pleasant in high summer – the Baltic stays cool.
When are museums closed?
Many museums in Riga close one day a week, often on Mondays. Check opening hours before you go.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
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