Spring guide in Riga

Riga Taste festival

In the morning, the scent of freshly baked Vecrīga pastries fills a bakery; at lunch, a seasonal dish awaits in a modern restaurant; and in the evening, a relaxed dinner unfolds in the heart of the city – the Riga Taste Festival invites you to experience Riga through its flavors.

For two weeks, from April 13 to April 26, Riga transforms into a true culinary destination, where restaurants and bakeries offer special menus created for the occasion, inspired by this year’s theme – Old Riga. It’s a chance to rediscover familiar places and explore new ones, enjoying modern Latvian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and creative interpretations.

Choose where, what, and how to indulge – and let yourself taste everything the city has to offer.

Celebrate Easter

During Easter, Riga offers a wide programme of cultural events and festive activities across the city – from concerts in churches and cultural venues to traditional celebrations in parks.

Music and special concerts

On Good Friday, 3 April at 17:00, a concert by the Orchestra “Rīga” will take place at St. John’s Church, featuring a special premiere performance. On the same day, the Culture Palace “Ziemeļblāzma” will host a concert programme “One More Shining Day” by pianist Andrejs Osokins and mezzo-soprano Ieva Parša.

On Easter Monday, 6 April at 15:00, a family-friendly concert “Easter Ricu Racu” will take place at Culture Palace “Ziemeļblāzma”. At 16:00, an early music concert “Lux Paschalis” will be held at the Small Guild. The day will conclude at 19:00 at St. John’s Church with G. F. Handel’s oratorio Messiah.

Traditions and activities for all ages

Across Riga, Easter celebrations bring together traditional activities, concerts and programmes for children.

On 5 April from 11:00 to 17:00, Victory Park will host a large Easter event with concerts, creative workshops, egg painting and traditional swings. Children can enjoy the performance “The Colourful Egg and the Big Question” and take part in activities throughout the day.

On the same day from 12:00 to 15:00, the outdoor area of the Imanta Culture Centre will host the event “Calling of Spring”, offering traditional Easter activities, games, workshops and the children’s performance “Adventures of a City Boy in the Countryside”.

On Easter Monday, 6 April from 12:00 to 16:00, the Great Stage area in Mežaparks will host the event “Colouring the Days”, featuring egg rolling, creative workshops and activities for the whole family.

Also on 6 April at 15:00, a family concert “Easter Ricu Racu” with Orchestra “Rīga” and singer Daumants Kalniņš will take place at Culture Palace “Ziemeļblāzma”, with creative activities for children available in the park from 12:00.

Festive atmosphere in the city

During Easter, Riga becomes especially vibrant – from 23 March to 10 April, the city is decorated with spring-themed design objects and installations.

At Dome Square, visitors can see the installation “Our Homes”, while Livu Square features “On the Way Home!”, and Bastejkalns Park displays colourful “3D Flowers”. In Victory Park, the festive atmosphere is enhanced by the installations “Blooming Home” and “Sun Mills”, which will remain on display until 29 May.

The Easter theme “Bloom in Riga!” invites visitors to experience the city in spring, discovering seasonal details while exploring its streets and parks.

Where to enjoy Easter swings

On 5 and 6 April, traditional Easter swings will be available throughout the day at Dome Square, Livu Square, Town Hall Square and Bastejkalns Park, as well as near the Imanta Culture Centre and Culture Palace “Ziemeļblāzma”.

New hotspots in Riga

Spring is here, and that means one thing – it’s time to get out and explore. Discover the newest restaurants and cafés in Riga, where fresh flavours, creative concepts and great atmosphere await. Whether you're looking for brunch, dinner or drinks, these new spots are worth adding to your list.

Cafe Nostalgia – a calm escape in the very centre of Riga, just steps from the opera. Perfect for a pre-show coffee or wine, and an unhurried evening afterwards. Bonus: late brunch served until 16:00.

Retro bufete Melodija – a colourful journey into the 70s and 80s. A cosy café with cakes downstairs and a vinyl record shop upstairs – coffee comes with a dose of nostalgia.

SWITCH – all-day breakfast and a place where mornings turn into evenings. From classic egg dishes to a popular steak sandwich and cocktails – simple, satisfying and modern.

Cuba Coffee Room – a lively café with quality coffee, brunch and light meals. Don’t miss “Coffee Wednesdays” for a slightly more festive midweek vibe.

L’Artista – authentic Italian cuisine in the Old Town. Classic recipes, fresh ingredients and a setting made for slow, enjoyable dining.

Garšas namiņš – hearty comfort food with Latvian and Greek influences. Simple, flavourful and made for everyday dining.

Kukū bārs – an après-ski inspired bar in the Quiet Centre. Drinks, music and a lively atmosphere that works in any season.

Katkevich  – a well-loved brunch spot now also in central Riga. Known for its homemade sourdough, quality ingredients and all-day breakfast menu.

Voglio Bene  – a vibrant Italian restaurant serving Neapolitan pizza and classics in a warm, stylish setting in the Art Nouveau district.

Mad Mac – comfort food at its best, focused on creative mac and cheese dishes. Rich, satisfying and perfect for a quick, indulgent meal.

Shiyuzu – a modern restaurant by the Daugava River with views of the port. Ideal for relaxed dinners with a refined atmosphere.

Maijas Brasērija – seasonal dishes and a laid-back vibe in Pārdaugava. A great choice for both casual lunches and evenings with friends.

Riga is bubbling with new places – time to dive in and taste it all!

Enjoy a refreshing walk

Enough of sitting at home, it's time to draw strength from the nature for a new act of life! Take a refreshing walk through the small streets of Ķīpsala, listen to one of the unique audio excursions that lead through Viesturdārzs or Čiekurkalns. If you feel hungry, prepare a picnic basket and enjoy a lazy lunch in one of Riga's parks or go for an unusual walk through the unique Riga cemeteries!

Immerse yourself in Cherry blossoms

There is no more romantic time of the year than spring, when you can take your significant other by the hand and take them for a slow walk through the clusters of Sakura flowers. We can guarantee that it will definitely be one of the most memorable dates to experience this time of year. Take into account that the gorgeous Japanese cherries in Riga start to bloom at the end of April.

Captures the dose of vitamins at the market

Best way to break free from the winter hibernation is by taking an extra dose of spring greens. In Riga Central Market, Āgenskalns market, as well as in the Kalnciema quarter market you will find aromatic herbs, vitamin bouquets from vegetables, fruits, berries, and, of course, let's not forget the refreshing birch juice! If you lack freshness in your life, then you know that you can find it in the markets of Riga!

Get into the Botanical World

Have you already stepped into the most intoxicating season of the year? If not, you’ll find the perfect opportunity in Pārdaugava, home to the University of Latvia Botanical Garden.

For those missing snow-capped mountains, here you can admire lush shrubs resembling snowdrifts and capture the triumphant bloom of budding leaves overtaking the last traces of winter. Azaleas burst into bloom inside the greenhouse as early as winter and early spring, fragrant magnolias follow at the end of April, while rhododendrons and lilacs celebrate their grand season from May to June.

Address:

Kandavas iela 2

Walk around the Zoo

The Galapagos Tortoise, the African Lions, the Arctic Foxes – these are just some of the animals you can meet at the Riga Zoo. Operating for more than a century, the Zoo inhabits more than 400 wild animal species. Aquarium, terrarium, tropical house - the Zoo is an educational and fascinating place to while away the hours.