What to see in Riga in 3 days

Spending 3 days in Riga? Discover the best of history, culture, food, and hidden gems - from Old Town charm to Art Nouveau flair and beyond.

What to See in Riga in 3 Days

Three days in Riga opens the door to a deeper experience of Latvia’s capital - enough time to absorb its layered history, process its flavours, and uncover a few surprises along the way. While the cobbled charm of the Old Town will likely be your first stop, a third day lets you go further: think calm city parks, edgy art galleries, Soviet-era relics, and neighbourhoods where locals actually live.
Wondering what to see in Riga in 3 days? Think of it as three distinct layers: Day one lets you connect with the city’s medieval heart, day two dives into its Art Nouveau elegance and market life, and day three invites you to slow down and wander where tourists rarely do.

Make your own adventure

With three full days in Riga, you have just the right amount of time to explore the city at your own pace - no need to rush or stick to a rigid itinerary. You can easily see the top landmarks, from the medieval Old Town and grand Art Nouveau facades to the lively Central Market and riverfront views, while also taking in the city’s rhythm and charm. There’s space for spontaneous detours, quiet cafés, and glimpses of daily local life that bring Riga’s character to the surface. Best of all, three days gives you enough time to take a quick trip beyond the city - whether it's relaxing by the sea in Jūrmala or exploring the scenic hills and castles of Sigulda.

Flexibility with a plan

Riga is a city that welcomes every kind of traveller - whether you're a backpacker chasing hidden corners, a couple seeking a romantic escape, a family with young kids, a curious foodie, or an older traveller looking for a relaxed cultural experience. Rather than a strict itinerary, think of your visit as a collection of moments: discovering local art, stumbling upon a weekend market, catching live music in an unexpected spot, or enjoying a quiet walk in a leafy park. This guide won’t list every stop, but it offers a glimpse into the kinds of experiences that let you feel the soul of the city. With a little planning and plenty of freedom, your own version of Riga will unfold naturally.

A guide for your 3-day trip

Think of this less as a traditional guide and more as a collection of ideas - suggestions to help shape your time in Riga without locking you into a rigorous plan. It’s not about checking off every landmark – instead, consider a few must-see places that reveal the city’s personality, culture, and everyday charm. Use it as inspiration to build your own adventure, one that matches your pace, interests, and travel style.

Sightseeing & walks

Explore Riga’s charm on foot - wander through scenic streets, riverfront promenades, and green parks that reveal the city's rich history and modern energy. Whether you're admiring architecture, enjoying nature, or soaking in the atmosphere, walking is one of the best ways to experience the city. Both free walking tours and guided paid tours are widely available and can offer some local insight.

Freedom Monument – A powerful national symbol honouring Latvian independence and freedom, located at the heart of the city.

Bastejkalna Park – A beautifully landscaped park with winding paths, romantic bridges, and views of the City Canal.

Riga Castle – A historic castle, currently serving as the residence of the President of Latvia, situated along the banks of the Daugava River.

Latvian National Opera Park – A quiet green space behind the opera house, ideal for relaxing between sightseeing stops.

City Canal – A scenic canal running through the city’s centre, perfect for a peaceful stroll or boat ride.

Kronvalda Park – A lush, tree-filled park with fountains and playgrounds, great for both quiet walks and family outings.

11. novembra krastmala embankment – Offers expansive views across the river, especially beautiful at sunset or during summer festivals.

Esplanade Park – A central green space surrounded by several cultural landmarks, popular with both locals and visitors.

Alberta Street (Art Nouveau district) – Known for its stunning concentration of Art Nouveau architecture - an open-air museum of ornate facades.

Museums

From national history to niche collections, Riga’s museums offer a deep dive into Latvia’s cultural, political, and artistic landscape. Whether you enjoy classic art, immersive storytelling, or quirky exhibits, there’s something here for every interest. Most museums offer affordable entry, and some even have free admission days.

Latvian National Museum of Art – Home to Latvia’s finest collection of visual art, from classical masterpieces to modern works.

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia – A powerful and sobering museum detailing Latvia’s 20th-century history under Soviet and Nazi rule.

Riga Motor Museum – One of Europe’s top car museums, displaying vintage vehicles, Soviet limousines, and interactive exhibits.

Art Museum Riga Bourse – An elegant museum in the Old Town housing European and Asian art in a former stock exchange.

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum – A vast forested area with traditional farmsteads, windmills, and homes from across Latvia’s regions.

Žanis Lipke Memorial – A smaller museum telling the story of a local man who rescued Jews during WWII, located in his former warehouse.

Latvian War Museum – Offers a detailed look at Latvia’s military history, set inside the iconic Powder Tower.

Jewish Museum of Latvia – Focuses on Jewish life and history in Latvia, including pre-war culture and Holocaust remembrance.

Pauls Stradiņš Museum of Medical History – A quirky and fascinating collection of medical tools, technologies, and human anatomy exhibits.

Museum of Decorative Arts and Design – Celebrates Latvian design through ceramics, textiles, and furniture in a beautifully restored church.

Food & drinks

Latvia’s culinary scene is a blend of hearty tradition and modern creativity. From rustic taverns to sleek fine dining and cozy coffee spots, Riga has it all. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Latvian dishes, local craft beer, and inventive modern cuisine.

Lido Atpūtas Centrs – A large, family-friendly restaurant complex offering Latvian comfort food in a traditional setting.

3 Pavāru Restaurant – A modern dining experience by three top Latvian chefs, with creative twists on local ingredients.

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs – A lively cellar bar serving hearty meals, local beer, and live folk music in the evenings.

Whitehouse – An upscale restaurant located in the corner of one of Riga’s nicest parks - ideal for a special dinner.

Berga Bazārs – A cluster of elegant eateries in a historic courtyard, perfect for brunch or an evening meal.

Big Bad Bagels – Popular with locals and travellers alike for creative bagels and great coffee.

Mārtiņa Beķereja – A laid-back bakery chain offering traditional Latvian pastries and a friendly vibe.

Rocket Bean Roastery – Riga’s specialty coffee powerhouse, ideal for espresso enthusiasts and brunch lovers.

Kalve Coffee – Another locally-roasted specialty coffee brand, with locations across the city. Also known for their pastries, in addition to coffee.

Nurme brewery & taproom – A brewery bar serving both their own beers and beers from other Latvian craft breweries, with a view of the brewery’s fermentation tanks.

Markets

Markets are where Riga’s daily life truly shines. Whether you’re shopping for local produce, sampling fresh pastries, or browsing handmade crafts, markets are an essential part of the city’s rhythm.

Riga Central Market – One of Europe’s largest and most impressive markets, housed in former Zeppelin hangars.

Kalnciema Quarter Market – A charming wooden district hosting artisan markets and live music on weekends.

Āgenskalns Market – Recently renovated, it offers both local produce and delicacies from around the world, as well as a food court serving different tastes.

Churches & historic buildings

Riga’s skyline is defined by its spires and centuries-old buildings. These historic landmarks are more than architectural treasures - they’re storytellers of the city’s complex past.

Riga Cathedral – The largest medieval church in the Baltics, known for its massive organ and cloister.

St. Peter’s Church – A Gothic tower offering city views, alongside rotating art exhibits inside.

The Three Brothers – Riga’s oldest residential buildings, each representing a different architectural style.

House of the Blackheads – A strikingly ornate building that once hosted a merchant guild and now hosts exhibitions.

St. John's Church – One of the oldest churches in Riga, tucked away in a quiet courtyard with a peaceful garden.

St. Jacob’s Cathedral – A Catholic cathedral known for its tall spire and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Great Guild Hall – A stately building that once housed wealthy traders; now used for concerts and events.

Small Guild Hall – A Neo-Gothic gem across from the Great Guild, often used for cultural functions.

Swedish Gate – The only remaining gate from the original city wall, tied to local legends and stories.

Powder Tower – A round fortress structure that now forms part of the Latvian War Museum.

Other activities

Riga offers more than just sightseeing. There’s a wide range of things to do that let you dive deeper into the city’s culture and creativity - ideal for travellers who love to mix and match their days.

A performance at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet – Enjoy a world-class opera or ballet in a beautifully restored 19th-century building.

Bike tour around the city – Join a local-led cycling tour or rent a bike to explore neighbourhoods at your own pace.

Try a Latvian sauna (pirts) – Experience a traditional steam bath ritual with birch branches and cold plunges.

Visit the Splendid Palace cinema – A gorgeous 1920s cinema still screening local and international films, with a focus on critical and festival favourites.

Attend a concert – There are many small-to-medium sized venues, such as Kaņepes Kultūras centrs, Aleponija, Vagonu Hall and others, that regularly put on concerts by both local and international artists. 

Visit the Riga Zoo – Family-friendly attraction in a leafy park with animals from around the world.

Climb the St. Peter's Church tower – Panoramic city views from one of Riga’s tallest and oldest landmarks.

City Canal Boat Tour – If you’re visiting the city during the warmer months, go for a peaceful ride through the city’s canal system – it’s a great way to view the centre of Riga for first-time visitors.

Sunset cruise to the Gulf of Riga – A romantic option for couples, often with snacks and drinks onboard.

Visit the National Library of Latvia – located in an impressive building that serves as a symbol of Latvian culture as a whole, it offers various exhibitions and tours in addition to its primary function.

Local experiences

Riga isn’t just a place to see - it’s a place to participate. Dive into activities that connect you with locals, culture, and everyday life. Many experiences are easy to join last-minute and offer a richer, more personal side of the city.

Join a Latvian culinary tour or masterclass – Discover local foods and learn how to make some of the traditional dishes.

Explore local design shops – Browse handmade ceramics, textiles, and clothing in Riga’s indie boutiques.

Enjoy a picnic in a city park – Pick up some treats and relax in one of Riga’s many green spaces.

Participate in a seasonal festival – Each season brings something new - Midsummer, Christmas markets, film and art festivals, and more.

Chat with vendors at a farmers’ market – A great way to meet locals and learn about Latvian produce and traditions.

Try your hand at a craft workshop – Create something unique - like a linen souvenir or a wooden toy - with a local artisan.

Three days in Riga is the perfect amount of time to experience the city's many layers - from its historic streets and architectural gems to its vibrant markets, rich food scene, and modern cultural pulse. Whether you're wandering with no set path or following your curiosity into museums, parks, or neighbourhood cafés, Riga rewards those who take their time. It's a city that feels both intimate and full of surprises, where every traveller - from solo explorers to families and couples - can find their own kind of adventure. Let your interests guide you, leave room for spontaneity, and you’ll leave with more than just memories - you’ll leave with a real feel for the heart of Latvia.