What to do/see in Riga in 2 days
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a charming city located on the banks of the Daugava River, which flows into the Baltic Sea. Founded in 1201, Riga is known for its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of cobbled streets, medieval buildings and beautiful examples of Art Nouveau, a style of which Riga boasts one of the largest collections in the world.
Riga also offers a modern, dynamic atmosphere and an energetic nightlife. In addition, the city is crisscrossed by lush parks and picturesque canals, ideal for relaxing walks. Riga is an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of history, art and modernity. Whether for a weekend or as a stop on a tour of the Baltics, here is a mini guide of what to see and do in Riga in 2 days.
What to see
A visit to the city cannot but start by exploring the Old Town (Vecrīga). Here you will find the most popular sites of the city such as the Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums) where you can admire the most iconic building in Riga: the House of the Blackheads. In front of this jewel of Gothic art you will find the Riga Town Hall. A few steps away you will come across the imposing Riga Cathedral where you can admire its famous organ, symbol of the city. One of the peculiarities of Riga is its picturesque bustle of medieval streets where you can admire beautiful historic buildings in pastel colors. Walking along Maza Pils iela, for example, you can admire the “Three Brothers”, the oldest houses in Riga. A visit to St. Peter’s Church is not to be missed, whose tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Among the monuments not to be missed, the Riga Castle, the Powder Tower and the eclectic Cat House, close the circle of a historic center full of attractions and charm
Riga boasts one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. Alberta Iela is the most representative street, with facades adorned with elegant details and refined sculptures. Another emblematic street is the nearby Elisabetes iela. A few steps from the Art Nouveau district you will come across the patriotic Freedom Monument, a symbol of Latvian independence erected in 1935 which represents a woman holding three golden stars (to represent the three regions of Latvia), and the Orthodox Cathedral.
Across the Daugava River, a view of the Little Moscow district is a must. Here the effects of Soviet domination can be seen in the architecture, especially in the Palace of the Academy of Sciences from whose terrace you can admire a beautiful view of the city. A few steps away you will find the large central market of Riga, housed in five hangars where once zeppelin airships were built. Walking among the stalls of this gigantic market is an unmissable experience!
Near the Little Moscow district you will find the Jewish ghetto where you can visit the touching museum of the Latvian Holocaust.
An unmissable stop on your trip to Riga is a visit to the Latvian National Library. Its modern and futuristic architecture that wants to recall a tree that rises as an allegory of the culture that makes man emerge, is one of the most instagrammable shots of the city. From the windows of the upper floors of the library you can also admire a splendid panorama of the opposite side of the river.
Good Addresses
Riga has a small and walkable old town. The best option is to choose a hotel close to the main attractions. My choice was Hotel Avalon, just a short walk from the Town Hall Square and the Train and Bus Station.
In the many restaurants in the center you can enjoy the delicacies of Latvian cuisine.
Here are some typical restaurants in Riga where you can taste authentic Latvian dishes:
Lido Alus Sēta: A very popular restaurant among locals, located in the old town of Riga. It offers a wide selection of traditional Latvian dishes in a rustic and cozy environment.
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs: Located in a charming cellar, it is the ideal place to try typical dishes accompanied by Latvian craft beers. The atmosphere is lively, often with live music.
Rozengrāls: This medieval restaurant, located in a historic building from the 13th century, offers a unique experience with dishes inspired by medieval Latvian cuisine.
Milda: an elegant yet informal restaurant, perfect for enjoying modern Latvian cuisine with a creative twist.
Don’t miss an aperitif on the rooftop of the Radisson Hotel at Skyline Bar, where you can admire unique sunsets over the city.
Finally, here are some suggestions for Typical Latvian Dishes to Try:
Rupjmaize: dark and dense rye bread, the basis of Latvian cuisine.
Sklandrausis: traditional rye dough pie filled with mashed potatoes and sweet carrots.
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi: grey peas served with smoked bacon, a very popular dish especially in winter.
Silķe kažokā: layered salad with herring, beetroot, potatoes and mayonnaise.
Jāņu siers: spiced cheese with caraway seeds, traditionally prepared for the Jāņi festival.
Kvass: fermented drink made from rye bread, slightly alcoholic and very refreshing.
Happy discovery of Riga!
