Things to do in Riga

Best Things to do in Riga

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Riga? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 374 activities in Riga, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 287, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Riga in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

About the UNESCO Listed Latvian City: Top Things to Do in Riga

About Riga

The UNESCO listed capital city of Latvia is among the most fascinating places to explore in the country. In this city, there are various streets that remind you of the medieval period, also presenting a chance to experience modern city life. When in Riga, you can explore various top attractions of the city that include the likes of Saint Peter's Church, House of the Blackheads and Central Market with its adorning vibrance.

In the city of Riga, you will also find a beautiful blend of culture, history and different outdoor activities. Some top attractions to visit and activities to explore here include the likes of the Old Town with its heritage architecture, Freedom Monument, etc. Exploring cultural experiences, enjoying shopping, culinary delights and the like are also included among the top things to do in Riga.

So, whether going for Kayaking in Riga or exploring city landmarks, taking walking tours, boating tours, or even exploring the city by bike. The list of top things to do in Riga is endless.

Unmissable Things You Must Try in Riga

Unique Experiences

Bobsleight: Truly Unique Winter Adventure

Explore the summer Bobsleigh adventure for an unforgettable experience when visiting Riga. Running on a purpose-filled track, these Bobsleighs can go up to a speed of 80 km per hour while hurtling down. The thrilling ride is a must-explore among adventure enthusiasts, and one of the top things to do in Riga that you must not miss.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 15,200 per person
• Timing: Starts on multiple slots from 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM (Takes about 3 hours)
• When to Visit: October to March

Kayaking Adventure in Riga

Experience the thrill of a self-guided kayaking tour that is also accompanied by an instructor-guide on demand. One of the top adventurous activities and things to do in Riga, it adds a unique perspective to the city. This energising, as well as relaxing experience, provides complete flexibility and freedom of Kayak manoeuvring and is a great match for all ages.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: Starting from INR 1,900 per person
• Timing: Multiple slots starting from 9:30 AM; last slot from 1:45 PM (Takes approximately 6 hours)
• When to Visit: June to August

Hiking in Gauja National Park

Go on a 12-km hike to the Gauja National Park in Riga, which gives a sense of sacred nature worship surrounded by complete greenery and thick forests. This moderately challenging hiking experience is a must-try when looking for the best things to do in Riga. You can also add other activities to this hiking trail, like zip lining, visiting the nearby castles from the Medieval period, etc.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: Starting from INR 10,600 per person
• Timing: From 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Takes approximately 6 hours)
• When to Visit: From May to June and September to October

Top Attractions

Riga Central Market

When in Riga, you cannot miss visiting the Riga Central Market, which is apparently the largest market for food across Europe. It is known for over 3,000 trade stands that sell different types of products, with specialities like hemp butter, beer, sprats, etc. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers irresistible snacks that you cannot miss trying when visiting the market.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,900 per person
• Timing: Visits starting 11:00 AM up to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM (Takes about 2 hours)
• When to Visit: All year round

Riga Art Nouveau

A mesmerising architecture, Art Nouveau buildings in Riga are one of the most popular attractions that visitors look out for. There are about 800 buildings based on this architectural style in the city. You can stroll downtown to stumble upon some of the most precious architectural gems here. One of the best things to do in Riga is certainly to explore these hidden gems of the city.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 14,800 per group
• Timing: Trip starts from 8:00 AM; multiple slots available throughout the day (2 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: From May to October

Panorama Riga Top View of Riga City

When in Riga, you cannot miss catching a glimpse of the city’s panoramic skyline through the Panorama Riga Observation Deck at the top of the Latvian Academy of Sciences building. From here, you can spot various top attractions in Riga, like the Old Town, River Daugava, the Riga Central Market, and so much more. This observation deck is also a great place to take photographs, and certainly a prominent city landmark.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: Starting from INR 850 per person
• Timing: Starts from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Takes approximately 1 to 2 hours)
• When to Visit: All year round

Sightseeing Tours

Riga Jewish History Tour

Go through the Jewish past of Riga by discovering various Jewish landmarks that are historically significant and located across different places in the city. On a guided tour, you can also get to know about the wartime Jewish ghettos and learn about the architectural movement in the city that defined the present-day Art Nouveau buildings.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 8,500 per person
• Timing: Starting from 9:00 AM (Takes about 3 to 4 hours)
• When to Visit: April to October

Riga Old Town Walking Tour

Go on to explore the Old Town of Riga, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is replete with numerous medieval monuments that are worth exploring, along with the striking architecture found in only this part of the world. The Old Town is best explored on foot as you can focus on the beauty of the cobblestone lanes and lend some admiration for the popular city landmarks, located here, like St. Jacob’s Church, the National Library and the Riga Dome Cathedral, etc.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,000 per person
• Timing: Starting from 10:30 AM (Takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
• When to Visit: March to October

Day Trips

Hill of Crosses and Jelgava from Riga

The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania is one of the most popular things to see on a day trip from Riga. This 19th-century pilgrimage site has its recognition with the Baltic nation's independence battles. You can admire the fascinating crosses displayed in thousands on this hill that is known for its historical relevance to both Latvia and Lithuania.

• Where: Riga to Hill of Crosses
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,800 per person
• Timing: Starting from 9:00 AM (About 7 hours)
• When to Visit: All year round

Boat Tours

Riga Panoramic River Tour by VECRIGA Boat

Admire the stunning and marvellous views of the Riga Old Town from afar when going on a boat trip through the river Daugava. For this trip, the modern VECRIGA boats are used, which are known for their speed, space and luxurious feel. On the open deck of these boats, you can also dine and enjoy refreshing cocktails while it takes you through a windy tropical atmosphere.

• Where: Riga, Latvia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,600 per person
• Timing: Starting from 10:00 AM; multiple slots up to 3:00 PM (Takes approx. 1 hour)
• When to Visit: May-June, September-October

Getting Around

When in Riga, Latvia, you can easily explore the various means of transportation available in the city for transportation from one place to another. Here’s a look at the top means of transport that you can choose for exploring the things to do in Riga. These can be either private or public transport options.

• There are various means of public transport available in Riga that you can explore for easy commuting. You can choose from options like buses, trams, trolleybuses, etc., to go from one place to another in Riga. This means of conveyance usually starts from 5 AM. You can easily purchase tickets for travelling in Riga via online platforms or even approach customer kiosks or vending machines to get your bus or tram tickets here.
• Taxis in Riga are available across the city for hire to travel from one place to another. These are traditional modes of transport, and one of the safest and reliable means of commuting.
• You can also avail a car rental service that adds to the flexibility of touring 2 or more places at a stretch. You can get a car rental to drive to and from various locations across the city. Driver hire is also available for these cars in case you are not comfortable driving.
• Various ride-sharing apps are also available for exploration that provide quick and convenient travel, mostly.
• If you are willing to take a stroll across the top tourist attractions in Riga, walking is one of the best ways to go.

Traveller Tips

• Plan Ahead: It is essential to plan your Riga trip ahead with necessary bookings so that you don't lose out on the tickets at the last moment. Top attractions in Riga often have a low number of seats that sell out fast during peak seasons. This makes advance booking of your itinerary all the more important.
• Prepare for the Weather: Weather conditions in Riga are mostly cold and require travellers and tourists to carry woollen and warm clothing. It is also pertinent to know about the latest weather forecasts in the city so that you can plan your trip for the day accordingly.
• Cultural Etiquette: Although Riga is a tourist-friendly destination, it is important for travellers to respect the personal space of locals as the Latvian culture is generally reserved. Alongside, it is always expected of tourists to show respectful behaviour towards everyone.
• Currency: When travelling in Riga, make sure to carry some money in cash in the local currency Euro, so that you can spend easily on small transactions with local sellers. Online and card transactions are also available with various shops and complexes, making payment easy for booking things to do in Riga.