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Riga City Break
How to Get to Riga from the UK
When Is It Best To Visit Riga?
The current weather in Riga is;
How to Get Around Riga
Public transport is cheap and plentiful in Riga. There are trams, trains, and buses. For exploring the city centre the tram and buses are the best options.
To use public transport you simply buy your ticket in advance. You can buy tickets at the little convenience stores and kiosks called Narvesen. They are dotted throughout the city.
You can buy a ticket that gives unlimited travel for 90 minutes for 1.5 Euros or a ticket that gives unlimited travel for 24 hours for 5 Euros.
When you board your first bus, tram, and train you validate your ticket by waving it over one of the scanners which you will find at the entrance to the bus, tram, or train.
Trams and buses usually board at the back rather than the front and you cannot buy tickets onboard.
With so many things to do in Riga using public transport is a great way to get around and it’s also a great way to experience some local life too.
Is Riga Safe?
Riga felt safe and comfortable when exploring on my own and also when I travelled with my nephew.
My nephew and I travelled out of town to visit the Motor Museum using the local bus and there were no problems.
We did not go out late at night and nor did I when travelling on my own.
I did have someone try to pick my pocket when I was carrying suitcases up the steps in an underpass but I shouted at them and they ran off.
- Read More: Is Riga Safe?
Is Riga Expensive?
I’ve always found Riga good value overall.
Getting to and from the airport on public transport was very reasonable.
We also used the trams and buses to get out to the Motor Museum, which again was very reasonable too.
There are plenty of good value places to eat in Riga and we especially loved the food market. Not only was the produce reasonably priced, the cafes in the market were too.
In terms of overall cost a 3 night stay in Riga at the Bellvue Park including flights cost £225 for 2 flying from London.
- Read More: Is Riga Expensive?
Riga City Break
Where to Stay in Riga
Riga has a great choice of hotels with options in the old town, around the city centre and near the river.
There is something to suit every budget.
Staying in the old town will give you the easiest access to attractions and also public transport connections such as the bus, trams and trains.
The old town is the best location if you are visiting on for a city break in Riga as you will save time travelling.
There are some great value hotels just outside the old town. These are great if you want to make the most of your travel budget.
- Read More: Where to Stay in Riga
Radisson Blu
It’s got a great pool and spa up on the roof of the hotel, plus the food is lovely too!
- Read More: My review of the Radisson Blu Riga
City Break Riga
Bellvue Park Hotel
The Bellvue Park Hotel is across the river from the old town. It’s very accessible being right on the airport bus route and beside two tram lines.
It overlooks a park so it’s a bit quieter, plus there are plenty of good room options.
We stayed in a lovely room looking over the park that was fantastic value.
- Read More: My review of the Bellvue Park Riga
Riga City Break
Things to Do in Riga
If you are wondering what to in Riga don’t worry – there is plenty to keep you occupied.
The Old Town of Riga is worth a wander around. There are cute squares with lovely cafes and different types of architecture to enjoy too.
- Read More: What To Do in Riga
Riga City Break
The Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument is a beautiful monument dedicated to the Latvian soldiers who died in the fight for Liberation from 1918 – 1920.
The monument is 138′ or 42 metres tall. It is worth stopping by for a closer look because around the base there are scenes depicting Latvian culture and history.
Amazingly the monument survived during the Soviet occupation of Latvia and became a symbol of the independence movement. It was a visible reminder and something that gave hope to the campaign.
Riga City Break
Canal Boat Trip
There are lovely small boat trips that run from the centre of Riga, not too far away from the Freedom Monument. These boat trips are a great way to see the city from another angle.
The trips are operated by Riga by Canal. The boats are lovely wooden boats which give good views.
The trips last 1 hour long and cost around £15 per person.
Check availability for your visit
Riga City Break
The Central Market
Riga is home to the largest market in Europe. Five huge buildings house various pavillions – meat, fish, vegetables and produce. It is a fantastic place to visit and experience a bit of everyday Latvian life. Around 80,000 people a day visit the market.
Like most markets, there are also little cafes tucked in and around the market itself.
Try some Latvian specialities including Lampreys and Knauss which is a non-alcoholic brewed drink.
Check availability for your travel dates
Why not take a walking tour of the amazing Art Nouveau district and learn the stories behind these amazing buildings?
Check availability for your travel dates here
Riga City Break
KGB Museum
This museum is well worth a visit. It is located within easy walking distance from the city centre Freedom Monument area.
The museum is located in the ‘Corner House’. This building was used as an interrogation centre when Russia occupied Latvia. There is an exhibition area giving more information on display boards. The exhibition is free to enter, with donations much appreciated.
I would highly recommend taking one of the tours. They have 4 tours guided in English running each day. The cost of these tours, which last about an hour, is 10 Euros per person.
The tour takes you through the building and gives you a much better understanding of this grim, but important to know about, chapter in Latvian history.
The guide who took the tour I was on had been questioned in the building but thankfully never detained. I found the tour a great insight into Latvia too, their worries about Russia and their support for NATO.
The only downside to the tour was the eagerness of some of the other guests to role play the interrogations that took place, or to snap photos of bullet holes where people were shot in a small cell.
Find out more about more about this museum
National Library of Latvia
The National Library occupies a modern building occupies a prime position next to the river in the central part of Riga. The ground floor of the building is free to visit. There are toilets and seating inside with a great view up the central atrium to the thousands of books in the library.
Also on the ground floor is a small but great exhibition about books in Latvia. It gives a great history of how bookmaking started and changed over the years. There is also a really lovely interactive exhibit with a large book inside a small audiovisual chamber. Turning the pages of the book changes the display around the reader. It demonstrates how reading can transport the reader to another place.
See more information, pictures, and reviews of the National Library on Tripadvisor
The library is open from 11 am each day. There are also tours available and a viewing deck on the upper levels. The library was designed by a local Latvian architect and is designed to look like a mountain with a flame on the top. The design is called the Castle of Light.
At the front of the museum is an interesting sculpture. It is of a Latvian poet Rainis. There are two figures, both of him. One is 1 metre high and the other is 3 metres high with 10 metres of bench between them.
National Railway Museum
Next door to the National Library is the railway museum. This museum costs 5 Euros to visit. We planned to do this but ran out of time. It looked really interesting.
Things to Do in Riga Latvia
Lido Restaurants
Lido is a Latvian chain of restaurants that specialise in cafeteria-type meals with local dishes and produce. We tried the Lido in the Old Town. This has some seating on the ground floor and more on the upper level which is accessed by stairs.
You simply take a tray and then help yourself to the cold dishes and desserts. Hot dishes are served by one of the chefs from the selection on display. When we visited there was chicken with cheese and pineapple, cabbage rolls, sausage casserole, sauerkraut, potato wedges, and egg fried rice on the hot plate. Unfortunately, there were no vegetarian options other than potatoes and rice.
There was gluhwein which was perfect on a cold day though!
For two meals with side salads and drinks, it was 17 Euros which was good value given the size of the plates!
The Lido restaurants are very popular with locals, with a steady stream of delivery drivers coming in to pick up orders during our visit. Find all the locations of the Lido restaurants on their website.
Things to Do in Riga
Street Pizza
This pizza restaurant was located close to where we were staying so it was only a 5-minute walk away.
The pizzas were delicious – a thin base, a crusty side, and great toppings. The service was friendly and welcoming and we enjoyed two great pizzas with drinks for 19 Euros.
Aspara Tea House, Riga
On my first visit to Riga, I spotted this gorgeous building when taking a trip on the canal through Riga. I vowed to go back and one of the reasons I chose the Opera Hotel (see above) to stay in was it was close to this teahouse.
The building is a glass pagoda-style pavilion. It is run by Aspara Tea, a local company.
The super cute building has a welcoming and friendly interior, with equally welcoming and friendly staff.
Upstairs the floor is covered with cushions enabling you to lounge with your cup of gorgeousness and enjoy the quirkiness of this building. There are views over the canal too making it a peaceful and relaxing experience.
(2024 Update – Google says the teahouse is permanently closed 😢
Riga City Break Video
Holiday to Riga
Riga Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riga A Good Place to Visit?
Definitely. It’s got such a lot of variety in a fairly compact city. The food is great, there are some great attractions and the food market is worth going for on it’s own. It’s a great place to visit.
What is Riga Popular For?
It has amazing art nouveau architecture – one of the best collections anywhere. Did I mention it’s got the biggest food market in Europe too!
Is Riga Friendly?
On my two trips, I found Riga friendly, despite someone trying to pickpocket my bag. The locals on the buses were also friendly and helpful, as was everyone I spoke to in the market.
Do They Speak English in Riga?
English is very widely spoken. I didn’t have any problems and nor did any of my guests when I was there with a coach group.
Riga City Break Conclusion
- Riga is easy to access from the UK with budget flights.
- A public bus makes getting to and from the airport easy plus there is great public transport around Riga.
- There are plenty of things to do with something for everyone.
- It can be cold in the winter months with daytime temperatures of minus 1 degree and minus 7 at night.
If you are looking for a break in a friendly and welcoming city then Riga is really worth considering – it’s worth going just for the food market!
Further Reading
If you have found this Riga City Break article useful you might also like;
Is Riga Worth Visiting? – yes it is but just in case you need a bit more convincing!
How to Get to Riga from the UK – by plane, bus or train
Where to Stay in Riga – my handpicked selection of hotels
You can find more travel reviews on my Travel Inspiration page
Further Reading
Selected posts title
🇱🇻 Is Riga Expensive? Find Out My Experience
I’ve visited Riga 3 times now – love it! If you have been thinking of visiting Riga but wondering if it’s expensive then read on to check out my experience and costs when visiting. (The short answer is I found it good value!) Recommended Reading Is Riga Expensive to Visit? Having visited Riga 3 times… Read More »🇱🇻 Is Riga Expensive? Find Out My Experience
🇱🇻 How to Get to Riga from the UK – By Air, Train or Bus
I’ve visited Riga 3 times now – love it! Are you thinking of going to Riga? Wondering how to get to Riga from the UK? Here are the details of how to get there from the UK either by flying, going by train or by bus. Recommended Reading How to Get to Riga from the… Read More »🇱🇻 How to Get to Riga from the UK – By Air, Train or Bus
🇱🇻 Is Riga Safe? Find The Details Here
I’ve visited Riga 3 times now – love it! Thinking of visiting Riga and wondering if it’s safe. Well check out all you need to know, plus my experience of visiting with a group and as a solo female traveller, and on a trip myself. Recommended Reading Is Riga Safe? – Riga and London Compared… Read More »🇱🇻 Is Riga Safe? Find The Details Here
🇱🇻 My Review of the Radisson Blu Riga Inc What’s Nearby
Riga, Latvia Radisson Blu Riga – What I Loved Wonderful views over the park. Great location in the city centre. Public transport on the doorstep. Lots of places to eat all around. Great food in the hotel. Spa looked amazing. Radisson Blu Riga Professional Traveller Review I stayed at this hotel when on a group… Read More »🇱🇻 My Review of the Radisson Blu Riga Inc What’s Nearby
🇱🇻 Bellvue Park Hotel Riga – Review of My Stay
Riga, Latvia What I Loved About This Hotel Being on the edge of a park was great. The tram and bus connections meant we could easily travel into the old town, or walk if we preferred. Bellvue Park Hotel Riga Professional Traveller Review This hotel was great value for our visit in March. £75 for… Read More »🇱🇻 Bellvue Park Hotel Riga – Review of My Stay
🇱🇻 Is Riga Worth Visiting? – Yes Absolutely and Here’s Why
I’ve visited Riga 3 times now and I love it! I’m lucky enough to have visited Riga a couple of times. The first time I visited I was taking a group on a tour through the Baltic States. We stayed for 2 nights in Riga. I was able to explore the city and knew it… Read More »🇱🇻 Is Riga Worth Visiting? – Yes Absolutely and Here’s Why
🇱🇻 Where to Stay in Riga – My Handpicked Hotel Selection
I’ve visited Riga 3 times now – love it! Wondering where to stay in Riga? There are lots of great hotels to choose from – in the old town, across the river or outside of the city centre itself. Check out this guide and find your perfect stay from these hotels in Riga. Recommended Reading… Read More »🇱🇻 Where to Stay in Riga – My Handpicked Hotel Selection
🇱🇻 What To Do in Riga – My Top 4 Favourite Experiences
I’ve been to Riga 3 times now – love it! Planning on visiting Riga? You should – it’s amazing! Read on for some ideas of things to do in Riga, including a couple of free and a couple of paid options. There are also a couple of restaurant recommendations too. Riga public transport is great… Read More »🇱🇻 What To Do in Riga – My Top 4 Favourite Experiences