A close up view of the statue in front of the House of the Blackheads
FIND YOUR OWN FAIRY TALE

Cruise to Riga, Latvia

Latvia's historical capital is an architecture buff's dream come true. The Gothic structures in the Old Town and the Art Nouveau buildings scattered around the city meld together to create a modern-day fairy tale. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, and step back into the 14th century. Stroll into the bustling Riga Central Market and sample the bright, colorful produce and local products like hemp butter and amber jewelry. Or wander through the street stalls to taste some traditional Latvian cuisine — fried lampreys, a prehistoric jawless fish that's flavor is less scary than it looks. Cruise to Riga and don't miss the city's iconic site, the House of the Blackheads, the former home of a merchant's guild and expression of Riga's medieval roots.
National Language Latvian
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Riga

A walkway in a park during autumn in Riga, Latvia

Get Charmed

A walkway in a park during autumn in Riga, Latvia

A walkway in a park during autumn in Riga, Latvia

Get Charmed

Step into a real-life fairy tale when you visit the Old Town. Climb to the top of the tower at St. Peter's Church for views that stretch to the River Daugava and the Moscow District. Explore the House of Blackheads, a 14th-century building, before wandering down the enchanting cobblestone streets.

The side of a building that displays art nouveau architecture in Riga, Latvia

Expand Your Architectural Palette

The side of a building that displays art nouveau architecture in Riga, Latvia

The side of a building that displays art nouveau architecture in Riga, Latvia

Expand Your Architectural Palette

With over 800 existing Art Nouveau buildings in Riga, you could spend the whole day admiring the intricate architecture. Instead, take a leisurely stroll down Elizabetes street to marvel at the ornately decorated buildings.

Aerial view of Riga, Latvia and the Daugava river
Aerial view of Riga, Latvia and the Daugava river

Savor the Magic

If you need to rest your feet after a few hours spent wandering the Old Town, find a bench in one of the many parks and squares around Riga and relax. Watch as the locals and tourists walk by. Grab a local burger and a cold beer from a street stall, and bask in the ambience of this magical town.

A female holding a jar of sprats
A female holding a jar of sprats

Local Cuisine

There's no shortage of street food stalls around Riga. Expect them to be serving up speka piragi, small bacon-and-onion rolls. You can also take an afternoon to browse the Central Market and snack on sauerkraut, pickles and the local smoked fish called sprats. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with rye bread pudding topped with cinnamon, raisins, apples, plums, cranberries and whipped cream.

A street market in Riga, Latvia selling many different items
A street market in Riga, Latvia selling many different items

Shopping

Head to the Old Town to find boutiques offering up handmade traditional Latvian wooden and glass souvenirs, including the distinctive decorative lanterns. Jump onboard a Riga cruise and head to the Central Market for local, organic produce and wines made from apples, chokeberries and sea buckthorn. There, you can also find handmade knitwear, wickerwork and amber jewelry.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 The quickest way to get around Riga is by Tram. Purchase a 24-hour ticket for 5 Euros so you can use the same ticket all day.
2 Old Town is where most of Riga's hot spots are located, so try to plan most of your day in this area.
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