Just One Day in Riga.

This vibrant Baltic city is small, but the expanse of things to see and do is huge! With plenty of history on every corner, there is a lot to learn about Riga. If you are only in the city for one day, read our suggested one-day itinerary to ensure that you get the best on offer.

Morning

Start the morning with a visit to Riga Central Market. It spans both undercover hangars and an outside area. It boasts colourful fresh food but also a selection of clothing and accessory stalls. This is a great place to get a feel for the local culture as the locals bustle around. Pick up a fresh breakfast and purchase some lunchtime snacks for later!

Now, you’ll have a few hours to explore the intriguing Old Town. Riga was established back in the 12th century and the buildings will surely capture your imagination. Be sure to visit the Riga cathedral, the largest church in the Baltic region. This particular cathedral is well known for its impressive pipe organ which you certainly won’t miss if you venture inside. Whilst in this particular area you will also see the Swedish Gate which is the last remaining gate from the old city walls.

Late Morning

Head off to see the Freedom monument which is a memorial erected in 1935 in honour of the soldiers who perished during the Latvian War of Independence. Standing at 42 metres it is a national symbol for the country’s independence from the Soviet Union and is quite impressive.

After this, St John’s Church, which is actually a small chapel, and the merchants houses such as the Three Brothers should be next on the agenda. Then head over to St Peter’s Church. This is the oldest church in Riga and visibly impressive from the outside. It also has a lift inside which will allow you to travel to the top of the 130 metre church tower for amazing over views over the Old Town and other parts of the city.

Afternoon

Once you have marvelled at the inside and the view from the top, make you way back down and join the Riga Free tour which meets at the entrance of the church at midday. The 3 hour guided walked tour will take you out of the old town and give you an individual insight into Riga and parts of the city that most tourists never see. You can eat the food you bought at the market earlier on whilst you are walking around!

Upon your return, there are two choices to spend the remainder of the day. For those interested in history, journey just outside of the city to the Riga Ethnographic Open Air Museum. It is set in 100 acres of open woodland and shows how Latvian life used to be.

Alternatively, you could head over to Meza Park on the outskirts of the city to have a relaxing wander and view the beautiful residential houses overlooking the park. You can then stop by at Riga Zoo. It is only small but proves to be very popular with visitors as it is a joy to visit whatever the season.

Evening

Having met all of the animals at the zoo, the day will be drawing to a close and you will be ready for some evening entertainment. First track down a restaurant to enjoy a delicious evening meal; you’ll find a range of restaurants offering many different types of cuisine.

Once you’re full, head off to the Latvian National Opera to enjoy an opera or a ballet depending on that particular evenings show. Once it’s finished head off and enjoy yourself at some of Riga many bars and pubs!

Have you been to Riga or planning to go? What’s on your wish list or what did you get up to? Let us know in the comments below!