Full Of Fun In Riga
Get ready to fall head over heels for Latvia, especially its vibrant capital, Riga, a hidden gem with plenty to see! Wander through Latvia’s charming streets and immerse yourself in its rich history, culture, and jaw-dropping architecture. Did you know that Latvian women are among the tallest in the world? Well…now you do!
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable and exciting getaway, especially as a solo traveller, look no further than Latvia. With budget-friendly flights from London to Riga, it’s a no-brainer! I decided on a short trip to Riga after seeing a flight for just £13! So, of course, my bag was packed and ready to go.
In this blog, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Riga, including areas and places to stay, and the best things to see in this small, quirky town. If Latvia wasn’t on your radar before, it sure will be by the end of this blog! Are you ready for Riga?
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The clean streets of Latvia
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All You Need To Know About Latvia
Language: Latvian, the official language of Latvia, is a unique and fascinating Baltic language with deep historical roots. Known for its distinct sound and grammar, Latvian is part of the Indo-European language family, specifically the Baltic group. Many Latvians, especially the younger generation and those living in urban areas, also have a strong command of English.
Currency: Latvia’s official currency is the Euro (EUR), which became the country’s official currency in 2014. Before this, the Latvian Lats (LVL) was the national currency. Although bank cards are widely accepted, it’s advisable to carry some cash just in case.
Getting Around: Riga is super walkable, especially around the Old Town, but if you want to get around faster, the city has an excellent public transport system with buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You can grab tickets via the ‘Rigas satiksme‘ app or kiosks around town. Bolt (like Uber) also operates here and is super convenient for short trips.
Duration: For Riga alone, allow 3 days max to explore; it’s best as a short trip. For other cities in Latvia, 14 days is enough. The best time to visit Latvia is May to September, when the weather’s warm and festivals fill the streets. For a magical winter vibe, visit from December to February for snowy fairytale towns and Christmas markets.
Culture & Rules: Latvians are generally reserved at first, but friendly once you connect, think calm, polite, and respectful. Punctuality matters, so being on time is always a good look. Dress modestly when visiting churches, and always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory.
Where To Stay In Riga
Riga Old Town. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s historic heart. Its key features include beautiful medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming squares. Staying here puts you within walking distance of major attractions and amenities, which is perfect if you’re travelling solo.
🩵 Recommends: The Grand Poet Hotel is an affordable 5-star boujee spa and hotel that offers a premium stay on a budget. Rixwell Old Riga Palace is a perfect alternative for a hostel stay.
Art Nouveau District. This district is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, featuring ornate facades, intricate detailing, and elegant buildings in the style. Staying in this area offers a unique, visually appealing experience and is still within minutes of Old Town.
🩵 Recommends: Tribe Riga Hotel fits the location with its artsy-designed hotel and rooms. This is the perfect place to stay for mid-range travellers looking for an affordable, friendly hotel.
Jurmala. Jurmala is a coastal resort town about 30 minutes by train from Riga. Its long sandy beaches, pine forests, and 19th-century wooden architecture are well-known features. Staying in Jurmala offers a relaxing seaside escape while remaining close to Riga for day trips.
🩵 Recommends: Baltic Beach Hotel is a stunning 5-star hotel and spa with direct access to a sandy private beach. It’s elegantly designed, with seafood restaurants that match the vibes.
The cobbly streets and the view
Fun Activities In Riga
Riga is the perfect getaway for a short weekend, especially as a solo traveller. There’s enough to keep you entertained for the duration, and it’s easy to navigate. Here are fun things you won’t want to miss whilst in Latvia.
Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus
The HOHO Tours are my favourite things to do in any country, whether as a solo traveller or in a group. It’s a great, affordable way to explore the city. The ticket lets you hop off at any stop as often as possible! As you hop on the bus, grab a map leaflet so you’ll know exactly where you’re stopping and which attractions are nearby. If you have any questions at the time, there are usually guides at some stops.
I usually spend two days on the HOHO Bus. The first day is spent familiarising myself with the city. Then, I plan out what stops and attractions I will see the following day. This is typically my plan for any town I visit unless I’m visiting a country for 36 hours, like Rome, then I’d hop off along the way.
Dome Square Cathedral
Considered the city’s meeting point, Dome Square Cathedral is the heart of all activities. It is one of Riga’s most famous organ music centres, the most prominent place of worship, and the largest medieval church in the Baltics. Consider starting your trip to Riga at the Dome Square Cathedral.
Dome Square Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is stunning! S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G! Located in the Dome Square Cathedral, the Gothic tower originated in the 15th century but collapsed in 1666. In 1690, St. Peter’s Church was rebuilt and was considered the highest wooden structure in the world at the time; however, in 1721, the tower burned down due to lightning.
St. Peter’s Church underwent renovation but was subsequently demolished and burned down again during World War II. Eventually, in 1967, the renovation of St. Peter’s Church included metal construction, and an elevator was installed to provide visitors with access to the second gallery.
Since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, St. Peter’s Church, at 123.25 meters, has remained a popular destination in Latvia. Make sure to include St. Peter’s Church on your itinerary!
Interior of St. Peter’s Church
Three Brothers – Old Riga Town
Check out the Three Brothers, Riga’s most remarkable medieval crib in Latvia! Legend has it that three brothers from the olden days crafted these three historic houses. The oldest bro started the party in the 1490s with a single-room setup. Fast-forward to 1646, and the middle brother stepped up with an updated pad boasting spacious rooms with big windows. Not to be outdone, the youngest bro introduced a modern touch in the 17th century by stacking cosy apartments on every floor of his narrow house. It’s the three brothers’ iconic buildings. Talk about a family affair!
Outside the Three Brothers, a band filled the air with lively tunes, providing fantastic entertainment for passersby. Several Walking Tours gathered around, listening intently as their guides delved into the history of this captivating Three Brothers attraction. You may feel more confident doing a walking tour as a solo traveller.
The Three Brothers’ houses and narrow, quirky streets
Latvia National Opera & Ballet
The Latvian National Opera & Ballet building, established in 1918, is a popular visitor attraction. The main hall, known as the ‘Great Hall,’ has 946 seats. An additional 338 seats are in the ‘New Hall,’ 170 seats are in the ‘Dress Circle Hall,’ and another 100 seats are in the ‘Red Hall.’ Baryshnikov and Leipa are the most famous inspirational ballet dancers here. A statue of Leipa is outside the National Opera & Ballet building, and opposite, at the Riga Canal, you’ll find Canal Cruises.
National Opera & Ballet Building and the Statue of Leipa
Riga Freedom Monument & Laima Clock
Just a few minutes away, you’ll encounter the famous Freedom Monument. Constructed as a memorial in 1935 and funded solely by residents’ donations, it features 56 sculptures representing Latvia’s freedom, independence, and sovereignty.
The 42.7-meter-high Freedom Monument is guarded by six-foot National Armed Force soldiers who stand guard most of the day. However, they are excused from guarding the Freedom Monument under certain conditions, such as severe weather (-10 degrees) or dry weather (+25 degrees).
The chief of the guards commands an hourly ceremony between 9 am and 6 pm, which is pretty cool to witness. Who would have thought the Freedom Monument would hold so much authority, ey?
Built in 1924 near the Freedom Monument, the Laima Clock reminded Latvians to arrive at work on time (I don’t think this would help me, though). It is a popular local meeting spot and stands isolated, drawing significant attention. It’s a cool photo opportunity, and you can spot the Laima Clock from a little distance, so check it out.
Freedom Monument and the Laima Clock nearby
Nervous to do a solo trip? Not sure how to plan or navigate being alone abroad? The How To Travel Solo Ebook covers everything you need to know for your first solo trip!
Riga Market
Set off to the Riga Market during one of the mornings of your stay. You’ll experience the buzzing atmosphere of knowing everyone there has something in common, a love of food. Various goods at the Riga Markets range from bulked cheese to meats to lots of bakeries, and because I am a sucker for good bakeries, I purchased a few.
The pastry I got was sweet and salty, an exciting combination. As it was written in Latvian, I had no idea what they were called, but it was yum, yummy! There is so much yummy stuff at the Riga Market, so make some time for it!
Delicious pastries at the Riga Market
The overall experience at the Riga Market was chill, and I didn’t feel disturbed, haggled, or begged. It’s great for relaxing at your own pace. Take a Guided Riga Market to learn more about its history and the yummiest foods it offers. Some solo travellers feel more comfortable taking guided tours.
Best Tours!
– Riga
Ghetto & Latvian Holocaust Museum
Unfortunately, prepare to be saddened. This Ghetto & Latvian Holocaust Museum pays homage to the Latvian Jews tragically killed by the Nazis in the 1940s. Here, you can see some of the victims’ names dangling from the metal tree in the centre of the outdoor Holocaust Museum, with unique sculptures and artwork surrounding it. It’s really a fascinating stop in Latvia!
Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum
House Of Blackheads
Get tickets to the House of Blackheads, a stunning architectural gem in Riga’s Old Town. This medieval marvel is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. It’s not just a building; it’s a time machine that whisks you back to the days of adventurous merchants and extravagant guild halls. Check the opening times before visiting the House of Blackheads to avoid visiting when it’s closed.
This is a heads-up, though: You may be in the House of Blackheads with ghosts! You may hear stories of ghost encounters, adding an extra thrill to your visit. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, add the House of Blackheads to your list of things to see while in Riga.
House of Blackheads during the Christmas season
Architecture In Latvia
Although this is not an ‘attraction,’ Latvia’s buildings and streets are worth noting and should be on your list of sights. Latvia boasts a rich architectural heritage, blending various styles from different historical periods. Its architecture tells a captivating story of its past, from medieval castles and charming wooden buildings to Art Nouveau masterpieces and Soviet-era structures.
Admiring the buildings and narrow streets
Riga Nativity Of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Get ready to be dazzled by the majestic Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral! With its eye-catching onion domes and intricate details, this Orthodox Cathedral is like something straight out of a fairy tale. Step inside and soak in this beauty, where stunning icons and religious art transport you to another world.
You can’t miss this Orthodox Cathedral with its gold-domed domes
The Orthodox Cathedral’s foundation stone was laid in 1876, and the cathedral was officially opened in 1884. Despite surviving two world wars, it required restoration in the 1990s, funded by public donations. Remember, no photography is allowed inside the Orthodox Cathedral, and appropriate attire is required.
Evening’s In Latvia
While strolling back, I saw a boat cruise operating nearby and spontaneously hopped on to watch the sunset. On board, they served alcoholic beverages, a nice touch to the evening’s sunset. The boat tour was short and sweet (around 45 minutes) and a beautiful way to end the day. I don’t go out much in the evenings when I do solo trips, but this was a nice way to do something different.
Enjoying the sunset, cruising around
On my solo trip, I had planned to stay seven nights in Latvia, but I saw everything on my ‘things to see’ list in Riga within two days. So, in the morning, I packed my bags and searched for the next-cheapest flight, which turned out to be to Oslo, Norway, for £18. For accommodation, I usually only book the first night or two when I travel solo to keep it flexible and move around as and when I please, so this worked out perfectly for me.
More Latvian Activities
– Riga
That’s A Wrap!
Wrapping up my solo trip to Riga, I can honestly say this city took me by surprise in the best way possible. From wandering the colourful Old Town streets to watching the world go by on the boat, every moment felt peaceful yet full of life. There’s something about Riga that makes solo travel feel effortless, thanks to its safety and easy public transportation.
If you’re planning your own solo adventure, let Riga be your sign to book that ticket. Whether you’re into history, architecture, nature, or just soaking up city vibes, this gem of the Baltics will make you fall in love with travelling alone all over again, or for the very first time. It’s a place where you can slow down, feel inspired, and create unforgettable memories, just you and the city.
