RIGA – Things To See In The Beautiful Latvia!

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 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 all you need to know about Riga and show you 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?

Read more: Is it safe to travel as a female solo traveller?

The clean streets of Latvia

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase any cool products or experiences through these links, I may earn a little something as a thank you. There is no extra cost to you, promise!

Language & Currency In 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 bunch. Many Latvians, especially the younger generation and those in urban areas, also have a good English vocabulary.

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.

The cobbly streets and the view from the hotel I stayed at

The Hotel I Choose

I stayed at Wellton Riga Hotel & Spa, which was nice, comfortable, and clean. It had a folding balcony from a window and a stunning view! This was my first folding balcony experience, and I loved it; it was a lovely view, especially in the evenings. Being close to restaurants and shops is essential as a solo traveller so I don’t have to walk far alone.

How Many Days To Spend In Latvia?

I originally planned to stay for seven nights in Latvia, but I saw everything on my ‘things to see’ list in Riga within two days. I am known for packing a lot into a day when I travel solo, so I would typically recommend an additional day for everyone else to enjoy more leisurely. So, I recommend spending three days in Riga, Latvia.

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!

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 what attractions are nearby. If you have any questions at the time, there are usually guides at some stops if you have any additional questions.

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 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 classed as the highest wooden construction 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 underwent metal construction, and an elevator was installed to grant visitors access to the second gallery.

Since its declaration as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, St. Peter’s Church, standing at 123.25 meters high, 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 three brothers’ iconic buildings. Talk about a family affair!

The Three Brothers’ houses and narrow, quirky streets

Outside the Three Brothers, a band filled the air with lively tunes, providing fantastic entertainment for passersby. Several walking tour groups 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 Latvia 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.’ You can check out any events at the National Opera & Ballet location here.

Baryshnikov and Leipa are the most famous inspirational ballet dancers here. A statue of Leipa is outside the National Opera & Ballet building.

National Opera & Ballet Building and the Statue of Leipa

The Riga Canal, located by the National Opera & Ballet building, and the Leipa statue inside Bastejkalna Parks offer a canal cruise.

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 bad 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?

Freedom Monument and the Laima Clock nearby

Laima Clock

Built in 1924 near the Freedom Monument, the Laima Clock reminded Latvians to arrive on time for work (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.

Riga Market

Set off to the Riga Market during one of the mornings of your stay. You’ll experience that buzzing atmosphere of knowing everyone there has something in common – a love for 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 chilled, and I didn’t feel disturbed, haggled, or begged. It’s great for relaxing at your own pace. You can also take a guided tour to Riga Market to learn more about its history and the yummiest foods it offers. Some solo travellers feel more comfortable doing guided tours when they do solo trips.

If you plan to do many activities during the visit, check out 49 fun experiences in Riga.

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.

Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum

House Of Blackheads

Check out 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.

House of Blackheads during the Christmas season

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.

Although this is not an ‘attraction,’ Latvia’s buildings and streets are worth mentioning and should be on your things to see list. 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-top domes

The Orthodox Cathedral’s founding stone was laid in 1876 and 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.

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 in the sunset. The boat tour was short and sweet (around 45 minutes) and a cool 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 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.

I departed Latvia with a happy, content feeling. It’s a nice city that looks good and feels safe, and my solo trip experience was positive. So, what are you waiting for? You should go and see the beautiful country of Latvia.

Intrigued about the last-minute Norway trip I did? Check out all the cool things to see whilst there and see if this destination has your name written all over it. If you’re nervous about soloing, the Female Solo Travel Ebook has everything you need for a successful solo trip!