What to do in Riga for 2 days

Riga is considered to be one of the most cultural cities in the whole of Europe, with its medieval Old Town and abundance of museums and monuments. Latvia also has a vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, with numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs dotted around the city. The city is also extremely walkable, with many streets being pedestrian-only, which makes getting around a lot easier and is perfect for walking tours around the city. Despite its number of attractions, you can easily spend 48 hours in Riga and see much of what the city has to offer. We’ve created this itinerary on what to do, where to stay and where to eat and drink in Riga within 48 hours, helping you to make the most of your trip without wondering where to start. Riga can be easily explored within 2 days, so here’s the ultimate lowdown on how to spend your time in this Baltic city.

Where to stay

The most important thing to consider when booking a trip away is where you’re going to stay. Riga features numerous accommodation options, from luxury and upscale hotels to affordable budget hotels. If you don’t want to stay in a hotel, you can opt for a B&B, hostel or holiday rental apartment instead– let’s take a look at some of the best accommodation options in the city.

Luxury: If you’ve got quite a high budget and are looking for a more luxurious stay, the Grand Hotel Kempinski is a perfect choice. 

Mid-Range: Mid-range hotels tend to be the most popular type thanks to their high quality but still reasonable and generally affordable prices. Check out the NB Hotel for a good mid-range hotel option in Riga. 

Budget: If you have a smaller budget but still want to stay somewhere convenient and high quality, you’ll enjoy the Unimars Hotel. 

Boutique/Alternative: Boutique hotels often have a much smaller capacity than generic hotels, and can feature unique or unconventional decor styles that make them differ from regular hotels. The Amber Spa Boutique Hotel is a high-quality and well-reviewed boutique hotel in the city. 

Where to eat

Eating out in Riga is a cultural experience, with both international and local restaurants around every corner serving authentic Latvian cuisine, local delicacies and international food and drink you likely know and love. Riga’s food scene is rich and varied, so you’re probably wondering where to go to eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner– here are some suggestions on where to go for the best food in Riga: 

Breakfast/Brunch: Being the most important meal of the day, you’ll want to make sure your breakfast or brunch is filling and substantial to give you energy for your day of exploring Riga ahead. Some of the best brunch restaurants in Riga include This Place Doesn’t Need a Name (yes, that’s really its name), Innocent Cafe where you can find smoothies, coffees and pastries alongside vibrant brunch and lunch plates, and Street Fries Kitchen, which offers sweet and savoury breakfast options. 

Lunch/Dinner: For lunch or dinner, you can normally branch out a little more and opt for either international cuisines or try some Latvian dishes, but we’d recommend the latter if you want a deeper insight into its culture. For a more hidden gem restaurant, check out La Casetta which is a local and quaint Italian restaurant — here, the pasta dishes have been highly praised. For a more unique dining experience, you have to check out Lido, which is a traditional Latvian restaurant with buffet-style dining — not many tourists may know about this restaurant, but it’s a hit with the locals.

Where to get your culture fix

Riga is full to the brim with art, history, gastronomy and culture, with its historic Old Town, landmarks and museums. For the ultimate taste of Latvian culture, head to The Ethnographic Museum, Art Nouveau Museum or National Museum of Art. Why not go museum hopping, or take a self-guided or private walking tour through the city? Riga is also a great place to go sightseeing, with colourful art nouveau architecture and grand cathedrals and churches. The Old Town itself is rife with culture, so it really depends on how much time you have to explore.

Another great way to take in and appreciate the Latvian culture is by sampling some authentic Latvian cuisine. Understanding its national dish and its gastronomy and culinary scene can give you a deeper understanding of the country. 

Where to drink

Riga is also known for its lively nightlife, with many bars, clubs and entertainment venues dotted around. If you’re an avid partygoer and are looking for a more lively night out, head to Sinners Club, Pandemonium or TOP Club Riga. These clubs are highly rated and recommended by both locals and tourists alike. For a more laid-back night out, you won’t want to miss out on Skyline Bar for some of the best cocktails in the city, or Black Magic Bar where the drinks are made using Black Balsam liqueur. 

As for what you should be drinking, Latvia’s national drink is the Riga Black Balsam Liqueur, which is used in many drinks across the city. Beer is also a traditional and popular drink and is many partygoers’ drink of choice while on a night out. 

For some of the best coffee in Riga, try MiiT coffee shop or Kalve Espresso Room, both of which are popular spots for coffee, sweet treats and brunch/lunch items, as well as cold drinks.  

Where to shop

Riga is one of the best places to shop for everything from fashion and produce to antiques, jewellery and second-hand items. Riga Central Market and Galleria Riga are the best places to shop, thanks to the proximity to Riga’s city centre and the variation of stalls and stores. If you’re looking for fashion, both international and local stores can be found at Akropole Centre, which also features numerous entertainment facilities and dining outlets. 

Akropole and Galleria are some of the best places to splash the cash on a shopping spree, but for a more laid-back shopping experience, try the Latgale Flea Market for a selection of used or new products. If you’re in self-catered accommodation, head down to Central Market and get some fresh produce to cook at home. 

48-hours in Riga – Daily Itinerary

Despite its size and the amount of attractions, Riga is a very walkable city, and you can get around easily and efficiently, making shorter trips all the more convenient. We’ve created this daily itinerary with suggestions on what to do and where to go during 48 hours in Riga. 

Day one: Culture, history and sightseeing

• After you've fuelled up for the day ahead, why not go museum-hopping around the city? Riga is full of museums, the best ones being the National Art Museum, Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, Motor Museum and Occupation Museum, among others. Museums are a great way to develop your knowledge and deepen your insight into Latvian culture. 
• After you’ve had your museum fix, head somewhere for lunch– why not try Lido, where you can dine on all-you-can-eat buffet food and drink? 
• Take a boat trip down the Daugava River or partake in some exciting watersports.
• Spend your afternoon strolling through Riga’s Old Town or going sightseeing– the colourful art nouveau buildings and monuments deserve to fill up your camera roll. 
• Head for dinner or cook something up in your accommodation, and head out to one of the bars or clubs for a big night out, or alternatively visit a cocktail bar or lounge for a more laid-back and less hectic night.
  
  

Day two: Shopping, parks and performances

• After breakfast or brunch, either at your hotel or at a nearby cafe, waste no time in heading out into the city. Why not spend your second day exploring Riga’s shopping districts and markets? Central Market, Galleria and Akropole are great options for shopping sprees or souvenir shopping. 
• Wander through Bastejkalna Park or sit and relax. This park is a great escape from the bustling city streets and has some beautiful scenery. You can also appreciate the wildlife or picnic here.
• Catch a matinee or evening performance at the Latvian National Opera House or Latvian National Theatre – see an array of live music performances, plays or shows here. 
• End the day with a coffee or drink by the river – why not take a boat trip today if you didn’t yesterday? This is a great way to appreciate the city and its natural beauty.