Riga: A Hidden Gem for a 3-Day Festive Getaway
Updated: Dec 9
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Riga: A Hidden Gem for a 3-Day Festive Getaway
Riga wasn’t exactly top-of-mind when we first started planning our much-anticipated girls' trip. But when we were brainstorming for a destination that would be light on the wallet and heavy on charm, Riga popped up on the radar. Why? Well, we were planning to visit at the start of December, and what's better than exploring a European city while it’s decked out in all its Christmas glory? A quick search for the best Christmas Markets of 2023 and – voilà! – Riga made the Top 10 in Europe. That was it – we were sold.
Table Of Contents: Riga: A Hidden Gem for a 3-Day Festive Getaway Day 1: A Cozy Arrival, Market Adventures, and Medieval Dining Day 2: Old Town Walking Tour, Culture, and Evening Entertainment Day 3: A Sobering History Lesson and Farewell to Riga |
Where is Riga?
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is nestled in the heart of the Baltic States (hello, Estonia and Lithuania). The three countries—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—make up the fascinating trio of the Baltic nations, each with their own rich history, quirky culture, and a distinct blend of influences from both Europe and Russia.
How to Explore Riga? Riga on foot is the best. The Old Town is pretty small so can be easily covered on foot. With its cobble-stoned streets, sneakers or comfortable shoes is your best bet! Bolt, by the way, is incredibly cheap in Riga (just 11 euros from the city center to the airport), so we found it a much better deal than the bus service!
Currency - Euros works just fine! I was swiping my Maestro card everywhere without any problem.
What to Wear? December in Riga can be quite chilly, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and the possibility of snow. It's best to layer up, wear thermals, and sturdy boots. And don't forget your ear muffs and gloves to keep cozy!
What to Buy in Riga? In Riga, you can pick up beautiful amber jewellery, cozy woollen wear, traditional sopas folk dolls (charming handmade figures representing Latvian traditions), and quirky Black Cat mementos (inspired by the famous statue with a defiant pose). These unique souvenirs capture the essence of Riga's rich culture, folklore, and craftsmanship.
Black Cat mementos are souvenirs inspired by the famous Black Cat statue in Riga. The cat’s backward pose is said to show the owner's anger towards the city council. You will see this building on the guided tour. You can find these cats on figurines, keychains, and prints, making them a fun reminder of Riga’s quirky history. |
Day 1: A Cozy Arrival, Market Adventures, and Medieval Dining
Tribe Riga City Center Hotel (2:00 pm) We checked into Tribe Riga City Center, a stylish hotel right in the city center, just a short 15-minute walk from Old Town. This place was a gem! A 4-star property with spacious rooms, and – bonus! – free spa access. The spa had a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and showers. Just what we needed after our journey. After settling in, we headed out to kick-start the adventure with a hearty lunch.
Lunch at a Cozy Italian Gem in Riga’s Art Nouveau Quarter (2:30 pm) A quick stroll led us to Casa Nostra, an Italian restaurant famed for its cozy vibes and comforting pasta dishes. Casa Nostra is located on Tērbatas iela in the City Center (Centrs) district of Riga, just a short walk from the Old Town. We indulged in plates of pasta and rich sauces while chatting about our plans for the days ahead. It was the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
Tērbatas iela is a lively street and is part of Riga’s Art Nouveau Quarter, known for its stunning early 20th-century architecture. Nearby, you can explore the Alberta iela district, famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and the Alberta Art Nouveau Museum. For a peaceful break, Vērmanes Garden is just a short stroll away, offering a lovely park with walking paths, ponds, and sculptures.
If you have some time this evening, I highly recommend visiting the Latvian National Museum of Art. Nestled by Esplanade Park, it's home to an impressive collection of Latvian art, offering a deep dive into the country’s cultural heritage. It's open until 6:00 pm, making it a perfect stop to enrich your Riga experience (1st image in gallery above). |
Discover Riga’s beautiful Art Nouveau architecture on a guided walking tour! Explore stunning buildings just outside the Old Town and learn the stories behind this unique style.
Book now: Riga Art Nouveau Walking Tour.
Riga Central Market (4:30 pm) Our first stop was the Riga Central Market, one of Europe’s largest and oldest markets. Set in massive former Zeppelin hangars, this market is a sensory overload. While we missed the full afternoon buzz, we still had fun browsing the stalls filled with fresh produce, Latvian smoked fish, rye bread, and all kinds of delicious local treats. The market opens daily at 7:00 am and closes around 6:00 pm, but it’s busiest in the afternoon.
Drinks at Peter’s Brewhouse (6:30 pm) After shopping, we decided to dive into Riga’s legendary pub culture. Peter’s Brewhouse, housed in a 15th-century building, was the perfect place to sample Latvian craft beers and cocktails. The cozy atmosphere was ideal for unwinding and enjoying some local brews.
Souvenir Shopping & Dinner at Rozengrals (8:00 pm) We spent the evening exploring the cobblestone streets of Old Town, picking up a few souvenirs – from Baltic amber trinkets to woolen scarves. One shopkeeper even offered us amber stones for good luck, which we thought was a lovely touch. For dinner, we went medieval at Rozengrals. This themed restaurant served traditional Latvian fare in a candle-lit, stone-walled setting. It was like stepping back in time. We tucked into onion soup, roasted meats, and all things hearty. A fitting end to our first day in Riga!
Day 2: Old Town Walking Tour, Culture, and Evening Entertainment
Breakfast at Rocket Bean Dzirnavu (9 am)
We started with a delectable breakfast of coffee and croissant at this lovely redstaurant across our hotel called Rocket Bean Dzirnavu. The baristas are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the coffee here is simply fantastic! It has a chill atmosphere and has agreat selection of snacks/bakery items.
Walking Tour with Liga (10:00 am) The next morning, we met our guide, Liga – who turned out to be part historian, part stand-up comic. She led us through the charming streets of Riga’s Old Town, bringing the city’s landmarks to life with her humor and fascinating anecdotes. We hit all the must-see spots:
House of the Blackheads: This colorful and charming building from the 14th century is one of Riga’s most famous spots. It was originally built for a guild of unmarried German merchants, and its stunning carvings and bright, lively facade make it a must-see! It’s so iconic that you’ll probably find yourself snapping pictures of it all day long.
Riga Cathedral: Riga’s grandest and oldest church, dating back to 1211, is absolutely beautiful! Its tall, pointed arches and incredible organ (one of the biggest in Europe!) make it a real gem. Even if you’re not into churches, the peaceful vibe and impressive architecture will definitely capture your heart.
St. Peter’s Church: This is a special spot for panoramic views of Riga. Climb the tower and you’ll see the whole city spread out below, from the colorful roofs of Old Town to the Daugava River. It’s a lovely church to visit, but the view is really the star here, so don’t miss it!
The Three Brothers: Three adorable little houses from the 15th century, each with its own unique style! They show how Riga’s buildings changed over time. It’s like stepping back into a fairy tale—perfect for a quick wander and some fun photos!
Swedish Gate: This charming little gate from the 17th century is one of the last remaining pieces of Riga’s medieval walls. It’s small but super cute, and it gives you a peek into Riga’s past when it was under Swedish rule. A perfect spot for history buffs and anyone who loves a good photo opportunity!
Riga Castle & Freedom Monument: Riga Castle is full of history and is still home to the President of Latvia! The nearby Freedom Monument is one of the most important symbols of Latvia’s independence and resilience. Standing tall and proud in the city center, it’s a great spot to reflect on the country’s past while enjoying a peaceful moment in the heart of Riga.
The tour lasted about 1.5 hours, and Liga’s witty commentary kept us engaged and laughing along the way.
Hot Balsam at the Christmas Market (1:30 pm) By early afternoon, we were at Doma laukums, soaking in the holiday magic of Riga’s famous Christmas Market. The market was buzzing with life, festive lights, and the scent of mulled wine. We tried Latvian Hot Balsam, a traditional herbal liqueur with vodka that was both warming and comforting on a chilly day. We also sampled local snacks like baked potatoes and Khachapuri (Georgian cheese-filled bread).
Lunch at Key to Riga Restaurant (3:00 pm)
Next, we grabbed a bite at Key to Riga, a cozy restaurant known for its Latvian-inspired menu. The soup of the day and pan-seared fish were standouts. We all agreed the meal was surprisingly delicious – so much so, we ended up lingering longer than planned!
Ballet at the Latvian National Opera (7:00 pm) Later that evening, we dressed up for a ballet performance of “Peer Gynt” at the Latvian National Opera. The venue itself was a masterpiece of architecture, and the performance was both dramatic and visually stunning. It was a great way to experience Latvia’s cultural heritage. However, a heads-up – despite the dress code on the website, most people were dressed casually, so don’t stress over packing your formal wear unless you’re really keen to make a statement!
Late Dinner at Radisson Blu (10:30 pm) Post-ballet, we were all starving, so we headed to the Restaurant Esplanade & Lobby Bar at Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel for a late-night dinner. The restaurant, open until 1:00 am, served a great mix of international and local dishes. The food was delicious, and the vibe was lively, perfect for wrapping up the night. They also have a rooftop bar called the Skyline Bar which is located on the 26th floor which offers best views of Riga City. We even spotted a buzzing dance club nearby, Pandemonium Night Club tempting us for some post-dinner dancing.
Day 3: A Sobering History Lesson and Farewell to Riga
Latvian National History Museum & Coats of Arms Wall (11:00 am)
We should have visited the Latvian National History Museum, where you can see the Coats of Arms Wall. It displays the emblems of all the cities and towns in Latvia, created by the Riga City Council and the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG). It would have been a great spot to see, but we just didn’t have the time or the energy to squeeze it in on our last morning.
Instead, we spent some time picking up last-minute souvenirs at the Christmas Market. From warm woolens and Latvian chocolates to festive Christmas ornaments, it was hard to leave the market empty-handed.
KGB Museum – Corner House (1:00 pm) On our last day, we visited the KGB Museum, housed in the Corner House, a former KGB headquarters. It offered a sobering and enlightening look into Latvia’s Soviet past. The museum guides you through the chilling rooms where interrogations took place and features exhibits detailing the KGB’s influence on Latvian life from 1940-1991. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and while entry is free, we highly recommend booking a guided tour to get the full experience.
Return to the Airport (3:00 pm) After a fulfilling morning, we grabbed a light lunch and took a Bolt to Riga International Airport for our 5:00 pm flight back home. Its more than enough to be at the airprt 1.5 hours before your flight, as the airport is small and checks are pretty quick if you don't have check-in baggage.
There are several other excursions too that you'd like to explore from Riga.
Tours
Take a day trip from Riga to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania—a powerful pilgrimage site with stunning views. Capture photos at the border and pass through Jelgava on your way back.
Book your tour now: 5.5-Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga.
Explore two countries in one day! Visit Bauska Castle, Rundale Palace, and the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, with comfortable transport and no queues. Perfect for a quick, memorable adventure!
Try your hand at shooting real firearms like a Glock, Kalashnikov, Winchester, and Beretta! With expert instructors by your side, you'll stay safe while having fun. Plus, you get to take home your targets as cool souvenirs!
Book your session now: Try Real Weapons: Glock17, Kalashnikov, Winchester & More.
Closing Thoughts
Riga turned out to be the perfect destination for our December getaway. If you're planning your trip around Christmas, aim for mid-December when all the events and festivities are in full swing. With 3 days in the city, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the Christmas Markets, explore historic sites, and savor the local culture. So let me know if you want to explore Riga's medieval streets, sip Hot Balsam, or just soak up the festive spirit, I'm always happy to help!
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