Walking these streets feels less like tourism and more like stepping into a living, breathing museum where time slows down amidst the scent of fresh rye bread and damp cobblestones. This is not just a post-Soviet capital but a vibrant, fiercely proud European hub where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern creativity, inviting you to linger in its warm, unpretentious embrace.
Do Riga the way locals do: start slow at Bastejkalna Park, eat where the regulars do at Ala Pagrabs, let the evening run long at Skyline bar.
Top things to do in Riga Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Riga Central Market
Market · ★ 4.4 (55,289 reviews)
Massive indoor/outdoor market with stalls selling fruits, veggies, cheese, meats & prepared dishes.
Check tours & tickets 2
Riga Motor Museum
Museum · ★ 4.8 (11,544 reviews)
Founded in 1989, this spacious museum houses a collection of antique automobiles, plus a cafe.
Check tours & tickets 3
The Freedom Monument
Monument · ★ 4.7 (12,305 reviews)
42m statue dedicated to Latvians who lost their lives fighting for independence between 1918 & 1920.
Check tours & tickets 4
House of the Black Heads
Museum · ★ 4.6 (12,816 reviews)
Gothic-style property built in 1334, with medieval cellars & a presidential silver collection.
Check tours & tickets 5
Vērmane Garden
Park · ★ 4.6 (11,622 reviews)
Opened in the 19th century, this 5-hectare park features gardens, a fountain, walking paths & more.
Check tours & tickets 6
Bastejkalna Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (8,780 reviews)
Hilly green space with man-made cascades, small bridges, sculptures & a swan house on the canal.
Check tours & tickets 7
St. Peter's Church
Church · ★ 4.6 (8,260 reviews)
Imposing medieval church, dating from the 15th century, with a distinctive, 123m-high steeple.
Check tours & tickets 10
Latvian National Museum of Art
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (5,776 reviews)
National museum of art housed in an imposing building with a Baroque & classicist-style facade.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Ala Pagrabs
Gastropub · ★ 4.6 (9,352 reviews)
Hip, subterranean hangout with Latvian pub fare, lots of beer & concerts in an ancient wine cellar.
Website 12
LIDO Vērmanītis
Bistro · ★ 4.4 (9,696 reviews)
Website 13
Street Fries Kitchen
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (3,855 reviews)
Website 14
LIDO Alus sēta
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (6,666 reviews)
Website 15
Rozengrāls (Vinarium civitatis rigensis)
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (4,986 reviews)
Website 16
Late Night Munchies
Hamburger Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (3,283 reviews)
Website 17
Pētergailis, restorāns
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (3,167 reviews)
Website 18
"Ausmeņa" Kebabs
Kebab Shop · ★ 4.5 (3,924 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Riga
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
Get outside 25
Bastejkalna Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (8,780 reviews)
Hilly green space with man-made cascades, small bridges, sculptures & a swan house on the canal.
Website 26
Mežaparks
Park · ★ 4.7 (7,761 reviews)
Website 27
Ķemeri National Park
National Park · ★ 4.6 (8,634 reviews)
Sizable national park offering a visitor center & boardwalks, plus trails & bird observation towers.
Website 28
Piejūras dabas parks
National Park · ★ 4.7 (6,607 reviews)
29
Kronvalda Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (5,537 reviews)
Urban park on 11.92 hectares with a canal & seasonal boating, plus paths, fountains & a playground.
Website After dark 30
Skyline bar
Bar · ★ 4.5 (6,351 reviews)
Website 31
Bar "Riga Black Magic"
Bar · ★ 4.7 (2,353 reviews)
Website 32
The Armoury Bar
Bar · ★ 4.6 (1,863 reviews)
Website 33
Andante | Vinyl Bar Riga
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.9 (735 reviews)
Website Everything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
Explore this map
Tips from travelers No tips yet. Been to Riga? Yours goes first.
Roam planner
Turn this into your personalized Riga itinerary
Build my Riga day
More guides