2 Days in Riga Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat (2025 Guide)
Planning a short trip to Latvia’s stunning capital? This detailed 2-day Riga itinerary (updated for 2025) covers the best things to do, from medieval old town walks to Art Nouveau gems, riverside cruises, and local food. Whether it’s your first time in Riga or a return visit, this guide will help you make the most of 48 hours in the city.
Why Visit Riga?
Riga is one of those cities that completely took me by surprise. I knew little about Latvia before visiting, so I wasn’t prepared for just how unique and beautiful its capital would be. Perched on the Baltic sea, Latvia is nestled between Estonia and Lithuania. Riga itself is on the Daugava river, close to where it meets the sea. Riga’s picturesque old town is easy to explore on foot and full of stunning historical buildings. Read on for my itinerary for how to spend 2 days in Riga, Latvia.
Remember to buy travel insurance for your trip. Receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.
2-Day Itinerary for Riga, Latvia
📌 2 Days in Riga: Quick Summary
- Day 1: Old Town, House of the Blackheads, Three Brothers, Lido lunch, rooftop dinner.
- Day 2: Art Nouveau walk, river cruise, Latvian cuisine, craft beer tour.
Day 1: Wander the Old Town & Discover Riga’s Medieval Past
House of the Blackheads
Start your Riga adventure in the heart of the Old Town at the world-famous House of the Blackheads. Originally built in 1334 as a guild for unmarried merchants, this ornate building was later adopted by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a powerful merchant association. Most of its striking features were added in the 17th century, and legend has it that the first-ever decorated Christmas tree stood here!
While the original building was destroyed during WWII, it has since been beautifully reconstructed and is now one of Riga’s most iconic sights.
Old Town Walking Tour & St. Peter’s Church Views
Riga’s historic city centre is even older than the House of the Blackheads and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your time wandering the cobbled streets lined with pastel façades, medieval churches, and cosy courtyards. Notable landmarks include Riga Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church, where you can climb the bell tower for panoramic views across the rooftops.
⏰ St. Peter’s Tower Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm
The Three Brothers – Riga’s Oldest Homes
Tucked into a quiet lane in the Old Town, the Three Brothers are a trio of neighbouring houses, each showcasing a different era of Latvian architecture. The oldest (white) building dates back to the 15th century, while the yellow and green houses reflect 17th-century design. Today, they house the Latvian Museum of Architecture.
Lunch Stop: Traditional Latvian Fare at Lido
Hands down the best place to eat in Riga is Lido (there are a few dotted around the city. Don’t come here expecting luxury, but do expect to be treated to the best of authentic Latvian cuisine, and as much of it as you want! It has a canteen vibe where you can pick what you want from a variety of different hot dishes and desserts. Choose from a rotating selection of hot dishes, salads, and desserts. It’s affordable, filling, and a great way to sample the national cuisine.
Tip: Look for the self-serve trays and don’t be afraid to load up — everything is priced individually.
Dinner: Elegant Dining in the Old Town
Looking for something more refined in the evening? These restaurants are great picks:
- Vincents – Upscale and innovative, one of Riga’s best fine-dining spots.
- 3 Pavāru – Creative Latvian fusion from a trio of top chefs.
- Dom – This new restaurant has taken over the famous 1221 space, known for its charming blue façade. Dom offers elegant dishes in a similar cosy-yet-chic setting, with a rooftop terrace to boot.
Day 2: Art Nouveau, River Cruises & Local Beer
Marvel at Buildings in Riga’s Art Nouveau District
Architecture lovers are in for a treat. Riga is home to some incredibly pretty buildings. It boasts Europe’s finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings — no small claim, but one that absolutely holds up. Head to Albert Street (Alberta iela) for the most famous examples.
👉 Join a guided Art Nouveau walking tour here
Take a Scenic Daugava River Cruise
You can hire a boat with a captain to take you for a cruise down the river. It’s nice to see the city from a different perspective and to have someone to tell you about what you are seeing. Additionally, Riga is an incredibly green city and this is most obvious from the river.
👉 Book a private boat tour here.
Lunch Options: Modern or Budget-Friendly
- Milda – A modern Latvian restaurant with delicious seasonal dishes. Further info here.
- Back to Lido – You’ll find different specials each day, so even a return visit offers something new.
Discover Riga’s Craft Beer Scene with a Brewery Tour
Riga has a thriving craft beer scene. Whether you’re a “hop-head” or just curious, there are tons of small breweries and pubs to explore. Join a guided brewery tour, or hop on a beer bike tour for a quirky spin around the city.
Practical Guidance for Riga, Latvia
As well as the itinerary for how to spend two days in Riga, I’ve also included some practical guidance below:
Where to stay in Riga
Riga has lots of charming and affordable accommodation options, especially on Airbnb. Look for places in the Old Town or near Alberta Street for easy access to the main sights.
👉 Apartment with views of St. Peter’s Church
👉 Cute, colourful and homely haven
👉 Modern flat in a historical building
Transport in Riga
Most of Riga’s highlights are within walking distance. You can also rent a bike or join a cycling tour. Public transport (buses and trams) is reliable and very affordable.
✈️ Arriving late? Pre-book an airport pickup with Welcome Pickups.
Money in Riga (Latvia): (EUR)
Latvia is part of the Euro currency area. To get euros at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into euros (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then spend on your Wise card as though it were a local bank card or withdraw cash in Latvia without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
👉 Get your WISE card here.
Best Travel Insurance Providers for Riga, Latvia
As well as planning 2 Days in Riga Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat (2025 Guide), you should also make sure you have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Here are two excellent travel insurance providers that I highly recommend for solo travelers or families visiting Latvia:
1. Heymondo Travel Insurance
I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options I’ve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone. Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit Latvia.
Why choose Heymondo?
- Comprehensive coverage: Offers medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage.
- User-friendly app: Manage your policy easily from anywhere.
- Global assistance: 24/7 emergency assistance available.
👉 Purchase Heymondo travel insurance here.
2. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
For digital nomads, long-term travelers, or those planning an extended stay in Latvia, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is an excellent choice. It’s specifically designed for globally mobile individuals, and their flexible plans can be tailored to suit your travel style. SafetyWing covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruptions, and even COVID-19-related issues—making it ideal for travelers who need long-term protection.
Why choose SafetyWing?
- Flexible plans: Ideal for long-term travelers or digital nomads.
- COVID-19 coverage: Includes coverage for COVID-19-related disruptions.
- Affordable pricing: Competitive rates for extended travel coverage.
👉 Find Out More About SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
Plan Your Trip to Latvia: Useful Travel Resource Links
🌞 Useful Travel Resources & Essentials 🌞
By using the following links, you can support Call of the World at no additional cost to yourself
HEALTH & INSURANCE
🚨 TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE: To ensure peace of mind while travelling or living abroad, we recommend getting health insurance. SafetyWing offer Nomad Insurance with globally mobile individuals in mind. Find out more here.
🏥 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with Heymondo, your trusted travel companion. They offer single-trip, annual and long-stay travel insurance. App with 24-hour medical support. (Call of the World readers get 5% off your travel insurance policy using my link)
BANKING & CURRENCY EXCHANGE
💶 FOREIGN CURRENCY CARD: To pay by card and withdraw cash at the best rates, get a WISE card before your trip. This allows you to convert money into any other currency at the best rates and withdraw cash without hidden fees. WISE is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
FLIGHTS & TRANSPORT
✈️ FLIGHTS: I always use SKYSCANNER to book my flights. It shows you the best deals and allows you to be flexible with dates. Feeling adventurous? Try out the “explore everywhere” feature.
🚂 BUS, TRAIN & FERRY TICKETS: Book your bus, train and ferry transportation in advance online using 12Go.
🚘 AIRPORT PICKUPS: Ensure peace of mind by booking your airport pickup with Welcome Pickups. Highly recommended if arriving late at night in an unfamiliar location.
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
🗺️ DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Book your tours and activities with Viator. Viator partner with local guides and businesses to offer you the very best travel experiences available. Browse tours here.
🌏 ETHICAL GROUP TOURS: If you fancy joining a group tour, I can highly recommend G Adventures. Not only do G Adventures offer amazing group tours all over the world, but they really put the effort in to do good in the communities they visit. Browse tours here.
STAYING CONNECTED
📳 eSIM: AIRALO: Sort out an eSIM before your arrival with Airalo. Having an eSIM allows you to connect to local network data as soon as you arrive – super useful for Google Maps and rideshare apps!
📳 eSIM: HOLAFLY: Likewise Holafly also offer a convenient eSIM service. They offer unlimited data plans at multiple destinations – perfect whether you’re a remote worker or just want unlimited data for Insta Stories! Call of the World readers get 5% off using the code “CALLOFTHEWORLD”.
📳 eSIM: SAILY: Another eSIM provider is Saily, by the creators of NordVPN (see below), so security is a top feature. Call of the World readers get 5% off using the code “SPECIAL5”.
💻 NordVPN: Remote worker and need a secure network? Or do you simply want to keep up-to-date with your favourite tv show from home? Having a VPN like NordVPN allows you to access the internet securely via an encrypted connection, making the use of public wifi spots much safer.
💻 ExpressVPN: Likewise, ExpressVPN also offer a reliable secure connection using their VPN service, enabling you to protect your privacy when connecting to the internet overseas.
Where to travel next after Riga, Latvia?
Hopefully you’ve found this post on how to spend two days in Riga useful. Why not combine Riga with some other cities as part of a bigger trip?
Riga is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Baltics. Hop on a bus to Tallinn (Estonia) or Vilnius (Lithuania) for an easy multi-country adventure. You can even take a ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki, Finland — just two hours away!
Loving the architecture? Head further east to St. Petersburg, Russia, for even more historic grandeur.
Read: Why you need to visit Tallinn, Estonia
Read: A Quick Guide to Helsinki, Finland
Read: Guide to St Petersburg, Russia: Why you need to go!
Pin it for later…
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Have you been to Riga? What was your favourite spot? Anything you’d like me to add to this 2 Days in Riga Itinerary?
Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear from you!
What a cute city. The Art Nouveau buildings are lovely. Would love to visit Riga.
Looks like an amazing place to explore. Lido sounds delicious! I love historic architecture.
I’ve heard so many good things about Riga. Your post just reinforces that this needs to be on our travel list. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
Wow, Riga definitely looks beautiful. I will pin this to use for a future visit.
Don’t you find that when you have no preconceived notions about a new place that it always exceeds your expectations? That’s the magical part of true, untainted discovery and the best part about travel, in my experience. 🙂