Travel, Europe, Latvia

Exploring Riga in 2025: 10 Things You Can’t Miss in Latvia’s Capital

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Planning a trip to Riga in 2025? These 10 can’t-miss things to do in Latvia’s vibrant capital will make your visit unforgettable, from history to nightlife.

Riga isn’t just a city—it’s an adventure wrapped in Art Nouveau and served with black balsam. Nestled between tradition and transformation, Latvia’s capital is one of Europe’s most underrated gems, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking for something a little different. Riga in 2025 is serving up magic on every corner.

If you’re wondering what to do in Riga this year, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 unforgettable things you can’t miss in Riga, where old meets new, cobblestones meet cocktails, and every alleyway has a story.

1. Wander Through Old Town (Vecrīga)

Start your journey in Vecrīga, Riga’s medieval heart. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale—except instead of dragons, you’ll find cozy cafés, centuries-old churches, and music echoing through cobbled streets.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a maze of charm. Each building feels like a chapter in a well-worn book, with colorful facades, ironwork balconies, and hidden courtyards begging to be explored. Stop by the House of the Blackheads, Riga’s most photographed building, and let the Gothic beauty soak in.

💡 Travel Tip: Visit in the early morning to beat the crowds and catch that golden Baltic sunlight dancing off the spires.

2. Climb St. Peter’s Church Tower for Panoramic Views

If you want to see Riga from above (and you do), head to St. Peter’s Church. This 13th-century Lutheran church has a towering spire you can climb—or rather, take the elevator part of the way up—for an epic 360° view of the city.

From here, you’ll spot the winding Daugava River, the red rooftops of Old Town, and modern neighborhoods stretching toward the horizon. It’s the perfect place for photos—or a quiet moment of “wow, I’m here.”

🕍 Entry fee applies, but the view? Worth every cent.

3. Check Out the Art Nouveau District

Riga has one of the largest and most impressive Art Nouveau collections in the world—and it’s not just for architecture nerds. A walk down Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela feels like stepping into a surreal art exhibit. Twisting facades, wide-eyed faces, and ornate details practically come alive.

Many of these buildings were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, a local architect whose work turned everyday streets into something magical. If you want to dive deeper, the Art Nouveau Museum inside one of these buildings gives you a glimpse into life in the early 1900s.

🎨 Don’t forget to look up—Riga’s beauty is in the details.

4. Visit the Central Market Inside Old Zeppelin Hangars

Now here’s a cool twist—Riga’s Central Market is housed inside five gigantic Zeppelin hangars left over from World War I. It’s the largest market in Europe, and trust us, your senses will be on overdrive.

You’ll find everything from fresh produce to smoked fish, artisan cheeses, cured meats, Latvian honey, and even some questionable-looking—but very delicious—pickled vegetables. Locals come here for groceries, but travelers come for the experience (and the snacks).

🥟 Grab a traditional Latvian snack like piragi (bacon buns) while you explore.

5. Take a Canal Boat Tour

Want a peaceful, scenic way to see Riga? Hop aboard a canal boat tour. These small wooden boats glide gently through the city’s canal system, offering a unique view of its parks, bridges, and iconic buildings.

The route takes you along the City Canal and out into the Daugava River, passing the Latvian National Opera, the Freedom Monument, and charming green spaces. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Riga, especially in spring or summer.

🚤 Bonus: It’s a great option for families or anyone needing a break from walking.

6. Try Traditional Latvian Food (Yes, Even the Gray Peas)

Food in Riga isn’t just sustenance—it’s soul. Latvian cuisine is hearty, earthy, and full of surprises. You’ll find influences from Russia, Germany, and the Nordics—but it’s the local touch that makes it special.

Start with gray peas with bacon, a surprisingly comforting dish that’s a national favorite. Don’t miss rye bread—dark, dense, and often homemade. For the brave, try sour milk soup or smoked eel.

🧆 Where to eat? Try Lido, a traditional Latvian chain with a cozy atmosphere and buffet-style servings, or the more upscale Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs in Old Town.

And of course, wash it down with a shot of Riga Black Balsam, the city’s mysterious herbal liquor. It’s bitter, strong, and oddly addictive.

7. Explore the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

To truly understand Riga—and Latvia—you have to acknowledge its past. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is not lighthearted, but it is powerful and essential.

The museum documents Latvia’s harrowing 20th-century history under both Soviet and Nazi occupations. Through personal stories, artifacts, and film, it tells the story of resilience, loss, and survival.

🎥 It’s deeply moving, and a must-visit for anyone who wants to go beyond the tourist trail and connect with the soul of the city.

8. Relax in Bastejkalna Park

Just steps from Old Town, Bastejkalna Park is Riga’s green oasis. With its romantic bridges, gently sloping hills, and canal views, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and breathe.

Locals come here for strolls, picnics, or quick lunch breaks. You’ll see couples feeding ducks, street musicians adding a soft soundtrack to the breeze, and tourists blissfully getting lost in its winding paths.

🌳 Bring a book, a pastry from the market, and make like a local.

9. Discover Riga’s Nightlife and Quirky Bars

When the sun goes down, Riga turns up the charm. The city’s nightlife scene is electric, diverse, and surprisingly affordable.

Start with a cocktail at Herbārijs, a rooftop bar above Galleria Riga with lush décor and killer views. Or get weird (in the best way) at Labietis, a craft brewery serving wild beers in a woodsy atmosphere.

For something truly unforgettable, try The Armoury Bar, filled with antique weapons and a surprisingly chill vibe. And if you’re looking to dance? Head to One One or Piens, two of Riga’s hottest late-night spots.

🍸 Pro tip: Nightlife gets going after 10 p.m., so pace yourself.

10. Walk Across the Stone Bridge at Sunset

End your day with a stroll across the Stone Bridge (Akmens Tilts). This wide, pedestrian-friendly bridge spans the Daugava River and gives you one of the best views of Riga’s skyline.

As the sun sets, the spires of Old Town light up in golden hues, and the river reflects a fiery sky. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you long after you’ve left.

🌇 Bring your camera—or just stand there and take it all in.

Final Thoughts: Why Riga in 2025 Is So Worth It

Riga isn’t trying to be flashy or trendy—it’s just being itself. And that’s the magic. It’s a city where the past whispers through cobblestones and the future hums in street art and espresso machines. It’s affordable, walkable, and full of those quiet travel moments that make you feel lucky to be alive.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, these Riga top attractions are just the beginning. There’s so much more to uncover—from secret gardens to hidden bars to spontaneous conversations with locals who want to share their stories.

So pack light, bring your curiosity, and let Riga surprise you.

Quick Recap: 10 Best Things to Do in Riga in 2025

  1. Wander through Old Town (Vecrīga)
  2. Climb St. Peter’s Church Tower for panoramic views
  3. Admire the Art Nouveau district
  4. Explore the Central Market in Zeppelin hangars
  5. Take a scenic canal boat tour
  6. Try traditional Latvian food and drinks
  7. Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
  8. Relax in Bastejkalna Park
  9. Enjoy Riga’s nightlife and quirky bars
  10. Walk across the Stone Bridge at sunset

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