5 Days in Riga: Unveiling the Charms of the Baltic Gem

Jonas Köhler

25 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through the enchanting streets of Riga, where history meets modernity. Discover hidden parks, iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in Latvian culture. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Baltics!

Trip to Riga

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Viator

Day 1Serene Gardens and Architectural Wonders

Opened in the 19th century, this 5-hectare park features gardens, a fountain, walking paths & more.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

Orthodox cathedral dating to the 19th century with golden domes & ornate interior architecture.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Hilly green space with man-made cascades, small bridges, sculptures & a swan house on the canal.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

Built in 1909, this medieval-inspired building is known for its 2 cat sculptures on roof turrets.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Urban park on 11.92 hectares with a canal & seasonal boating, plus paths, fountains & a playground.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

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Free

Day 2Royal Castles and Artistic Treasures

$45

Restored Neo-Classical Medieval castle with grand presidential apartments & a history museum.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$13

8 - 12 min

Directions

Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architechture

Iconic trio of dwellings from the medieval era, also the site of the Latvian Museum of Architecture.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$13

4 - 6 min

Directions

Medieval Lutheran church with Romanesque, early Gothic & Baroque architectural features.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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12 - 18 min

Directions

National museum of art housed in an imposing building with a Baroque & classicist-style facade.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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$13

Day 3Opera, Monuments, and War Stories

$45

19th-century, neo-classical theater & home to the national opera & ballet companies.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$25

4 - 6 min

Directions

42m statue dedicated to Latvians who lost their lives fighting for independence between 1918 & 1920.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Free-admission military history museum in a 14th-c. tower, a remnant of the original city walls.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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$13

7 - 10 min

Directions

Imposing medieval church, dating from the 15th century, with a distinctive, 123m-high steeple.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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Day 4Immersive Cultural Experiences

$25

$ 4

The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia

Outdoor museum in a forest with reconstructed houses & interiors from the 17th to 20th centuries.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$13

16 - 20 min

Directions

Opened in 1912, this 16-hectare zoo features over 450 species of animals & birds, plus cafes.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

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$13

Day 5Literary Landmarks and Vibrant Markets

$30

Striking riverside building with exhibitions on Latvian literature, guided tours & a viewing deck.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

Gothic-style property built in 1334, with medieval cellars & a presidential silver collection.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$13

10 - 15 min

Directions

Massive indoor/outdoor market with stalls selling fruits, veggies, cheese, meats & prepared dishes.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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6 - 9 min

Directions

Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation deck

City panoramas from a 17th-floor viewing platform atop a 1961 Stalinist-style building.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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$13

12 - 18 min

Directions

Renovated turn-of-the-century shopping arcade with stylish boutiques, chic dining & terrace cafes.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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Free

Budget breakdown: $149 In total

Activities & Food:$145

Transport:$4