Riga’s Baltic Excellence: A 3-Day Guide to Art Nouveau, Medieval Towers, and Market Flavours (2025)

Riga is a city of stunning contrasts. Its Old Town is a perfectly preserved, Gothic and Baroque jewel that sparkles beneath the high spire of St. Peter’s Church. Yet, walk just minutes outside the medieval walls, and you are plunged into one of the world's most breathtaking collections of Art Nouveau architecture, a vibrant tribute to the city's early 20th-century wealth. As the historical heart of the Baltics, Riga is a city that balances its dark Soviet and Nazi past with an energetic, modern, and youthful spirit.

If you are seeking a city break Europe offers that is manageable, aesthetically beautiful, and rich in compelling history, a trip Riga is your perfect destination. This expert-crafted 3 days in Riga itinerary is designed for maximum cultural immersion, balancing UNESCO sites and political history with the unique culinary traditions of the Baltic region. It is the definitive Riga travel guide for planning your journey, detailing exactly what to do in Riga during your unforgettable Riga weekend itinerary in Latvia.

Riga’s charm lies in its mix of Gothic spires, Art Nouveau beauty, and a riverfront that never sleeps.

Day 1: Old Town Gems and Panoramic Views

Day one is dedicated entirely to the compact, highly walkable UNESCO-listed Old Town, covering its signature architecture and essential viewpoints.

Morning: Rathaus Square and The Three Brothers

Start your day at the Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums), the historical political centre. The square is dominated by the spectacularly ornate House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams), a striking reconstruction of the former merchant's guild.

Walk to the nearby St. Peter's Church (Svētā Pētera baznīca). Climb the tower (via a fast elevator) to the observation deck for the single best panoramic view of the red rooftops of the Old Town, the winding Daugava River, and the city's modern architecture. The tower climb requires a separate ticket (approx. €9).

Continue walking to admire the city's most iconic medieval residential complex: The Three Brothers (Trīs brāļi). This trio of houses showcases the evolution of Riga's architecture from the 15th to the 17th century.

Lunch and Cathedral Quiet

For lunch, find a traditional Latvian restaurant in the Old Town. Try local specialties such as Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (grey peas with bacon) or a hearty bowl of beetroot soup (Borscht).

The afternoon offers a break from the main crowds. Visit the Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms) in the nearby Dome Square. This vast medieval church is renowned for its immense organ, one of the largest in Europe.

Afterward, seek out the charming Cat House (Kaķu nams), famous for the two cat statues that arch their backs atop its turrets—a piece of local folklore born from a merchant's architectural dispute.

Evening: Central Market and Latvian Folk

Head just south of the Old Town to the Riga Central Market (Rīgas Centrāltirgus). Housed in massive former German Zeppelin hangars, this market is a UNESCO site and the largest market in Europe. Spend time exploring the five main pavilions (meat, dairy, bread, fish, and vegetables), sampling local cheeses and smoked fish.

For dinner, stay near the market or return to the Old Town. Conclude the evening by finding a lively traditional bar or pub, often featuring live Latvian folk music (check venues like Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs).

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
House of the Blackheads & Old Town Walk	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM	Free	Free	Walkable from Central Station. Photo spot.
St. Peter's Church Tower View	11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	€9 avg	£7.80 avg	Elevator access to panoramic deck. Prioritize the view.
Lunch – Old Town Traditional	1:00 PM – 2:00 PM	€18 avg	£15.65 avg	Try Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (Grey Peas).
Riga Cathedral & The Three Brothers	2:30 PM – 4:00 PM	€5 avg (Cathedral)	£4.35 avg	Cathedral is home to a magnificent organ. (book here)
Riga Central Market	4:30 PM – 6:00 PM	Free (browsing)	Free	Housed in Zeppelin hangars. Taste smoked fish and rye bread.
Dinner & Folk Music	7:30 PM	€30 avg	£26.10 avg	Traditional Latvian kafana experience.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €5.00 (24-Hour Ticket)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 2: Art Nouveau and The Iron Curtain’s Legacy

Day two leaves the medieval core to explore Riga’s staggering architectural wealth, followed by a sober look at 20th-century history.

Morning: Art Nouveau District

Start your day by walking north from the Old Town towards the Art Nouveau district (known locally as Jugendstils). Riga boasts the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world.

Focus your walk on Alberta Iela (Albert Street) and Elizabetes Iela. These streets are living galleries, with facades bursting with elaborate sculptures, stylized flowers, geometric forms, and dramatic mythological figures.

Visit the Riga Art Nouveau Museum (Jūgendstila Muzejs) on Alberta Iela. Housed in a beautifully restored apartment, the museum provides a complete immersion into the style, showcasing an authentic interior from the turn of the 20th century.

Lunch and Monumental Symbols

For lunch, return toward the central canal area. Find a contemporary cafe or bistro offering modern Nordic flavours.

The afternoon begins with a visit to the Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis). This towering monument, crowned by the figure of Liberty lifting three stars (representing the historical regions of Latvia), is a powerful symbol of Latvian independence and sovereignty.

Next, take a thought-provoking and essential detour to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia or the Corner House (Stura māja). The Corner House, the former KGB headquarters in Riga, now offers museum tours detailing the dark years of Soviet rule, political repression, and surveillance. This provides necessary historical context for the entire region.

Evening: Views from Above and Local Nightlife

In the late afternoon, seek out the Latvian Academy of Sciences building (easily accessible by tram/bus). This Stalinist-era skyscraper is nicknamed "Stalin's Birthday Cake." For a small fee (approx. €5-€7), you can ascend to its observation deck for unique views that contrast sharply with the medieval Old Town vista.

For dinner, explore the area around the modern Origo Shopping Centre near the Central Station for a wide choice of modern and international restaurants.

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Art Nouveau Walking Tour	9:30 AM – 11:30 AM	Free or guided tour €34.00	Free or guided tour £30.00	Focus on Alberta Iela and Elizabetes Iela. (Book here guided tour)
Riga Art Nouveau Museum	11:30 AM – 1:00 PM	€12 avg	£10.45 avg	Full immersion into a restored 1903 apartment interior.
Lunch – Central Cafe	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€15 avg	£13.10 avg	Casual spot near the Freedom Monument.
Freedom Monument	2:30 PM – 3:30 PM	Free	Free	Symbol of Latvian independence.
Corner House (Former KGB HQ) Visit	4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	€10 avg	£8.70 avg	Book tours online for English sessions. Essential political history.
Dinner – Central/Modern Riga	7:30 PM	€35 avg	£30.50 avg	Try a modern restaurant near the Central Station.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: Included in 72-Hour Pass

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 3: Seaside Escape and Final Flavours

Your final day offers a relaxing contrast with a short trip to the Baltic seaside and a final focus on local culinary delights.

Morning: Jurmala Beach or Rundāle Palace

Use your public transport pass for a quick escape. Take the train (approx. 30 minutes) west to the seaside resort town of Jūrmala. This town is famous for its beautiful pine-lined beaches, wooden Art Nouveau houses, and tranquil atmosphere. Walk along the beach and the main pedestrian street.

OR (For History Buffs): Take a day trip (bus/guided tour required) to Rundāle Palace, a stunning Baroque and Rococo masterpiece designed by Rastrelli (architect of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg), showcasing true Latvian countryside opulence.

Lunch and Coastal Flavours

For lunch, if in Jūrmala, find a seafood restaurant along the coast. If staying in Riga, return to the Central Market for a final, flavourful meal from the stalls. Try a local carvery or a fresh fish dish.

The afternoon is reserved for final local exploration. Walk along the Daugava River promenade, enjoying the sight of the ships and the bridges. Finish your sightseeing at the Nativity Cathedral (Dzimšanas Dievmātes katedrāle), the largest Orthodox church in Riga, with its striking gilded domes.

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Jūrmala Seaside Trip	9:30 AM – 1:30 PM	€1.50 avg (Train ticket)	£1.30 avg	Take a train (not included in 72h Riga pass) to experience the Baltic coast.
Lunch – Jūrmala or Central Market	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€18 avg	£15.65 avg	Seafood in Jūrmala or Pelmeni (dumplings) at the Central Market.
Daugava River Walk & Nativity Cathedral	3:30 PM – 5:00 PM	Free	Free	Walk the river promenade; see the large Orthodox church.
Farewell Dinner & Black Balsam	8:00 PM	€35 avg	£30.50 avg	Traditional fare and a final taste of Rīgas Melnais balzams (Black Balsam).
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €3.00 (Train to Jūrmala round trip)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

For a successful city break Riga, staying directly in the Old Town offers the best walkability and atmosphere, ensuring easy access to all key sites.

Neiburgs Hotel, Riga (Book here)

• Location: Superbly located in the heart of the Old Town, overlooking the beautiful Dome Square (Doma laukums). This prime spot ensures that the Cat House, St. Peter's Church, and the Central Market are all just a short walk away.

• Style & Amenities: This 4-star boutique hotel is housed in a restored Art Nouveau building from 1903. It offers exceptionally large, apartment-style rooms (many with kitchenettes and separate sitting areas) and a stylish, high-quality atmosphere. The hotel includes a renowned on-site Eastern European cuisine restaurant, a fitness centre, and a sauna. Its location and spacious rooms make it highly rated.

• Rates: Reflecting its prime Old Town location and spacious, high-quality amenities, rooms typically start around €140 (£122) per night. A comprehensive continental breakfast is available for approximately €20 (£17.40) per person.

Final Section: Tips and Local Insights

Your vibrant trip Latvia is planned. Here are essential logistics and local insights to ensure your visit is seamless.

Mastering Riga’s Public Transport (Rīgas Satiksme)

Riga’s public transport (trams, trolleybuses, and buses) is efficient and affordable, managed by Rīgas Satiksme.

• Tickets: For your 3 days in Riga, the 72-Hour (3-Day) Ticket for €8.00 (£7) is the best value, offering unlimited travel on all city routes (excluding regional trains like the one to Jūrmala).

• e-Talons: Tickets are loaded onto an e-Talons card (similar to London’s Oyster or a temporary paper card). You must register the ticket every time you board a vehicle.

• Bus 22: The efficient Bus 22 connects the city centre with Riga International Airport (RIX) quickly and cheaply.

Currency, Costs, and Culture

• Currency: Latvia uses the Euro (€). The city is highly cashless.

• Black Balsam: Be sure to try Rīgas Melnais balzams (Riga Black Balsam), a traditional dark herbal liqueur often mixed with coffee or cocktails.

• Latvian Food: Latvian food is generally hearty, rustic, and incorporates ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, rye bread, and fish. Don't leave without trying the local smoked fish from the Central Market.

  
  

Riga awaits you with its stunning architectural layers and deep Baltic soul. Lai veicas! (Good luck!)