🗺️ What to book in advance in Riga: a 2 day route through 7 spots

Riga fits into two days without rushing. Over a weekend you will see the Old Town, the market in former airship hangars, and the Daugava panorama. We have put together seven spots that make sense to link into one route.

The order is simple: day one is the city, the market, and lunch; day two is the left bank, the panorama, and bars. The Old Town and the Central Market are about a kilometer apart on foot, so you will not need a car. Part of the program is free, including the observation deck at the National Library.

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What to consider before the trip

💡 In short:

Two days is enough if you walk: all route points are within a couple of kilometers of the Old Town.
Give day one to the city and the market, and spend day two on the left bank and in the evening neighborhoods.
The observation deck at the National Library is free: 09/2026, verified on the official website.

Riga is small, and for a short trip that is a plus. The historic center is compact, trams and buses run frequently, and a single-ride ticket is cheaper than a taxi. You will easily manage without a car.

Plan the route by day. On day one, walk the Old Town in the morning and head to the market by lunch. On day two, start with the left bank, and in the evening go to the panorama and Tallinas kvartāls. That way you cross the city less and save time.

The weather in Riga is changeable, so bring a jacket even in summer. Choose flat-soled shoes: the Old Town has cobblestones almost everywhere.

Riga Old Town

The Old Town is like a labyrinth of cobblestones, weathervanes, and houses with stucco. The historic buildings have survived almost entirely, so you can wander here for hours.

Come at opening time, before eleven or so: later the squares get crowded. Pick a weekday morning if you want photos without people in the frame.

Seeing the city is more interesting with a guide: facade details and house histories are almost never labeled. Old Town tours on GetYourGuide start in the center, and groups are small.

Panorama of Riga Old Town with church towers

National Library of Latvia

Across the bridge, on the left bank of the Daugava, stands a building locals call the "Castle of Light." This is the National Library of Latvia, and admission is free.

Inside there is a cafe, a board game area, a coworking space, and exhibition halls. Panoramic windows and glass doors let light into every room, so it is pleasant just to sit here. The permanent exhibition on the Latvian book is also open without a ticket.

The observation deck is on the upper levels, and it is worth going up for. From here you will see the Old Town, the bridges, and the TV tower. Check the opening hours and observation deck access on the library's official website (as of: 09/2026).

National Library of Latvia, glass facade with sloped roof

Lido and the recreation center on Krasta

In central Riga it is easy to find Lido, a local restaurant chain serving national cuisine.

Ice rink at Lido recreation center in winter

The chain's restaurants have large dining rooms with Latvian and European dishes and a wide selection of desserts.

Be sure to try the gray peas with speck. The dish is made with peas, onion, and speck, and the recipe with smoked meat is on the country's intangible heritage list.

Separate from the downtown restaurants, a large Lido recreation center operates on Krasta Street. The site has the restaurant itself, rides, and an ice rink, so allow extra time.

The catch: the recreation center on Krasta is far from the Old Town, so you will need a tram or bus.

Lido Vērmanītis restaurant in central Riga

Latvijas balzams veikals

If you are wondering what to bring back from Latvia, the answer is simple: Riga Black Balsam. Branded Latvijas balzams veikals shops are in the center, and the lowest prices for the drink are found at VYNOTEKA stores.

The range includes classic balsam, cherry, blackcurrant, and chocolate-mint. We recommend trying the last one first.

Panoramic view of Old Riga and the Daugava River from above

Riga Central Market

Riga Central Market occupies several semicircular pavilions and is considered one of the largest in the Baltics. The building once served as airship hangars, so the market itself is an attraction.

Each pavilion has its own goods: a dairy section, dried fruit and sweets, fish, meat and delicacies, vegetables and bread. You can sample almost everywhere, so you are unlikely to leave without buying something.

Let us orient you right away: nobody leaves here without black rye bread, sprats, and Latvian cheese. For dessert, get something from the Laima chocolate factory: "Serenade," "Squirrel," and "Salted Caramel."

Arched pavilions of Riga Central Market, Riga

Radisson Blu Latvija

Riga at night is no worse than by day, and the best view of it opens from the Radisson Blu Latvija hotel next to the Old Town.

On the top floor there is a cafe-bar with a city panorama. Prices at the bar are high, but if you just go up to look at the lights, nobody will say a word. The easiest way up is the panoramic elevator.

Who it's for: you want to stay steps from the Old Town and enjoy the panorama from the bar.
Location: next to the Old Town, the main streets are within walking distance.
Price: mid-range for the central part of the city, check the exact price for your dates.
The catch: high prices at the top-floor bar.

Check prices at Radisson Blu Latvija on Trip.com in advance: on weekends the hotel books up quickly.

Radisson Blu hotel tower above central Riga

Tallinas kvartāls

The best way to end an evening in Riga is at Tallinas kvartāls, the city's liveliest quarter. It is about a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel.

House of the Black Heads in Old Riga in the evening

The Tallinas quarter used to be the site of an ambulance base, and now it has exhibitions, local businesses, bars, and street food corners.

There is plenty to do here during the day too: the walls are covered with bright murals. In the evening, concerts, open mic nights, quizzes, and movie nights are added.

Tours and tickets in Riga

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on GetYourGuide

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for Riga?

For a first introduction, two days is enough. If you want to add Jūrmala or a trip around the country, plan for three to four days.

What can you see in Riga for free?

A walk through the Old Town, entry to the Central Market, and the observation deck at the National Library are free. So you can spend one day with almost no spending on entrance tickets. What remains paid are tower climbs and individual museums.

Where to eat in Riga?

The easiest option is Lido: a restaurant chain with national cuisine and a large selection of dishes. For dessert, get local pastries, and a bottle of Riga Black Balsam can be bought at VYNOTEKA stores nearby.

What to bring back from Riga?

The classics: Riga Black Balsam, sprats, Latvian cheese, and black rye bread. For dessert, get Laima factory candies. Balsam is easier to bring in checked luggage.

When is the best time to visit Riga?

The most comfortable time is from May to September: summer cafes are open, and the observation deck is especially good on clear days. In winter the city is quieter and cheaper, but daylight hours are short.

In short: what to book

If you only have two days, get accommodation near the Old Town and plan a tour for the first day. Weekends in Riga are popular, so you should look at hotels and tickets in advance.

If it is your first time: a hotel in the center and a walking tour of the Old Town.
If you are with family: the library in the morning and the Central Market.
If you want an evening program: the Radisson Blu Latvija panorama and Tallinas kvartāls.

Compare flights to Riga on Kiwi.com.

Riga in two days: old town, hangar market and panorama from above