Annual Leave Explorers

Riga is a fantastic weekend break. The old town is absolutely beautiful, if you are only there for a weekend with no holiday (like I was) then stay in the old town and spend the majority of your time there. Riga is your perfect choice for a quick and affordable weekend getaway. We crammed a lot into the weekend so do take your pick on activities.

List of places to stay:

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel: A really nice hotel at a very cheap cost, plus a lovely spa access included to rest after a busy day sightseeing – https://booking.tp.st/6pBQYYJR

If you are really strapped for cash stay in this small studio: https://booking.tp.st/6p8OK6gy – this will also allow you to have breakfast or lunch in the apartment

Friday Night

• Arrival in Riga
  • 20:00: Arrive at Riga Airport and catch the 22 bus to Vecriga.
  • 21:00: Check into your hotel in the Old Town.
  • 21:30: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Vecriga to get a feel of the place. Enjoy the beautiful night views of the city.
  • 22:00: Have a late dinner at one of the cozy restaurants in the Old Town, such as Rozengrāls, a medieval restaurant with a unique atmosphere – https://tripadvisor.tp.st/FuxHOXen

Saturday

• Morning
  • 08:00: Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  • 09:00: Start your day with a visit to the Riga Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltic states.
  • 10:00: Walk to the House of the Blackheads, a stunning building with a rich history, now serving as a museum.
  • 11:00: Head to St. Peter’s Church. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of Riga.
  • 12:00: Explore the Riga Central Market, located in old German zeppelin hangars. Try some local Latvian snacks.
• Afternoon
  • 13:00: Have lunch at the market or a nearby restaurant. You can either spend the afternoon exploring all the wonderful bars that the old town offers, or if you want some history visit the below locations.
  • 14:00: Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to learn about Latvia’s history during WWII and the Soviet era.
  • 15:30: Walk to the Latvian National Opera and take a guided tour if available. A final activity we loved was a boat ride up the canal.
• Evening
  • 19:00: Dinner at one of the Old Town’s top-rated restaurants, such as 1221 Restaurant, or Steiku Hoass – https://tripadvisor.tp.st/kNPJVkuD
  • 21:00: Experience Riga’s nightlife. Head to a bar like Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs for live music and a great selection of local beers.

Sunday

Have breakfast at many of the lovely local cafes in the old town. If you have a chance explore the Art Nouveau district which is a short walk from the old town. Head back to your hotel to pack and prepare for your departure. Catch the 22 bus back to Riga Airport.

Although cold in the winter you can really visit Riga any time of year, another charm of the city. The snow on the cobbled streets is really beautiful, and travelling in winter comes with the perks of much cheaper flights!