Is Riga Worth Visiting? I’ve Spent Months Here — Here’s My Take

I’ve been to Riga three times, and I’ve spent more than two months there.

My first visit was during my first solo backpacking trip around Europe, when I traveled through 13 countries in three months. I later returned to Riga twice while working as a flight attendant, when my company based me there for about a month each time.

I’ve experienced Riga both as a backpacker passing through and while spending weeks there for work, and I’ve visited in both winter and summer.

In this guide, I’ll be answering the simple question: is Riga worth visiting? I’ll share my personal experience, what I liked and didn’t like, and some practical tips if you’re thinking about traveling to Riga.

Is Riga Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

So, is Riga worth visiting? Yes! I think it’s a great travel destination.

I like Riga because it’s beautiful, easy to explore on foot, and has enough going on without feeling like you need to spend your entire trip running between attractions. I’ve spent a lot of time simply walking around the city, exploring the Old Town, going to the market, and going out to bars.

It also feels safe, which has always made me comfortable there.

You can focus your trip on Riga itself, or add some time in Jūrmala if you want a few days by the beach. I’ve stayed in both and think they offer very different experiences.

The one thing I would be careful about is the weather. I visited Riga in winter on my first trip and found it freezing. My two later visits were in summer, and I enjoyed the city so much more. If I were planning a trip to Riga, I would choose summer without a second thought.

My First Impressions of Riga

My first time in Riga was during my first solo backpacking trip around Europe. I had met a group of Portuguese people in Slovakia who were doing Erasmus in Poland, and after meeting them again in Poland, I ended up traveling with them through Poland and the three Baltic countries.

We traveled everywhere by bus, and I arrived in Riga from Lithuania.

It was winter and absolutely freezing. That is probably the first thing I remember about Riga. Even with the cold, though, I liked the city and thought the Old Town was really cool.

I obviously had no idea then that Riga would end up being a place where I’d spend so much more time later.

When my company eventually based me there for work, I got to experience the city completely differently. Instead of passing through with a backpack, I had weeks to simply live there — walking around, going out, visiting the market, and spending time in the city without needing a sightseeing plan.

And, thankfully, those stays were in summer.

What I Liked About Riga

The Old Town of Riga

The Old Town is easily one of my favorite parts of Riga.

I’ve walked around it countless times during my stays, and I never got tired of wandering through the streets and looking at the buildings. If you’re visiting Riga for a short trip, this is definitely an area I’d spend time exploring.

Riga Has a Completely Different Vibe in Summer

I’ve experienced Riga in both winter and summer, and I would choose summer without hesitation.

My first visit was freezing, while my two summer stays were so much more enjoyable. Being able to spend your days outside makes a huge difference.

If you have the choice, I’d visit Riga in summer.

Jūrmala Is Great for a Beach Escape

Jūrmala gave me something completely different from Riga itself.

I stayed there during one of my work stays, and I liked having the option of spending time by the beach instead of always being in the city.

For a first visit to Riga, I’d stay in the city center near the Old Town. But if you want to add a few days by the beach, Jūrmala is a good option.

What I Didn’t Like About Riga

Winter Is Absolutely Freezing

My biggest issue with Riga is the winter weather.

I visited for the first time in winter while backpacking around Europe, and it was freezing. I’ve since been to Riga twice in summer, and the difference was huge. I enjoyed the city so much more when I could actually spend my days outside comfortably.

If you have a choice, I’d skip winter and visit Riga in summer instead.

Practical Information

How to Get to Riga

If you’re traveling through the Baltics by land, buses are one of the easiest ways to get to Riga. That’s how I arrived on my first visit, coming from Lithuania, and I traveled through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia by bus.

→ Find buses to Riga

If you’re flying into Riga International Airport, you can take the city bus into Riga, which is what I used when I stayed near the airport. If you want something more convenient, especially with luggage or a late arrival, you can book an airport pick-up instead.

→ Book your Riga airport pick-up

Where to Stay in Riga

For a first visit, I’d stay in the city center close to the Old Town.

I’ve stayed in central Riga, Jūrmala, and near the airport. Jūrmala is a better choice if you specifically want some beach time, while staying near the airport makes sense if you have an early flight.

Here are 4 accommodation options I’d recommend, according to your budget:

• Backpacker: Blue Bird Boutique Hostel – Riga Old Town
• Budget: Ibis Riga Centre
• Mid-Range: Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
• Luxury: Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

→ Read my Guide: Where to Stay in Riga: My Top Areas and Hotels in 2026

Travel Insurance

I recommend having travel insurance whenever you travel internationally. I personally use SafetyWing for my long-term travel.

→ Get travel insurance for Riga

Stay Connected

I usually use an eSIM when I travel, rather than buying a physical SIM card in every country. It makes things easier when you’re using maps and public transportation or need data as soon as you arrive.

→ Get an eSIM for Latvia

FAQs

Is Riga good for a weekend trip?

Yes. I think Riga works really well for a weekend trip because you can spend a few days exploring the city without needing a packed itinerary. You can walk around the Old Town, explore the city, visit the market, go out at night, and get a feel for Riga without trying to see every attraction.

Is Riga easy to visit on a budget?

Yes, especially compared with some of the more expensive European capitals. I first visited Riga as a backpacker, so I experienced the city from a budget travel perspective. Staying in a hostel and using public transportation instead of taxis or private transportation are easy ways to keep your costs down.

How does Riga compare to Tallinn?

I’ve visited both Riga and Tallinn, but I don’t think there’s much point in saying one is universally better than the other. They’re different cities, and what you prefer will depend on what you’re looking for.

I personally really like Riga, and I’ve spent far more time there, so it’s the city I know much better.

Can you visit Riga without a car?

Absolutely. I never needed a car during my time in Riga.

I mostly walked around the city, and when I was staying near the airport I used the bus to get into the city. I found the buses easy enough to use, so having a car isn’t necessary for a short visit.

Is Riga a good destination for a Baltic road trip?

Yes, although I personally experienced the Baltics without a car.

During my first trip, I traveled through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia by bus. Riga was one of the stops along the way, so I know from experience that it works well as part of a wider Baltic itinerary.

You don’t have to drive between the Baltic countries to visit Riga.

What kind of traveler would enjoy Riga?

I think Riga is particularly good for travelers who enjoy exploring a city without needing every day planned out.

If you like walking around, finding places as you go, having a few drinks at night, exploring an Old Town, and generally experiencing a city at your own pace.

Is Riga a good destination for a European city break?

Yes. I’d recommend Riga for a short city break, particularly in summer.

You can spend a few days exploring the city, even just a weekend, walking around the Old Town, going out at night, and even add Jūrmala if you want some beach time.

Is Riga good for a 3-day trip?

Yes. Three days would give you enough time to experience Riga without having to rush around constantly.

You could spend your time exploring the Old Town and the rest of the city, visit the market, go out at night, and potentially add Jūrmala if you want some time by the beach. And with three days you can also add a day trip in Latvia or to Tallinn, Estonia.

Is Riga Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts

So, is Riga worth visiting?

Yes, I think it is.

I’ve spent more than two months in Riga across three visits, and I genuinely like the city. I like the Old Town, I like being able to walk around without a plan, and I enjoyed having bars, the market, and Jūrmala nearby.

I think Riga works particularly well for a short European city break or as part of a Baltic trip. You don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy it, which is one of the things I like most about the city.

My only strong recommendation is to go in summer if you have the choice. I’ve experienced Riga in both seasons, and I would pick summer every single time.

If you’re considering visiting Riga, I’d say go.

Read My Other Riga Guides

Is Riga Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My Experience After Spending Months There

The Best Time to Visit Riga (And What Three Stays Taught Me) 2026

How Many Days in Riga do you really need? (2026)

Where to Stay in Riga: My Top Areas and Hotels in 2026