2 Days in Riga: What to See and Do in the Capital of Latvia, Riga, Latvia

Thinking about spending 2 days in Riga? You’re in for a treat. Latvia’s capital is quite charming with its cobblestone streets, Art Nouveau architecture and edgy post-Soviet buildings.

Riga is compact and easy to explore, which makes the capital of Latvia a perfect weekend getaway or a slow stop on a Baltic road trip.

After visiting all three capitals of the Baltic countries, I can’t decide which one I liked the most. Each of them has its beauty. Riga seemed the most colorful for me. Despite the big number of tourists, Riga was somehow calm and relaxing. I hugely enjoyed my daily stroll in the Old Town and the park.

No visit to Riga is complete without a long walk through its enchanting Old Town. Known as Vecrīga, this historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s packed with pastel-colored buildings, gothic spires, and cobblestone streets that seem straight out of a fairy tale. You’ll find yourself stumbling upon architectural gems at every turn, from the iconic House of the Blackheads (book your entry in advance, I wasn’t able to enter on the day) with its ornate façade, to the charming Three Brothers, Riga’s oldest residential buildings.

A good idea is to join a couple of hours long guided walk to learn history before you slow down and enjoy it by yourself. The area is small and walkable, so you can soak up its charm without feeling rushed. Stop by Town Hall Square, snap photos of the Roland Statue, and take your time admiring St. John’s Church and St. Jacob’s Cathedral. The Old Town is also home to some of the best cafés and bars in the city, perfect for resting your feet after sightseeing. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).