The Latvian capital is located on the banks of the great Daugava (500 m wide) and nestled at the end of a gulf. Pearl of the Baltic, as it is nicknamed, Rīga is above all the most industrial, the largest (770,000 inhabitants, which is disproportionate to the size of the country, Lithuanians are indeed 2.7 million) and the most urban of the three Baltic capitals. It is also the most cosmopolitan of the three Baltic capitals, given the openness to the world it enjoyed when Rīga was one of the bases of Hanseatic trade. In the 1930s, its intense cultural life earned it the nickname "Little Paris", and Joseph Kessel set his novel Wagons-Lits (1932) there. Strolling through the streets of the capital, you will go back through eight centuries of history. Indeed, you can encounter all the architectural styles present in Western Europe: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque, Classical, Art Nouveau.

What to visit Rīga?

When to go to Rīga?

Rīga is always buzzing with lively festivals and cultural traditions. But when is the best time to visit?

Winter (December to February): Rīga in December is a winter's dream, with its famous Christmas Market on Dome Square. If ice-skating or ballet at the Latvian National Theatre appeals to you, January and February are the season for you.

Spring (March to May): March celebrates the Staro Rīga Festival, when lights transform the city into a fairy-tale spectacle. April sees the start of the classical concert season at the Latvian National Opera. This is the best time to visit Rīga.

Summer (June to August): June hosts the Unesco Song and Dance Festival. In July, the city vibrates to the rhythm of the Rīga City Festival. If you're an art lover, the Rīga Biennial in August is a must.

Autumn (September to November): September blossoms with the Rīga Film Festival. Sports fans can take part in or attend the Rīga Marathon in October, while November is ideal for exploring museums and galleries, with fewer tourists on the horizon.

When to visit Riga Every month offers a new reason to fall under the spell of this Baltic city.

Use the map to see the lowest prices at a glance:
See prices on map

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Weather all year round

Rīga has a temperate oceanic climate. During the high season, from June to August, expect mild, sunny days with average temperatures around 20°C. This is the ideal time to explore the old town and stroll along the Daugava River.

The low season runs from December to February. Rīga is dressed in a blanket of white, with temperatures often dipping below 0°C. The snow gives the city a magical, albeit chilly, atmosphere!

Between these two periods, temperatures in Rīga are relatively moderate. Spring offers a gentle transition, with months like April and May seeing the city's parks come to life. Autumn, in September and October, is pleasantly cool, with colorful foliage in abundance. The weather in Rīga unfolds an ever-changing landscape suitable for all kinds of adventures.

Jan.
-10° / -4°
Feb.
-10° / -3°
Mar.
-7° /
Apr.
/ 10°
May
/ 16°
June
/ 21°
Jul.
11° / 22°
Aug.
11° / 21°
Sept.
/ 17°
Oct.
/ 11°
Nov.
-1° /
Dec.
-7° / -2°
Budget

Travel to Rīga is quite affordable for most globetrotters. The official currency is the Latvian lat, which is stable and widely available at exchange offices. Most establishments accept credit cards, but having a few lats in your pocket is handy for small shops.

In the budget category, expect delicious meals at rock-bottom prices and basic but comfortable accommodation. For added comfort, Rīga offers charming downtown hotels with excellent value for money. If you're aiming for luxury, the city doesn't disappoint either, with its top-of-the-range establishments offering exceptional services.

Tipping in Rīga is appreciated, especially in restaurants where it's common to leave between 5% and 10% of the bill. In short, whatever your pocketbook, Rīga offers a rich experience at a reasonable cost.

Procedures

Planning a trip to Rīga? Make sure you know what formalities are required for a smooth stay. The good news is that for European Union citizens, no visa is required for Rīga for short stays. All you need is a valid passport or identity card.

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, check the specific requirements linked to their nationality. In some cases, a visa may be required. Once in Rīga, it is advisable to carry identification with you at all times.

For detailed, up-to-date information on formalities, please consult the website of the nearestLatvian embassy or consulate before you leave. They provide precise details of the documents required, any visa fees, and other useful information to help you prepare for your trip.

Health

Dreaming of Rīga also means preparing for a serene stay in terms of health. No specific vaccinations are required for travelers from Europe. However, it is always advisable to check that your routine vaccinations, such as tetanus and diphtheria, are up to date. A common concern when traveling abroad is water quality. In Rīga, tap water is generally safe to drink.

Another reassuring point is that Rīga has a modern medical infrastructure and well-stocked pharmacies. However, it is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover any medical or hospitalization expenses. In terms of health, Rīga offers every guarantee for a carefree stay.

How to go to Rīga? Our advice & tips

Discover Rīga with complete peace of mind: the charm of organized travel. Here's how to get the most authentic experience:

You could opt for a traditional itinerary, exploring the picturesque old town, or enjoy a themed experience, such as a culinary tasting of local delicacies, or a stroll through the city's remarkable Art Nouveau buildings.

Whether you've got a weekend or a whole week, Rīga has something for everyone. Imagine a long weekend punctuated by an evening at the Latvian National Opera, or a week exploring the city's secret districts.

If you like the idea of bonding with other explorers, a group is ideal. And for added intimacy, private excursions are available, such as a night tour of illuminated Rīga, just for you.

Offers can be all-inclusive or à la carte. Make sure you know whether that cruise on the Daugava or that visit to the Central Market are included.

Some organizers adapt the trip to suit your needs: would you like to take a Latvian cooking class or learn to folk dance? It's all possible.

An organized trip to Rīga is your passport to authentic discovery. Pack your bags and let yourself be transported by Latvian magic.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

To travel alone in Rīga is to savor freedom in the heart of Latvia:

Start with the cobbled streets of Vecrīga, the old town, rich in history.

Learn basic Latvian: a paldies or labdien lights up the faces. Enjoy a rupjmaizes kārtojums in a café and sample local delicacies at the market.

Travel like a Rīdzinieks by streetcar or boat.

For an authentic stay, stay with a local and attend festivals, such as Dziesmu svētki. Finish off with a traditional sauna or a stroll through Mežaparks.

Gettingaround Rīga is easy with its well-organized public transport network and charming cobblestone streets. Here's how to get the most out of your travels in Latvia's capital:

1. Streetcars: Rīga's streetcar network is both historic and functional, with seven distinct lines. Keep an eye out for streetcar no. 11, which offers a picturesque route through the city.

2. Buses and trolleybuses serve the whole city and the surrounding area. For a trip along the Daugava, opt for bus no. 3, which offers magnificent views of the river.

3. Rīgas Satiksme: the electronic e-talon card is the most convenient way to pay for your journeys. It's valid for streetcars, buses and trolleybuses. You can buy and recharge this card at numerous kiosks and stores throughout the city.

4. By bike: Rīga has dedicated lanes and bike rental outlets like Rīgas Velo.

5. On foot: Vecrīga, the old town, is essentially pedestrianized. With historic squares like Doma laukums and picturesque alleyways, it's a joy to explore on foot.

6. Cabs and ride-sharing apps: check that the cab is official. Car-sharing apps like Bolt or Yandex are also popular and convenient.

7. River cruising : for a different perspective on Rīga, take the river shuttles on the Daugava.

8. Rent a car to explore the Vidzeme region.

Organize your trip with our partners Rīga
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Rīga travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Rīga

Panorama sur la vieille ville depuis la tour de l'église Saint-Pierre. Serge OLIVIER - Author's Image
La maison des Têtes Noires. Serge OLIVIER - Author's Image
Riga enneigée. Pavel KULENKO
Façades Art nouveau réalisées par Eisenstein rue Alberta. Serge OLIVIER - Author's Image

Discover Rīga

When to travel?

Rīga is always buzzing with lively festivals and cultural traditions. But when is the best time to visit?

...
Read more about it
Weather forecast

Rīga has a temperate oceanic climate. During the high season, from June to August, expect mild,...
Read more about it

Budget

Travel to Rīga is quite affordable for most globetrotters. The official currency is the Latvian lat, w...
Read more about it

Formalities

Planning a trip to Rīga? Make sure you know what formalities are required for a smooth stay. The good news is that f...
Read more about it

Health

Dreaming of Rīga also means preparing for a serene stay in terms of health. No specific vaccinations a...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

To travel alone in Rīga is to savor freedom in the heart of Latvia:

Start with the cobbled stre...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Discover Rīga with complete peace of mind: the charm of organized travel. Here's how to get the most a...
Read more about it

Getting around

Gettingaround Rīga is easy with its well-organized public transport network and charming cobblestone streets....
Read more about it

Send a reply