Riga Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Questions & Trip Planning
Is Riga worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. It’s often described as a charming, beautiful, and underrated city, especially compared to more crowded European destinations like Prague or Amsterdam.
How many days should I spend in Riga?
Most visitors suggest 2 to 3 full days to see the main sights in the Old Town and Art Nouveau district. If you want to take a day trip or explore more of the city, 4-5 days is a good amount of time.
Is Riga safe for a solo traveler?
Yes, Riga is generally considered very safe. Use common sense, especially at night, but it’s a popular and welcoming destination for solo travelers.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Summer is great for enjoying the parks and outdoor cafes, but it can be busy. The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be cold, but the Christmas markets and snowy landscapes are beautiful.
Is Riga an expensive city?
No, Riga is generally very affordable compared to Western European cities. You can eat well and find good value for accommodation and activities.
Do people speak English in Riga?
Yes, most younger people and those working in the tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, museums) speak English very well. You may have more difficulty with older residents, but you can usually get by.
Getting Around
How do I get from Riga Airport (RIX) to the city center?
The most common and cheapest way is to take bus #22. It’s a short ride, and you can buy a ticket from a machine or from the driver (though the price is higher from the driver).
Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also readily available and affordable.
How does public transport work in Riga?
Riga has an extensive network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You need to validate a ticket for each journey.
You can buy single-use e-tickets for a set number of rides, or a day pass. The single-ride ticket is cheaper if you buy it in advance from a kiosk (“Narvesen” is a popular one) than from the driver.
Are taxis safe?
Using a ride-sharing app like Bolt (similar to Uber) is highly recommended. The price is fixed in the app, and it eliminates the risk of being overcharged. Be wary of street taxis, especially around tourist areas, as they may try to scam you.
Is Riga a walkable city?
Yes, the Old Town and the main tourist areas are very compact and best explored on foot. You’ll only need public transport for longer distances, like to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum or Mezaparks.
Can I rent a bike in Riga?
Yes, there are bike rentals available, and it’s a great way to explore the city’s parks and residential areas.
Things to Do & See
What are the top must-see attractions in the Old Town?
The House of the Blackheads, Riga Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church (for the view from the tower), the Three Brothers, and the Riga Castle are all highlights. Simply wandering the cobblestone streets is an attraction in itself.
What is the Riga Central Market? Is it worth visiting?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. It’s a massive market housed in former Zeppelin hangars and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a great place to see local life, try traditional foods, and buy fresh produce.
Where can I see Art Nouveau architecture?
The best place is the “Quiet Centre,” particularly on Alberta Iela and Elizabetes Iela. Many of the buildings are stunning examples of the style. There is also an Art Nouveau museum.
Are there any good museums?
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is a must-see for understanding the country’s history. Other popular choices include the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Riga Motor Museum, and the KGB Building (Corner House).
What’s a good day trip from Riga?
Jūrmala (a seaside resort town), Sigulda (known for its national park and castles), and Cēsis are all popular and easily accessible day trips by bus or train.
What’s a “tourist trap” I should avoid?
General consensus is that Riga has few “traps” by day. Be careful of overly friendly touts and watch out for scams in some nightlife venues, particularly those that are too aggressive in luring you in.
Food & Drink
Where can I try traditional Latvian food?
Lido is a chain of self-service restaurants that offers a wide variety of traditional Latvian dishes at an affordable price. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs is also a popular choice for a more rustic pub experience with live folk music.
What are some local dishes I should try?
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (grey peas with bacon), karbonāde (a pork schnitzel), and rupjmaize (dark rye bread) are all staples. Don’t forget to try a local beer or the famous Riga Black Balsam liqueur.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water in Riga is safe to drink.
Are there good vegetarian/vegan options?
Many restaurants now cater to vegetarians and vegans, especially in the Old Town and central areas. There are dedicated vegan cafes as well.
Culture & Etiquette
What are some cultural “dos” and “don’ts”?
Do:
Be respectful and don’t be overly loud in public.
Look people in the eye when toasting.
Be prepared for a more reserved, matter-of-fact communication style than you might be used to.
Don’t:
Assume Latvians are Russian. The two cultures have a complex and often painful history, and it’s an insulting assumption.
Expect a lot of small talk. “How are you?” is generally asked only if the person genuinely wants to know.
What’s the tipping culture in Riga?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. A tip of 5-10% is customary in restaurants if you’re satisfied with your meal and service.
Nightlife & Socializing
What’s the nightlife scene like?
The Old Town is filled with pubs and bars, ranging from classic Irish pubs to craft beer spots and cocktail lounges. There are also several large nightclubs in the city center.
Alternative nightlife is popular in areas like the Tallinas Street Quarter.
Where can I find a good place for a drink?
Craft beer: Labietis, Zefīrs.
Cocktails: Skyline Bar (for the view), Gimlet Nordic Cocktail Bar.
Folk pub: Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs.
Is Riga a good place for a stag party/bachelor party?
Yes, Riga is a very popular destination for stag parties due to its affordability and lively nightlife.
Practical Information
Should I use cash or card?
Card payments are widely accepted, especially in stores, restaurants, and hotels. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or for places that only accept cash (some street vendors, for example).
Is Wi-Fi widely available?
Yes, you can find free public Wi-Fi in many cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in the city center.
Where can I buy a local SIM card?
You can buy a prepaid SIM card at kiosks like Narvesen or at mobile provider stores.
What is the local currency?
The currency is the Euro (€).
Is it easy to find a pharmacy or doctor?
Yes, pharmacies are common. For minor health issues, you can usually find a pharmacy, but in a medical emergency, you should go to a hospital.
Can I use a credit card for public transport?
It depends. Some places like the airport bus allow bank card payment, but for city-wide use, a pre-paid e-ticket is the most common method.
What’s the best way to get to Tallinn or Vilnius from Riga?
The Lux Express bus is the most popular, comfortable, and affordable option for traveling between the Baltic capitals. The journey takes a few hours.
How are the prices for a typical meal?
A cheap meal at a cafeteria like Lido might cost €5-10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant could be €15-25 per person. Fine dining will, of course, be more expensive.
Are there any good places for shopping?
Galleria Riga and Galerija Centrs are popular shopping malls. The Central Market is great for local goods. You can also find some interesting vintage and second-hand shops.
What’s the weather like?
Summers are generally warm and pleasant. Winters are cold and snowy. Spring and autumn are cool and can be rainy, so it’s best to pack layers.
How do I say hello and thank you in Latvian?
Hello: Labdien (formal) or Sveiki (informal)
Thank you: Paldies
Are there any good spots for a panoramic view of the city?
Yes, the best views are from the tower of St. Peter’s Church and the Skyline Bar at the Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel.
Is it easy to find accommodation?
Yes, Riga has a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury hotels. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is a good idea.
Are there any public parks to relax in?
Yes, Riga has several beautiful parks. Bastejkalns Park is a lovely place to stroll along the canal near the Old Town. Mezaparks is a larger park on the outskirts of the city with walking and biking trails.
Is the Riga cruise/ferry harbor close to the city center?
Yes, it’s a short walk from the Old Town.
What’s the “Corner House” (KGB building)?
It’s the former headquarters of the KGB in Latvia and now serves as a museum dedicated to the Soviet occupation and the victims of Soviet terror.
Is it possible to visit other towns in Latvia easily?
Yes, the bus and train network is good, and you can easily take day trips to places like Jūrmala, Sigulda, or Cēsis.
Are there any good souvenir shops?
Look for items made from amber (the “Baltic gold”), linen textiles, or traditional wooden crafts. The Central Market is a great place to find souvenirs.
Is it safe to go out at night?
The Old Town is generally well-lit and busy. As in any city, be mindful of your belongings and surroundings.
What’s the deal with Riga Black Balsam?
It’s a traditional Latvian liqueur, a dark and bitter herbal beverage. You can try it at most bars or restaurants, and it makes a unique souvenir.
Is it worth buying a Riga Pass?
It depends on how many museums and attractions you plan to visit. If you’re a museum enthusiast, it can save you money. If you prefer to just walk around and explore the city, it may not be worth the cost.
Are there any free walking tours?
Yes, many free walking tours operate in Riga, usually based on a tip-what-you-want model. They are a great way to get an overview of the city and its history.
Where can I find live music?
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs is known for its folk music. There are also many pubs and venues with live bands, especially on weekends.
What’s the best place to exchange money?
The best rates are usually at banks or official currency exchange offices. Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as the rates are usually poor.