Are you planning to spend one day in Riga and want to make it count? Then you’re in the right place. I’ve done the legwork for you.

During my road trip through the Baltics, Riga was the second capital I visited and, without a doubt, my favorite of the three.

While it’s the largest of the Baltic capitals, the Latvian capital still feels incredibly welcoming.

Its cobbled streets, colourful façades, and cosy cafés won me over instantly. I spent my day there wandering from one photo-worthy corner to the next, and I left wishing I had stayed longer.

If you’re wondering what to see in Riga in one day, this post will walk you through it all.

In this detailed Riga itinerary, you’ll find:

• The best things to do in Riga, from iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems
• Practical travel tips on how to get there, where to stay, and how to get around
• A smooth walking route that helps you cover all the highlights

So, if you’re short on time but still want to visit Riga in one day and experience the best of Latvia’s capital, keep reading. I’ve got everything you need to plan an easy and memorable visit.

In a hurry? Plan your trip to Riga now!

📍What to see in Riga: Town Hall Square | St. Peter’s Church | Jauniela Street | Cathedral | Three Brothers | Nativity Cathedral

🚇 How to get around: Riga’s Old Town is compact and walkable.

⌛ How many days in Riga: 1 day is sufficient to explore the main attractions. Extend to 2 days for a more relaxed pace or to venture into nearby areas.

🌟 Most popular tours in Riga
1. Guided walking tour of Soviet Riga
2. Concert and guided visit to Riga Cathedral
3. Small-group food tour of Riga Central Market
4. Guided walking tour of Riga Old Town
5. Sightseeing canal boat tour in Riga

😴 Where to stay in Riga: Hanza Hotel | Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara | Grant Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah

💊 Best travel insurance for Latvia– I recommend Heymondo for its excellent balance between affordability and quality.

🛜 Best way to stay connected in Latvia – If your smartphone allows an eSIM, I recommend using Airalo (MARIAN4315 = 3$ off).

The weather in Riga is known for its cold winters and pleasantly mild summers.

I visited in early June and was lucky with the weather. It was warm during the day, but I still needed a light jacket in the evening.

So, if you want to enjoy the city at its best, I’d recommend visiting between May and September, when the days are longer and temperatures are much more comfortable for exploring.

Riga is a relatively small city, so one day is enough to get a great first impression without feeling rushed.

Most of the main sights are within walking distance of each other, making it super easy to explore on foot without needing public transport.

The easiest way to get to Riga is by flying into Riga International Airport (RIX). It’s the largest airport in Latvia and one of the main air travel hubs in the Baltics, with good connections to many European cities.

Most major low-cost and full-service airlines fly here, including airBaltic, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Lufthansa, so it’s usually easy to find affordable tickets, especially if you book in advance.

Riga International Airport is located just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, making it super easy to reach the heart of the city after you land.

The quickest and most convenient option is to take a taxi, with fares typically ranging from 20€ to 25€. You’ll find licensed taxis waiting just outside the arrivals terminal.

If you’re on a budget, there are two great public transport options from Riga International Airport to the city centre:

• Bus 22 (Rīgas satiksme): A budget-friendly ride priced at €1.50 per ticket. The ride typically takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Lux Express Shuttle: A step up in comfort, this coach-style service takes approximately 25 minutes (duration may vary with traffic). It’s slightly quicker and more spacious than the regular city bus.

💼 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unexpected events happen anywhere in the world, so I always recommend getting travel insurance. I regularly use Heymondo, which offers some of the highest coverages on the market at very competitive prices. As well as covering medical expenses, Heymondo’s insurance also covers the loss or theft of luggage, electronic equipment and more. They also have a 24/7 customer service through their App. As A Ticket to Take Off reader, you get a 5% discount when purchasing Heymondo insurance. The purchase must be made using this link, and the price shown on the website already includes the discount.

As I was travelling by car, I chose to stay outside Riga’s Old Town, as parking prices there are absolutely insane near the city’s center.

However, this hotel seems to have already closed, so I leave here other alternatives of where to stay in Riga:

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To help you visualise what to do in Riga, I’ve put together a handy map with all the main attractions, viewpoints, and must-see spots mentioned in this guide.

Since Riga is a compact and walkable city, this map makes it easy to plan your route and see how close everything is.

This Riga one day itinerary covers all the essential things to see in Riga, from iconic landmarks to hidden corners you might otherwise miss.

Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just love wandering photogenic streets, this step-by-step guide will help you make the most of your time in the city without feeling rushed.

🎫 Short on time? This guided walking tour of Riga Old Town is perfect for getting to know the city’s highlights quickly.

Start your itinerary in Riga’s Central Market.

A few streets away from the Old Town of the Latvian capital, Riga’s Central Market sells all kinds of products, with a special emphasis on fresh produce.

Next, head to one of the most iconic places in Riga: the Town Hall Square.

Although the entire square was completely destroyed during World War II, what you see today is a faithful reconstruction. The buildings have been carefully restored in recent decades, bringing back the charm and grandeur of this historic centrepiece.

St. Peter’s Church is the highest church in Riga and, for this reason, ascending to the top of its tower should be a must on any list of things to do in Riga.

The Swedish Gate is one of the few remaining gateways from Riga’s old city wall and offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. It was built in 1698 during the Swedish occupation of Latvia and is the only gate that still stands today.

Tucked away on a quiet street, it’s a lovely hidden spot that many visitors walk past without even noticing.

Located in the Old Town, Jauniela Street is a very cute street, which may be recognizable by Sherlock Holmes fans, as some scenes from the Soviet series about the famous detective – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson – were filmed here. 

Next on this Riga itinerary is the city’s cathedral.

Riga’s Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is the largest medieval church in the Baltic countries. At the top of the Cathedral is visible a rooster – one of the symbols of Riga, which also serves as a weather vane.

🎫 For a cultural highlight, don’t miss this concert and guided visit to Riga Cathedral, combining music with history.

Bastejkalns Park is one of the largest green areas in Riga and divides the city’s Old Town from the Central District.

Located at 17, 19, and 21 Mazā Pils Street, the Three Brothers are the oldest residential houses in Riga, with the oldest one dating back to the 15th century.

Each building reflects a different architectural style and era, offering a fascinating look at how the city’s housing evolved over time.

One of the houses also hosts the Museum of Latvian Architecture, making it a great stop if you’re curious about the country’s architectural heritage.

Built during the 19th century while Latvia was still part of the Russian Empire, this is the largest Orthodox Cathedral in the Baltic countries.

The Cathedral was even converted into a Lutheran Church during World War I, and became Orthodox again in 1921. Of course, in the 1960s, the Cathedral suffered again, this time under Soviet occupation, and was converted into a Planetarium.

Visiting the Baltic countries means becoming aware that these countries have suffered several occupations over the years and that they have been independent for not so long.

Since I only had 1 day in Riga, I didn’t get to try many restaurants, but I did manage to eat at one place that really stood out. I went to Rozengrāls (€€), a medieval-themed restaurant tucked away in the Old Town. The setting was super atmospheric, with candlelit rooms and vaulted ceilings that made it feel like stepping back in time.

I ordered a kind of stroganoff with mashed potatoes, and it was surprisingly delicious and reasonably priced.

🎫 Dive into Latvia’s culinary scene with a delicious food tour of Riga Central Market in a small group setting.

If you’re short on time, one day in Riga is more than enough to fall for the city’s charm. From colourful Old Town streets and historic landmarks to panoramic viewpoints and cosy cafés, this Riga itinerary covers everything you need for a memorable visit.

Whether you’re stopping by on a Baltic road trip or squeezing in a city break, Riga is a destination that delivers without the crowds or high price tags of other European capitals.

Have you been to Riga or planning your trip soon? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your experience or plans—I’m always happy to help fellow travellers.