Things to Do in Riga, by Season
Seventeen things to do in Riga, grouped by season, with the free option flagged wherever one exists.
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Any season
- Wander Old Town. Free. Cobbled streets, the Dome Square, St Peter's, the House of the Blackheads. Go early for empty lanes.
- Join a guided Old Town walk. The quickest way to understand the layers of history. Browse walking tours.
- Art Nouveau architecture. Free to walk Alberta iela and the surrounding streets; see our self-guided Art Nouveau walk, or take a guided tour: Art Nouveau architecture tour.
- Central Market. Free to wander. Five pavilions of food in former Zeppelin hangars. Food-tour option: local food tours.
- St Peter's Church tower. A paid lift to the viewing platform for the skyline; the free alternative is the riverside embankment.
- Latvian food and drink. See where to eat in Riga; a local beer tasting is a good evening option: beer tastings.
- Riga's nightlife. Our nightlife guide covers the bars.
Summer (June to August)
- Jūrmala beach. The Baltic resort is a short train ride away. Free beach access; see our Jūrmala guide.
- Midsummer (Jāņi). A June celebration with wreaths and bonfires; see our guide.
- Kayaking. On the water, with or without a guide: kayak tours and rentals.
- Day trips. Sigulda, Rundāle Palace and the Hill of Crosses; see day trips from Riga.
Autumn (September to October)
- Gauja Valley foliage. Sigulda's castles and forest trails; see our autumn guide. Walking is free.
- Staro Rīga. The light festival; see our guide.
Winter (November to March)
- The Christmas market. Free to walk around; see our Christmas market guide.
- A Latvian sauna. The cold-weather tradition; see spa hotels and saunas.
- Indoor plans. Museums, the Corner House and the market pavilions: the indoor guide.
- Outdoor winter activities. Husky sledding and others; see winter things to do.
Where to stay and how long to allow
Two to three days covers the list above for most people — see our 3-day itinerary. For hotels, read where to stay in Riga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Riga?
Walking Old Town, the Art Nouveau streets around Alberta iela, the riverside embankment, the Central Market (to browse), and Jūrmala beach in summer are all free.
How many days do you need in Riga?
Two to three days covers the main sights; a fourth day suits a day trip such as Jūrmala, Sigulda or Rundāle Palace.
What is there to do in Riga in winter?
The Christmas market, saunas, museums and the Central Market pavilions, plus winter activities outside the city.
Last updated: October 2026.