Explore Riga – The Perfect Year-Round Short Break Destination
A short break in Riga offers a delightful taste of Baltic charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. In just a few days, you can wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture, and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere. Discover the treasures of the Central Market, one of Europe’s largest, or relax in the serene Bastejkalna Park. Sample traditional Latvian cuisine and delve into the city’s past at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Whether you’re strolling along the Daugava River or enjoying Riga’s vibrant nightlife, this compact city is perfect for a quick yet fulfilling getaway.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of Riga for yourself:
Recommended short stay options: 4* Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant | 5* A22 Hotel | 5* Dome Hotel | 5* Grand Hotel Kempinski | 5* Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah | 5* Pullman Riga Old Town
Attractions and Experiences in Riga: Districts | Shopping | Art Nouveau Architecture | Food | Green Spaces | Nightlife
Weather and events: Visiting Riga throughout the year
Blog: Exploring Riga’s Culinary Delights: A Foodie’s Guide to Latvia’s Capital
Video: Unwind In Riga
Discover The Delights Of Riga With These Recommended Short Stays
Prices below are subject to change and availability and correct at time of submission.
5* Pullman Riga Old Town
Pullman Riga Old Town is a contemporary hotel set in a historic building, offering stylish rooms, modern amenities, and a unique blend of tradition and luxury in the heart of the city.
2 Nights Room Only
From £160pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- This magnificent 1789 building, seamlessly merged with a contemporary structure, neighbours iconic landmarks such as Dome Square, the Parliament, National Theatre, Freedom Monument, and National Opera
- Harper Woolf restaurant offers global cuisine, shared dining, and table-side cooking, creating a warm atmosphere celebrating cultural exploration and fresh ingredients
- Swimming pool
- Spa and sauna
- 2 nights at 5* Pullman Riga Old Town
- Superior Room
- Room Only - Breakfast from £31pppn
- Return flights
- ATOL protected
5* Dome Hotel
Dome Hotel in Riga is an elegant boutique hotel set in a 400-year-old townhouse, offering refined accommodations and a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the Old Town.
2 Nights Room Only
From £174pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- Just a few minutes' walk from the Cathedral Square
- Choose between four types of rooms of different sizes - Dome Room, Deluxe Room, Suite and Deluxe Suite. All of them offer the highest level of comfort
- Discover sophisticated cuisine with French motifs at Le Dome restaurant
- Dome Private Spa and sauna
- 2 nights at 5* Dome Hotel, Riga
- Double Room
- Room Only - Breakfast from £15pppn
- Return flights
- ATOL protected
5* Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah
Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah is a luxurious hotel, offering elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and a prime location near the city’s historic centre.
2 Nights Bed & Breakfast
From £193pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- Located in the very heart of historic Riga, just steps from the Freedom Monument, Old Town Riga, Latvian National Opera and directly overlooking the Bastion Hill
- 168 stylish 5-star superior accommodations
- Many fine dining options for a mouth-watering breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner
- Spa treatment rooms
- 2 nights at 5* Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah, Riga
- Standard Room
- Bed & Breakfast
- Return flights
- ATOL protected
4* Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Neiburgs Hotel in Riga is a stylish boutique hotel housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building, combining modern comforts with historic charm in the vibrant Old Town.
2 Nights Room Only
From £163pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- Located in Old Town, Neiburgs is a family-owned hotel praised for its elegant fusion of the historical and the modern
- Filled with lots of light and created for you to enjoy the luxuries of full service, the suites are equipped with a kitchenette, designer furniture and comfortable bed
- The success of Restaurant Neiburgs is based on a blend of historical and stylish elements both in the interior and in the menu. In summer, guests are welcome to use the open-air terrace of the restaurant
- 2 nights at 4* Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant, Riga
- Apartment Room
- Room Only
- Return flights
- ATOL protected
5* Grand Hotel Kempinski
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is a luxury hotel offering opulent accommodations, a world-class spa, and panoramic views of the Latvian National Opera House in the heart of the city.
2 Nights Room Only
From £290pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- Located in the heart of Riga, within easy reach of city centre attractions such as the Old Town and Latvian National Opera house
- Dining at Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga features exquisite culinary experiences, including the elegant Stage 22 restaurant, known for its gourmet dishes and stunning rooftop terrace views
- Kempinski The Spa
- 2 nights at 5* Grand Hotel Kempinski, Riga
- Superior King Room
- Room Only
- Return flights
- ATOL protected
5* A22 Hotel
A22 Hotel in Riga is a boutique luxury hotel housed in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building, offering sophisticated interiors and personalised service in a prime location.
2 Nights Room Only
From £212pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- Step outside the hotel and be surrounded by one of the most extraordinary architectural movements of the 19th century - Art Nouveau
- A22’s design concept is all about orchestrating a mood of quiet chic
- Restaurant John fine dining and Bar Jackie
- Sauna
- 2 nights at 5* A22 Hotel, Riga
- Superior Double Room
- Room Only - Breakfast from £19pppn
- Return flights
- ATOL protected
Attractions and Experiences in Riga
There’s a wealth of attractions and experiences in store for you to uncover when you take a break to Riga. We’ve selected what we think you’ll love most.
Districts
Exploring Riga on foot is a pleasure, with each district offering its own unique vibe. The Old Town (Vecrīga) is a must-see, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and landmarks like Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads. If you’re a fan of Art Nouveau, don’t miss the Klusais Centrs (Quiet Centre) district, especially Alberta iela, where ornate facades line the streets. For a more relaxed atmosphere, check out the charming Āgenskalns district, known for its wooden houses, local market, and green spaces like Arkādijas Park. Grīziņkalns is perfect for discovering cosy bars and charming streets.
Shopping
Shopping in Riga blends the traditional with the modern. The city offers a variety of options, from luxury boutiques in the Art Nouveau district to the souvenir shops of Old Town, where you can find Latvian amber, linen, and ceramics. Don’t miss Central Market, one of Europe’s largest, where you’ll find fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts. For a more contemporary shopping experience, visit Riga’s malls like Galerija Centrs or Galeria Riga, featuring international brands alongside Latvian designers. Whether you’re after souvenirs, fashion, or gourmet food, Riga has something for every shopper. In winter, the city’s Christmas markets, especially in Dome Square, turn into a festive wonderland, perfect for finding handmade gifts, traditional foods, and seasonal decorations.
Art Nouveau Architecture
Riga boasts one of the world’s finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture, with over 800 buildings in this style. The Centrs district, particularly Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, is a treasure trove of ornate facades, intricate details, and sculptural elements. Notable examples include the building at Alberta iela 13, designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, with its striking blue and white façade, and the grand structure at Elizabetes iela 10b, which is a masterpiece of organic forms and flowing lines. Visitors should also explore the Art Nouveau Museum, located in a beautifully preserved apartment at Alberta iela 12.
Food
Riga’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Latvian cuisine and modern culinary trends. Try local dishes like grey peas with bacon, smoked fish, and rye bread at cosy spots like “Milda,” a Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery. For upscale dining, Barents offers an innovative Scandinavian-inspired menu with seasonal ingredients, while 3 Pavāru Restorāns features artistic, contemporary dishes prepared in an open kitchen. For a more authentic experience, visit folk-club “Ala Pagrabs” in Old Town, where you can enjoy traditional Latvian fare accompanied by folk music and dancing. Riga’s Central Market is also a must, offering fresh local produce and artisanal goods.
Green Spaces
Riga boasts plenty of green spaces perfect for relaxation and exploration. Bastejkalna Park, near Livu Square, offers peaceful winding paths, a charming canal, and picturesque bridges—ideal for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. Kronvalda Park, another nearby gem, features wide lawns, fountains, and beautiful flower displays. Mežaparks is a nature lover’s paradise, with scenic trails, a large lake, and the Riga Zoo. For a more intimate setting, Vērmanes Garden in the city centre provides tranquil gardens and a lively atmosphere, especially in the warmer months.
Nightlife
Riga’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with something for everyone. The Old Town (Vecrīga) is the heart of the city’s nightlife, packed with bars, pubs, and clubs like Cuba Cafe and B Bārs, where you can dance until dawn on weekends. For an alternative scene, head to Briāna Street, known for the LGBTQ+ friendly club “Skapis,” the jazz bar “M/Darbnīca,” and the techno club “One One.” The lively bar scene makes Riga’s centre one of the capital’s top nightlife destinations. Popular spots like Bar Six, Cloud Nine, Manana, Skyline Bar, Gimlet, Herbary, Mākonis, Cynic Bar, and Zefīrs offer a glamorous and adventurous night out.
Exploring Riga’s Culinary Delights: A Foodie’s Guide to Latvia’s Capital
Riga, Latvia’s charming capital, is a city steeped in history and culture, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and vibrant creative scene. But beyond its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Riga has quietly become a haven for food lovers. Whether you’re a fan of hearty, rustic dishes or a seeker of innovative, Michelin-worthy cuisine, Riga offers a taste adventure like no other.
Visiting Riga Throughout the Year…
Visiting Riga offers a unique charm in every season, with each time of year bringing its own special experiences and atmosphere to this vibrant city.
- Riga is a city that offers unique experiences throughout the year, making it a captivating destination no matter when you visit. Spring begins with March still feeling chilly, but by April, the city starts to bloom with warming weather and blossoming parks, perfect for exploring Riga’s historic streets and charming cafes. May brings sunnier days and pleasant warmth, ideal for leisurely strolls along the Daugava River and visits to the Central Market
- Summer in Riga is a true delight. June offers long, warm days, perfect for enjoying the city’s vibrant festivals and outdoor events, with fewer crowds than in peak season. July and August see Riga basking in summer warmth, ideal for exploring the Old Town, relaxing in its many parks, or taking a trip to the nearby seaside
- As autumn arrives in September, the city remains inviting with milder temperatures and fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore Riga’s cultural attractions and enjoy the changing colors in its green spaces. October can be unpredictable, sometimes offering crisp, sunny days, while November brings a noticeable chill, but this is a wonderful time to experience Riga’s rich cultural scene without the hustle of summer crowds
- Winter transforms Riga into a magical wonderland. December’s festive atmosphere, with Christmas markets and twinkling lights, makes it an enchanting time to visit. January and February are the coldest months, but the city’s cosy cafes, indoor attractions, and occasional snowfall create a perfect winter escape
