The largest Baltic city, with a UNESCO-listed Old Town and Art Nouveau architecture around Alberta iela; in winter a Christmas market fills Dome Square.
The square fills with a Christmas market and the city glows with lights — the reason to come in winter (see the Christmas market section).
June (Midsummer, Jāņi)
Latvia’s biggest holiday, with flower crowns and bonfires.
Weather: Summer is the season of outdoor festivals and café terraces; the 2026 Christmas market runs 27 November–3 January 2027. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Riga Christmas market
Riga Christmas Market The market fills Dome Square in the Old Town; Town Hall Square nearby has a marker for the 1510 Christmas-tree tradition.
Where
Dome Square
Dates
27 November 2026–3 January 2027
Dates shift a little each year; check this year’s schedule at: www.liveriga.com
Don't miss in Riga
Riga Old Town A UNESCO-listed old town of medieval lanes and church spires. source
House of the Blackheads The ornate guild house on Town Hall Square, one of the Old Town’s landmark historic buildings. source
Art Nouveau District Alberta iela and nearby streets are lined with ornate Art Nouveau facades. source
Riga Central Market A huge market housed in former Zeppelin hangars. source
Where to stay in Riga
Old Town
Walk to the market and sights.
Is a transit pass worth it?
Based on a typical (median) single fare of €1.50. Actual fares vary by line and distance, so treat this as a guide.
24-hour ticket €5.00 → worth it from 4 rides a day
What to eat in Riga
Grey peas with bacon — Latvia’s classic dish of grey peas with bacon, served even at Christmas
Potato pancakes — Latvian potato pancakes served with sour cream
Cold beetroot soup — A pink chilled soup Latvians crave in early summer
Caraway cheese (Jāņu cheese) — Cheese with caraway seeds, a symbol of the Jāņi midsummer feast
Sklandrauši — A carrot and potato pie from the Kurzeme region
Riga tips and things to watch out for
Riga travel tips
The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot. source
The Old Town and Central Market are close enough to combine; check dates and times with the bus operator for trips to Tallinn or Vilnius. source
Good to know in Latvia
Riga’s Old Town has narrow cobbled streets, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time exploring on foot. source
Pair the Old Town with the Art Nouveau buildings around Alberta iela to see another side of Riga’s cityscape. source
Watch out for in Latvia
Watch for pickpockets and bag snatching in the Old Town, Central Market, and central train and bus stations; avoid unlit streets and parks at night. source
Some tourists have faced inflated drink charges or fraudulent card transactions. Keep card payments in sight, be wary if asked to re-enter your PIN, and do not leave drinks unattended. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Real menu prices in Riga
Per-person meal prices from restaurants’ official menus (where tax and tips are extra, the calculator adds them).
Potato pancakes with sour cream: €7.90
Pasta with basil pesto and veal: €17.00
Homemade pasta with venison and chanterelles: €18.00
Riga attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Riga Cathedral: €5.00 · child €3.00
St. Peter's Church tower and church: €9.00 · child €3.00
Latvian National Museum of Art permanent exhibition: €7.00 · child €3.50