First time · Riga

First time in RigaRīga

Riga is a two-to-three-night city: do the Old Town early before the tour groups, give one morning to the Art Nouveau streets and the Central Market, and keep Sigulda or Jūrmala as a day trip.

Everything here is a short version of the Riga guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Riga's sights are close together and flat, so distance is not the problem. The failures are cobbles and winter ice for suitcases, inflated bills in a few Old Town bars, and midsummer (Jāņi, Jun 23–24) when the city empties and much of it closes. Four walking clusters cover a first visit; Jūrmala, Sigulda and Rundāle are trips away from one kept bed.

From the airport

Riga International Airport (RIX)

Fastest: Taxi or ride-hailing car to the door · about 25 min · about €20 (≈ US$25)
Cheapest: Airport bus 22 to the Old Town / Central Station, then a short walk or taxi · about 50 min · about €3 (≈ US$4)

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Old Town and the Freedom Monument; Central Market and Art Nouveau streets
3 days: Four clusters, mornings on foot, café afternoons
5 days: Four clusters + Sigulda or Jūrmala day trip + one slow day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Bars that add 'service' or large cover charges after the order: check the menu prices and the bill.(Scams)
Churches: quiet voices; ask before photographing services.(Survive · red lines)
Pickpockets work Old Town streets, the Central Market and the bus and train stations: keep bags closed and in front.(Survive · safety)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: €35–60 (≈ US$45–70) excl. bed
Paying: Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for market stalls and small kiosks.
Cash: Cards work almost everywhere; keep €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) in small notes for markets and small stalls; use bank ATMs.
SIM: Install an eSIM before you fly, or buy a SIM at the airport or a phone shop (passport needed).

Money, SIMs and apps →