Top 3 Itineraries in Riga

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Introduction

Discover the best Riga itineraries for a maximized trip! In this article, we will guide you through the top 3 itineraries in Riga, with options for every timeframe, budget, and travel preference.

A well-crafted Riga itinerary seamlessly combines iconic attractions with authentic local experiences, ensuring every moment feels special. With so much to see and do, creating the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.

To make planning effortless, we’ve handpicked the top 3 itineraries from the biggest selection of travel packages in Riga. With these curated plans, you can enjoy the city’s best sights and hidden gems without worrying about missing out.

Choosing the perfect accommodation is just as important. Fortunately, the list of best places to stay in Riga offers plenty of options for a relaxing stay.

So don't wait—dive in and let the planning begin! Your Riga itinerary is just a short scroll away.

Popular Types of Trips to Riga

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Riga.

If you only have a few days, Riga weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Riga offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Riga are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Riga’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Riga offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Latvia's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Riga truly unforgettable!

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If you’re as convinced as we are that Riga belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Riga are just a quick search away.

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The Top 3 Best Riga Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Riga itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Riga for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Riga without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Riga!

3. The Ultimate 13-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Riga and Beyond

Photo of the Old Town Ratslaukums square, Roland Statue, The Blackheads House and St Peters Cathedral against blue sky in Riga, Latvia.

A scenic 13-day road trip through Jelgava, Rīga, Liepāja, Tukums, and Kuldīga is one of the best ways to experience Latvia. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 13-day itinerary means that Riga can easily be combined with other top destinations in Latvia without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Jelgava, Rīga, Liepāja, Tukums, and Kuldīga by public transport, renting a car in Latvia opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 13 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Riga

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Riga. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Rīga

Set out on a day of discovery and visit The Freedom Monument, Riga National Zoological Garden, Vērmane Garden, Bastejkalna Park, and Esplanāde. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Rīga, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Rīga

Spend the day exploring Lucavsala recreational park, Riga Central Market, House of the Black Heads, Latvian National Opera, and Riga Motor Museum. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Cēsis and Cēsu novads

  • Destinations: Cēsis and Cēsu novads
  • Driving distance: 198.22 km, approx. 3 hours and 24 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Daugavpils, e.g., HomeLike Hotel
  • Sightseeing: Cēsis Castle, Gauja National Park, Rakši ZOO, and Cēsis Castle Park
Continue your journey through Cēsis and Cēsu novads, where you can explore Cēsis Castle, Gauja National Park, Rakši ZOO, and Cēsis Castle Park. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Pilsrundāle, Jūrmala, and Jūrmala

  • Destinations: Pilsrundāle, Jūrmala, and Jūrmala
  • Driving distance: 219.84 km, approx. 4 hours and 11 seconds
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Daugavpils, e.g., HomeLike Hotel
  • Sightseeing: Rundāle Palace Museum, Bronze statue "The Turtle", Ķemeri National Park, and Dzintari Forest Park
Drive through Pilsrundāle, Jūrmala, and Jūrmala, stopping to visit Rundāle Palace Museum, Bronze statue "The Turtle", Ķemeri National Park, and Dzintari Forest Park. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Jelgava

  • Destinations: Jelgava
  • Driving distance: 227.77 km, approx. 3 hours and 40 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Daugavpils, e.g., HomeLike Hotel
  • Sightseeing: Gājēju Tilts, Jelgava castle, Sculpture "Student of Jelgava", and Ģ. Eliasa Jelgavas vēstures un mākslas muzejs
Spend time discovering Gājēju Tilts, Jelgava castle, Sculpture "Student of Jelgava", and Ģ. Eliasa Jelgavas vēstures un mākslas muzejs, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Daugavpils.

Day 7: Spend Time in Liepāja

  • Destinations: Liepāja
  • Driving distance: 27.46 km, approx. 1 hour and 26 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Sigulda, e.g., Sigulda
  • Sightseeing: Artillery battery No.1 (Northern Fort), Liepāja Northern Breakwater, Rose Square, The Naval Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, and Karosta Prison
Explore Artillery battery No.1 (Northern Fort), Liepāja Northern Breakwater, Rose Square, The Naval Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, and Karosta Prison at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Liepāja and Grobiņa

  • Destinations: Liepāja and Grobiņa
  • Driving distance: 126.06 km, approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes
  • Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Liepaja, e.g., Art Hotel Roma
  • Sightseeing: Liepājas muzejs, Spoku koks (Tree of Ghosts), Liepaja seaside park, Swan Pond, and Grobiņa Castle
Continue your road trip through Liepāja and Grobiņa, enjoying the flexibility to explore Liepājas muzejs, Spoku koks (Tree of Ghosts), Liepaja seaside park, Swan Pond, and Grobiņa Castle and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Liepaja.

Day 9: Wander Through Ventspils

  • Destinations: Ventspils
  • Driving distance: 5.04 km, approx. 12 minutes
  • Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Liepaja, e.g., Art Hotel Roma
  • Sightseeing: Fregate whale fountain, Ski hill "Lemberg's Trilby", and Ventspils Piedzīvojumu parks
Visit Fregate whale fountain, Ski hill "Lemberg's Trilby", and Ventspils Piedzīvojumu parks as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover Dundaga, Kolka, Pitrags, and Ovīši

  • Destinations: Dundaga, Kolka, Pitrags, and Ovīši
  • Driving distance: 206.98 km, approx. 2 hours and 43 minutes
  • Accommodation: 1-star hotel in Kuldīga, e.g., Jekaba seta
  • Sightseeing: Oviši Lighthouse, Slītere National Park, Cape Kolka, and Dundaga Castle
Continue your exploration of Oviši Lighthouse, Slītere National Park, Cape Kolka, and Dundaga Castle, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Kuldīga, Ēdole, and Kuldīgas novads

  • Destinations: Kuldīga, Ēdole, and Kuldīgas novads
  • Driving distance: 79.15 km, approx. 1 hour and 39 minutes
  • Accommodation: 1-star hotel in Kuldīga, e.g., Jekaba seta
  • Sightseeing: Riežupes smilšu alas, Kuldiga District Museum, Alekšupīte waterfall, Ēdole castle, and Kuldiga Castle Park
Take in the highlights of Riežupes smilšu alas, Kuldiga District Museum, Alekšupīte waterfall, Ēdole castle, and Kuldiga Castle Park, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Kuldīga.

Day 12: Travel Through Tukums, Kandava, and Tukuma novads

  • Destinations: Tukums, Kandava, and Tukuma novads
  • Driving distance: 165.83 km, approx. 2 hours and 38 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Riga, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Riga Airport
  • Sightseeing: Zviedru Cepure, Start of the Kemeri Bog walk, Kemeri Bog Board Walk Tower, Abava valley, and Durbe Castle
  • Recommended tour: Riga Old Town walking tour
Take the opportunity to explore Zviedru Cepure, Start of the Kemeri Bog walk, Kemeri Bog Board Walk Tower, Abava valley, and Durbe Castle, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Riga.

Day 13: Bid Farewell to Riga

  • Departure city: Rīga
  • Driving distance: 2.06 km, approx. 26 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Kronvalda Park
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Riga. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 849 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Riga.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Riga for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 5-Day Riga City Itinerary

Photo of view Of Riga Nativity Of Christ Cathedral ,Famous Church ,Latvia.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Riga with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Riga without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Riga

Arrive in Riga and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Dome Square.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Jautrais Briedis is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Riga's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Riga by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Lucavsala recreational park, Riga Central Market, Grīziņkalns Park, Vērmane Garden, and Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation deck.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Riga. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Riga in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Riga

Use this day to discover more of Riga’s top sights. We recommend visiting Latvian War Museum, Latvian National Museum of Art, The Freedom Monument, Bastejkalna Park, and Esplanāde.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Riga in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Riga's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Riga’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Riga

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. House of the Black Heads, Riga Castle, Latvian National Opera, St. Peter's Church, and Victory Park are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Riga.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Riga. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Latvia!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Riga

Spend your last few hours in Riga soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Riga in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Riga, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Riga travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 5-Day Riga Weekend Itinerary

Photo of Livu square with beautiful flowerbed and buildings in the old town of Riga, Latvia.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Riga offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Riga itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Riga weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Riga

Arrive in Riga around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Dome Square, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
  • Tip: Book an airport transfer to Riga in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Riga by night.

Day 2 - Discover Riga’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Riga with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Lucavsala recreational park early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Grīziņkalns Park, stopping by Riga Central Market for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Riga and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Riga

No itinerary in Riga is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.
  • Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Latvian War Museum.
  • Afternoon: Explore Latvian National Museum of Art and The Freedom Monument, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
  • Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Riga and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Latvia.

Day 5 - Depart from Riga

Make the most of your last few hours in Riga before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Riga. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Riga itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Riga

As you explore Riga, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Riga for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Riga in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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