All About Riga
Taking up space on both sides of the Daugava River, Riga is an emerging capital of the world. Founded in 1201 by Albert of Buxhoeveden, the city joined the Hanseatic league in 1282. Ruled by the Polish, Swedes, and the Russians over time, massive industrialization occurred in Riga during the 1800s. However, it wasn’t until post-independence in 1918 that the city saw a cultural and literary revolution.
The capital of Latvia has grown into a modern industrial destination since its Day of Restoration in 1990. Having immense tourism capabilities and a hospitable attitude, it has become one of the most desired holiday spots in the Baltic region.
Routes and Ferries to Riga
An exciting possibility is to arrive in Latvia with ferry tickets to Riga. Through Ferryscanner, you can book ferries from Helsinki and Stockholm. If not to Riga, you can look into ferry tickets to Ventspils or Liepāja and then drive to the capital. Tallink offers a ferry from Stockholm that takes 18 hours, with tickets costing €80 to €180. There are seven sailings per week between Riga and Helsinki for a journey that lasts roughly 19 hours.
Riga International Airport welcomes flights from over 70 destinations, connecting the city directly with the rest of Europe and parts of Asia. The airport is 10km from the center. A 15 to 20-minute taxi ride to your hotel will cost €12, while the bus ticket to Old Town is only €2. If traveling on land, you can take a train to Riga from Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Valga in Estonia.
Port of Riga
The Freeport of Riga occupies prime property facing the Baltic Sea on the mouth of River Daugava. Moreover, it extends 15km inwards, up to Vanšu Bridge, where passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Riga have the chance to go ashore close to the Old Town.
Offering tax relief to businesses, Riga Port is a profitable dock favored by several local and international companies. Mostly ice-free, it has two ice-breakers in its arsenal to handle severe winters. Good road and rail connections further add to its preferred status. Riga Passenger Terminal caters to both cruise and ferry customers. Travelers with ferry tickets to Riga can use several amenities at the terminal, including taxis, luggage storage, money exchange, and parking. However, keep in mind that there are no ATMs in the building.
Best Beaches
The best-kept secret about the Baltic region is that even though the seawater is often too cold for a swim, the beaches along the coasts here are phenomenal. In Latvia, entertainment, nature, playfulness, fun, and frolic combine to give the sandy strips near Riga an unmissably charming character.
Vakarbulli Beach
A 40-minute drive from Riga’s center brings you to one of Latvia’s much loved Blue Flag beaches. Vakarbulli is a spacious sandy strand with toilets, showers, and free parking. During the summer months, you’ll find pop-up food stalls, beach chairs for rent, ice-cream stands, and lifeguards on duty. The beach does get busy on warm days but remains much less crowded than Jūrmala. A small playground and shallow water typically attract families, whereas the dunes and pine forest make the beach a favorite among nature lovers.
Jūrmala Beach
The quintessential beach to visit when residing in Riga, Jūrmala is a lively seaside resort northwest of the town center. The bus from Riga takes 30 minutes to reach Majori, from where the beach is a gentle 10-minute stroll. The 25 km-long coast of Jūrmala is forever alive with activity. Once you’ve finished admiring the mansions and sculptures along the coast, park yourself on the sand to take in the rays and the views. This kid-friendly beach has all possible amenities, shallow water, places for children to play, and events all summer long. And when you’re feeling peckish, cafes and ice cream stalls keep you refreshed and energized.
Lielupe Beach
If it’s a secluded spot you prefer, walk to Lielupe, situated to the east of the famous Jūrmala beach. A lot less crowded, it has a pleasant natural appeal with rolling dunes and pine trees bordering the shoreline. A separate nudist area provides further privacy to those who wish to let go of all inhibitions. While the soft white sand keeps the sunbathing experience comfortable, the deep water is an excuse to partake in an instant swim in the sea. To reach Lielupe directly, you can take a 25-minute train from Riga.
Vecāķu Pludmale
Although Vecāķu is only a 20-minute drive from Riga, finding parking next to the beach can often be an issue. So, either reach early or better, take the 25-minute direct train to this lovely sandy coast that stays relatively uncrowded on most days. A clean strip with shallow water, food stalls, chairs for rent, toilets, and changing rooms, it is perfect for sunbathing or a day out with the whole family. Visited primarily by locals, it has a pleasant non-touristic vibe, making it a real hidden gem reserved for those in the know-how.
Ķīpsalas Pludmale
If you wish to spend only an hour or so on a beach, head to Ķīpsalas Pludmale, located close to the center. A step and a hop from Vanšu Bridge, the beach is a great spot to watch passengers with ferry tickets to Riga arrive in the city. Set alongside the Daugava River, the water isn’t the cleanest here but still swimmable. Lifeguards are on duty during summers, and beach amenities include WCs, a playground, and a football and volleyball court. This sandy location might not give you perfect beach vibes, but it’s an excellent area for a quick respite, away from the city’s commotion.
Places to Visit
Having local markets, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pulsating nightlife, and architectural marvels encompassing different styles, Riga is a city brimming with unforgettable scenes. While a day on its beautiful coastline is a given, make sure you do not miss out on the city’s other cultural attractions.
Riga Central Market
Built in the late 1920s, in Art Deco style, Riga Central Market covers five humongous Zeppelin hangers. As ‘Europe’s largest market’, you can find almost anything under the sun here, from everyday groceries and quirky finds to traditional handmade items and farm-to-table produce. Fascinatingly, this UNESCO World Heritage Site caters to over 80,000 people daily. Bustling with activity since early morning, it even has a night farmer’s market that stays open till late.
Riga Old Town
Time passes quickly in Riga’s Old Town. There’s history to explore around every corner, souvenirs to buy, and galleries to visit here. Then there is Rozena Street, the city’s narrowest that children will love walking through. Architecture is at its best at the Doma Cathedral and St Peter’s Church, where you can go up the 72-meter-high tower for spectacular views of Riga. Finally, head to a bar in the evening and try a cocktail made with Riga Black Balsam, a unique vodka liquor with a plant mix.
Albert Street
The prettiest street in Riga was built in 1901 and named after the founder of the city. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, most of the constructions on Albert Street are a creation of architect Mikhail Eisenstein. An idyllic location for an afternoon walk, you’ll come across several embassies, higher education buildings, and Riga Art Nouveau Museum while sauntering in this area.
Latvian National Museum of Art
Art lovers will need at least a couple of hours to truly appreciate over 50,000 works on display at the Latvian National Museum of Art. First started in 1905, the museum organizes both permanent and temporary exhibits in a gorgeous building that compliments the visual and decorative art it carries. Closed on Mondays, entry tickets to the museum cost €6. Guided tours in English are available at an extra cost.
Riga Motor Museum
The place to visit for motorheads, Riga Motor Museum, houses a grand collection of antique cars. There are over 100 vehicles from the soviet era, racing cars, cult cars, bicycles, and other interesting automobiles that you can admire and learn about through interactive displays. Located 15 minutes from the Old Town, entry tickets to the museum cost €10 per adult.
Transportation Around Riga
Even though there is plentiful sightseeing to be done in the capital city of Latvia, the best way to see Riga is on foot. Most locations of touristic importance are near each other and around the city center. Bike and car hire are a possibility. However, even if your ferry tickets to Riga include a vehicle or you plan on renting one, riding and driving in the city is a huge hassle, not recommended for out-of-towners.
Riga’s extensive public transport system includes trams, over 50 bus routes, and trolleybuses. Tickets for all cost €1.15 per ride, with denominations going up to €20.70 for 20 rides. Day tickets are the cheapest option for travelers, available at the transport office, supermarket, and post office. Tickets cost more when bought from the driver.
Taxis in Riga can be pre-booked or else are relatively easy to find near popular spots. If not taking a metered cab, agree upon a fixed price with the driver before leaving for your destination. For a trip to nearby places like Jūrmala and Daugavpils, the local train system is an excellent choice.
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