Latvia may not be the first destination you think of in France, but it's full of wonderful discoveries. Between history, heritage and nature, it's the perfect place for an extended weekend or a longer stay. Among its treasures, we're off to discover the country's capital: Riga. From exciting museums and historic buildings to the city's beautiful squares, discover the best things to do in Riga in 3 days with our detailed itinerary.
Day 1: What to do in Riga in 3 days? House of the Black Heads, Bastejkalns Museum and Park
Open your eyes wide in downtown Riga: beautiful surprises are everywhere!
To book : we recommend this guided walking tour of Riga's Old Town to discover the city's history and its most beautiful monuments.
Morning: Old Town, religious buildings and the Black Head House
Riga's Old Town is called Vecrīga. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it promises 1001 wonders. As you stroll along its cobbled streets, you'll be charmed by its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic houses dating from the 16th and 18th centuries. It's all about beauty! Your footsteps will lead you to the Place du Dôme and Place Livu, where you'll see some magnificent buildings here and there. One of these surprises is St. Peter's Church, a Nordic Gothic masterpiece.
Good to know: you can climb up to the church tower for a panoramic view of the old town. A must-do during your 3 days in Riga!
The tour continues on to City Hall Square, famous for one of Riga's must-sees: the House of the Black Heads. While the exterior is sublime, we recommend a visit to this former seat of the guilds and bachelor merchants. Over the years, it has served as a venue for parties, concerts and prestigious balls, sometimes welcoming great names such as Wagner.
To book: click here to book your ticket for the Maison des têtes noires.
Still have a little time left? Don't hesitate to discover the National Library of Latvia. With its mountain shape, this modern building is sure to stand out! From the 7th floor, you can admire a superb panoramic view of the city.
Related article: What to see and do in Riga 13 must-sees in 2025
Afternoon: Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Bastejkalns Park and the Opera Quarter
After a local dish, such as Siļķe ar biezpienu, head off to visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Here you'll discover the harrowing story of the Soviet and Nazi occupations, which were violent here, although little is said about them in history classes... The exhibits highlight the deportations, the resistance of the Forest Brothers, as well as the flight of many Latvians and their rebuilding abroad. Yes, a visit to Riga is also memory tourism!
The afternoon continues in a more bucolic atmosphere, in Bastejkalns Park, a haven of peace in the heart of Riga. It's a delight to stroll along the canals, admiring the stone terraces here and there and the sculptures integrated into nature.
Your curious steps will then lead you to the art Nouveau districtdistrict of Alberta iela. Here, more than anywhere else, you can admire the elegant facades that bear witness to Riga's rich architectural heritage. Did you like it? Continue your visit to the Art Nouveau Museum, which highlights the work of Mikhail Eisenstein and the evolution of this style.
To book we recommend this walking tour of the Old Town with a focus on its Art Nouveau gems.
Finally, the day comes to an end in the Opera district. Let the magnificence of the majestic building of theLatvian National Opera capture your attention, for its elegance and renown in the city's cultural landscape.
Tip from Petit Futé: it can be difficult to visit a city whose language is far removed from French. Fortunately, there are many guided tours, at least in English, to make things easier. This guided walking tour of Riga's Old Town for example!
Day 2: What to do in Riga in 3 days? Citadel, Liberty Monument, Kipsala and museums
After a hearty breakfast, it's time for your second day in Riga!
Morning: Citadel district, Liberty Monument and Kipsala district
The Citadel district, known as the home of the Latvian Parliament, awaits you at the start of the day. But more than that, it's the Freedom Monument that has made this square so famous. A true symbol of Latvian independence, the monument nicknamed "Milda" stands no less than 42 metres high. Its crown of three stars represents Latvia's historic regions.
Good to know: built between 1931 and 1935, this monument survived Soviet and German occupation. Today, it remains a gathering place for ceremonies, festivals and political speeches. It even has a daily honor guard!
It's time to cross the Daugava River to the island of Kipsala, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, traditional wooden houses replace modern dwellings. You'll also enjoy a breathtaking view of the old town. So take your time... stroll along the riverbanks, picnic in the parks or even try your hand at water sports. With its blend of nature and ancient architecture, Kipsala is the zen interlude you need halfway through your 3 days in Riga!
Afternoon: Riga Museum of Foreign Art and Porcelain Museum
We've heard of "Night at the Museum", but this time we're immersed in "Afternoon at the Museum"! Start your cultural escapade with a visit to the Rīgas Birža Art Museumwhich houses the largest collection of foreign art in Latvia. Housed in a Venetian Renaissance-style building, it exhibits works from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Unique, superb: we love it!
After this artistic immersion, head for the nearby Riga Porcelain Museum. In a cosy atmosphere, you'll discover nearly 8,000 pieces, immortalizing the evolution of porcelain design from the late 19th century to the 1990s.
Day 3: What to do in Riga in 3 days? Central Market, Spīķeri and Fine Arts Museum
Come on, it's the home stretch before you leave Riga!
Morning: Riga Central Market and Spīķeri Quarter
Open every day, the Riga Central Market is the largest market in Europe. Housed in former zeppelin hangars, it plunges you into a unique sensory universe, with stalls brimming with fresh fish, seafood, meats, cheeses, spices and confectionery. On site, you can sample Latvian specialities in the many restaurants and cafés.
To book : Discover Latvian gastronomy in Europe's largest open-air market by booking this guided tour of the Central Market including tastings of traditional local food.
The morning continues in the Spīķeri district, whose former warehouses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, they have been successfully transformed into an electrifying space for art and design.
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Afternoon: Latvian National Museum of Fine Arts and Jurmala
Before you leave, we invite you to visit the National Museum of Fine Arts of Latvia. Although it has undergone a modern renovation, including transparent floors, the building has retained its old-world elegance, both inside and out. A retrospective of Latvian artistic movements is on show, with works from both the past and the present.
Not feeling like a visit? In that case, move away from Riga. Just half an hour away is Jurmala, a seaside resort with 33 km of golden sandy beaches. From lively boutiques to spas and the Ķemeri National Park, this is the perfect way to round off your 3 days in Riga!
Another option, enjoy a boat trip along Riga's charming city canal and the Daugava River by booking right here.
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Where to stay in Riga for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
To stay in Riga, the Old Town(Vecrīga) is a great option, with its lively medieval atmosphere, close to the various sights. Or would you prefer to immerse yourself in an Art Nouveau atmosphere? You'll find elegant hotels around Albert Street.
- Best value for money
The Bellevue Park Hotel Riga has it all: chic, spacious rooms, a spa, low prices and peace and quiet! Book your roomhere at this excellent value-for-money hotel in Riga.
- The most modern
In Riga, it's possible to indulge in modern high-end comfort at a low price. The Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa is a perfect example, with its vast wooded or charcoal gray spaces. Click here to book this hotel with indoor pool.
- The most luxurious
A 1300m² spa, luxury services, gourmet meals: welcome to the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga! Ideally located close to all points of interest, it offers its guests calm and comfort. Book your room here .
Below you'll also find a list of the trendiest things to do in Riga:
These 12 must-do things to do in Latvia prove it: the country is full of surprises! Riga is no exception, and what's more, it's one of Europe's cheapest destinations for planning your next vacation. Riga is accessible without a passport, which makes it even easier to organize your stay, even if it's impromptu. So, would you like to try a less touristy destination this year?
