A Perfect Weekend in Riga
- Destinations
- Day Trips from Riga, Riga to Hill of Crosses, Riga Travel Guide, Things to Do in Riga, Weekend in Riga, Where to Stay in Riga
A Perfect Weekend in Riga
Thinking of spending a weekend in Riga? Here’s your complete guide: how to get here, where to stay, great food, and unforgettable tours with RigaTours.lv.
Getting Here & Getting Around
Flying in
The best option for many travellers is airBaltic, the Latvian national airline. They offer many routes into Riga International Airport (RIX) from across Europe at competitive fares.
From the Airport to the City Centre
You can take public transport: buses (for example, bus 22 or express bus 322) connect RIX and city centre. Tickets are modest in price.
- A very convenient option is Bolt (ride‑hailing app). Request a ride via the Bolt app, pick up is from the designated zone at the airport terminal. It’s often cheaper and more predictable than airport taxis.
- Taxis or private transfers are also possible, though fares will be higher. If using an app you get transparency; avoid accepting offers from drivers at arrivals without checking via the app.
Where to Stay
For a weekend, you’ll want somewhere centrally located, comfortable, and with good amenities. Here are two excellent 5‑star options:
Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah
Located in the very heart of the historic centre, near the Freedom Monument and Old Town. It has 168 stylish rooms, including 20 luxury suites with views toward Bastion Hill or the monument. Features include spa, wellness centre, restaurant, elegant design and very good guest reviews.Pullman Riga Old Town
In a beautifully restored building (former 18th‑century horse stable) right in Old Town, with panoramic views. Offers indoor heated pool, sauna, stylish rooms (Superior → Premium Deluxe), and the in‑house Equus restaurant, Tea Deli, Vinoteca etc. Very suitable for exploring the Old Town on foot.
Where & What to Eat
Riga is full of excellent restaurants. Here are a few that stand out:
3 Chefs / “3 Pavāru Restorāns – Tam labam būs augt”
This is one of the top choices for modern Latvian / European cuisine. Open‑plan kitchen, seasonal local ingredients, creative twist on tradition. Great setting in Jacob’s Barracks / Swedish Gate area. Tasting menu is highly recommended.Chef’s Corner
A high‑end European restaurant in central Riga, known especially for steaks (including Tomahawk), but also with vegetarian and field/sea food options. Stylish ambience, good wine list. Great choice if you want a memorable dinner.
What to See & Do in the City (Day & Half‑Day)
On your weekend you’ll want to see Riga’s Old Town (Vecrīga), the Freedom Monument, Bastion Hill / Bastejkalns, beautiful architecture (Art Nouveau buildings), markets (e.g. Riga Central Market), the Latvian National Opera, etc. Walking is pleasant; the city is compact.
Top Day‑Trips / Tours from Riga with RigaTours.lv
To make your weekend even more special, here are three tours offered by RigaTours.lv that are well suited for a day out from Riga:
| Tour | What to Expect | Duration / Details |
|---|
| Sigulda Tour | Head into the Gauja region: Sigulda town, Turaida, Krimulda, Ragana. Beautiful nature, castle ruins, hiking, great views. | Departure ~9:00 AM from hotel in Riga; returns ~5 PM. Includes transport and English guide; other fees (entrance, meals) not included. rigatours.lv |
| Hill of Crosses & Rundāle Palace | Combines two iconic and contrasting attractions: the spiritual and folk art‑site «Hill of Crosses» in Lithuania, plus the grand baroque gardens and palace of Rundāle in Latvia. A memorable day. | Departure ~9:00 AM from hotel in Riga; returns ~5 PM. Includes transport and English guide; other fees (entrance, meals) not included. rigatours.lv |
| One‑Day Tour to Hill of Crosses | For those who want just the Hill of Crosses + nearby interesting stops like Pokaini Forest, with lunch in a local castle pub (Jaunpils). Great for deeper cultural and natural immersion. | ~ 9:00‑17:00, cost depends on group size (approx 95‑125 EUR) for smaller/larger groups. rigatours.lv |
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Here’s a suggested schedule to make the most of your 2‑3 days:
Friday evening
Arrive, check into your hotel (Grand Poet or Pullman Old Town).
Have dinner at 3 Chefs to kick things off in style.
Saturday
Morning: Explore Old Town, Freedom Monument, walk along Bastejkalns, visit Central Market.
Lunch: somewhere local or in the Old Town.
Afternoon: Maybe a short museum (e.g. Art Nouveau Museum) or gallery, or relax in a café.
Evening: dinner at Chef’s Corner or another upscale spot.
Sunday
Take one of the day‑tours: Sigulda if you love nature; Hill of Crosses & Rundāle if you want both nature & architecture.
Return in evening, perhaps a final walk or dinner.
Tips
Book your tours / restaurant reservations in advance, especially for dinners or group tours, as popular places fill up.
Check entrance fees & opening hours for museums, Rundāle Palace etc – sometimes seasonal or may require advance booking.
Bring comfortable shoes, especially for walking around cobblestone streets and for the day‑trip hikes.
Weather can change quickly; layers and rain protection help.
❓Is Riga expensive for tourists?
Riga is very affordable compared to Western Europe. Hotels, food, and attractions offer great value. Public transport and ride apps like Bolt are inexpensive, and many sites are walkable.
❓What’s the best time of year to visit Riga?
Spring (May–June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal: mild weather, fewer tourists, colorful scenery
Summer (July–August) is warm and lively, with festivals and long days
Winter offers charming Christmas markets and snowy scenes
❓Can I book tours from Riga online?
Yes! Visit RigaTours.lv to book your favorite day tours in advance, including Sigulda, Rundāle Palace, and the Hill of Crosses. Custom private tours with hotel pickup are also available.
