Riga

The Baltics' Big City. Discover why this gem of the Baltics has been fought over for centuries.

Make Riga the first stop on your trip.

Add cities to your trip and we will prepare a customized quote for you based on your selections.

Periods of Polish, German, Swedish, Russian and Soviet rule have all left their mark on the vibrant city of Riga. Two decades of independence have seen Riga's Old Town magically resurrected from the aftermath of WWII. The city's efforts have earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The European Capital of Culture for 2014, Latvia's capital loves its musical and artistic heritage. There's a packed opera and classical calendar. The German composer Richard Wagner's two-year stay in Riga left its mark too. He conducted and premiered many operas in the City Theater. To this day a street in Old Riga bears his name.

Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals. It's perfectly sized for a stay of a couple of days. The city has a variety of sights to enjoy. It's highlighted by the largest market and bazaar in Europe as well as the largest collection of German Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture in the world. Culture lovers will enjoy a bursting calendar of events and upgraded museums, galleries and concert halls. Riga's lively evening atmosphere is the best in the Baltics. You're sure to find friendly cafes and restaurants to end your touring days. Riga is especially charming in the summer, but it's great all year round. Strong flight links make Riga an easy stop on a wider Eastern Europe tour. It could also be a pivotal stop on a trip through the Baltic cities of Vilnius, Tallinn and elsewhere. This is a must-see city on any Baltic holiday.

Average guest ratings of our Riga vacation packages:
(4.8/5 based on 12 reviews)

"I am fairly independent and like to go off and walk and explore on my own. If you like this method of travel, JayWay does a good job. The staff in each hotel was very friendly and very helpful and Darja made me feel as if I were her only client. Very diligent in her efforts."

Marshall

Scottsbluff, Nebraska

"Absolutely first-rate experience. A special shout-out to our in-country liaison, Darja, who was outstanding in all ways, even calling us mid-trip to make certain that everything was well. Just a delight. Keep up the great work. Hope to travel with you again in the not-too-distant future."

Dorothy & Scott

Sedona, AZ

Where to stay in Riga

The historic and compact area of Old Riga is the location for all the hotel options we provide in the city. Positioned right next to the Daugava river and within easy reach of the Art Nouveau quarter and the city's enormous market halls, it's an atmospheric part of the city to stay in. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Things to do in Riga

Riga's a fascinating city and its complex history means there it has many stories to tell. At the very least you'll want to take a tour of Old Riga but there are many other angles to view the city from. The building boom that gave birth to the Art Nouveau quarter, the city's history under the Nazi and then Russian occupation, as well as some must-see out of city places like Sigulda, Rigans country retreat of a weekend. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to included in your vacation package or consider for adding later.

Kevin
Travel Advisor

What I love about Riga...

“Riga is a city of surprises. Once the third largest city in Russia, and with its own colonies in Africa and the Caribbean, the city's history is surprisingly deep. Come for the old town, stay for the Central Market (composed of zeppelin hangars), the nearby beaches at Jurmala, and the largest collection of art nouveau buildings in the world, in a district that was home to many famous early 20th century personalities, from Isaiah Berlin to Sergei Eisenstein.”

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Riga

Spend some time in Riga on a tour that takes in other cities in Latvia and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Riga and other destinations make traveling in Central & Eastern Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

10 Days Baltic Capitals Tour: Tallinn, Riga & Vilnius

We start in the medieval city of Tallinn which is highlighted by its charming old town. Then we travel onto the exquisite port city of Riga with its impressive collection of Art Nouveau architecture. We finish up in glorious Vilnius with the largest surviving old town in Northern Europe. read full itinerary

2 Week Baltic Capitals & St. Petersburg Tour

Over the course of two weeks, you can take in the capitals of the three Baltic states as well as St Petersburg. Start from quirky Vilnius, then it's big-city Riga and on to the medieval coziness of Tallinn. A short ferry across the Baltic Sea gets you to design-forward Helsinki. Finish up with a high speed train ride to St Petersburg, the magnificent imperial city in western Russia. read full itinerary