Cheap city break Riga
Riga has Europe's largest collection of Art Nouveau, a UNESCO old town full of guild houses and a market in five zeppelin hangars. Direct from Schiphol in two hours, 3 days from €280 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Riga →Book your trip to Riga
Compare hotels in RigaPackage holiday to RigaCar hire in RigaWhen is the best time to go?
Late May to early September gives Riga its longest days, terrace weather and festivals; around Jani (23 and 24 June) the whole city celebrates midsummer. December conjures a charming Christmas market on Cathedral Square, where Latvians claim the first decorated Christmas tree stood in 1510. Skip wet November and dark, cold January.
The best areas in Riga
- Vecriga The UNESCO old town with cobblestones, guild houses and Cathedral Square.
- Klusais centrs The Art Nouveau quarter around Alberta iela, with Europe's finest jugendstil facades.
- Miera iela A bohemian street full of cafes, art and the Laima chocolate factory.
- Kalnciema kvartals Restored wooden houses in Agenskalns, with a lively Saturday market.
- Jurmala A genteel seaside resort with white beaches and wooden villas, 30 minutes by train.
Top 5 things to do in Riga
- Centraltirgus (Central Market) Five former zeppelin hangars full of fresh fish, cheese and sauerkraut, from 07:00, free entry.
- Art Nouveau walk + museum Alberta iela and the Riga Art Nouveau Museum in an original apartment (€5).
- St Peter's Church Lift up the 72-metre tower for views over the red roofs, about €9.
- Panorama Riga The 17th-floor terrace of the Academy of Sciences, about €8 (open 10:00-22:00).
- KGB Museum 'Corner House' The Stura maja where the KGB interrogated prisoners; guided tour €15, students €9.
Insider tip: skip the busy St Peter's tower and take the lift to the 17th-floor terrace of the Academy of Sciences, the Soviet skyscraper Latvians call 'Stalin's birthday cake'. For about €8 you get a 360-degree panorama, often without a queue, and the Central Market is just 600 metres away.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Schiphol you fly direct to Riga (RIX) in about 2 hours with airBaltic and KLM. The airport is 10 km from the centre: bus 22 takes you there in 25 minutes for €2 on board (or €1.15 with an e-ticket). In the city tram and bus rides cost €1.15 with a Rigas Satiksme card.
What does a trip to Riga cost?
Hostels from €15, mid-range hotels €55 to 95, apartments around €60 per night. Food is cheap: lunch €8 to 10, dinner €15 to 22, a local beer €3 to 4. For 3 days budget from €280 per person including a flight.
Also useful for this destination
Cheap city breaks in the autumn holidaysPlan better with these guides
Practical tips to get more travel value from the same budget:
Frequently asked questions about Riga
When is the best time to visit Riga?
Late May to early September for long days, terrace weather and festivals; December for the Christmas market on Cathedral Square.
Which area is best to stay in Riga?
Vecriga, the UNESCO old town, is the best first choice; the Art Nouveau quarter around Alberta iela is quieter and just as central.
How do I get to Riga from the Netherlands?
Direct from Schiphol to Riga (RIX) in about 2 hours with airBaltic or KLM; bus 22 reaches the centre in 25 minutes.
What does a trip to Riga cost?
From €280 per person for 3 days including a flight; hostels from €15 and mid-range hotels €55 to 95 per night.