In July 2026, I stopped in Riga for a day while on a 9-day Baltic cruise. Riga completely blew me away! I absolutely loved the charming old city of Vecrīga, the modern “new town”, gorgeous parks, and stunning architecture. It’s a city that deserves more hype, and one that I cannot wait to return to! This city packs a big punch and will be a highlight of any itinerary. Here is how to spend one day in Riga, Latvia!
Read More: Full Review: 9-Day NCL Sun Baltic Cruise
Wander Vecrīga
Vecrīga is the name for Riga’s Old Town, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! While there are certainly plenty of highlights to see in Vecrīga (more on those below), this area is best spent just wandering on foot. Old cobblestone streets, bright colorful buildings, tons of outdoor restaurants, and town squares that are bursting with life. Vecrīga really has it all! On my Baltic cruise, I walked through several old towns. While each one has their own charm and character, Riga’s was my favorite. Each street had so much character and the beauty was unmatched. I must have taken a thousand photos this morning. I couldn’t help myself!
Rigas pills, Doma laukums & Rigas Doms
If you are starting your stroll through Vecrīga by entering from the waterfront, your first stop will likely be at the Rīgas pils (Riga Castle). This castle has been the residence of Latvia’s President since 1922. Unfortunately when I visited, the area was roped off as members of Australia’s government were in town visiting. There was a lot of excitement around the city for this, so it was neat to be a part of it! From there, take a leisurely stroll up to Doma laukums (Dome Square) and see the Rīgas Doms (Riga Cathedral). This square is a perfect place for a sit on a bench and to do some people-watching. There are plenty of benches and shaded areas, and lots of markets, festivals, and events happen here throughout the year (including the famous Christmas market!).
Rātslaukums & House of the Black Heads
Another one of Riga’s famous squares is Rātslaukums, also known as Town Hall Square. This is another busy area that is filled with history and also hosts festivals and markets throughout the year. Most famously, it is home to Melngalvju nams (House of the Black Heads). Originally built over 700 years ago, it started as a social club for The Black Heads and served as a gathering place for a brotherhood of unmarried merchants and sailors. Sadly the building was heavily damaged during WWII and was then later completely demolished during the Soviet occupation. After Latvia re-gained independence in 1991, they rebuilt the building and now serves as a symbol of national pride and resilience. Plus, this square also has the iconic RIGA letters out front, making for a perfect photo op!
Stroll Jauniela
My absolute favorite street to wander down in Vecrīga was Jauniela. This narrow cobblestone street with colorful buildings had such quaint charm. I walked it first thing in the morning before the world woke up and it was so peaceful. I had to pinch myself! Later in the afternoon, I walked down it again and it had come to life with people eating at cafes and bopping into shops. Treat yourself to an al fresco drink or cup of coffee and watch the world go by. There is no bad time to walk this charming street!
View from St. Peter’s Church
In the heart of Vecrīga, you will find St. Peter’s Church. St. Peter’s is the highest church in Riga and is known as being one of the most notable buildings of medieval architecture. Most famously, you can take an elevator up to the top of the spire for 360 degree views of Riga! Visiting the top of the spire will cost €9 per person, but that also includes admission to the church to do a self-guided tour. Entrance to just the church will cost €3. Up at the top, enjoy incredible views over the old town, the Daugava River, and out to the Riga Bay (part of the Baltic Sea). This is one of the best views and is not to be missed!
Three Brothers & Swedish Gate
On the edge of Vecrīga, you’ll find more highlights that can’t be missed on your one day in Riga! Trīs Brāļi, also known as The Three Brothers, is the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga. The “oldest brother” (the white home) was built around 1490, the “middle brother” (yellow) in 1646, and the “youngest brother” (blue) in the second half of the 17th century. It’s wild to see these buildings in person that have survived so much! A few minutes away, you will find Zviedru vārti (the Swedish Gate). This gate was built in 1698 and is the last standing entrance of the original city wall providing access into the old town. Just next door to the gate is the cutest little street, Trokšņu iela. This cobblestone street is also known as “little lane” and is a quick stroll, but so cute!
Freedom Monument, Bastejkalna Park & City Canal
Outside of Vecrīga, Riga continued to impress me! Take a slow stroll up to The Freedom Monument and watch the neighborhood slowly turn from old town to new town. This monument honors soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence from 1918 -1920. On both sides of the monument were gorgeous parks and the stunning Pilsētas kanāls, the city canal. The parks were filled with walking paths, benches, local vendors, and so many beautiful flowers. The canal flows right through the heart of the city and you can take boat rides on it. One of my biggest regrets of my one day in Riga was not doing a boat ride on the canal! Just a block away from the Freedom Monument, you’ll also find the Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. This church is stunning with beautiful golden domes and is free to enter.
Explore the Art Nouveau District
This area of Riga will have you questioning if you are actually in Paris or Vienna! With over 800 buildings, this district of Riga contains the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. Stroll down the bustling Elizabetes iela, where you will start to see these stunning buildings. A short stroll from there is the real heart of the Art Nouveau district: Alberta iela. The entire street, end-to-end, is lined with colorful, dramatic facades. I must have taken hundreds of photos, each one making my jaw drop just a little lower. Such a contrast to the old town, but equally as beautiful and fascinating and makes Riga such a well-rounded city!
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