- Must visit
Latvian National Museum of Art
The main national art museum presents Latvian and Baltic art in a grand historic building with strong permanent and temporary exhibitions.
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BT314Three airlines offer direct routes from the UK to the Latvian capital of Riga, from several major airports. The low-cost carrier Ryanair provides flights from East Midlands, Manchester, Glasgow Prestwick and London Stansted airports. Another budget airline, Wizz Air, has flights to Riga from London Luton and Doncaster/Sheffield. The Latvian national airline, airBaltic, is also a low-cost carrier, offering direct routes to the capital from Aberdeen and London Gatwick.
Riga airport is about 20 minutes from the city centre by the Airport Express shuttle bus, with tickets from five euros each way. The city bus service number 22 has regular departures between the centre and the airport, taking around 30 minutes. The minibus route number 241 also stops at the airport, offering transfers to the city.
The Latvian capital is a dramatic and romantic destination that features some of Eastern Europe's most striking architecture. Restoration work has preserved and revived the ornate Art Nouveau and jugendstil apartment blocks and the centre of the city is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
For a flavour of the city's rich medieval heritage, the ideal starting point is the central market, once more a bustling and thriving commercial hub, with pavilions showcasing traditional Latvian crafts and products. Nearby, the imposing Swedish Gate survives from the 17th century and the attractive Cat House, with its cheeky feline sculptures, is a perennially popular photo opportunity.
Visitors who want to get a sense of Latvian history and Riga's troubled 20th century should take the opportunity to visit the War Museum, with exhibitions detailing the tragedies, atrocities and heroism it experienced before the city's post-Soviet resurgence.
Discover the best of Riga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riga trip today.
The main national art museum presents Latvian and Baltic art in a grand historic building with strong permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Well-curated museum on Latvia’s occupations by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It gives vital context for Riga and modern Latvia.
Fascinating museum on the Art Nouveau era inside a richly decorated 1903 apartment. Ideal for understanding Riga’s iconic architecture.
Riga’s UNESCO-listed medieval core is packed with churches, guild houses, squares, and winding lanes. It is the city’s classic walking area.
Celebrated avenue lined with ornate Art Nouveau facades by Eisenstein and others. A top place to appreciate Riga’s architectural fame.
Leafy canal-side park around the old city moat, ideal for relaxed walks, bridges, flowers, and classic views of central Riga.
Grey peas with bacon is a classic Latvian winter dish of stewed peas mixed with fried onions and bacon, especially tied to festive tables.
Rye bread soup is a traditional sweet dessert made from dark rye bread, dried fruit and spices, valued for turning Latvia's staple bread into comfort food.
Sklandrausis is a protected Latvian pastry with rye crust and carrot-potato filling, rooted in Livonian and Kurzeme cooking traditions.
One of Riga's best-known fine dining restaurants, offering tasting menus, polished service and contemporary Baltic cuisine.
Refined Latvian fine dining in the Old Town, known for seasonal local ingredients, elegant plating and a calm historic setting.
A respected cellar restaurant serving modern Latvian cuisine with game, fish and regional produce in a warm medieval atmosphere.
Moderate for the Baltics: hotels and dining cost more than Vilnius, but public transport is cheap and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is often included only at higher-end venues. Rounding up is common; 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Taxis usually round up. Cafes may use small change or none.
Official public transport app
Riga International Airport -> Riga Central Station
Check where to Riga flights depart and arrive, plus the main airport details for this route.
Riga International Airport is 1 km from Riga city centre. Public transport options include:
Riga International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Riga International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riga International Airport: Ramps, assistance.
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