Riga always has something new to offer, regardless of the time of year. In winter, it is charmingly cold (even at -20 degrees), while in autumn, it mesmerizes with the leaves falling from the trees (the city is very green, with plenty of parks, boulevards, and squares).
In the summer, Riga pulses with life, festivals and events add even more energy. During our two-day visit, a marathon was taking place, which resulted in the streets of the city center being closed to vehicle traffic. In addition to roads filled with runners, the city was also hosting the Night of Museums.
How to get from Warsaw to Riga?
Currently, you can reach Riga from Chopin Airport in Warsaw either with LOT Polish Airlines (the more expensive option) or from Modlin Airport with Ryanair (the cheaper option). We chose the latter and purchased our tickets just under three weeks in advance for 150 PLN per person for May 2024. Direct flights from Warsaw Modlin to Riga Airport (RIX) operate four times a week: on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The flight times are during the day, making Riga a fantastic destination for a short city break.
Check HERE for cheap connections from Warsaw to Riga.
How to get from the airport in Riga to the city?
Riga Airport is only 6 km away from the city center. You can get to the center by taking a taxi or bus number 22. We opted for the latter option.
Ticket Price: For adults, a single ticket costs 1.81 EUR, while children travel for free. We’re not sure until what age, but we didn’t have to buy a ticket for our 6-year-old son, Adam.
How to Buy a Ticket? You can purchase your ticket directly from the driver, and payment is only possible by card.
Frequency: Below you can find the schedule from Monday to Friday (August 2024).
Travel Time: The journey to the center takes about 30 minutes. It is a comfortable and affordable option for anyone looking to reach the heart of Riga.
You can check details about prices and schedules HERE.
Where to stay in Riga?
During our trip planning to Riga, we hoped to rent a cozy apartment in the heart of the city. Unfortunately, our plans were thwarted by an unusual coincidence – the Night of Museums and the marathon attracted crowds. That meant that most places in the center were quickly booked. We decided to book Radisson hotel, located just 1.8 km from the main attractions.
And you know what? It was a great decision! Our room was well-kept and spacious. It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel had a gym. The possibility of an early morning workout certainly energized us for the whole day (well, for some of us :)).
The hotel’s location turned out to be another advantage. Walking to the center was a pure pleasure. The main street was closed to vehicle traffic, so every minute spent outdoors was filled with pleasant memories.
If you’re planning a visit to Riga and haven’t managed to find accommodation in the center, we definitely recommend considering the Radisson. You can book this hotel HERE.
What to do in Riga with a child?
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Stroll Around the City Center
The streets of Riga hide not only rich history but also amazing architecture. It attracts tourists from all corners of the world. We started our walk in the Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets surround charming tenements and restaurants. The heart of this place is the beautiful Town Hall and nearby – the House of the Blackheads, which captivates with its Gothic facade. It’s an ideal spot to take some memorable photos! A must-see in Riga. Our child was more delighted with the chocolate ice cream we bought him nearby on the bustling Kalķu iela street.
In the center, there’s also the Great Cathedral (Latvian: Rīgas Doms). It is the largest church in Latvia and one of the most important architectural landmarks in the city. There’s also a small playground located under the cathedral.
- Visit the Laima Chocolate Museum
The Laima Chocolate Museum in Riga celebrates the traditions of chocolate making in Latvia. The name Laima originates from the Baltic goddess of fortune and happiness. Although the brand was taken over by a Norwegian holding in 2015, it remains one of the most recognizable chocolates in the Baltic countries. The museum is relatively small and charming, and it took us less than an hour to explore.
Important Information:
The Chocolate Museum is located at Miera iela 22, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1001, Latvia. We found the ticket prices quite high. An adult needs to pay 8 EUR for entry, while a child aged 4-6 pays 3 EUR for a ticket.
- Have a Picnic in Ziedoņdārzs Park
During our stay in Riga, the sun was shining bright and the temperature encouraged spending time outdoors. Together with friends, we headed for a picnic in Ziedoņdārzs Park. This park is a perfect spot for relaxation, picnics, and walks. It features several playgrounds, a labyrinth, walking paths, and fountains. It is a very clean and well-maintained place, and you can walk here from the center in about 30 minutes.
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Discover the Charm of Bastejkalns Park
This is one of the most romantic places in Riga. Located close to the city center between Basteja and Krišjāņa Valdemāra streets, a city canal flows through the park, offering plenty of green space with walking paths, flower beds, and benches. The water cascades flowing through the park create a tranquil sound. Numerous bridges, including one adorned with thousands of love locks from around the world, make it a perfect place for romantic moments.
- Get lost in the streets of Riga
Riga Castle, the National Opera House, the Freedom Monument… these are just some of the many treasures waiting to be discovered by adventurous tourists. However, the real magic of Riga lies in its alleyways, which encourage intimate exploration of the city.
Instead of rushing between popular attractions, grab your camera and give yourself the chance to get lost for a moment. Riga is a city where you can feel safe. Its residents are friendly, and the atmosphere is conducive to exploration
