48 hours in Riga is all you need to experience this beautiful Baltic city. From sauerkraut and buckwheat to underground bars in the old town this city has everything to offer. Here is what we got up to in 48 hours.

 

TO EAT

Pagalms Cafe for weekend brunch or evening drinks and dinner

Kuuka Kafka coffee in old town for people watching

MiiT coffee and bikes for vegan brownies and amazing coffee

Austra for modern Latvian share plates and funky industrial interiors

Mr Fox for something healthy

Lido Jūrmala for amazing cheap local cruising buffet style (Lido is a chain restaurant and there is one in central Riga too)

Apsara Tea house to sip on a cuppa overlooking the river in the shade

The Beginnings for raw and vegan treaties and salads

Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs for an amazing underground dinner venue with 30+ beers on tap, live band and cheap local food

TO DO

Day trip to Jūrmala beach for a few hours, sunbake and stroll up the Main Street of shops and cafes. Trains leave from main central station for €1.40 each way.

Central Market for traditional local farmers markets. Try kvass at the little stand outside the market. It’s a fermented beverage made from dark rye bread with probiotic benefits similar to kombucha.

Skyline bar in the Raddison Blu for the best view over the old town and city of Riga. Have a drink but know you’re paying for the view not the service.

Paddle boating or kayaking down the river for something different. We didn’t get to do this but it looked fun especially if it’s nice

Walk around the old town and stumble on little shops, bakeries and cafes. It’s a wonderful place full of beautiful buildings and life

TO STAY

AirBnb studio apartment in an awesome location just outside the old town and much cheaper than the Pullman hotel next door. About £50 a night. Host is named Gatis and he was great. ps. on the 4th floor so good for a bum burning stair climb link here >> AirBnb 

Tip: Buy some bread, oats, milk, yoghurt and fruit from the little supermarkets for about €4 and that will do your breakfast for 3 days. Can’t get cheaper than that.

 

So most definitely get Riga in your travel plans this summer and enjoy the beauty this country has to offer.
K