Riga, Latvia Christmas Travel Guide

Riga, Latvia, a city that transforms into a magical spectacle during the festive season with its snow covered Christmas markets and festive food. The city is a historic city filled with rich culture even boasting a UNESCO-listed Old Town lined with medieval architecture and cobblestone streets.

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How to get to Riga?

To reach Riga from London via Riga International Airport (RIX), only a select few airlines operate this route. The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. When you arrive in Riga the airport is conveniently located about a 15-minute drive away from the historic Old Town.

For transportation from the airport your options include arranging a Private Transfer through Viator, using Bolt (as Riga does not have Uber), or taking advantage of the local bus service.

For those seeking a more scenic alternative route why not take a ferry right from Helsinki across the Baltic Sea. Allowing you to enjoy a more immersive experiences as you gently navigate across the Baltic Sea into the Tallinn, Estonia. From Tallinn you can the get a coach over the boarder to Riga which will take you around 4.5 hours. To book a coach make sure to check out Trainline here.

How to get around in Riga?

During our time in Riga was used Bolt to get us everywhere. In December in Riga it can be very cold, it was -10 for us, and as we stayed outside of the old town we used Bolt to get us into the city centre for around €3.50 per ride which as we were 4 people made sense for us. We also used Bolt to get us from the airport to our accomodation which was around €28 however when trying to get Bolt from the airport with the rest of your flight you may have to wait as not all of the Bolts will come through the airport.

Riga also has a great public transport system. It runs from around 5 a.m. every morning and up until midnight. To get public transport from the airport you will catch the No. 22 bus between the Riga Airport and downtown Riga.

To purchase tickets to take public transport you will need to buy tickets from Narvesen outlets or at stops equipped with ticket machines.These will cost you €1.50 for a 90 minute ticket. Tickets can also be bought from the driver onboard the bus however this will cost you €2. If you’re looking for a more nature-friendly way to buy public transport tickets you can use their Mobilly mobile app.

Christmas in Riga

This is the reason you have come to Latvia to enjoy the festive snow covered Christmas markets. The Christmas markets are some of the best that Europe has to offer as Riga is still such an underrated city. These markets not only celebrate the festive season but also reflect the country’s cultural identity.

Riga Christmas Market

Located Doma Laukums in the historic Old Town is the main Christmas markets of Riga with the medieval architecture providing a picturesque backdrop.

While wandering around the markets you will be able to indulge in traditional soup, sausages, handmade gingerbread, mulled wine and black balsam hot drinks.

There are also stalls of artisans showcasing handmade amber, wool products, wood items and Christmas gifts. Traditional Amber jewellery is a great souvenir to pick up from the Christmas markets which has been crafted into exquisite jewellery and decorative pieces.

Make sure to grab some pictures with the beautifully decorated central tree as well as the stalls that have been decorated into gingerbread houses.

During the opening period they also have lots of festivities such as a fun run, carol singing and much more. The offical website will contain a calendar of events over the period.

Opening Dates are 3rd December to 8th January 2024 from 10am – 10pm daily

Esplanade Park Market

If you’re wanting to head to a much smaller market in Right then you can check out the Christmas market at Esplanade Park. This market only has around 10 stalls as well as petting area of the children. It is beautifully decorated as has the Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral as the background to the markets.

For the full guide of events on during Christmas in Riga make sure to check out the official Riga Christmas Market Website

Things to do in Riga?

Learn about Riga’s History

Due to the location of Latvia along the Baltic Sea the country has always been used as a great trading route between countries. Over the centuries Riga and Latvia has become overturned by many in power including the Livonian Order, Sweden, Poland, and Russia.

After World War 1 Latvia gained independence and Riga became the capital of the Republic of Latvia in 1918. However this did not last as Latvia was then over ruled by Soviet and Nazi occupations during World War II. It only came in 1991 that Latvia finally restored its independence.

While in Riga make sure to check out their Latvian War Museum which gives a very detailed history of Latvia over the ages. They also had an exhibit on the War in Ukraine which was very moving.

Admire the Architecture

Due to Riga location and its influence of the different countries of the course of time Riga’s architecture reflects this amalgamation. Its UNESCO listed Old Town showcasing medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. The city’s is dominated by the spires from the towns churches such as of St. Peter’s Church and the medieval Riga Dome Cathedral.

The best way to enjoy the architecture or the city is through a free walking tour. We used Free Tours Riga through Guruwalk which was a great tour to understand the architecture as well as more about Riga from someone who has lived and experienced life in the city.

Wander through Riga Central Market

Riga Central Market is Europes largest market and bazaar which has also has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Riga Old Town. The central market is filled with everything you can think of from fruit and vegetables to fish, meats and clothing.

If you visit Riga Central Market during your lunch there are several places offering traditional Latvian food during the fresh produce of the market for great prices.

Where to eat in Riga?

Conta Specialty Coffee

Conta Coffee is located down a very small side alley behind Livu lakums square. The cafe does not have a large selection of food however it is in a great location to stop for a nice warm drink.

MiiT Coffee

MiiT Coffee is located on the outside of the old town and was close to where we stayed at Friends and Family Vacation Apartments. During the week they offer a menu small breakfast menu then the weekend they offer a range of vegan and vegetarian sandwiches as well as a set price breakfast buffet.

Mikla Bakery

This was our favourite coffee shop during our trip so much so that I cant remember the number or times we stopped in to get a hot drink to warm us up. They have a large selection of hot drinks that you can pair with their range of alternative milks including a vanilla pea milk which goes perfect with coffee.

If you go early enough in the day too they have a selection of beautiful baked good that are great to keep you going while you’re wandering the streets of Riga.

Lido

If you want to keep your holiday on a budget but also be able to eat lots of the traditional Latvian foods then make sure to head to one of the many Lido resturants. This chain offers a buffet style service (it reminded us of Ikea) where they have a selection of soups, hot and cold mains as well as desserts and drinks.

Most of the items are reasonably priced and a meal depending how much you want is between €5 – €12. Some of the highlights included the stuffed cabbage and grey peas which are both must try foods when in Latvia.

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs

This restaurant is one not to miss during your time in Riga. The venues located in a basement with the translation of the restaurant meaning Folk-club Cave.

They serve a range of traditional hearty Latvia food which is all very well priced. Make sure to try their traditional garlic bread, we loved it so much we went back for a second night.

During the week they also have traditional bands playing which were great to get your up for a dance after your dinner, they have the schedule for the bands on their website.

Make sure to book if you’re hoping to come here for a weekend dinner, though this is a large restaurant tables get very booked up in the evening.

Black Magic

This is the home of the traditional Riga Black Balsam. This traditional drink is made from 24 herbs and remains unchanged for 250 year. At the Black Magic cafe you can enjoy tastings of the different flavours of Riga Black Balsam as well as having it served in hot chocolate, coffee and shots. The drinks also comes accompanied with sever different types of Truffles which complement the flavours of the drink.

Where to stay in Riga?

Friends and Family Vacation Apartments

Hilton Garden Inn

Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel

Looking for another festival stay? Read our 10 Best Winter City Breaks from London