Since you'll likely be arriving today and it's already late morning in Riga, take an easy paced start: stroll through Bastejkalna Park, feed the ducks by the canal and admire the bridges, then warm up with a latte and a slice of cake at MiiT Coffee near the park. After that, pop into the cozy Muzejs Koka Rīgas (Wooden Architecture Museum) for a quick wander or choose the nearby Riga Central Market for a few local treats to snack on while you head to your accommodation to check in and freshen up.
After checking in and freshening up, wander the atmospheric lanes of the Old Town and stop for a late lunch of hearty Latvian fare at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs (their cellar ambiance is perfect for a solo traveller warming up to the city). Continue with a relaxed cultural browse through the nearby House of the Blackheads exterior and then warm your hands on a spiced mulled wine while people-watching in Livu Laukums before heading back to your hotel to rest briefly ahead of the evening rooftop plans.
As twilight falls, head to Skyline Bar on the 26th floor for panoramic views over the Old Town while sipping a signature cocktail - it's lively but comfortable for a solo traveller and perfect after a day of wandering. After soaking in the skyline, stroll to Districta for a relaxed late dinner with Latvian-Scandinavian small plates and friendly bar seating, then finish the night with a nightcap at the intimate Aussie Pub rooftop terrace (if open) or a nearby cozy cocktail bar for a low-key end to your first evening.
Begin with a gentle loop from your Old Town base to explore the elegant art nouveau streets: admire facades on Elizabetes iela and pop into the atmospheric Art Nouveau Museum for a glimpse of historic interiors. Warm up afterward with a specialty coffee and a cinnamon bun at the tiny, friendly Rocket Bean Roastery, then browse independent design shops around Kalēju iela before pausing for a light open-faced sandwich at Mākonis Café to set you up for the afternoon.
Head from the art-nouveau quarter back toward the heart of the Old Town for a leisurely exploration of hidden courtyards and boutique shops, stopping to admire the carved wooden portal at Three Brothers and the quirky puppet displays inside Laima Clock. Warm up with a late-afternoon tasting flight of local craft beers at Labietis Brewery Bar, then cross to the riverside to watch the golden light on the Daugava from the terrace of Bastejkalna Garden Cafe, pairing a slice of traditional štrūdele with a hot spiced tea before an early evening dinner reservation.
As dusk deepens, take a short tram or brisk walk to the riverside and enjoy a cocktail at the warm, wood-lined Bibliotēka No1 Kitchen & Wine terrace offering river views and an extensive wine list; it's a relaxed spot to unwind after a day of wandering. For dinner, head to 3 Pavāru Restorāns for a thoughtful tasting menu of modern Latvian cuisine, then finish the night with a digestif at the intimate speakeasy Sloopy's Bar, where skilled bartenders craft seasonal drinks in a low-key setting that suits a solo traveller.
Start your New Year's Eve morning with a peaceful visit to Latvian National Museum of Art to admire Baltic and European works before the crowds arrive, then wander across the river to sample local cheeses and smoked fish at Riga Central Market's historic pavilions for an authentic taste of Latvian winter flavours. Warm up with a late-morning hot chocolate and a slice of cake at the charming Cukurvafe café, then take a gentle riverside stroll towards Esplanāde Park to watch locals ice-skate and soak in the crisp, festive atmosphere as you prepare for a relaxed afternoon and evening.
After your morning museum and market exploration, slow the pace with an artisanal lunch and people-watching on the covered terrace of 3 Pavāru Bakalaurs (try their seasonal soup and rye bread). Spend the early afternoon wandering the compact exhibits and cosy shops of Art Museum Riga Bourse before warming up with a hot spiced cider and a slice of ginger cake at the nearby Miit Coffee Republic; finish by slipping into the tranquil greenhouse bar of St. Peter's Church Rooftop Garden to rest and prepare for your New Year's Eve rooftop plans.
As twilight settles, make your way to St. Peter's Church Tower for an early-evening panorama - the city lights and rooftop silhouettes are a magical prelude to midnight. Move on to Skyline Rooftop Terrace & Lounge (different from earlier bars) for cocktails and small plates while you watch the Old Town glow, then finish the night at the lively Piens bar or the nearby intimate Aptieka 1 for a craft cocktail and a snug spot to countdown into the New Year, soaking in fireworks over the Daugava.
Take a slow start with a restorative spa session at ESPА Spa Riga where you can book a warm Scandinavian sauna circuit and a soothing massage to ease any New Year's Eve stiffness, then linger in their relaxation lounge with a herbal tea. Afterward, walk to nearby Mākonis Brunch Bar for a leisurely late brunch of avocado rye toast and a hot berry compote, followed by a gentle riverside stroll along the Daugava to enjoy fresh air and quiet winter views before an easy afternoon plan.
Ease into the afternoon with a restorative visit to Dzintari Forest Park for a gentle winter walk among pines and a sit on a quiet bench, followed by a warming herbal tea at the nearby Kolonāde Café with views over the park. Continue with a slow cultural stop at Riga Motor Museum (an unexpectedly cozy indoor diversion) or browse the small design stalls inside Galerija Centrs for unique Latvian souvenirs, finishing with a relaxed late-afternoon pastry and espresso at Maziņš Konditoreja before returning to your hotel to rest.
For a gentle, restorative evening, wander to the relaxed riverside ambiance of Elizabetes Street Terrace (a seasonal pop-up along the Daugava) for a mug of warm mulled wine and people-watching as twilight settles. Continue with a comforting dinner at Valtera Restorāns, where a solo diner can enjoy attentive service and a bowl of slow-braised local stew paired with a Latvian craft cider, then finish the night with a quiet classical concert or chamber performance at Riga Latvian Society House (check evening listings) to end your recovery day on a soothing, cultural note.