Start your food adventure at the Riga Central Market, one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe. Experience the bustling atmosphere and taste traditional Latvian dishes such as smoked fish, sausages, and rye bread. There are also plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to try.
Explore Riga's Art Nouveau district and admire the architectural beauty of the buildings. Enjoy a wine tasting session at Vinoga Wine Cellar, where you can try local and international wines accompanied by cheese and charcuterie platters.
Indulge in traditional Latvian cuisine at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs. This restaurant/bar is located in an authentic 17th-century cellar and offers a cozy atmosphere with live folk music. Try Latvian dishes like grey peas with bacon, smoked pork ribs, and black bread.
Visit the Laima Chocolate Factory and learn about the history of chocolate making in Latvia. Take a tour of the factory and indulge in chocolate tastings of different flavors and textures. You can also purchase chocolates as souvenirs.
Getting around Riga is easy with public transportation such as buses and trams. A 24-hour ticket costs 5 EUR and can be purchased at any newsstand, ticket machines or on-board buses/trams. Alternatively, taxis are also available but can be quite expensive. The estimated cost from the airport to the city center is around 15-20 EUR and takes 20-30 minutes.
If you have more time, you can visit Jelgava Palace, a beautiful Baroque-style palace located 40 minutes away from Riga. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to the seaside town of Jurmala, which is known for its sandy beach and scenic views. If you have less time, you can skip the chocolate factory tour and spend more time exploring the Art Nouveau district.
The main airport in Riga is Riga International Airport (RIX), which is located 10 km (6.2 miles) southwest of the city center. It serves various airlines including AirBaltic, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.