Riga in 2 Days: Exploring the Vibrant City

1. Day 1: Art Nouveau Architecture Tour
   Start your day with a visit to Alberta iela, home to Riga’s largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings. This district features elaborate facades, ornate balconies, and decorative floral motifs that represent the height of Riga’s architecture in the early 20th century. Continue your tour with a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum, where you can learn about the history and design of this unique architectural style.
   Estimated Time: 3 hours
   Distance from last location: 2.2 km
2. Day 1: Central Market
   After exploring Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture, head to the city’s Central Market. This sprawling complex is one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe, and features an eclectic mix of food stalls, boutiques, and craft vendors. Sample some traditional Latvian cuisine, like the hearty cabbage soup, smoked fish, or black bread.
   Estimated Time: 2 hours
   Distance from last location: 3.3 km
3. Day 1: Riga Bourse Art Museum
   After lunch, visit the Riga Bourse Art Museum, which houses a stunning collection of early 20th-century and contemporary artwork. Don't miss the museum’s extensive collection of silver objects, which represent Latvia’s storied history of craftsmanship.
   Estimated Time: 2 hours
   Distance from last location: 500 m
4. Day 2: Old Town Walking Tour
   In the morning, take a walking tour of Riga’s charming Old Town. Highlights include Riga Castle, the House of the Blackheads, and St. Peter’s Church, which offers panoramic views of the city from its tower. Don't forget to stop by the Three Brothers, a set of charming medieval buildings that date back to the 15th century.
   Estimated Time: 3 hours
   Distance from last location: 900 m
5. Day 2: Riga Cathedral
   Visit Riga Cathedral, one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in Latvia. The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque. Don't miss the cathedral's astronomical clock, which is one of the oldest and most complex in the world.
   Estimated Time: 1 hour
   Distance from last location: 400 m
6. Day 2: Riga Central Park
   In the afternoon, take a break from the city’s sites and explore Riga Central Park. The park spans over 500 acres and includes walking paths, gardens, and a large pond. Take a picnic or rent a bicycle to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
   Estimated Time: 2 hours
   Distance from last location: 4 km

Time and Costs Estimates

• Art Nouveau Museum (1 hour, €10)
• Central Market (2 hours, €15 for food)
• Riga Bourse Art Museum (2 hours, €8)
• Old Town Walking Tour (3 hours, free)
• Riga Cathedral (1 hour, €5)
• Riga Central Park (2 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: €38

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Riga, consider visiting some of the city’s other museums, like the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum or the National History Museum of Latvia. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider cutting out the Central Market or Riga Central Park, which can eat up a lot of time. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as the weather in Riga can be unpredictable. And don't forget to try some traditional Latvian cuisine!