Home / Latvia / Riga
Flag of Latvia Capital of Latvia

Riga

Riga, the capital and largest city of Latvia, is a vibrant Baltic hub home to nearly 589,000 inhabitants. Located on the Gulf of Riga where the Daugava river meets the Baltic Sea, the city sits on a flat sandy plain and represents a third of Latvia's total population.

Photo: Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Latvian
Timezone
EEST (UTC+3)
Local time now
12:02:09

Hotels in Riga

Riga offers a range of hotel options for visitors exploring Latvia's vibrant capital. From boutique properties like Justus and Neiburgs to established choices such as Rixwell Domus Hotel, Dome hotel, and Gutenbergs, travellers can find accommodation to suit their needs. See all hotels →

Rixwell Domus Hotel
97 m from centre
Justus
110 m from centre
Neiburgs
114 m from centre

Airports in Riga

Riga is served by several airports catering to different aviation needs. RIX Rīgas lidosta is the main international airport, while Spilve and other regional airfields including Ādažu lidlauks, Gātciema lidlauks, and Ikšķiles lidlauks provide additional aviation facilities for the area. See all airports →

Car Hire in Riga

We're still gathering car hire listings for Riga — check back soon.

Things to Do in Riga

Riga offers a rich mix of cultural experiences and historic attractions for visitors. From museums like Mākslas muzejs "Rīgas Birža" and the 1991. gada barikāžu muzejs to charming streets like Jauniela, there's plenty to explore in Latvia's capital. See all things to do →

Piemiņas zīme Rīgai Pasaules Kultūras mantojuma sarakstā
37 m from centre
Mākslas muzejs "Rīgas Birža"
78 m from centre
Šerloks
85 m from centre
1991. gada barikāžu muzejs
99 m from centre
Jauniela
104 m from centre
Johans Godfrids Herders
110 m from centre

Restaurants in Riga

Riga offers a diverse selection of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. From established eateries like DOM and Key to Riga to casual dining options such as Burger Corner and Daily, the city's food scene reflects both local traditions and international influences. See all restaurants →

Key to Riga
regional · 74 m from centre
DOM
81 m from centre
Daily
85 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Riga

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Riga — check back soon.

Spas in Riga

We're still gathering spas listings for Riga — check back soon.

Nightlife in Riga

Riga's nightlife offers a diverse range of venues for evening entertainment. From established bars like Radio bar and Republika to clubs such as BABYLON, Pandemonium, and Call Me, the city provides options for different tastes and atmospheres. See all nightlife →

Radio bar
109 m from centre
Republika
155 m from centre
Call Me
243 m from centre

Bars in Riga

Riga's bar scene offers diverse venues ranging from casual cafes to specialty lounges. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at Cuba Cafe or Spot Kafé, or want to explore unique experiences at Hookah Place Riga, Greenwood, and Stargorod, the city's bars cater to various tastes and atmospheres. See all bars →

Cuba Cafe
62 m from centre
Spot Kafé
76 m from centre
Hookah Place Riga
tea · 77 m from centre

Cafes in Riga

Riga's cafe scene offers a diverse selection for coffee lovers and casual diners alike. Whether you're seeking international chains like Costa Coffee or exploring local establishments such as Parunāsim, Kotoffski, Daily Special, Deli Dose, and the city's unique cat cafe, you'll find welcoming spaces throughout the Latvian capital. See all cafes →

Parunāsim
142 m from centre
Kotoffski. Cat cafe
coffee;tea · 160 m from centre
Daily Special
180 m from centre

Shopping in Riga

Riga offers excellent shopping opportunities across modern malls and diverse retailers. Visitors can explore major shopping destinations including Galerija Centrs, Stockmann, Abava, Origo, and Galerija Rīga, each offering a variety of international and local brands. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Riga

We're still gathering nature & wildlife listings for Riga — check back soon.

Climate snapshot

Riga experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, though specific seasonal details are best verified with current weather resources. The city's location on the Baltic coast influences its maritime weather patterns throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Riga — Weird & Wonderful

  • Riga is the second-largest city in the entire Baltic region, after only Vilnius.
  • The city's territory covers 307.17 km² and lies just 1–10 metres above sea level on a flat, sandy plain.
  • The Daugava river meets the Baltic Sea at Riga's mouth on the Gulf of Riga, making it a significant maritime location.
  • Riga accounts for a third of Latvia's entire population within its city limits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riga

What language is spoken in Riga?

Latvian is the official language of Riga and Latvia.

What currency is used in Riga?

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency used in Riga and throughout Latvia.

How large is Riga's population?

Riga has approximately 588,911 inhabitants, making it Latvia's largest city and accounting for a third of the country's total population.

Where is Riga located geographically?

Riga is located on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic Sea, in the Baltic region of Europe.

Is Riga part of the European Union?

Yes, Latvia and its capital Riga are members of the European Union.

Map of Riga

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors