The perfect weekend getaway destination

Riga, Latvia

Riga is the capital city of Latvia. I never thought I would find myself in this city. But I did. And with my mum. So here goes my ULTIMATE guide to Riga.

Day 1

Arriving in Riga International Airport, take the train into the city. It is a short 35 minute trip. Head straight over to the Art Noveau district of Riga. This area is full of incredibly designed buildings and nice streets to wander and get a feel for the city. 

If hungry, please please please go to 'This Place Doesn't Need A Name'. A cafe that serves breakfast, negronis and coffee. I don't like negronis, typically. However, you gotta try it if they specialise in it, eh? And my goodness was this raspberry negroni out of this world. 

The chicken waffles and breakfast bap was super tasty. A real old school cocktail cafe vibe, this place is so good it really doesn't need a name.

From there, walk towards the Esplanade Park, full of artistic pieces and home to a beautiful cathedral - Riga's Nativity of Christ Cathedral. If you pass through this park, toward Centra Rajons (the main centre) , you will find yourself in the heart of city. It is definitely worth a wander around to get your bearings. If you want to grab some lunch I would definitely recommend Big Bad Bagels.

Furthermore, in the evening time, I would recommend a visit to the Black Magic Bar. This is a vintage style cocktail bar that serves chocolate truffles alongside cocktails curated with the traditional Riga Balsam Liqueur. Totally worth the visit. It is very warm and welcoming and even has a speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase.

Day 2 - The Full Day

Morning: Start early. Take a walk to the shopping district of Centra Rajons and grab a coffee in Arket - a scandinavian clothing store with a great café. Trust me on this, I know my coffee. It opens at 10am daily.

When over this side of town, a must visit is St. Peter's Basilica. Now, I am not a holy Joe, but this is an impressive church and you can take a lift to the top of the tower for the BEST view of the whole city of Riga. Don't believe me? Try it!.

A non-negotiable when in Riga is to visit the House of the Blackheads and do the tour. An incredible historic site and super educational.

Head over to the 3 Brothers - the oldest city dwellings in Riga. There is not much to do here, but the buildings are cool and no more than a 10 second walk from here is the most romantic café in Riga - Parunasim. Go in, grab a coffee and slice of those famous Latvian sponge cakes, and relax in a romantic setting. 

Afternoon: The main event - Book a canal tour on Getyourguide (my go-to for trips and activities). There is a stream of canals running from the sea through many public parks in Riga and in the late afternoon this is a perfect activity to pass an hour. It is educational, picturesque and relaxing. Especially if you have a nice hot drink or cold beer in hand.

Evening: The best way to end a full Saturday — dinner. For dinner you have 2 options I would recommend. The first option is a totally traditional Latvian family-run restaurant called 'Swedish Gate'. Try some local dishes here such as the black pea soup or the fried herring.

Your second option is Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs. This Latvian tavern is located on the quieter side of Old Town and is underground. You would walk passed it without the help of Google Maps. A long, winding bar decorated with bookcases, wooden furniture and serving the best beers. The food is really good here too. You can get a big meal or pub snacks to enjoy with your beer. If you time it right, you may get to listen to some live music.

Day 3 - Slow morning, swift exit

The last coffee before heading to the airport is one of the most important in order to set the tone for the trip ahead. Cruffins is your bet. Nestled into a bougee hotel, Cruffins does great coffee and even better cruffins. Once you're satiated, head for a final wander. If a little peckish before an afternoon flight, grab a pizza slice in Raugs Pizza in Oldtown.

Would I have any problem going back to Riga? Absolutely not. A city that is charming, different, and quiet. I recommend.