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Riga

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, home to nearly 589,000 inhabitants and accounting for a third of the country's total population. Situated on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic Sea, this vibrant city is the second most-populous in the entire Baltic region.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Latvian
Timezone
EEST (UTC+3)
Local time now
00:01:08

Hotels in Riga

Riga offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travellers. From established hotels like Rixwell Domus Hotel, Neiburgs, Dome hotel, and Gutenbergs to boutique choices like Justus, you'll find comfortable places to stay throughout Latvia's capital city. 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 offering domestic and international connectivity. RIX Rīgas lidosta is the main international airport, while smaller facilities like Spilve, Ādažu lidlauks, Gātciema lidlauks, and Ikšķiles lidlauks provide additional aviation services to the region. 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 visitors a rich array of cultural and historical attractions to explore. From museums like Mākslas muzejs "Rīgas Birža" and the 1991. gada barikāžu muzejs to historic streets like Jauniela and landmarks including Piemiņas zīme Rīgai Pasaules Kultūras mantojuma sarakstā, there is plenty to discover 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 reflecting both traditional Latvian cuisine and international flavors. From casual spots like Burger Corner and Daily to established venues such as Key to Riga, DOM, and Kaļķu vārti, the capital's food scene caters to various tastes and dining preferences. 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 array of venues for evening entertainment. From intimate bars to lively clubs, the city features establishments such as Radio bar, Republika, Call Me, BABYLON, and Pandemonium that cater to varied tastes and preferences. 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 for locals and visitors alike. From casual cafés to specialty lounges, you'll find options like Cuba Cafe, Spot Kafé, Hookah Place Riga, Greenwood, and Stargorod scattered throughout the city, each bringing its own character to Riga's vibrant nightlife. 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 something for everyone, whether you're seeking a quiet corner at a local spot like Parunāsim or Kotoffski Cat cafe, or prefer the familiarity of an international chain such as Costa Coffee. Daily Special and Deli Dose are among the other popular options scattered throughout Latvia's capital, making it easy to find your perfect cup of coffee. 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 diverse shopping experiences across modern shopping centres and independent retailers. Visitors can explore major malls including Galerija Centrs, Stockmann, Abava, Origo, and Galerija Rīga, along with local boutiques throughout the city. 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 seasonal variations typical of the Baltic region. Winters are cold and often snowy, while summers are mild and relatively brief. Spring and autumn bring transitional weather between these extremes.

Interesting Facts About Riga — Weird & Wonderful

  • Riga is the second most-populous city in the entire Baltic region, after only Vilnius in Lithuania.
  • The city lies on a flat and sandy plain just 1–10 metres above sea level, positioned at the strategic mouth of the Daugava river.
  • Riga's metropolitan area extends beyond the city limits and is home to over 847,000 people, nearly half of Latvia's entire population.
  • The city accounts for approximately a third of Latvia's total population despite being concentrated in a single urban centre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riga

What is the population of Riga?

Riga has approximately 588,911 inhabitants, making it Latvia's largest city. The greater metropolitan area is home to around 847,162 people.

What is the official name of Riga?

The official name is Riga State City. It is the capital and primate city of Latvia.

Where is Riga located geographically?

Riga lies on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic Sea. The city sits on a flat and sandy plain between 1–10 metres above sea level.

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.

Is Riga the largest city in the Baltic region?

Riga is the second most-populous city in the Baltics. It is the largest city in Latvia but ranks second in the broader Baltic region.

Map of Riga

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