Our guide to the best things to do in Riga in winter contains affiliate links.
Visiting Riga in winter is a magical experience.
A city that seems to come alive with the darker nights – all twinkling lights and snow topped buildings – we couldn’t recommend visiting this wintery capital enough.
We visited Riga in December 2024, largely for the Christmas markets, but quickly fell in love with the city more generally. A walkable, relaxed and beautiful place, Riga is a city that still (thankfully) flies under the radar when it comes to the huge Christmas crowds.
To persuade you further, we’ve put together a guide to the 11 best things to do in Riga during winter. Below is why Latvia’s capital should be added to your wish list for a European winter’s break.
Commonly Asked Questions About Visiting Riga in Winter
How Cold is Riga in Winter?
It’ll come as no surprise that the weather in Riga in winter is cold, very cold. On the same latitude as southern Sweden, winters are bitter and often snowy (although less so than they were).
Having said that, when we visited it was definitely cold, but the severe cloud cover meant temperatures remained just above freezing in the day. By the evening, however, the mercury plummeted and we definitely needed our thermal layers.
Be sure to pack plenty of layers, thermal socks, hats, gloves and your usual cold weather wardrobe. I also recommend investing in some electronic/rechargeable hand warmers, which were so handy to put into my gloves come evening time.
What is the Best Hotel in Riga?
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury during your stay in Riga, look no further than Grand Poet Hotel. This 5* hotel, overlooking one of the city’s leafy green parks, was an absolute dream to stay in, whilst not breaking the bank.
In fact, for a double room for a 3 night stay, we paid just £360. We think this was excellent value for a 5* hotel, complete with luxury spa where you can enjoy a swim, sauna and hot tub. We also opted not to pay for bed and breakfast, so kept the costs down by eating breakfast out in the city.
Best Things to do in Riga in Winter
Now I’ve briefed you on the basics, here’s my list of the 11 best things to do in Riga in winter. From cosy cafes, twinkling Christmas Markets to adrenaline filled winter sports, there’s something for everyone in Latvia’s snowy capital.
1. Visit Riga Christmas Markets
Our main reason for visiting Riga during winter was to enjoy the city’s Christmas markets. We didn’t know what to expect from these, having visited many amazing European Christmas markets before. However, we were truly blown away.
In fact, we were so impressed that I’d even declare them some of the best in Europe.
Far from overcrowded, offering cookie-cutter stalls found in many markets across Europe, Riga’s set-up felt different. Quiet, relaxed and offering only authentic Latvian produce and handicrafts, Riga’s Christmas markets were a breath of fresh air.
2. Ice Skating in Riga
What could be more of a magical, wintery experience in Riga than ice skating? During the winter months, don a pair of skates under Christmas lights and enjoy some festive cheer at Esplanade Park (January – March). This ice skating rink is free to use for those with equipment, or you can rent skates for the below fees:
- Skate rental for children up to 10 years costs around EUR 2.00/hour
- Skate rental for children over 10 years and adults EUR 2.49/hour
3. Visit the House of the Blackheads
Whether you’re visiting Riga in spring or wintertime, the House of the Blackheads is a must see. Located in the heart of the Old Town, near the Town Square, this iconic building in Riga has been welcoming guests for over 700 years. Founded by the Blackheads Brotherhood, the house was initially built as a gathering place for unmarried merchants and sailors.
An iconic spot in the city, even 700 years ago this was the place to come for merry events and social gatherings, put on by the Blackhead Brotherhood.
Today you can tour this opulent house with an audio guide, available in seven different languages.
Book House of Blackheads entry tickets.
4. Attend the Latvian Ballet or Opera
One of the best things to do in Riga in winter is to enjoy a festive ballet performance or an opera. In fact, one of my biggest regrets during our time in Riga was not booking tickets for the Nutcracker. This would have been the cherry on top our perfect festive trip.
The Latvian Opera and Ballet House (affectionately known as ‘The White House’) is open September – May each year and offers 6 productions during that time of both opera and ballet. The building itself is beautiful to visit, particularly with the Christmas light trail lit up around it.
Book an exclusive tour of the Latvian Opera and Ballet House.
5. Enjoy Sunset Cocktails at the Sky Bar
The days are short in Riga in winter, with the sun rising around 9am and setting at 4pm. There’s no better excuse, therefore, to jump into the panoramic lift of Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & SPA Hotel, to take you to the 26th floor, where you’ll find the Skyline Bar.
The Skyline Bar offers dazzling views out over the city of Riga, which is particularly pretty during the festive period. The bar offers a wide array of delicious, varied, and in some cases, ridiculously cute, cocktails to enjoy as you take in the view.
6. Visit Riga’s Iconic Library
We hadn’t planned to visit the National Library of Latvia during our visit to Riga, but I’m so glad we took the advice of a local and did. Known also as the ‘Castle of Light,’ this iconic building stands tall on the left bank of the Daugava river.
Forget your bog standard city library, Latvia’s National Library has been built to impress.
Entry into the library is free, but you do need to collect a pass from reception in order to get through. Although we had visited the building for its panoramic views on the top floor, we were also mesmerised by the soaring glass wall of books found in the lobby.
For brilliant views of the city from across the river, jump in the lift to the top floor. Here you’ll find a large glass room that makes for the perfect viewing platform (although not as great for photo opportunities, given the etched glass).
7. Warm Up in One of Riga’s Many Cosy Cafes
By far, my favourite aspect of visiting Riga in winter was being able to warm up in one of the many cosy cafes. In winter, the city is bursting with twinkling, candle lit coffee shops, inviting you in with steaming mugs of hot chocolate or traditional Latvian sweets.
Wander the Old Town and you’ll discover endless spots to warm up in. If you’re visiting during Christmas, make sure you visit the small but perfectly formed Christmas Bar, with impossibly cute Christmas themed cocktails.
A few more great spots are:Rasols, Mikla Bakery (for breakfast), Art Cafe Sienna, Mulberry (great for breakfast, but expensive), Rigensis and Parunāsim kafe’teeka.
8. Enjoy Riga’s Historic Old Town
During winter, with frosty, snow capped buildings, Riga’s Old Town is impossibly photogenic. It’s here where you’ll probably spend most of your time during your trip, leisurely wandering its cobbled streets.
A few great places to visit are:
1. Stroll Jauniela
If you’re a keen photographer or lover of the ‘gram, make sure you visit the pastel houses of Jauniela. In winter, the snowy, frosty scenes make this street extra Instagrammable and you’ll be swooning over the buildings, including the DOM restaurant (which is equally cute inside).
2. The Cat House
As cat lovers, we were all keen to spot the sweet little ‘Cat House’ situated in Old Town, Riga. Built in 1909, the Cat House is known for the two black cats that sit atop its spires, with their backs arched and tails raised. Rumour has it, the original owner had them positioned with their tails turned towards the house of the Great Guild, as a grudge against its members.
It was later ordered that the cats be turned to face the Great Guild, as a mark of respect.
3. The Three Brothers
The Three Brothers is a 3-building complex situated in the Old Town. Together, they form the oldest complex of buildings in the city and each represent three different periods of development, including Gothic, Renaissance, Dutch Mannerism and Baroque architectural styles.
Book a walking tour of Riga Old Town.
9. Discover Riga’s Bustling Markets
One of the best things to do in Riga in winter is to get inside, into the warmth of one of the city’s excellent indoor markets. We spent a lot of time enjoying their delights during our own stay – and below are our favourite spots.
1. Riga Central Market
First up is Riga Central Market, a bustling hub in the city and one of the largest market places in Eastern Europe – welcoming an astonishing 80,000 – 100,000 visitors a day. Located just a few hundred metres from the Old Town, this former aircraft hanger is so vast that it’s now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This is the market to pick up authentic, local Latvian food such as pickled cucumbers and other homemade products.
(Note: this market is cash only, so come prepared).
Book a food tour of Riga Central Market.
2. Āgenskalna Market
One of our favourite mornings in Riga was spent exploring the Āgenskalna Market, located across the river. The oldest market in the neighbourhood, opened in 1898, this indoor market was completely renovated between 2018 – 2022 and now houses local products from traders, producers and farmers.
On the second floor, you’ll find a huge range of eateries to enjoy lunch or dinner, such as “VEST” bar, “Marmelāde” and “Vīnkalni” pizza, “Ausmena” kebab and others. We actually enjoyed a Georgian lunch during our visit, which was absolutely delicious.
During winter (Christmas) you’ll find plenty of sellers offering beautiful Christmas gifts, and we actually picked up a lot of presents during our morning here.
3. Kalnciema Quarter Market (Weekends only)
Every Saturday, the traditional wooden architecture quarter of the city celebrates with their local market. Here, you’ll find Latvian farmers and craftsmen selling local produce, whilst children can enjoy creative workshops involving drawing, cutting and making (so cute).
The ideal place to fill your tummy during the winter months in Riga, make sure you visit this market on an empty stomach as there’s plenty to eat.
10. Climb St Peter’s Church Tower
Even in winter, climbing St Peter’s Church Tower is a must for breathtaking views of the wintery city and beyond. Fortunately, unlike many Church/Cathedral towers in Europe, weary tourists need only climb two flights of stairs before a lift whisks you up to the top of the tower.
Providing a 360 degree view of the city, heading up the Tower is a great way to get to know Riga, for the price of a €9 entry fee.
11. Warm Up with the City’s Signature Drink: Black Balsam
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the best thing to do in Riga in winter is to warm up your bones with the city’s signature drink: Black Balsam. You can enjoy this tipple in most bars across the city, and we enjoyed it in a cocktail at Skyline Bar, aptly named ‘The Keys to the City’.
The full recipe of Black Balsam remains a secret, but I can confirm it’s absolutely delicious. It comes in three different ‘flavours’ – cherry, blackcurrant and even brandy, and is widely acknowledged as the national drink of Latvia.
