Riga, Latvia’s capital, is underrated. It is beautiful and has great restaurants and bars. Cliff and I rented a car in Vilnius, Lithuania and took a road trip to Riga, where we stayed two nights. Riga is known for its festivals. We were there in August during Rīgas Svētki (Riga’s Birthday). The whole city was celebrating with music, drinks, and food—my three favorite things.
Check out this map for the locations of all the best places to eat, drink, and see in Riga, Latvia.
What to See?
Old Town Riga
The cobblestone streets and colorful buildings reminded me of a fairy tale. It’s the tourist zone, filled with shops and restaurants, but you can find quiet exploring the side streets and small alleys.
The Corner House
If you do one thing in Riga, visit The Corner House and take the KGB Tour. The Corner House was the former KGB headquarters in Riga. The guided tour took us through the building’s administrative offices, interrogation rooms, prison cells, the exercise courtyard, and the former execution chamber. What made the tour so great was that The Corner House was still in the condition it was in after the KGB left.
Bastejkalna Park
This beautiful park lines the Riga Canal. You can rent a boat that takes you down the Daugava River and through the canal. It’s also the perfect place to eat your Molbert’s Ice Cream.
Where to Eat and Drink?
Ala Pagrabs
After our long drive, Cliff and I were tired and hungry. Set in an old wine cellar, Ala Pagrabs serves authentic Latvian food and beer. The place was packed and there was a live band, but we managed to find a seat in one of the back rooms. The food was delicious and the portions were huge.
Liberta restaurant
This hotel bar made the list for its happy hour: 2-for-1 Mulled Wine for 8 Euros (subject to change). It’s just off the main square, ideal for people-watching and warming up. Yes. Even in August, it was chilly. Cliff would deny this fact, but I’m a Vegas girl and think 70 degrees is cold.
Molbert’s Ice Cream
I found a recommendation for Molbert’s on another blog, and although I was cold, I had to try it. It was amazing, and I’m an ice cream connoisseur. I got cookie dough; Cliff tried Rhubarb-Dragon Fruit. I still think about that ice cream. There are several locations in Riga.
Distillers Republic
Distillers Republic is a rum and gin distillery. The underground bar, set in an old warehouse in Riga Old Town, serves specialty cocktails featuring their spirits. They also offer a full bar, along with beer and wine.
Sweatshop Sports Bar
Sweatshop Sports Bar is just a typical sports bar, but it’s on my list for its seating. I like to perch and would rather sit on a counter than a couch. Along the walls were elevated benches and tables so that I could sit above the crowds.
nosaints | hidden bar
We love a speakeasy. We walked right by nosaints initially, but found it on our second pass. This small basement cocktail bar serves creative cocktails. I ordered the truffle Manhattan. I was warned that it was the most adventurous drink on the menu. It had a strong truffle flavor, but I liked it. Also, shout out to the awesome servers.
Skyline Bar
At the top of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Skyline Bar offers 360-degree city views. We went at sunset. Despite the crowds, we got a good seat. The cocktails were unique and reasonably priced for a rooftop bar.
There’s much more to experience in Riga, but our adventure continued as we returned to Lithuania to explore Vilnius, the capital.
