Europe On A Budget: 15 Free Things to Do in Riga

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Riga Latvia was a delightful surprise. It was actually more of an add on destination for me during a trip that was mostly to visit Tallinn in Estonia. But since I had some extra time I was looking for places close by and Latvia came up. I am so glad I ended up going, and spending time there. In fact, I ended up liking Riga more than Tallinn. It was smaller, quieter, less touristy, and if I’m being honest way cheaper. If you’re looking to do Europe on a budget, this is the place for you.

I only had a few days in Riga but I’m already thinking what I would do next time I visit. In preparing to write this post I can’t believe how much I managed to fit into my trip. The amount of places I visited was crazy, although granted a lot of that was in an effort to keep warm…December trip and all that. But I couldn’t have found more interesting things to see in Riga: KGB headquarters, a unique local drink and underground cave bars are just a few. Read on to find out more.

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Budget friendly Riga

Riga, as well as being a wonderful place to visit, is also the perfect destination for anyone doing Europe on a budget. I paid about 50 EUR a night for my hotel room at the Boutique Hotel Monte Kristo which was quite large with a separate sitting area. It was classed as a four star hotel and it was actually really nice. Not a budget hotel feel at all. Then there was the food in Latvia which was delicious. Most dishes I got were about 4-7 EUR each, pretty reasonable for a capital city. A glass of beer started at around 1.50 EUR with some more specialty beers around the 3-4 EUR mark. Compare this to the 9 EUR beer I paid for later in the trip in Helsinki.

But most of all, Riga had tons of things to do that were all FREE. I kept expecting to be asked to pay and wasn’t. Even the things you did have to pay for were only a few Euros. Here are some of the FREE things to do in Riga that will make your Europe on a budget trip even better:

Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

Riga has a number of beautiful churches and cathedrals, although some have a small entry fee (more on those later). But this Orthodox cathedral, just outside of the old town was high on my list to visit after seeing photos of the exquisite design. The Russian influence was alive and well when visiting this majestic building that was even more splendid on the inside. Unfortunately (or fortunately) no photos are allowed inside. But upon going up the stone steps and walking into the main cathedral, the amount of gold and color was incredible.

The cathedral dates back to the latter part of the 19th Century at a time when Latvia was part of the Russian Empire. Russian writing is all around the cathedral, and it’s completely different from the more subdued-looking Western cathedrals. Visit if you have the chance, and enjoy the beauty and peace of the inside of this amazing cathedral.

Christmas markets

I visited Riga during December, so obviously you won’t find Christmas markets all year round. However from around mid-November to early January there are Christmas markets in the town square outside Riga Cathedral. There was also a smaller Christmas market in the little park next to Orthodox Cathedral with a handful of stalls.

Enjoy some local food and snacks, delicious cakes and hot drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to warm up on a cold winter day. They also had a lot of local crafts including wooden ornaments, Christmas decorations and winter scarves and gloves. I wouldn’t recommend visiting Riga solely for the Christmas markets as they are not as grand as others in Europe. But they were lovely to look around and had a lot of nice items to buy. Generally you wouldn’t include Christmas markets in a Europe on a budget discussion but I found most items in Riga to be rather reasonably priced. Read this post for more on Riga in the winter.

Visit the Powder Tower

On my first day in Riga I was walking through the old streets of the town. I was actually trying to make my way to the Christmas market but came across a giant tower. It turns out this old defensive structure forms part of the Latvian War Museum, but before I get to that let’s talk about the tower itself.

It is named the Powder Tower because it used to be where the gunpowder was stored. Makes sense. The huge tower is at the edge of the city and has walls that are about 10 feet thick. Strong enough to stand the force of a cannon ball or two. Actually 9. And they have now been embedded in the walls to show just how little impact they had.

Latvian War Museum

Now, inside the Powder Tower and adjoining building is the Latvian War Museum. I’m not a big war museum fan. But in looking at it I found it contained a lot of history of Latvia so I thought it might be a good place to start. Plus it was free. A bonus I didn’t realize would be such a common theme in this city!

There are lockers available to store coats and bags if you want. The museum is actually huge. I walked up at least four levels. Starting on the main floor was the history of Latvia. How it began, the wars and conquests involved, and information about the language, territories and military history.

There were storyboards in most of the rooms in English as well as Latvian and Russian, or there were booklets in each room to follow along with in English. There were only one or two rooms where I didn’t find this. The museum was very well laid out. From the Latvian history level, walking up there were rooms about World War I, WWII and the Soviet wars. Latvia’s involvement in each, and their own personal struggle for freedom in the early nineties. I spent a couple of hours in the museum, and it was a bit of information overload towards the end, but well worth a visit and really interesting.

Walk around the parks

Unsurprisingly December isn’t the best time for spending hours outside in Latvia, even if you are trying to do your trip to Europe on a budget. But the parks I came across in Riga were very nice and would look even more welcoming in the spring or summer. There was a park just at the edge of the city surrounding the Freedom monument (see below). It had bridges over a river, a number of tree-lined paths to walk along as well as benches in case you want to sit down.

Next to the Orthodox cathedral was another quiet park. While I was there a Christmas market was taking up some of the space. But again it looks like it would be popular in the warmer weather. There are a lot more outdoor spaces around the city, especially around the river area. The city seems to really pride itself on its green areas.

Freedom monument

To get to the Orthodox cathedral you have to leave the old town of Riga and cross the river. That usually involves walking through a park which has the Freedom monument at its center. The monument is a grand column visible from a distance, and represents the freedom and independence of Latvia. At the top of the column is Latvia’s own lady liberty and the inscription on the monument reads “for the Fatherland and freedom” as I learned from a local who helped translate for me.

Although the memorial is supposed to be for the war of independence which ended in 1920, honoring the soldiers killed, it now stands for all freedom in Latvia. Especially symbolic of the end of the Soviet regime in the early nineties. The monument is the place where many official ceremonies take place. In fact while I was there I witnessed a large band playing in front of the monument as the local police cordoned off the area.

Walk the old streets

Riga old town is such a great place to walk around. You can get lost in the winding cobbled streets that all seem to converge into one another as you walk in circles without realizing. But since the old town is not too big, you’ll find your way around pretty easily after a while. The streets though hold a lot of history, and are all really charming.

This is a great little walking tour of Riga through Viator if you want some more history and information on your visit

My favorite little street was just around the corner from the Latvian War Museum, Torņa iela. There were unique buildings on one side, and the city walls on the other. The part cobbled-part dirt street was just so photogenic. And you can’t get more Europe on a budget than simply walking around. Good exercise and a free activity!

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Learn about the KGB

For those of you who may not know, Latvia is a former Soviet Union country, and only regained its independence in 1991. Since the country was Soviet ruled it has an interesting history, and part of that has to do with the KGB. In fact, I found that there is a place in Riga, dubbed the Corner House, which is now The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. It is a free museum telling the history of the KGB, and its involvement in Latvia. Also talking about some of the prisoners of the former KGB headquarters in Latvia where you can hear their stories. A really unique place.

Now true to KGB style this place is infamous yet secretive, easy to find yet still pretty well hidden. And by that I mean I found the building but couldn’t find the door. Sure, there are doors at the building but for a museum it’s not totally obvious where to go in.

I took a chance, tried a door and entered what can only be described as the safe house to a 1950s detective. An entrance-way with a second metal door leading into the museum. It looked like what you would imagine a secret headquarters to look like. For anyone interested in history this is a heck of a place to be able to visit. The main floor of the museum is FREE but if you want to look around the cells and more of the building then it is by guided tour only and is 10 EUR.

Visit the largest market in Europe

Markets are the way forward when planning a trip to Europe on a budget. And Riga Central Market is no joke. It is huge. You could get lost in there for hours, and not just because of the building work. The market is built of old German Zeppelin hangars which gives you a clue as to how gargantuan this place is. Truly, I walked from pavilion to pavilion (they are all connected) and went past hundreds if not thousands of stalls.

Each pavilion seems to have certain things it sells. Like there’s one with cheese and meat, one with fresh produce, one with clothing etc. There are hot food stalls making delicious local and worldly cuisine. If you want a quick lunch, or a break between shopping, this is the place to go.

Take a food tasting tour of Riga Central Market through Viator

Outside the building there are more stalls, even in December when I visited. Incredibly cold but there are still people outside selling fruits and vegetables on the street in the bitterly cold wind. The market is just over the main highway outside of the old town, and is easy to get to via an underground subway tunnel. The market is also right next to the Riga Coach Station so if you either arrive or leave by coach (like me to get to Tallinn) then you can’t miss it. This was only a two minute walk from my hotel, the Boutique Hotel Monte Kristo.

Visit the first Christmas tree marker

The city of Riga claims to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree. Well, the decorated Christmas tree that is. In 1510 the city displayed a decorated tree in the town square, and there is now a marker to commemorate it. Now I say they claim to have had the first Christmas tree because their records indicate it, but it can’t really be fully proven. And Tallinn also claims the same thing. So don’t tell an Estonian you saw the first Christmas tree marker in Riga, or vice versa unless you want to start a war.

The marker is very nice and in the square outside City Hall and the House of the Blackheads. It is also where they place the official Riga Christmas tree each year. Even if you’re not there at Christmas, you can still appreciate the sentiment and the history of such a momentous occasion that sparked the way we celebrate with Christmas trees today.

Visit the three brothers

The three brothers are three rather well known buildings in Riga that are the oldest houses in the city. They are three attached houses of different colors, the middle one currently being the Museum of Architecture. Although a museum is a bit of a stretch.

Go there if you want to see inside the old house, and you can walk through to the yard out back for a view of the houses from the interior. But don’t expect much more than that. I found inside the house only one room with an exhibit of items with no descriptions (mostly artwork), and the only timeline information panel is in Latvian with no translation. Still worth a quick stop but don’t plan your day around it, and 10 minutes will likely suffice.

Find the black cat

There is a building in Riga’s old town where you will have to look carefully, and look high up to see a black cat perched on the roof. Actually, there are two cats both perched high atop two turrets on this amazing 100+ year old house. To any person walking by who spots them it’s kind of an odd thing to see, although interesting enough. But for those in Riga who know the legend of these cats it deepens the story a little bit more.

The original owner who had the house built was a wealthy tradesman and rumor has it that he was turned down from being a member of the Riga Tradesmen’s Guild. Unhappy with this he decided to commission these two angry cats on the roof facing the Guild. Their backs arched and tails raised, any cat owner will tell you that’s not a good sign.

Admire the amazing architecture

Oh the buildings of Riga. So beautiful. So ornate. And the ultimate Europe on a budget activity. Walking the streets of old town Riga is one thing, but the buildings are another. Sure there are the nice cathedrals and the quaint little streets, but it’s the elaborately painted and adorned buildings that really stand out.

One of the more beautiful buildings is the House of the Blackheads. Although it is rather striking, it is worth noting that the original building dating from the 14th Century was bombed beyond repair in the Second World War and was rebuilt in the late nineties.

Still, there are plenty of other old buildings to be seen, all you have to do is walk around the old town. But even outside of the old town there are really interesting buildings. Like the Corner House I mentioned above. Sinister history, but amazing looking building.

Have a drink in a cave

Speaking of cool buildings, I came across this place in a back street while walking around Riga Old Town. It looks straight out of the Medieval times, complete with the recreated old street fixtures all around.

But it’s even cooler on the inside. It’s actually a medieval restaurant called Rozengrals. The staff are all dressed up in period costume and after walking in off the street you descend into a dimly lit huge underground cave where you can have a goblet of beer in the coolest pub in Riga. For your Europe on a budget tour, 4 EUR for a beer is not the worst.

A lot of restaurants and buildings that I found in Riga had these type of caves which was something really unique about the city. I checked out a couple, and while it is not free to have a drink, you can take a look at the cave restaurants if you want for free. But, I would say stay for a drink or some food (which is really good) and relax in medieval Latvia.

If you’d rather be outside try the Riga beer bike tour of the city through Viator

Riga castle

Now Riga castle is unfortunately not somewhere you can just go in and look around. Why? Well, because someone lives there. The President of Latvia to be exact. The grand building was one of the first things I noticed when arriving from the airport, entering the old town of Riga over the bridge by the river.

I was initially excited to go see it (I mean, who doesn’t love castles?!) but when I realized I couldn’t go inside I still went for a walk around the castle walls. The castle doesn’t look too castle-like, but it is over 700 years old and very much in use still. You can get really nice views from across the river though, especially on a nice day.

Looking for more European cities to visit? How about these 10 European capitals perfect for solo female travelers

Europe on a budget: a few non-free things to do in Riga

Yes, the city has a lot of free things to do, but it can’t all be free. While some things are to pay for, I didn’t find any of them really expensive so you can still do a city trip in Europe on a budget. I feel like if we were in the UK or North America, a lot of these items would be triple the cost (best case scenario). So here are a few things you have to pay for in Riga, but are still worth visiting:

Riga cathedral

Definitely somewhere you need to visit. Right in the town square (where the Christmas market is), you can’t miss this red-bricked medieval building dating from the early 13th Century. Entry was only 6 EUR and it was a lovely building inside. At lunch time there are often concerts going on which are about 10 EUR to attend. Like many of Riga’s buildings, you have to walk down stairs once you enter so it feels like it’s somewhat partially subterranean.

Make sure to look up and behind you after paying to enter the main cathedral. The church organ takes over the whole of the wall behind you and is just gorgeous. Walking outside there are cloisters you can walk around. They are unfortunately a little decayed and showing mostly remnants of the cathedral (statues etc.) that it’s a little sad to see in such bad shape. The outside area feels more like an old school yard or the internal part of some dilapidated building, so the inside is definitely more impressive.

St. Peter’s Church

This is the tallest church in Riga and if you have a nice clear day I would recommend climbing the tower to get some incredible views of the city. To go in the church main hall is 3 EUR, and it’s 9 EUR if you want to include the tower. The church hall is simple but a really nice place to look around. There’s a wooden alter and some beautiful stained glass windows. I would say in the opposite way to the Nativity cathedral, it’s more impressive from the outside.

Try Riga black balsam

“This’ll put hair on your chest” is what I expect Latvian grandmothers have been saying for generations about this local drink. It is known as a cure for everything and anything, and probably the cause of a hangover or two. But Latvian’s swear by the stuff which is also described as “medicinal”. Basically it’s a secret recipe of 24 ingredients, mostly herbal. Think Jägermeister but a little more palatable. Now you can drink it in cocktails, hot (like at the Christmas market) or just straight on the rocks or neat.

For those not into the herbal drinks, I think you should still give it a go. It is traditional after all. But there are other versions if you wish. There’s a cherry version and a blackcurrant version. I got the blackcurrant one to bring home (Latvians seem to love blackcurrant almost as much as the balsam itself) and made all my friends try it. I would say it was overall well received. There aren’t many spirits (especially 45% spirits) that I can sip, but this was one of them. Delicious.

House of the Blackheads

The House of the Blackheads as I mentioned earlier was a building in the town square (opposite city hall) that was originally built in the 14th Century. Unfortunately it was bombed in the war and didn’t survive. But after decades of work it was rebuilt at the end of the 1990s and looks spectacular. I was originally a little disappointed it wasn’t as old as it was made out to be until I went inside and learned more. But it’s beautiful to look at. It cost 6 EUR to get in, and although I wasn’t too interested in seeing the cabinet rooms where all the famous dignitaries have been welcomed, I found the basement/cellar very interesting. There you can see some of the original foundations and learn more about the history of the building, as well as find some older artifacts.

Europe on a budget: the best things to do in Riga

Sometimes when I travel somewhere I will walk around on the last day and know that I will not return. Then there are other places where I’ve already decided that some time in my future I will visit again. Riga is one of these places. The history, the architecture, the people, the food. Pretty much everything about it I loved. I could maybe do without the cold weather so next time I’ll plan a trip at a different time of year. But December wasn’t as cold as I expected it to be, and I did enjoy the charming Christmas markets. There are plenty of places to go and warm up, and of course a glass of Riga Black Balsam will have you warm in no time.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What was your favorite thing to do in Riga? Which of these things would you be most interested in? Which other places have you found to be great for Europe on a budget?