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Explore Nearby Towns
If you know every corner of Riga and are craving something new, try discovering new attractions, cafes, creative districts, and parties in other towns. We’ll suggest one interesting spot for each town, but remember, there are plenty more! Check out our detailed city guides for more ideas.
Jūrmala
In winter, Jūrmala reveals itself from a different perspective — quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by incredible nature.
Ragakāpa Nature Park
The Ragakāpa Nature Reserve is just a 20-minute drive from the center of Riga. If you want to combine a walk through a pine forest with admiring sand dunes and sea views, all without spending much time or energy on travel, this route is for you. Some of the trees here are nearly 300 years old.
Kaunas
A trip to Kaunas is an opportunity to see unique modernist architecture, enjoy exquisite cuisine, and admire nature.
Kaunas Zoo
The Lithuanian zoo was founded by the prominent naturalist Professor Tadas Ivanauskas. It opened in 1938 and was recently significantly renovated. The zoo is located in a deep ravine, so its territory is divided into two levels, connected by stairs, a steep climb, or an elevator. There’s an observation deck at the top.Visitors can see over 2,000 animals, from insects to giraffes. Many of these species are endangered due to the loss of their natural habitats.
Līgatne
Līgatne is a small town in northern Latvia packed with interesting sights, from unique landmarks and museums to creative districts with live music.
Abandoned Paper Factory
The history of Līgatne is closely tied to the paper factory, founded on the site of a watermill in the early 19th century. Over the years, the factory was rebuilt several times, and its territory expanded. Its products were highly valued far beyond Latvia. In 2016, paper production ceased, but recently, the area has been gradually revitalized: tours, festivals, and even attempts to restart the production of high-quality watercolor paper for artists are taking place here.
The well-preserved red-brick factory buildings, wooden houses built for employees, some interiors, and surrounding structures — such as the river dam and chimney — are worth seeing.
Address: Spriņģu iela 4A, Līgatne
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Cēsis
Cēsis is a modern, delicious, and experience-rich city. It combines centuries-old history with contemporary trends, coziness and intimacy, big ambitions, and a leisurely pace of life. Plus, it’s rapidly developing.
St. John’s Church
St. John’s Church, built in the 13th century, is one of the oldest in Latvia and served as the church of the Livonian Order. It houses the tombs of the order’s masters, spiritual leaders, and knights. Look for the orange spire crowning the white tower — it’s visible from almost anywhere in the city. Don’t miss the organ, the sixth largest in the country.
Address: Lielā Skolas iela 8, Cēsis
Pāvilosta
Pāvilosta is a small port town steeped in the scent of saltwater. Travelers love visiting in warmer months, but we’re changing the rules — head here in winter when everything is still.
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PAiR Art Residence
A true gem in Pāvilosta is the international art residence PAiR. Artists, curators, and researchers come here to work, experiment, and create. PAiR is also a cultural center hosting exhibitions, performances, discussions, workshops, and art festivals open to all.
The residence is housed in a historic wooden building from 1901, surrounded by a blooming garden, with the sea just a short distance away.
Visit a Sauna
Strong birch branches and a steam room that makes your head spin — it’s all classic, but with a Latvian twist. Think herbal infusions, natural oils, and a dip in the nearest body of water. Here’s where to find Latvia’s national sauna traditions.
Pirts nr.1
The largest wood-fired sauna in the Baltics is a modern wellness complex with two wood-burning stoves. In addition to traditional saunas, there’s a Turkish bath, massages, and a Charcot shower. Many Google Maps reviews praise the food — the complex includes a grill bar offering Georgian dishes and Uzbek pilaf.
Address: Ulbrokas iela 26a, Vidzemes priekšpilsēta, Rīga
Opening hours: Tuesday 09:00–21:00, other days 09:00–22:00
Green Island
A floating sauna cottage on the shores of Ķīšezers with a panoramic window in the steam room. The relaxation area features a mini-cinema, and guests can cook in the kitchen or bring their own snacks.
Additional services include massages, body scrubs, masks, and ofuro — a traditional Japanese wooden tub. You can also spend the night in the cottage.
Address: Roberta Feldmaņa iela 11, Ziemeļu rajons, Rīga
Opening hours: Varies depending on the booking
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Walk Along Nature and Forest Trails
Here’s the plan: dress warmly, grab a thermos and your thoughts, and head out for a walk along nature and forest trails.
Forest Trail E11
Trail length: 2,100 km in Latvia
This trail is part of the European long-distance hiking route E11 in the Baltics. It winds through forests and national parks in Latvia, starting at the Polish-Lithuanian border near Lazdijai, passing through Riga, and ending in Tallinn, Estonia.
What you do here is up to you: listen to birdsong, admire greenery, spot hares, reflect, or explore churches and castles. The trail is open to dreamers — do whatever your heart desires.
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Līgatne Nature Trails
Trail length: 4–5 km
These trails are located in Gauja National Park. Here, you can enjoy not only nature but also wildlife in its natural habitat. Squirrels carry nuts to their nests, hares freeze at the sound of cracking branches, and foxes watch cautiously from afar. Meanwhile, you’ll be soaking in the sounds of the forest, the beauty of meadows, trees, and ravines.
Spend a Weekend in a Luxurious Hotel
An option for those who’ve already explored all the coffee shops and attended the best winter parties in Riga. Now it’s time to relax — spend a couple of days in a luxurious hotel: enjoy delicious food, unwind in a beautiful room, and forget about household chores. Here are two hotels loved by the Neighborhood team and our readers.
Dome Hotel
Located in Old Riga in a 17th-century building, the hotel was reconstructed by renowned Latvian architect Reinis Liepiņš of Sudraba Arhitektūra and designer Santa Meikulāne of Lolot Design.
The building has undergone several transformations, leaving traces of Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau. Some elements of these styles have been lovingly restored, including a beautiful 17th-century wooden staircase, historic doors, windows, and fragments of wall paintings.
The hotel has 15 rooms (featuring works by Latvian artisans) and an exquisite French restaurant, Le Dome, offering tasting menus and à la carte options. On the top floor, there’s a small Finnish sauna available from October to April, accommodating 2–4 people for privacy. The ground floor has a steam room and a massage room.
А22
In 1939, a young John F. Kennedy spent a week on vacation in Riga. He could be found on Ausekļa Street, where the American embassy was located at the time. Later, the embassy moved to the western outskirts of the city, and a memorial plaque was placed on the original building. Today, it houses the stylish A22 hotel.
The former embassy and early 20th-century American chic inspired the designers. The interiors blend Riga’s Art Nouveau with 1930s influences: smooth lines, brass, dark wood, and marble. Historical elements like stucco and ceiling paintings were carefully restored and complemented with modern furniture and dark neutral tones.
The small hotel accommodates up to 20 guests and features a gym, spa, and conference room. It also has a fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar named “John and Jackie” after the Kennedys.
Address: Ausekļa iela 22, Centra rajons, Rīga
