Summer is here: what to do in Riga and its surroundings without going far

Nature nearby: the sea, trails, and lampreys

A summer day is the perfect time to escape the city. Start with a classic — a trip to Jūrmala. Sandy beaches, the scent of pines, wooden architecture, and quiet streets make this resort town a special place. Jūrmala is more than just a beach; it’s a palette of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and rhythm—Majori, Dzintari, Bulduri, Lielupe, Kauguri. You can learn more about them in our Jūrmala guide and choose a route based on your mood—for a walk, picnic, spa visit, or museum tour.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat, a weekend in Līgatne is perfect. It’s easy to lose track of time here: take a leisurely forest walk, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or spend an evening in a house with a view of a cliff—all of this can be done just a few hours from Riga.

Latvia is home to an impressive number of scenic nature trails, a great summer alternative to the treadmill and gym. The natural routes in the nearby Gauja and Ķemeri national parks are suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Check out our guides on nature trails and national parks for more information on where to go and how long it takes.

If you’re craving the sea and solitude, head to the Kurzeme coast. There you’ll find not only beaches but also lighthouses, fishing villages, forests, and coastal roads perfect for long scenic walks.

And don’t forget about the Lamprey festival in Carnikava, traditionally held in August. You’ll have a chance to taste this unique fish and immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere full of music, markets, and folk traditions.

Culture: from festivities to bookshops

Latvia comes alive with traditional rituals in summer. In June, the entire country celebrates Līgo—one of the most beloved festivals dedicated to the summer solstice. Flower crowns, bonfires, songs, caraway cheese, and of course, homemade beer—all these traditions still accompany Līgo to this day. Read more about the various rituals in our special article.

For those who prefer quiet inspiration, bookshops are ideal. Riga has many places where you can spend hours flipping pages, sipping coffee, picking out gifts, or discovering something unusual. From small stores to antique shops—here are 15 of the best bookstores in the Baltics.

Flavors of summer

In summer, everything seems to taste a little better. Start your day with brunch at one of Riga’s cozy cafés. This is the perfect format for a day off: brunch, sunshine, coffee, and unhurried conversation.

After brunch—head to a summer terrace. Riga has plenty: on rooftops, in courtyards, by the water, and on lively streets. Don’t forget the bakeries. Latvian pastries and desserts are diverse—from berry mousses to salty-sweet bacon buns. The city is full of themed bakeries, like the popular French-style Troubadour Gourmand on Krišjāņa Barona street 52.

And of course—cold soup. Bright pink beet soup with pickles, herbs, and egg isn’t just a dish, it’s a symbol of summer. Even if Latvians and Lithuanians argue over whose version is tastier, one thing is certain: Latvians love cold soup just as much as their southern neighbors.

Art and sports

If you’re looking for inspiration, start with art quarters. Riga has many creative spaces, but we especially recommend visiting Lastādija—a district where galleries, workshops, theaters, and expressive sculptures come together.

If you want to go a little further afield, explore creative spaces outside the city, such as in Cēsis or Alūksne. Check out our Latvian art quarters guide to find a spot that speaks to you.

And don’t forget to rent a bike! Riga has plenty of bike paths: along the Daugava River, from the city center to Mežaparks, around Uzvaras Park, from Pārdaugava to Jūrmala, and many others through parks. It’s a great way to combine exercise with city exploration.

In the evening, after an eventful day, why not enjoy some live jazz? The city offers many venues—from cozy clubs to open-air stages and hotel lounges.
This summer, our editorial team especially recommends visiting Wondersala, a music venue hosting many concerts—including free concerts.

Riga’s architecture

Riga is renowned for its medieval buildings and early 20th-century Art Nouveau. But beyond this heritage, the city also showcases dozens of other styles—from postmodernism to classicism.

The Latvian National Theatre is one of the country’s main cultural centers. We explored its architecture in detail in this article.

We also recommend checking out the Latvian University building at Raiņa boulevard 19—a striking example of Neo-Gothic revival architecture from the turn of the 20th century.

Not only for shopping, Galerija Centrs is worth visiting for its architecture alone—a vivid example of Latvian neoclassicism with Art Deco elements, built in the late 1930s. It’s the oldest still-functioning department store in the country.

And of course, the National Library of Latvia—the “Castle of Light” on the banks of the Daugava, where exhibitions, lectures, and events are regularly held. At the top of this “castle” is an observation deck that you can visit by registering for a reader’s card—it only takes a few minutes.

You don’t have to travel far this summer to discover something new and exciting. Even familiar places can reveal themselves in a fresh light when you view them as something special. Riga and its surroundings are the perfect place to fall in love with Latvia or fall in love with it even more this summer.