Destination guideLatvia
FROMLON
ABOUT 3 HRS ✈️
TORIX

Holidays in Riga

A cobbled old town that claims the world's first decorated Christmas tree, with cosy markets and low prices. Here's what Riga is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

NIGHTS AWAY3
BUDGET£
BEST MONTHSMay–Aug, Dec
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Riga at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 3 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
2 HRS AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / F · 230V

The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANVery cold, quieter
  2. FEBVery cold, quieter
  3. MARCold, quieter
  4. APRSpring, a good time to go
  5. MAYWarm, best time to go
  6. JUNMidsummer, best time to go
  7. JULWarm, best time to go
  8. AUGWarm, best time to go
  9. SEPAutumn, a good time to go
  10. OCTChilly, quieter
  11. NOVMarkets open, a good time to go
  12. DECChristmas markets, best time to go

Late November to early January brings the Christmas market to Dome Square and lights across the old town. May to August is warm with long, light evenings. January and February are very cold, often well below freezing.

Things to do with the family

FREE

Christmas market

Wooden huts on Dome Square sell hot blackcurrant juice, gingerbread and woollen mittens.

FREE

First Christmas tree

A plaque marks the spot where Riga says a decorated tree first stood in 1510.

FREE

Old Town

Medieval streets, the House of the Blackheads and the Three Brothers, Riga's oldest houses.

FREE

Central Market

One of Europe's biggest markets, in old Zeppelin hangars.

TICKETED

Latvian Open-Air Ethnographic Museum

Old farmhouses and windmills in a forest, with festive crafts in December.

DAY TRIP

Jūrmala

A long, sandy Baltic beach, half an hour away by train. Best in summer.

Riga: common questions

Is Riga good for a family holiday?

Yes. It's compact, safe and cheap, with a cosy market and an old town that's easy to explore.

When is the Christmas market on?

Usually from late November until early January.

How cold is it in December?

Usually around 0°C to -5°C, and it's dark by four o'clock, so bring warm layers.

How many nights do you need?

Three nights is enough for the old town, the market and a museum.

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