Why visit
Riga is Latvia's river capital, famous for Art Nouveau streets, a medieval old town, markets, wooden houses, and Baltic sea access. It is the largest and most urban of the Baltic capitals.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Riga is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Latvia. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Riga, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Latvia better matches the trip style.
Riga at a glance
City population
610k
Metro: 1.1 million
Elevation
6 m
20 ft
Time zone
UTC+2 (UTC+3 DST)
Europe/Riga
Airport
RIX
Riga International
Founded
1201
Getting around
Trams, trolleybuses, buses; walkable old town
Signature dish
Grey peas with speck, sklandrausis, rupjmaize, Black Balsam
Neighborhoods for travelers
Old TownArt Nouveau DistrictMiera ielaĀgenskalns
Latvia at a glance
Country center
57.0°, 25.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
64,559 km²
24,926 mi²
Country population
1.9 million
29/km²
Subregion
Northern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+371
Language
Latvian
Demonym
Latvian
Internet
.lv
UN
Member state
ISO code
LV / LVA
Where in the world
57.0° - 25.0°
Latvia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Riga has the largest collection of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) buildings in the world: over 750 examples.
- The Latvian capital was founded in 1201 by German crusaders and was once a major Hanseatic port.
- The Freedom Monument was preserved throughout Soviet occupation: Latvians laid flowers there in silent protest.
- Latvia hosts the largest choir festival in the world every five years: 30,000+ singers perform at once in Riga.
- Riga has the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture: over 750 buildings.
Bordering Latvia
Traveler notes
- Riga old town is UNESCO-listed
- Alberta Street is the classic Art Nouveau architecture walk
- Central Market fills old Zeppelin hangars with food stalls
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Riga
What currency is used in Riga?
Riga uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Latvia?
The primary language is Latvian.
What is the international calling code for Latvia?
The calling code is +371.
When is the best time to visit Riga?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Riga?
Riga International (IATA: RIX).
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