33 Fun Activities & Unique Tours in Riga

Looking for unforgettable tours in Riga that go beyond the typical sightseeing route? Latvia’s vibrant capital is full of surprises, offering everything from Soviet-era secrets and Jewish heritage walks to off-road adventures and floating saunas.

We're here to share some of the top activities in the city- but also some really cool and off-the-beaten-path adventures that Riga has to offer.

Whether you're into history, adrenaline, or local culture, these one-of-a-kind experiences will show you a different side of the city. In this guide, we’re diving into the most unique tours in Riga, as well as some other activities you can't miss out on while in town.

Top Activities & Tours in Riga

Before diving into all of the wild adventures that Riga has. we're going to share the top highlights that the city has to offer.

 Explore the Old Town of Riga

If it's your first time visiting Riga, then you definitely won't want to miss out on the old town, which is the heart of Latvia's capital, and where you'll find many of the top sights in Riga. Roam the streets, speak with locals, and enjoy the vibrant vibe of the city's center.

Go on a Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience any new city is on a free walking tour. It allows you to learn about the history of the area, while experiencing hidden gems that only locals know about. Also, the local guides tend to have great recommendations for eating and drinking in Riga. Just remember to tip!

Browse the Riga Central Market

Located inside old Zeppelin hangars, Riga Central Market is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets. Sample fresh produce, try local snacks, and browse everything from smoked fish to handmade crafts.

It’s a great place to dive into everyday Latvian life and there are a variety of tours in Riga that frequent here.

Enjoy the Architecture of Alberta Iela Street

Riga is famed for having one of the world’s most fascinating collections of Art Nouveau architecture. The Art Nouveau District, particularly along Alberta Street, features intricate facades and sculptural details that will make you truly fall head over heels for Riga's architecture.

Explore the Esplanade

Take a relaxing break in one of Riga’s central green spaces. The Esplanade is perfect for a picnic, people-watching, or snapping photos of the Nativity Cathedral. It’s an ideal place to unwind between sightseeing stops.

Experience the Exhibitions at Digital Art House

Come check out a unique cocktail bar. nightclub, and the only museum with 360 degree multimedia exhibitions in the Baltics. Every Friday and Saturday they host wild parties with an array of music genres, making it a fun and unique activity for both art-lovers and partiers alike.

Ride Riga's Ferris Wheel

Get a bird’s-eye view of the city with a ride on Riga’s Ferris Wheel. Whether by day or at sunset, it offers a fun, family-friendly way to see the skyline — especially after a day of food tastings or walking tours.

Enjoy a Drink with a View

Head just outside the old town and you'll find some of Riga's best rooftop bars, featuring trendy venues and beautiful vistas! Here are a few of our top recommendations to enjoy a drink with a view in Latvia's capital:

• Skyline Bar: the Radisson Blu's trendy bar located on the 26th floor with 360 degree views of the city
• Gutenberg's Rooftop Restaurant: a casual rooftop in the heart of Riga's old town offering a casual menu and incredible panoramic views of the nearby churches and buildings
• Herbarijs Kafejnica: a rooftop terrace on the top of Galleria Riga shopping center - it has a stunning greenhouse feel with a plant-inspired menu.

Educational Tours in Riga

Want to learn about Riga's past? From Jewish history to the cold war, there is so much to unpack from Latvia's past centuries- and these are the top tours in Riga for history buffs.

 Learn About Riga's Jewish History

One of the most meaningful tours in Riga takes you through the city’s Jewish heritage, offering a deep look into its past. From moving memorials to preserved synagogues, this experience sheds light on an important chapter of Latvian history.

Experience the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

Discover Latvia’s rural roots with one of the most unique cultural tours in Riga - a visit to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. This immersive experience features traditional wooden homes, tools, and folk architecture tucked away in a lakeside forest setting.

Get Educated About "Behind the Iron Curtain" aka the Cold War

Step back into Soviet times with a Cold War-themed tour in Riga that explores life behind the Iron Curtain. It’s a fascinating way to understand how Latvia was shaped by decades of occupation and resistance.

Fun Culinary Experiences & Food Tours in Riga

Ready to dive into Latvia's rich cuisine? If you're a foodie, then check out all of these fun culinary tours in Riga!

Khinkali & Pelmeni Cooking Class

Love dumplings? This hands-on class teaches you how to make Georgian khinkali and Russian pelmeni from scratch. While not Latvian, these hearty dumplings are beloved across Eastern Europe. It's one of the tastiest and most interactive tours in Riga, leaving you with new skills and a full belly.

Dinner in the Sky

Visiting Riga in summertime? Well, you can dine high above Riga with panoramic views and gourmet cuisine in this bucket-list experience. It’s only available for a few months,  so you'll want to make sure to book ahead for this one! Among all the unique experiences in Riga, this one quite literally is ready to elevate your trip.

Visit the Latvian Chocolate Museum

Calling all chocolate lovers! Learn how Latvia's top sweets are made, by diving into the history of a beloved local brand, and indulging in samples during one of the sweetest tours in Riga.

Mushroom Picking in the Forests

Head into Latvia’s lush forests with a guide to forage for wild mushrooms. This peaceful tour blends nature, tradition, and local flavors — and is definitely not something to do solo! So make sure you sign up for this tour so you can experience this with a local pro.

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Unique Tours in Riga for the Liquor-Lovers and Partiers

Looking for a wild weekend in Riga? This city is full of fun drinking experiences from experiencing local wineries and breweries to going on VIP nightlife tours.

Gin Distillation Masterclass

If you're a gin-lover, then don't miss out on this masterclass! You'll have the opportunity to craft your own gin blend while learning about botanicals and distillation techniques. It’s an ideal activity for cocktail lovers and a cool experience among Riga’s creative food and drink tours.

Whiskey Masterclass

Prefer whiskey? This masterclass lets you taste rare pours and learn about distilling and aging techniques. It's great for both casual fans and connoisseurs looking for deeper knowledge.

Latvia Beer & Bread Tasting

Latvia’s signature rye bread meets local craft beers in this flavorful pairing session. Learn how simple ingredients create rich combinations, on this fun and flavorful experience. It's the perfect intro to what you’ll find in restaurants or other beer-focused tours in Riga.

Beer, Prosecco, or Cider Bike

Combine sightseeing and sipping with this lively pedal-powered tour. Cruise Riga’s streets while enjoying local brews, with one of the most fun and social tours in Riga for groups.

Local Brewery Experience

Discover Riga’s growing craft beer scene with a brewery tour that includes tastings and behind-the-scenes access. It’s a must for beer lovers looking to dive into Latvian brewing culture.

Pub Crawl

Experience Riga’s vibrant nightlife with a guided pub crawl. Visit top bars, hidden speakeasies, and meet fellow travelers for a really fun night out! Some crawls even include cool extras like mini golf or arcade games, easily making these one of the most popular nighttime tours in Riga.

Here are some fun pub crawls you can sign up for:

Latvian Wine Adventure

Sample unique local wines made from berries and rhubarb in a medieval cellar. This lesser-known side of Latvia’s culinary scene is perfect for wine lovers looking to try something truly unique to Riga.

Private Boat Tour with Riga Black Balsam & Snacks

One of the best ways to enjoy Riga's drink scene is to sample its black balsam, which is Latvia’s iconic herbal liqueur.

On this fun boat tour you'll get to cruise the Daugava River with local snacks and black balsam. Though not a food tour in the traditional sense, this private boat ride is a relaxing and flavorful way to wrap up your trip.

VIP Nightlife Tour

Want an epic night out? This tour includes fast entry to Riga’s top clubs, exclusive venues, and personalized stops. Whether you're on a girls trip or group getaway, this is one of the top-rated tours in Riga for special occasions and partygoers.

Adventure Tours in Riga

Looking for some tours in Riga that'll pump your adrenaline? Then don't miss out on these unique experiences!

Go on a Big Wheel e-Scooter Tour

Zip around the city on a Big Wheel e-scooter, a fun and modern way to explore the capital. These eco-friendly tours in Riga combine speed, style, and sightseeing — perfect for covering ground quickly while exploring the top sights in Latvia's capital.

Ride on a Drift Bike

Looking for one of the most adrenaline-pumping tours in Riga? Try a drift bike experience that lets you slide, spin, and race in a controlled environment.

Go on a Bog-Shoe Tour 

One of the more offbeat tours in Riga involves strapping on special shoes to hike across ancient boglands. This nature tour offers peaceful scenery, unique terrain, and a taste of Latvia’s wilder side.

Experience Go Karting

If you're after some fast-paced fun, go-karting is one of the most action-packed tours in Riga. Perfect for groups and solo travelers alike, it’s a chance to fuel your competitive side while zipping around a challenging track.

Experience a Quad Bike Safari

Get muddy and adventurous with a quad bike safari just outside the city. These rugged tours in Riga’s surrounding forests deliver off-road excitement and beautiful countryside views all in one- the perfect tour for those wanting something a little off-the-beaten-path.

Visit the Riga Shooting Range

Test your aim at a shooting range — one of the more adrenaline-fueled tours in Riga. With expert guidance and a variety of weapons, it's a unique and exhilarating way to spend an afternoon.

Have a Deltaplan Flying Adventure

For the ultimate bird’s-eye view of Latvia's landscapes, a Deltaplan flying experience is unlike any other tour in Riga. Soar above forests, lakes, and cityscapes for a truly unique perspective you won’t forget.

Other Amazing Tours in Riga

Already ate, drank, and adventured your way around Riga? Here are some other fun and unique activities you can enjoy!

Relax on a Floating Sauna

Combine wellness and local tradition with a floating sauna experience — one of the most relaxing experiences in Riga. Enjoy steamy sessions on the water, followed by a refreshing dip in a lake or river. 

This is one of the best things to do in Riga, whether you're visiting in the summer, or having a weekend getaway in Riga during the winter.

So are you ready to check out all of the fun activities and unique tours in Riga? We hope our guide has helped you with planning an epic Latvian city escape. If you have any questions, feel free to drop the in the comments below!

Want to learn more about visiting the city of Riga? We have several other Riga travel guides, and more coming up each week- so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates! Not only that, but we also include exclusive content and special discounts just for our email list.

Ready to start planning an awesome trip to Riga and some other Baltic cities? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, designed to create the perfect itinerary for you, and save you money as well. Want to learn more? Simply Send us an email for your free consultation!

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