Riga
A dynamic blend of modern city life, seaside charm and medieval history, the Latvian capital is a thriving cultural hub that has so much to uncover. The city is a also a short hop away from the beautiful coastal towns along the Gulf of Riga with white sandy beaches, lush pine forests and cosmopolitan eateries.
There are currently no direct flights to Riga, so you’ll need to connect through a major hub including, but not limited to Frankfurt, before continuing on to Riga.
Airports in Riga:
Riga Airport (RIX)
Airlines that fly one stop from BHX to Riga include:
Lufthansa
Seasons:
High = June - August
Low = October - March
Currency:
Euro (EUR)
Average temperature in
Riga
Arriving at Riga Airport
There are currently no direct flights to Riga, so you’ll need to connect through a major hub including, but not limited to, Istanbul and Frankfurt, before continuing on to Riga.
Riga Airport has a three-level single terminal and is a 30 to 45 minute drive from the city centre depending on traffic. You can pick up a taxi at the rank next to the Person of Reduced Mobility Kiosk outside of the Arrivals Hall on Level 1. Public buses and private shuttles also connect the airport to the centre of Riga and can be boarded from the main airport bus stop at the P1 car park between Arrivals E and C.
What to Expect in Riga
No city has it all, but Riga definitely comes close! From the world's only dedicated museum to hats to a thriving nightlife scene, a trip to the Latvian capital is a truly eclectic and unforgettable experience. Expect exceptional Art Noveau architecture, sprawling fresh food markets and quaint cobblestoned streets. Riga is great for a break all-year round, but the city truly comes alive during the summer months with free cultural festivals, outdoor dining and a livelier atmosphere.
Things to do in Riga
One of the most popular attractions amongst tourists is the historic Riga Old Town (Vegrica), which is famed for medieval churches, maze-like cobbled streets and lingering remnants of its Soviet-era past. There is plenty to explore in the district including the House of the Blackheads Museum, The Freedom Monument and Riga Cathedral. Vegrica is also home to a wide variety of cafes and lively restaurants where you can sample traditional Latvian cuisine.
If you're in the mood to shop till you drop then ensure you fit in a visit to Europe's largest market, Riga Central Market. Located within a repurposed German Zeppelin hangar, the charming bazaar features over 3,000 stalls selling everything from baked goods to locally produced trinkets.
Further afield, the nearby seaside town of Jūrmala is perfect for a sunny day on the beach. Home to one of Europe's largest waterparks, Līvu Akvaparks, and a breath-taking coastline that stretches for over 20 miles, there are a wide range of things to see and do.