48 Hours in Riga: A Flight Attendant’s Perfect Layover Guide
As a former flight attendant turned full-time traveler, I’ve gotten pretty good at making the most of short stays in new cities, and Riga, Latvia, absolutely delivered. Whether you're here on a layover, a weekend trip, or adding it to your Baltics itinerary, this charming capital is packed with culture, color, and coffee (lots of it).
Here’s exactly how I spent 48 hours in Riga, plus tips to help you plan your own adventure!
PS: You can watch the full vlog from this trip here!
Day 1: Arrive, Explore & Indulge
Morning:
Check-in & coffee first! I headed into the city and grabbed a flat white at Caffeine LV—highly recommend it if you're a coffee lover.
Walk the Old Town – Riga’s medieval core is compact and walkable. I started at the House of the Blackheads, wandered into St. Peter’s Church, and let myself get lost in the cobblestone streets.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Lido – A Latvian self-service restaurant with local dishes like beet salad and potato pancakes. Very affordable and great for solo travelers!
Explore Art Nouveau District – A short walk from Old Town, this area has some of the most beautiful buildings I’ve seen in Europe. Don’t miss Alberta iela!
Evening:
Dinner with a view – I had dinner at Skyline Bar (on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu). The view of Riga at sunset? Unreal.
Optional: A walk along the Daugava River at dusk is a perfect way to wind down.
Flight crew tip: Riga is super walkable; bring comfy shoes and skip the taxis!
Day 2: Culture, Markets & Spa Time
Morning:
Start at the Central Market – Housed in old Zeppelin hangars, this is Europe’s largest market and great for snacks, souvenirs, and people-watching. Try the local rye bread or smoked fish!
Freedom Monument & Bastejkalna Park – Peaceful and green, perfect for a stroll and some downtime.
Afternoon:
Museum Time – I visited the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which is sobering but important for understanding the country’s history.
Lunch at Rocket Bean Roastery – A cozy café with light options and great Wi-Fi if you need to catch up on anything.
Evening:
Get a manicure at House of Nails – I tried House of Nails because I know that in Eastern Europe, you can get a Russian-style manicure for really cheap prices. I was not disappointed, and I recommend them to anyone in town wanting to take care of their nails.
Dinner? Right next to the nail salon, there’s this amazing restaurant, Anna’s Garden, with delicious food and drinks, live entertainment on weekends, and the perfect cozy spot to relax after a few days of exploring.
Final Thoughts
Riga felt like a hidden gem, offering affordability, beauty, and ease of navigation. Whether you're a fellow crew member looking for a quick layover plan or just exploring Europe on a budget, Riga is worth every minute.
Want to see it all in action? Watch my full Riga vlog here!
Travel Tips from a Former Flight Attendant
Bring layers: Even in summer, the weather can shift fast.
Most people speak English, but knowing “paldies” (thank you) goes a long way.
Use Google Maps offline to navigate if you won’t have data.
Early mornings are best for photos without crowds!
