Autumn is a glorious time to visit Riga, Latvia. Golden leaves bedazzle the old city, which by this time has shed some of the flag-wielding tour groups and stag parties that clog the narrow alleys in summer. Early in the season, the weather is still fine enough to sip cider on sidewalk patios, albeit with a blanket wrapped around your shoulders. November turns dark and chilly in a hurry, although holiday celebrations still entice locals out of doors. Here are some of the unique activities and events that make Riga in autumn so special.
Scale the Ramparts in Bastejkalns Park
Bastion Hill is a vast space to the west of the Freedom Monument that was created in the 19th century after the old city fortifications were torn down. Traces of them remain, however. Follow the curving staircase up to the base of what was once a tower, and you’ll find a vantage point ideal for surveying the realm.
Admire the Foliage on a Riga Canal Cruise
What is now the Riga City Canal was once a moat surrounding the medieval city. The waterway runs through Bastejkalns park, and the variety of trees lining its banks creates a kaleidoscopic effect for several weeks each autumn. (Riga’s foliage generally peaks in mid-October.) Take an hour-long cruise on one of the small wooden tourist boats to immerse yourself in this golden world. If you’re lucky, you might even see one of the city’s elusive beavers!
Enjoy the View from St Peter’s Church Spire
If you time your visit for the late afternoon sunset, you’ll be rewarded with a city bathed in rose gold. Riga’s Old Town looks positively ethereal in the soft autumn light. Tickets cost €9 and include entrance to the historic church (which doubles as an art gallery.) Note that the ticket office closes at 5pm sharp during the fall and winter seasons. I once showed up at 5:04 and was turned away.
Take a Peaceful Stroll Through Lielie Kapi
The Great Cemetery is the final resting place of Latvia’s 18th and 19th century denizens, many of Baltic German extraction, was bulldozed by the Soviets in the 1960s and turned into a public park. But many tombstones and crumbling crypts still stand, some restored by local Latvians.
I came across one small group tending the graves of Krisjanis Barons and Krisjanis Valdemars – two of Latvia’s most venerable national figures. One of the group explained that they live near Lielie Kapi and want to preserve its cultural heritage.
Find a Favorite Latvian Beer
Labietis is Riga’s hippest craft brewery, tucked inside a courtyard near trendy Miera iela. It has over a dozen different brews on tap, which are divided into six color families. The yellow beers were popular with my crowd, though I also enjoyed the Dumenis, a smokey red ale. Want to know even more? Not sure what to try? The friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you decide.
Attend the Kalnciema Quarter Saturday Market
Local farmers show off their bounty of fall produce, along with all the jams, honeys, and breads you can eat. This is also a great spot to pick up local handicrafts and knitwear, like hats and scarves, which you will soon need. While you’re in the neighborhood, take some time to appreciate the historic wooden Art Nouveau architecture which is gradually being restored to its former glory.
Honor Latvia’s Freedom Fighters on Lacplesis Day
November 11 commemorates the day in 1919 when Latvia’s army defeated Imperial Russian forces and gave Latvia its independence. Locals lay flowers at the base of Riga’s Freedom Monument and light candles by the thousand to mark the special event. I was moved to witness parents and teachers explain the significance of the day to their children, ensuring the tradition continues for generations to come.
Celebrate Latvian Independence Day
On November 18, 1918, Latvia declared its independence from the Russian Empire. This public holiday is one of the biggest events of the year, celebrated with a military parade and spectacular fireworks display. Locals participate by laying heaps of flowers at the Freedom Monument and making torchlight processions across the city. Many torches are left in Bastejkalns park, turning it into a fairy kingdom for the night.
Take a Tour of Latvia’s Parliament, or Saeima
The historic building was constructed in 1867 for the Livonian knights and transferred to the Latvian government in 1920. Guided tours can be prearranged for groups and take visitors through the beautifully restored entrance hall, library, meeting rooms, and voting chamber. If you want to experience the government in action, it’s possible to observe a plenary session, though the proceedings will be entirely in Latvian.
Say Labdien to the Animals at Riga Zoo
This sprawling park is home to dozens of animals, including lions, hippos, giraffes, bears, camels, and kangaroos. The zoo is well-tended and some of the enclosures have been renovated to give the large animals lots of space to roam. You’ll find the entrance to Riga Zoo in the vast Mezaparks, an ideal leaf-peeping spot.
Get Your Fashion Fix at Riga Fashion Week
Top designers from the Baltic countries show off their spring-summer collections in October, giving everyone something to look forward to at the end of those long winter months. Names to look out for include Dace Bahmann, Anna Led, and Narciss.
Light up the Night with Staro Riga
For one weekend every November, Riga is transformed by art installations that illuminate the dark autumnal sky. Creative and colorful displays timed to music dance across building facades and fountains around the city. Frigid temperatures can’t keep the crowds away from this much anticipated annual spectacle!
Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Riga Christmas Market
The festivities open in Dome Square at the end of November, and last through the first week of January, giving you plenty of time to soak up some seasonal cheer. At least a quarter of the stalls sell hot food and beverages, which you’ll definitely need to combat the chilly temps. (Latvian mittens also help.) You can find my complete guide to the Riga Christmas Market here.
Looking for even more seasonal beauty? Hop the train for an easy day trip to Sigulda, Latvia’s premier autumn destination. You can find my detailed guide here.
Visiting Riga during the winter months? Then you’ll want to read this!
Save this guide for easy reference!
What do you think are the most fun and unique things to do in Riga in autumn?
Beautiful, as always, my friend! Wish you were here to do some of these things with me, because now I finally have the time. 🙂
So many good memories of October in beautiful Riga!
Yes indeed! I got a little emotional working on this post and looking back through the photos 🙂
What a great blog. I loved all that I saw on my two visits. But so much more there as seen from your pictures. Beautiful pictures by the way.
That’s the great thing about Riga – there’s ALWAYS more to see and do. We’ll just have to go back 🙂
Sounds like a plan to me!!
Fall looks like a tremendous time to be in Riga … will keep this place in mind for my 2017 tour in Europe!
Be sure to pencil in a stop in Sigulda, Latvia. The national park surrounding the town is famous in the Baltics for its foliage!
My daughter and her family have just moved to Riga and we are looking forward to visiting them while they are there. Thank you for your stunning photos and spectacular information on this area.
Candice, that’s wonderful! My family came to visit me several times in Riga and loved every second. I hope your daughter enjoys her time there as much as I did! It’s a very special place.
I’m not really familiar of Riga but I find it very charming. I wish I could visit this place too. You really got me inspired.
Wow Latvia sounds and looks beautiful – especially at that time of year – my favourite! Can’t wait to visit someday 🙂
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Latvia is beautiful year round, but definitely in Autumn. I wish I’d done more exploring in the countryside, but Riga was just too lovely to leave!