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Riga International Airport is a great place to stop over, with several transportation options available to get you into the city centre in 15-20 minutes. If you're short on time, you can stay at the airport and enjoy its dining and shopping options, or if you have a 4-6 hour layover, you can visit Riga's Old Town, see key landmarks, and enjoy a meal. Riga's city centre is packed with history, architecture, and culture, so it's a great place to explore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Bus No. 22 to the city centre, taxis, rideshares, shuttle services |
| Dining | Cafés and restaurants in the departures area |
| Shopping | Shops in the departures area and public area |
| Nearby Attractions | Riga's Old Town, Bastejkalns Park, Riga Castle, Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs, Bibliotēka No1 |
| Luggage Storage | Bounce |
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What You'll Learn
Riga Airport dining and shopping
Riga International Airport (RIX) offers a range of dining and shopping options for travellers. The airport's website advertises "shops and cafes" in the departures area, public area, and online.
In terms of dining, there are cafés and restaurants available in the departures area. For those with a shorter time at the airport, there is also a Narvesen kiosk where you can purchase drinks and snacks.
For shopping, the airport offers the usual range of duty-free and travel retail outlets, located in the departures area and the public area. You can also shop online and collect your purchases at the airport, either before or after your trip.
If you have a longer layover, you might consider booking into the VIP lounge for additional comfort and amenities.
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Explore Riga Old Town
Riga's Old Town is a great destination for a layover, with its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and compact size. Here is a suggested itinerary for exploring the Old Town and beyond:
Latvian National Museum of Art
Start your day by visiting the Latvian National Museum of Art to admire the vast collection of Latvian and European artworks. Remember that large bags are not allowed inside, so consider using a luggage storage service beforehand.
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Next, head to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to learn about the country's history under Soviet and Nazi rule. This museum provides important context for understanding Latvia's past and present.
Bastejkalns Park
Take a leisurely walk through Bastejkalns Park, a serene green space near the Old Town. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and relax before continuing your explorations.
Riga Castle
Make your way to Riga Castle, which is not only a fascinating piece of architecture but also the home of Latvia's president. Take a tour of the castle and soak up the history of this iconic landmark.
Dining Options
For lunch or dinner, there are several dining options to choose from. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs offers a lively atmosphere with traditional Latvian food and live music. For a more upscale experience, try Bibliotēka No1, which is known for its modern Latvian cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
Beyond the Old Town
If you have additional time or are looking for more things to do, consider the following:
- Take a walking tour of the city to discover hidden gems and highlights.
- Explore Gauja National Park, where you can hike and visit castles.
- Visit Rundale Palace and other nearby attractions.
- Check out the city's art galleries, museums, and cultural spots.
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Riga museums and art galleries
Riga, Latvia, is home to a plethora of museums and art galleries. The Latvian National Museum of Art is a must-visit destination, housing over 52,000 works of art that showcase the development of professional art in Latvia and the Baltic region from the 18th century to the present. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by Baltic German architect Wilhelm Neumann in a historicist style with Baroque elements. The museum's permanent exhibition, Latvian Art. 19th–20th Century, traces the country's art history, highlighting important works and cultural contexts.
The Riga Bourse, housed in a stunning Venetian Renaissance-style building, features a diverse range of exhibitions. The fourth floor showcases classical West European paintings, porcelain, and silver collections, while the third floor displays Oriental art from the Far and Middle East, including an Egyptian mummy. The museum also presents modern art exhibitions in its first-floor halls.
For those interested in medieval history, the Blackheads Guild Hall Museum offers an immersive experience with informative exhibits. The Riga Stradiņš Museum is another unique destination, blending art and science. It showcases the history of medicine from prehistoric to modern times and even includes a room dedicated to Soviet space exploration.
The Romans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum is a great place to learn about the artists' lives and their impact on the art world. The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design is also worth a visit, with its bright works of art and insights into the world of art restoration.
Riga also boasts an Art Nouveau Museum, showcasing the city's renowned Art Nouveau architecture, particularly on Alberta Street. Additionally, the Latvian National Museum of Art's exhibition, Dismantling the Wall. Latvian Art 1985–1991, explores Latvian contemporary art during a period of socio-political change.
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Riga transport options
Riga International Airport offers several transport options to get you into the city centre and beyond. The airport is located just 10km from the city centre, so it's easy to visit during a layover.
Bus
The cheapest way to get to the city centre is by taking bus number 22, which takes around 30 minutes.
Taxi or Rideshare
If you prefer a quicker option, you can take a taxi or rideshare from outside the terminal. A taxi to the Old Town takes around 15-20 minutes.
Shuttle Services
Some hotels and tour operators also offer shuttle services for travellers, so be sure to check with your accommodation provider or tour company.
Car Rental
If you prefer to have your own set of wheels, there are several car rental companies operating from the airport. This option gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
Luggage Storage
If you have a long layover and want to explore the city, consider using a luggage storage service like Bounce to leave your bags behind. They have multiple locations, so you can explore the city with peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safe and protected.
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Riga Airport VIP lounge
If you're looking for comfort and amenities during your time at Riga Airport, the Primeclass Lounge offers a VIP experience for travellers. The lounge is located airside, on the third floor, accessible by taking the lift by Gate B1. It is open daily from 5 am to 11 pm, but hours may vary according to flight schedules. The lounge is available to all passengers on international flights, with a maximum stay of three hours.
The Primeclass Lounge offers a range of facilities to enhance your time at the airport. You can enjoy a meal or explore the bar, which serves a wide range of beverages, including hard drinks, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. If you need a quiet space to rest or work, there are individual rooms for one or two people, equipped with comfortable beds, bathrooms, TV sets, and Wi-Fi. These rooms can be booked for your convenience. The lounge also provides a conference room suitable for up to ten people, complete with a TV screen, ideal for business meetings or catching up with your team before departure.
For passengers travelling with children, the Primeclass Lounge offers special facilities to keep the little ones entertained. Kids can enjoy watching cartoons and working off their energy, while a cosy baby-changing room is conveniently located nearby.
The lounge access fee is approximately 35 euros for three hours, and all guests must present a boarding pass with confirmed same-day travel. Children under two years of age are admitted free of charge.
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Frequently asked questions
Riga International Airport has several dining and shopping options. You can also book into the VIP lounge for about 35 euros for 3 hours.
You can take Bus No. 22, which is a direct route to the city centre and takes about 30 minutes. You can also take a taxi or rideshare outside the terminal, which takes about 15-20 minutes to the Old Town.
Riga's Old Town is a great place to visit during your layover. You can see key landmarks and enjoy a quick meal. You can also visit Bastejkalns Park, a serene green space near the Old Town, and Riga Castle, home to Latvia's president.
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs is a lively venue with live music and traditional Latvian food. For a more refined experience, try Bibliotēka No1, which serves modern Latvian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
If you are arriving from outside the Schengen area, you will need a valid passport and visa unless your country has a visa-free agreement with the EU. This includes countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and most of South America.
