Riga in One Day: What to See and How to Get There from Tallinn

Riga is the largest city of the Baltics and only about 320 km from Tallinn. Many travellers ask: can you see Riga in one day, and what should you see first?

Here is a one-day route through the main sights of Riga and practical tips on how to get there from Tallinn.

What to See in Riga in One Day

Old Riga

The heart of the city was founded in 1201 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Start your walk in the narrow medieval streets of Old Riga.

Riga Cathedral

Founded in 1211, the cathedral is famous for its organ. When it was inaugurated in 1884, the organ with 6,718 pipes was the largest in the world.

House of the Blackheads

The most photographed building in Riga was destroyed in 1941 and rebuilt between 1996 and 1999. Only the medieval cellar is original.

St Peter's Church

Take the lift up the 123 metre tower to the viewing platform at 72 metres for the best view over the red roofs of Old Riga.

Freedom Monument

The 42.7 metre monument was unveiled in 1935 and paid for entirely by public donations. It stands between the Old Town and the modern centre.

Riga Central Market

One of the largest markets in Europe is housed in former Zeppelin hangars built between 1924 and 1930. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place for lunch.

Art Nouveau on Alberta Street

More than 800 Art Nouveau buildings were built in Riga between 1899 and 1914, and over 750 of them survive. Alberta Street shows the most beautiful facades.

A Simple One-Day Route

Morning: arrive in Riga and walk through Old Riga, Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads.

Midday: climb St Peter's Church tower and have lunch at the Central Market.

Afternoon: walk past the Freedom Monument to the Art Nouveau facades of Alberta Street.

In winter, add the Christmas market on Dome Square, open from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

How to Get from Tallinn to Riga for the Day

The drive takes about 4 hours each way, so a day trip is a long day. With a private car you leave early in the morning straight from your hotel, use every minute in Riga and travel back in comfort without timetables.

If you prefer a relaxed pace, travel one way and stay a night in Riga. On the way you can stop in Pärnu for lunch and a walk.

Compare all options in our article Tallinn to Riga: bus, train, plane or private car.

Prices for a Private Car to Riga

One way Tallinn to Riga, fixed price:

Sedan for 1, 2 or 3 passengers: 330 EUR.

Minivan Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 8 people: 400 EUR.

Minivan Mercedes-Benz V-Class for up to 6 people: 450 EUR.

For a same day return trip to Tallinn, contact our manager. They will plan the timing and calculate the price of the round trip.

See our Tallinn to Riga private transfer, the Tallinn to Riga Christmas Market trip with a stop in Pärnu, or the private Baltic tour by car.

Riga Airport Transfers and Trips to Jurmala

Flying into Riga? We also meet guests at Riga Airport and take them to their hotel in Riga in a comfortable sedan or a spacious minivan for families and groups.

From Riga Airport we also drive guests to the seaside resort of Jurmala. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, and the price is fixed and agreed in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see Riga in one day?

Yes, the main sights of Old Riga, the Central Market and the Art Nouveau district are within walking distance and can be seen in one day.

Is a day trip from Tallinn to Riga worth it?

It is a long day with about 8 hours of driving in total. With a private car it is comfortable, but if you have time, staying one night in Riga is more relaxed.