Things To Do
in Riga
Riga, India is a modest town tucked in the rural heart of Bihar near the Ganges plains. It blends agricultural landscapes with a vibrant market culture, offering visitors a glimpse of everyday life in northern India. The town’s lanes, temples, and simple heritage architecture reflect a blend of tradition and quiet charm.
Visitors here experience warm hospitality, rustic flavors, and a pace of life that invites slow exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Riga's cobbled streets in the Old City, taking in the charming architecture and historic buildings. Stop by the iconic House of Blackheads and capture some amazing photographs. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafés, sampling traditional Latvian pastries.
Learn about the rich history of Riga by visiting the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which provides fascinating insights into the country's past. After the museum, wander through the vibrant streets and grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can taste local dishes. Take some time to enjoy the stunning view from the top of St. Peter’s Church tower.
As the sun sets, indulge in Riga’s nightlife by exploring the lively bars and pubs in the Old City. Join a guided walking tour that focuses on the city’s fascinating legends and stories. End the night with a traditional Latvian dinner at a cozy eatery.
Begin your day by visiting the Art Nouveau district, renowned for its stunning buildings that showcase intricate design and ornamentation. Marvel at the detailed facades and learn about the history of this architectural movement in Latvia. Stop by a local bakery to fuel up with coffee and pastries before continuing your exploration.
Continue your tour by visiting the Riga Art Nouveau Museum, where you can view collections that highlight this unique style. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, soaking in the ambiance of the artistic surroundings. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the quaint streets lined with galleries and artisan shops.
In the evening, head to a local theater to catch a performance or special event that showcases Latvian culture. Listen to live music in one of the many vibrant venues in the area. End the day with a nightcap at a rooftop bar, overlooking the stunning Riga skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.25-0.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or chai | $0.30-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and approachable locals
- Rich, rustic Bihar cuisine and affordable travel
- Limited nightlife and fewer luxury options
- Less-developed tourism infrastructure in some areas
- "Namaste" - Hello / Good day
- "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Kitna hai?" - How much is this?
- "Kahan hai…?" - Where is…?
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Aapka swagat hai" - You’re welcome
Places to Visit in Riga
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm water reflections and early-morning light create a tranquil scene, especially with local boats and fishermen in frame.
Ancient temple architecture and daily worship provide rich subject matter—look for intricate carvings and people at prayer.
Narrow lanes, aged walls, and rows of shops glow with warm light, perfect for street photography and candid portraits.
Food in Riga
Riga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Roasted dough balls stuffed with spiced gram flour, served with chokha (mashed roasted vegetables like eggplant and potatoes). Best enjoyed with a dollop of ghee.
Must-Try!
Paratha stuffed with spiced roasted gram flour (sattu), often paired with pickles and chutney for a hearty, protein-rich meal.
Rice flour dumplings filled with lentil dal, steamed or pan-fried, a comforting and staple Bihar dish.
A traditional semolina-based sweet cookie, popular during festivals and fairs; available at sweet stalls and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic bazaar lanes where you can try litti chokha, chaat, and fresh street snacks from multiple stalls near the main square.
A compact row of street vendors offering samosas, aloo tikki, chai, kulfi, and regional sweets; great for casual meals and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful greeting with hands pressed together and a slight bow; use when meeting strangers and elders.
Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and ask for permission before taking photos in sacred spaces.
Use the right hand for giving, receiving, and eating; the left hand is traditionally used less in public settings.
Polite, patient conversations; avoid loud public displays of affection; negotiate prices calmly in markets.
Safety
Tipping in Riga
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is customary if service is satisfactory. For street vendors or tuk-tuks, small tips (a few INR) are appreciated but not required.
Cash in INR remains widely accepted. Digital wallets and card payments are increasingly common in larger towns and some eateries, but carry cash for smaller shops and street stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry to humid, with temperatures often in the 30s-40s°C. Stay hydrated, wear light clothes, and carry sunscreen.
Heavy rains can arrive from July to September. Expect humid conditions and occasional flooding in low-lying areas; carry a light rain jacket.
Cool to mild, with comfortable days and cool nights. Layered clothing works well, and mornings can be chilly.
Riga at Night
Hiking in Riga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible hill routes a short drive away, offering scenic viewpoints and forest trails suitable for a day hike.
Airports
How to reach Riga by plane.
A major regional airport offering domestic connections; about a few hours’ drive from Riga depending on traffic and route.
Another accessible option with domestic flights; useful for travelers combining Bihar sights with nearby Buddhist sites.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic in the immediate area, with strong family and village networks.
Market towns thrive on small businesses, crafts, and daily commerce.
Young people and daily travelers who frequent schools, colleges, and bus stops.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, with informal matches often played in parks and school grounds.
A traditional contact sport enjoyed in villages and local tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Riga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are abundant. Look for dal, chana, paneer, and seasonal vegetables; ask for ghee-free preparations if needed and confirm no meat stock or cross-contamination when ordering.