Riga and the other Baltic Capitals
Riga is one of the many amazing capitals of the Baltics which people love visiting. A key advantage of Riga is its central location in the region. This makes the city the perfect base to settle, while still being able to do weekend trips to other parts of the Baltics. For example, Tallinn, Helsinki, and Vilnius are all within reach of Riga. If you are looking for something longer than a day trip, then this article this article is for you. Hopefully by the end, you will know where to visit, how to get there, and what to do when you do!
1. Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is perhaps the most popular weekend trip from Riga. You can get there by bus with no connections from Riga Central Station. Although the journey lasts 4-4.5 hours, the beautiful views of forests and small towns will ensure that you aren’t bored. Tallinn has a brilliant range of hotels and hostels, many of which are located close to the old town, which is where most of the sights are located. Climbing St Olaf’s Tower is a great way to gain a bird’s eye perspective of the city – but beware, the 258 steps are not an easy task! You could also visit Hotel Viru or admire the architecture of the city guilds. In the evenings, you can feel the buzz of the city by walking along the waterfront in the neighbourhood of Kalamaja.
2. Helsinki
Although it requires a ferry trip, the capital of Finland is also well connected to Riga. You can get the bus to Tallinn and then the ferry from Tallinn’s Port to Helsinki. The ferry trip lasts around two hours and runs very regularly, so you can be flexible with your travel. Helsinki is known for the way its innovative, urban landscape mixes with the seafront, so it is a great destination for architecture lovers. In this capital, you can truly experience Finnish culture, enjoying a sauna experience and tasting the cuisine, for instance. If you want to do some sightseeing, the impressive Helsinki Cathedral and the sea fortress Suomenlinna are both very popular among tourists.
3. Vilnius
The final popular weekend trip from Riga is the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. Like Tallinn, this is also a 4 hour bus journey, with wonderful views as well. Vilnius holds the prestigious title of European Green Capital 2025, and visiting the city, you can really tell why. There is a plethora of beautiful parks and there are several rivers running through the city. Simply walking through the green spaces is a great way to spend your time. To learn more about the culture and history of the city, you can hike up to the Monument of the Three Crosses and visit Gedimas Castle. You can also stroll through Užupis, the smallest district of Vilnius. It has a fascinating history and houses many artsy shops, cafes, and galleries.
So, if you are in Riga and find yourself with a spare weekend, I recommend you make the most of the excellent transport links. Visiting other Baltic capitals is an amazing way to better understand the history of the region and experience the beauty of the area.
