Stanstead to Riga: A Solo Wintery Weekend in Latvia

I kicked off 2023 with a quick weekend trip to Riga, and honestly, it was just the refreshing city break I needed. The outbound flight from Stansted at 6:40 AM wasn’t exactly kind to my sleep schedule, but it meant I had almost the whole day ahead when I landed at 11:10 AM. Riga greeted me with crisp winter air and a hint of Baltic charm, setting the tone for a lovely two-day adventure.

After settling in, my first stop was the Old Town, Vecrīga. It’s every bit as postcard-perfect as I’d imagined—cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and colourful facades. The House of the Blackheads was a real standout, with its intricate red-brick design. I also wandered into St. Peter’s Church, where the view from the tower is incredible. Even on a cold January day, the sight of the frozen Daugava River and the city rooftops was worth braving the wind.

Riga’s Art Nouveau district was another highlight. Alberta iela (Albert Street) is like walking through an open-air gallery—every building is more stunning than the last, with ornate carvings, bold facades, and quirky details. I’d recommend taking some time to soak it all in, maybe with a guidebook or even a walking tour if you’re into that sort of thing.

For food, I indulged in hearty Latvian dishes like grey peas with bacon and rich stews. If you go, make sure to try Rupjmaize, a traditional dark rye bread—it’s served everywhere and is oddly addictive. For something sweet, the cafes in Riga know how to do a great hot chocolate, which was perfect after a day exploring in the cold.

The Central Market was a surprise hit for me. It’s one of the largest markets in Europe, housed in old Zeppelin hangars. You can find everything from smoked fish to pickles to hand-knitted wool socks. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a fascinating place to soak up some local culture.

On my last morning, I walked along the river promenade and visited the Latvian National Opera House. I didn’t catch a show this time, but I’d love to come back in the summer when the parks and gardens nearby would be in full bloom.

By the time my 14:40 flight home rolled around on Monday, I felt like I’d squeezed a lot into just two days. I landed back in Stansted at 15:35, tired but happy. Riga is a perfect weekend city break—compact, easy to explore, and full of charm. I’d definitely recommend it, especially if you enjoy history, architecture, and good food.

If I were to return, I’d probably come in spring or summer to see the city in a different light, but there’s something magical about visiting in winter when the streets are quiet and you can linger in cosy cafes. Riga, you’ve won me over!

Cost Breakdown:

London to Riga: £14.38

Riga to London: £25.62

Car park at Stanstead airport: £24

Car park transfers to airport: £4 each way

Hotel: £27 (for 2 nights)

Total Cost (not including food and drink): £95