Nature and parks in Riga
Riga seamlessly blends urban energy with serene natural escapes. Green spaces and waterways weave through the city, offering peaceful retreats for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing away from the bustling streets. From curated gardens to wilder, forested areas, nature is always close by in Riga.
Whether you're looking for a quiet picnic spot, a leisurely waterside stroll, or a breath of fresh air, the city’s parks provide a perfect balance to its historic and cultural vibrancy.
Let us guide you to the best green oases where you can unwind and recharge during your visit.
Mangalsala breakwater
One of our favorite places to visit. You can go there for a walk or for a swim - it is the least busy beach in Riga (this also means you should take your own drinks and snacks, as there are no cafes).
The place is perfect for everything - not only you will end up with some beautiful photos and will be able to take a swim with the best views, you can also do some ship and place watching.
TIP: visit it during the sunset or rainy/foggy weather for best experience.
How to get there:
1. You can take BUS 24 departing from Inženieru iela or Medicīnas muzejs bus stops every 30 (or so minutes). It is 1 hour drive, but it is worth it. Regular Riga public transport ticket e-talons will work (1.50 EUR, buy at Narvesen convenience stores).
Get out in the last stop (Mangaļsala) and then walk to the pier (around 15 minute walk).
2. Hire a car - you can use one of the carsharing apps (Bolt, CarGuru, Fiqsy, Citybee). There is a free parking lot nearby the pier (around 7 minute walk).
3. Bicycle/electric scooter - only pick this option if you are not scared to use the main street and ride alongside cars.
Bastejkalna Park
A park you can not miss - right by the Freedom Monument and entrance to Old Town.
Vērmane Garden
City center park, perfect place for picnic. Popular amongst the youth. There are some free concerts on the open air stage during summer, as well as a local producer market during most of the weekends throughout the year.
Kronvalda Park
Less busy park near the Art Noveau district. Perfect for walks by the canal.
Viesturdārzs
Another quiet and peaceful park for walks and picnics.
Mežaparks
There are multiple reasons why you should visit Mežaparks.
Large areas with pine trees for long walks, bicycle or other vehicle rides (can hire them on spot), Riga ZOO, nearby lake in which you can swim or do some water sports, visit the largest open air stage in Baltics where the National Sing and Dance festival takes place at, and much more.
You can get there by taking TRAM 11 (BUS 11T while a reconstruction of one of the bridges takes place). You will need the regular public transport ticket e-talons (1.15 EUR, buy at any Narvesen convenience store).
Sakura garden
Sakura garden is a place to visit in April/early May, when the Sakura trees are blooming.
The trees were a gift from Japan to Latvia for our 100th anniversary since first gaining independence.
You can also have a picnic in the park, which is especially nice now that the "Monument of Russian Victory in World War II" has been torn down. Also, in its place now stands Riga's first ferris wheel, from which you can view Riga from above.
Andrejsala
Look for FIRST MIR on the map to find a nice spot with river and city view. More industrial area. One of the biggest night clubs are located there, so would not recommend visiting on Friday/Saturday night, unless you want to go out.
You can have picnic by the river (get on one of the footbridges near the boats), or visit one of the restaurants there.
