Timeline
10:00
Arrive at the National Library when it opens. The building’s white concrete towers mimic the skyline of old Riga, offering a striking introduction to the West Bank.
10:45
Walk to Golden Coffee for a quiet break. It is open from 09:00 on weekdays, so you can grab a drink and settle in before the midday rush.
11:30
Head to Māja for lunch. This restaurant near the Botanical Garden serves local dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for a midday meal.
12:00
University of Latvia Botanical Garden
Stroll through the University of Latvia Botanical Garden. The 40-minute walk from the library is a pleasant transition into the green space, where you can explore the broad collection of plant species and historic built heritage.
Local tip
The walk from the National Library to the Botanical Garden is long (40 minutes). Consider taking a taxi or bus if you want to conserve energy for the garden exploration.
Check before you go
- The National Library is open Mo-Fr 10:00-20:00. On weekends it opens at 11:00, so adjust your start time if visiting on Saturday or Sunday.
- Golden Coffee is open Mo-Th 09:00-22:00 and Fr 09:00-24:00.
- Māja is open Mo-Sa 11:00-22:00.
Worth knowing
- Māja is open at 11:30 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Riga (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).