Why go
The useful distinction is between wandering Old Town’s short streets and covering longer distances across Riga. Walking lets you notice the historic centre at your own pace; public transport connects it with districts farther out. Plan for uneven paving in Old Town, and check the current network map before committing to a cross-city trip.
The full story
Old Town changes the pace of a visit to Riga. Its streets are close enough together to explore on foot, and walking makes it easier to turn into a side street or pause at a square. The paving needs more attention than the distances: some streets have rounded cobblestones rather than smooth, flat surfaces. Outside the historic core, sidewalks are generally paved, but places spread farther apart. Riga’s trams, buses and trolleybuses give you ways to connect those areas without treating every outing as a long walk. Decide first which part of the city you want to see, then look up a route that serves it. A tram ride may be useful for a longer stretch, while walking still makes sense once you reach a compact area. Allow a little flexibility when crossing between districts, especially if a journey takes you over the Daugava.
Useful to know
- Walk Old Town’s compact streets, but wear shoes suited to rounded cobblestones.
- For a trip beyond the centre, compare current tram, bus and trolleybus routes before setting out.
- Check the transport operator’s current ticket rules and timetable before boarding.