European capital has affordable spas and no crowds – 2.5 hours from UK | Travel News | Travel
Located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, Latvia’s capital, Riga, boasts a high ratio of spas to tourists, making it an ideal choice for those looking to unwind without the crowds or hefty price tags found in other European cities. With flights from the UK just 2.5 hours away and prices starting from £138 return, Riga has a great balance between quality wellness experiences and city sightseeing.
Ranked third on Wizz Air’s list of top cities for a spa break, Riga stands out for its good value luxury spa offerings. This Baltic gem boasts a remarkable 0.8 spas per 10,000 tourists, allowing visitors to fully indulge without the hassle of overcrowded treatment rooms or inflated prices. For example, the Gallery Park Hotel and Spa, one of the city’s top-rated spots, offers rooms starting at £194 per night, offering both comfort and tranquillity at a fraction of what you might pay in other major cities.
Beyond its spas, Riga is rich in history and architectural beauty, with highlights such as the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the striking House of Blackheads, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
After spa treatments, tourists can take a walk along the peaceful Daugava River or visit one of the city’s many museums, which are far less crowded than more populous cities’ counterparts.
The Freedom Monument, which honours Latvia’s independence, and the vibrant Riga Central Market, where local produce and Latvian culture meet, are just a couple of must-visit sites.
Travellers who have visited Riga in the past have praised its beauty and laid-back vibes while highlighting the lack of mass tourism in Rick Steves’ Europe forum.
A reviewer under the username of Badger said: “Lovely city, charming old town and many things to see and do, and reasonable climate.
“Also not as overcrowded as Prague, Krakow or Amsterdam. Can easily be combined with Tallinn or Vilnius.”
Another user, Valerie, stated: “We spent three nights in Riga last year. It’s a gorgeous city. There’s a lot of Art Nouveau architecture and a beautiful park for strolling.
“The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is extremely well-done if you’re up for one museum.”
Wizz Air’s top 10 cities for a spa break
- Grenoble, France
- Warsaw, Poland
- Riga, Latvia
- Bucharest, Romania
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Berlin, Germany
- Bari, Italy
- Burgas, Bulgaria
- London, UK
- Vilnius, Lithuania
