Lucavsala

Escape the urban grind on Lucavsala, a large island oasis in the Daugava River. Primarily a massive recreational park, this neighborhood is Riga's go-to spot for summer relaxation, outdoor sports, and major music festivals. With its sandy beach, community gardens, and wakeboard park, Lucavsala offers a dose of nature and activity just minutes from the city center, though it's not a traditional residential area.

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Stay here if you like…
  • You're attending a summer music festival and want to be right in the action.
  • You crave daily access to green space for jogging, swimming, or relaxing by the water.
  • You're looking for a unique urban camping experience during major events.
Map notes

We’re collecting points of interest for this neighborhood.

Good to know
Festival Central

The island is home to some of Latvia's largest music festivals, transforming the park into a major event venue during the summer.

Community Gardens

A significant portion of the island is dedicated to 'mazdārziņi' (allotment gardens), a beloved local tradition you can glimpse from the main paths.

Historical Site

A prominent obelisk on the island serves as a memorial to the soldiers who defended Riga against Saxon troops during the Great Northern War in 1701.

While there's a popular public beach, it's primarily a day-trip destination with very limited accommodation options.
Essentials
  • Connected to the city center and Pārdaugava via the Island Bridge (Salu tilts).
  • Several public transport routes (bus and trolleybus) stop directly on the island.
  • Extensive walking and cycling paths make it a popular spot for active recreation.
  • Parking is available but becomes extremely limited and often paid during large events.

Highlights to plug in

Lucavsala Recreation Park (Atpūtas parks)

Plot a stop at Lucavsala Recreation Park (Atpūtas parks) while exploring Lucavsala.

Memorial to the Defenders of Riga

Plot a stop at Memorial to the Defenders of Riga while exploring Lucavsala.

Lucavsala Beach

Plot a stop at Lucavsala Beach while exploring Lucavsala.

The community gardens (mazdārziņi)

A significant portion of the island is dedicated to 'mazdārziņi' (allotment gardens), a beloved local tradition you can glimpse from the main paths.

Things to do

Festival Central

The island is home to some of Latvia's largest music festivals, transforming the park into a major event venue during the summer.

Historical Site

A prominent obelisk on the island serves as a memorial to the soldiers who defended Riga against Saxon troops during the Great Northern War in 1701.

While there's a popular public beach, it's primarily a day

While there's a popular public beach, it's primarily a day-trip destination with very limited accommodation options.

Where to stay

Stay here if

You're attending a summer music festival and want to be right in the…

You're attending a summer music festival and want to be right in the action.

Stay here if

You crave daily access to green space for jogging, swimming, or…

You crave daily access to green space for jogging, swimming, or relaxing by the water.

Stay here if

You're looking for a unique urban camping experience during major events

You're looking for a unique urban camping experience during major events.