Vecāķi

As Riga's most popular seaside resort, Vecāķi is the city's go-to summer destination. This former fishing village transforms into a bustling beach town when the weather warms, offering a wide sandy shore backed by fragrant pine forests. While it's a tranquil, sleepy neighborhood in the off-season, its main draw is the classic sun-and-sand experience just a short train ride from the capital's center.

beach-townseasonalresort-likefamily-friendlyoutdoorsy
Stay here if you like…
  • You want a classic beach vacation with easy access to city amenities.
  • You're looking for a family-friendly summer spot with swimming, sunbathing, and forest walks.
  • You enjoy the peaceful, bracing atmosphere of a seaside town during the quiet off-season.
  • You prefer traveling by train and want a car-free getaway.
Map notes

We’re collecting points of interest for this neighborhood.

Good to know
Summer Crowds

The beach and trains can get extremely crowded on sunny summer weekends. Plan to arrive early or visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

Seasonal Services

Many cafes, shops, and rental services operate only during the summer months. The neighborhood is very quiet from autumn to spring.

Vecāķi is a Blue Flag beach, indicating high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
The area is part of the Piejūra Nature Park, offering protected dunes and forests perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Essentials
  • Vecāķi is easily accessible from Riga's Central Station via a direct train line, with the journey taking approximately 25-30 minutes.
  • The main beach is a pleasant 10-minute walk from the Vecāķi train station through the forest.
  • Parking is extremely limited and fills up quickly on summer days, making the train the most convenient mode of transport.
  • Bus route 24 also provides a connection to the city center, though it is a longer journey than the train.

Highlights to plug in

Vecāķi Beach (Vecāķu pludmale)

Plot a stop at Vecāķi Beach (Vecāķu pludmale) while exploring Vecāķi.

The Vecāķi Pier (Mols)

Plot a stop at The Vecāķi Pier (Mols) while exploring Vecāķi.

Piejūra Nature Park

The area is part of the Piejūra Nature Park, offering protected dunes and forests perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.

The mouth of the Vecdaugava River

Plot a stop at The mouth of the Vecdaugava River while exploring Vecāķi.

Things to do

Summer Crowds

The beach and trains can get extremely crowded on sunny summer weekends. Plan to arrive early or visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

Seasonal Services

Many cafes, shops, and rental services operate only during the summer months. The neighborhood is very quiet from autumn to spring.

Vecāķi is a Blue Flag beach, indicating high standards for water…

Vecāķi is a Blue Flag beach, indicating high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.

Where to stay

Stay here if

You want a classic beach vacation with easy access to city amenities

You want a classic beach vacation with easy access to city amenities.

Stay here if

You're looking for a family

You're looking for a family-friendly summer spot with swimming, sunbathing, and forest walks.

Stay here if

You enjoy the peaceful, bracing atmosphere of a seaside town during the…

You enjoy the peaceful, bracing atmosphere of a seaside town during the quiet off-season.