Are you ready to enjoy this summer’s top sporting event on the old continent – the 2025 EuroBasket championship? Do you want to experience an exciting basketball atmosphere and see European and NBA basketball stars in person? Does the thrill of a unique sports atmosphere and the chance to cheer for your team until you lose your voice in one of Riga’s pubs appeal to you? Are you prepared to make unforgettable memories of the championship and Riga? If the answer is yes, then coming to Riga to enjoy high-quality basketball and a special sports atmosphere is the right choice for you.
From 27 August 2025 to 14 September 2025, the 2025 EuroBasket Championship will take place in Riga – an event that will combine top-notch sports, great fans from different countries, and, of course, a historic urban environment and vibrant summer atmosphere with a wealth of entertainment and recreational opportunities. The Xiaomi Arena, located very close to the city centre, will host both the group tournament and all playoff games. Basketball fans from all over Europe will not only be able to attend the games in person, but also keep the fun going at various entertainment venues after the buzzer, as well as spend free time pursuing knowledge and adventure. Riga will offer visitors the opportunity to get to know the unique UNESCO Old Town, and visit popular tourist attractions and delicious eateries to have a meal or enjoy a coffee, among a variety of other activities between games. Outside of the city, visitors will also enjoy easy access to historical sites, natural beauty, and, of course, the Baltic Sea and beaches.
Historical echoes
The Latvian national basketball team has already performed a miracle once, surprising all of Europe, and that was back in 1935 – at that time, the championship took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and Latvia defeated tournament favourites Spain 24:18 in the final, surprisingly becoming the first European basketball champions in history. These ancient traditions make the 2025 basketball championship particularly significant for our country, because now we have the opportunity to continue the story that our ancestors wrote almost a century ago. We hope that one of the country's most popular and best basketball players, Kristaps Porziņģis, will be among the Latvian national team players. He has already announced that he will join the team for this important tournament. With the best basketball players in its ranks, the Latvian national team is preparing to fight for victory in every game in front of its unique audience and to reach the highest peaks in the entire championship.
Riga will be ready!
To ensure convenient travel during the European Basketball Championship, the city will provide additional public transport services, so basketball fans can travel easily to the event venue in Skanste, the city centre and Old Town Riga, which has traditionally delighted tourists thanks to its entertainment infrastructure and unique charm. This tournament promises to be not only an exciting sports festival, but also a great way for guests to experience the hospitality of the Latvian capital. The Latvian tourism and entertainment industry has already prepared a range of enticing and professional activities to appeal to event attendees. During this time, Riga will host the lively and energetic fans of the European Championship, blending basketball with celebration, passion and enjoyment of the city.
An atmosphere of fun
One of the best ways for fans to enjoy the ambiance of the championship, beyond being at the epicentre of game play in the arena, is to visit specially equipped fan sectors in Riga sports cafes and squares. We also recommend checking out the industrial recreation and entertainment districts that are designed to accommodate large crowds of people and celebrate the festive atmosphere. These districts are ideal destinations for both local fans and foreign guests who want to keep the party going and take part in championship festivities outside the sports hall. Recharge and enjoy night-time entertainment at Tallinas kvartāls, the recently opened Kimmel kvartāls, as well as VEF kvartāls. A slightly more intimate atmosphere reigns at the Kaņepes culture centre, the Nurme Brewery&Taproom brewery and cafes on the next block, as well as the Sporta2 block near Xiaomi Arena. Beer lovers should pay a visit to Labieša alus darītava in the vicinity of Aristīda Briāna Street. A variety of cafes are available in the quiet centre of Riga on Dzirnavu Street between Krišjāņa Valdemāra and Pulkveža Brieža Streets, where you can cool off and chill out after an exciting basketball game.
Between games – exploring Riga
Old Riga’s historical and geographical centre is a popular tourist oasis of recreation and leisure, featuring narrow, cobbled streets and rich Art Nouveau architecture, with more than 500 architectural monuments and a rich selection of entertainment opportunities, restaurants and summer cafes. Outside of the city centre, there are other wonderful sights accessible by bike. Riga has an extensive network of bicycle paths for easy access to almost the entire city, making a bicycle the perfect way to explore different neighbourhoods of Riga safely. Both banks of the Daugava offer excellent views of Old Riga, from Pārdaugava and the bicycle path from Old Riga to the Ķengarags promenade. You can also visit the beaches of the Gulf of Riga and various coastal attractions by bicycle. Pedal over to Mezaparks, one of the largest and most popular parks in Riga with a large green space and various active recreation opportunities or the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, which is not only a repository of folk history, but also a great place for walking. In turn, Ķīpsala Island in the Daugava is rich in contrasts and delivers an impressive view of the Old Town and beautiful wooden architecture. Āgenskalns is a unique neighbourhood thanks to its architecture and streets, which resemble a calm and cosy small town. On the right bank of the Daugava, at the mouth of the sea, is the Mangaļi Peninsula and Mangaļsala jetty, which have a military and strategic history.
Riga Panorama – the best views
If selfies are your thing, you’ll find a wealth of locations with fantastic views to snap a great photo in Riga. A classic city landscape is visible from the tower of Riga St. Peter’s Church or the circular terrace of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. By the way, the building itself is also an interesting example of Soviet-era architecture. Old Riga from the Daugava side can be admired from the 65-metre-high Ferris wheel. In turn, a wonderful view of the port area can be enjoyed from the observation tower of the Ziemeļblāzma Palace of Culture. At the end of the day, we invite you to enjoy the city’s rooftops and park landscape from the Skyline bar while sipping on a delicious cocktail or another sophisticated drink.
Beyond the championship arena
Recreate the excitement and thrill of watching athletes compete and receive a solid dose of adrenaline by getting into the game yourself during your stay in Riga! Test your speed and agility on a karting track with other fans, raise your pulse and lead your team to victory in laser tag or explore virtual reality. Demonstrate your mental acuity in one of Riga’s many escape rooms. SUP boards and kayaks can give you a real workout. Bask in the best moments of the competition or challenge other fans to a game at Riga parks, such as Ziedoņdārzas, Miera garden or the multifunctional sports field in Brasā, where basketball courts have been set up for public use.
One-day trips outside Riga
On non-game days, take advantage of the opportunity to sign up for day trips to places near Riga that are easily accessible by train. Why by train? Because small groups of fans can travel without losing their team spirit.
Toward Vidzeme you will find Sigulda, which is located only 50 km from Riga and is one of the most beautiful cities in Latvia – with picturesque views of the ancient Gauja valley, castle ruins and breathtaking nature trails. There you can visit Gutmans cave – the largest cave in the Baltics – hike forest trails, visit the Turaida Museum Reserve and even take a cable car over the ancient valley.
Cēsis is 80 km from Riga and takes about an hour and a half to reach by train. The Cēsis Pearl – a medieval castle surrounded by Livonian era castle ruins and green parks –stands proudly in the very centre of the city. Basketball fans can experience a medieval atmosphere, pretend to be knights during special re-enactments and try their hand at archery or metalworking.
In the direction of Kurzeme, the resort town of Jūrmala can be reached by train in just 15 to 20 minutes. It offers the unique charm of the Baltic Sea – 24 km of white sandy beaches and peaceful pine forests. The city is ideal for those who enjoy proximity to the sea, from barefoot walks on the warm sand to a refreshing swim in the blue sea waves. On summer days, take in the sunset by the sea as you kick back at a beach cafe or enjoy a stroll on bustling Jomas street.
Make incredible memories!
The basketball competition held in Riga this summer will make the city come alive, fostering a friendly atmosphere, a sense of community and rousing fan anthems. Regardless of which country you represent, visitors to Riga will be united by their passion for sports and community spirit. Even after the tournament ends, the emotions and new adventures you’ve experienced together will last for a lifetime.
Practical tips for championship guests
Book your accommodation in advance
Hotel occupancy will be high during the championship, so book your accommodation in advance. The Xiaomi Arena is only 2 km from the Old Town, so look for a hotel in the Skanstes, Centre or Vecrīga districts so that you can walk to the game and avoid traffic jams.
Getting there from Riga International Airport
Bus number 22 will take you to the centre of Riga in 25 minutes. You can buy a ticket from the driver with a bank card. Taxis at fixed fares are available in the Bolt app, which is convenient if you fly into Riga at night. Bolt rides are also convenient for moving through the city, which also offers car and electric scooter rentals.
Public transport
A single e-ticket is valid for Riga public transport, available in the Mobilly app. Three- and five-day tickets are popular and cost EUR 8 and 10, respectively. You can find more information HERE.
Free Wi-Fi
Cafes, museums and even public transport in Old Riga offer free Wi-Fi. Many city parks are also within Wi-Fi zones, keeping your tablet online even if you decide to take a break.
Don’t forget a water bottle
There are many high-quality drinking water points in Riga, so bring a reusable bottle with you. Just remember that you won’t be able to bring it into the basketball arena.
Leave your cash at home
Most payments in Riga are made by bank card; cash is usually only needed to access public toilets or for tipping.
Prepare for the Baltic weather
At the beginning of September, the average daytime temperature is +19 °C and +10 °C at night, but rain can take you by surprise, so pack accordingly.
Safety first
The Latvian police hotline is 110, but the emergency number 112 operates throughout the EU. If you are in danger, call emergency services immediately!
Tourism centres
The main Riga tourism information centre is located in Old Riga – Rātslaukums, and is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, providing free maps, routes and valuable advice, etc.
