News → Riga, Latvia

Throughout the year

The pearl of the Baltics, its cultural, architectural and gastronomic capital – that`s what the city of Riga really is. Divided in two by the River Daugava, Riga wins the hearts with Art Nouveaux buildings, huge parks and the unique fleur of the past. Surprisingly so, but this city combines a toy-like historical center that seems to have been built according to medieval engravings, a vibrant nightlife and a thriving business. Generous beauty, timeless elegance and irrepressible fusion of the old and the new… Feel the charms: choose a table in a cozy pub, treat yourself to a glass of the famous Black Riga Balsam, listen to candles cracking and watch them glowing. Perhaps that`s when you`ll realize you are wild about this tiny spot on the map.

Today Riga is a unique fusion of ancient and modern architecture impressing even the most experienced travelers. It is an ideal city break destination. Here one can relax and indulge into the magical atmosphere of the Old Town – the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga will please with numerous museums and theaters, as well as treat to the masterpieces of the unique local cuisine. Simultaneously, the treacherous Latvian weather can play a low-down trick with a careless tourist. That`s why purchasing an umbrella (in case you have left yours at home) is highly recommended. There`re 9 chances out of ten that you are caught in the rain even if it`s sunny. So, armed with an umbrella, sunglasses, Instagram and Foursquare, head to the very heart of Riga – St. Peter's Church. Built in early 1200s the church has preserved its original appearance and is considered to be the oldest religious building in Latvia. Take a closer look at the church tower clock and you`ll see there`s only an hour-hand there. The thing is they didn`t come up with counting minutes in the early 13^th century.

Having indulged into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, move on through the streets of the Old Town. Don`t worry that modern amenities and technique will break the delicate illusion. With rare exception traffic in the Old Town is prohibited. Don`t miss out a chance see the Cat House built a little over a century ago and considered to be one of the most legendary buildings of the Old Town. The legend has it that the wealthy tradesman who commissioned the building was refused membership of the Riga Tradesmen's Guild, mostly just called the Great Guild. Seeking retribution the tradesman had two copper statues of angry-looking cats with arched backs and raised tails placed on the turret rooftops with their tails turned towards the house of the Great Guild, situated across the street. However, after numerous debates and court procedures the cats adopted less provocative poses.

In case you wish to sit for a while without spending time in vain, hop on a retro tram and take a mini-tour. Within 15 minutes you will get acquainted with the magnificent architecture masterpieces such as the Latvian National Opera, the Freedom Monument, the Latvian National Theatre and many other attractions. Hop off on the terminal stop and walk through Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street rich in Art Nouveaux architecture. Visit numerous boutiques and cozy cafes of Elizabetes Street and then head to one of the neighboring parks – either Vērmanes-Park or Kronvald-Park – to enjoy live music. Street musicians perform all year round here.

Fans of active rest will find plenty to do in Riga as well. They can visit Livu Akvaparks (the water park), Mezakakis (amusement park), or even enjoy flyboarding – flying over the water and diving into the River Daugava.

After having got so much impressions – aesthetic and extreme alike – it`s high time to recharge! Treat yourself to a helping of fish and milk soup, sour porridge or kupaty (spicy meatballs) under a cranberry dressing. The extraordinary ingredient selection is quite traditional since fusion is a trademark of Latvian cuisine. For “afters” head to Laima confectionery factory founded about a century ago. Here you`ll be offered to take a factory tour, to visit the shop, and to enjoy specialties in a café. Another option is visiting the Chocolate Room and watching a movie about one of the oldest Latvian confectioneries.

Do not limit your trip to discovering the capital only! All Latvian attractions are easily reached from Riga. Enjoy horseback riding at one of the local clubs, visit Saulkrasti – the city of four rivers, then go to the city of Sigulda, attracting tourists with mysterious caves, Turaida Castle founded in 1214, and the country`s largest Gauja National Park. Another option is discovering the early masterpieces by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The Jelgava and Rundāle Palaces will win the hearts of architecture fans.

In spring and summer go to Jurmala! Famous for its beautiful sandy beaches of the Gulf of Riga this resort town is located just 25 km from the capital. One can reach Jurmala by public transport – train, bus or taxi – paying just 1.5 Euro one-way. To reach the seaside you need to hop off on Bulduri stop – the closest to the sea. Here you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing as long as you like. Having had the regular dose of the sun and the sea, walk along the coast to Dzintari – the town`s heart, visit the eponymous concert hall, enjoy sitting on a park bench or ascend the sightseeing platform if you are not afraid of heights.

It won`t be an exaggeration to say that Latvians are deeply in love with their country: they are proud of its history, take good care of its attractions and actively promote their resorts. Indeed, they`re right as rain! As soon as you arrive to Latvia you find yourself in a time machine taking you from flyboarding and exquisite fashion boutiques to medieval streets of the Old Town and hand-made wonders by local craftsmen. Latvia catches even the most experienced travelers off guard with its diversity and uniqueness. Thousands of likes on Instagram will prove it is really so!