Riga Travel Guide
How can you not visit a European capital with so much beautiful architecture? In Riga, all eyes are on the bounty of Baroque buildings, Gothic gables and Art Nouveau moldings. When the flamboyancy peaks, you can always slip into a cafe where you’ll have to somehow cope with a towering pile of foam atop your cappuccino. These are the hardships you’ll face on a holiday to Riga. Of course, all that comes in between flitting from one ever so slightly quirky spot to the next. Don’t worry, Riga doesn’t fly in the face of normalcy. It just adds a special touch to almost everything it touches. Here, you don’t just quad bike, you race your bike across a frozen lake. Equally, why kayak by day when you can paddle through the night? Love Vespas and coffee? There’s a cafe in Riga that’ll hire you a scooter, grease your spark plugs and serve you a slap up brunch. Which is all rather convenient.
Of course, you’ll also find some rather sombre reminders of recent history in Riga’s museums and landmarks. Sadness and survival are all part of the city’s story. And, just as with all heroic tales, it’s nice to balance out the thought-provoking moments with a little light-heartedness. And, you’ll find plenty of that in this city.
Riga Travel Guide
How can you not visit a European capital with so much beautiful architecture? In Riga, all eyes are on the bounty of Baroque buildings, Gothic gables and Art Nouveau moldings. When the flamboyancy peaks, you can always slip into a cafe where you’ll have to somehow cope with a towering pile of foam atop your cappuccino. These are the hardships you’ll face on a holiday to Riga. Of course, all that comes in between flitting from one ever so slightly quirky spot to the next. Don’t worry, Riga doesn’t fly in the face of normalcy. It just adds a special touch to almost everything it touches. Here, you don’t just quad bike, you race your bike across a frozen lake. Equally, why kayak by day when you can paddle through the night? Love Vespas and coffee? There’s a cafe in Riga that’ll hire you a scooter, grease your spark plugs and serve you a slap up brunch. Which is all rather convenient.
Of course, you’ll also find some rather sombre reminders of recent history in Riga’s museums and landmarks. Sadness and survival are all part of the city’s story. And, just as with all heroic tales, it’s nice to balance out the thought-provoking moments with a little light-heartedness. And, you’ll find plenty of that in this city.
Soundtrack of the country
A slice of Latvian life
3 course meal for 2: £34.29
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A regular cappuccino: £2.28
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A medium beer: £2.96
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One-way (Local Transport): £1.07
A slice of Latvian life
-
3 course meal for 2: £34.29
-
A regular cappuccino: £2.28
-
A medium beer: £2.96
-
One-way (Local Transport):£1.07
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Riga
It won’t surprise anyone to know that the best time to visit Riga is in late spring early summer. Baltic winters aren’t to be dabbled with if you like your city strolls to be balmy. That said, have you ever go-karted across a frozen lake? That – and the Christmas markets, are food for thought.
Discover the Real Riga
Everyday life’s a little more rosy since Riga peeked out from behind the Iron Curtain. Latvians in the capital enjoy life much as citizens of any other Euro capital would. With one big difference. They aren’t afraid to stray from the norm. Which means untold discoverable gems for the curious.
You can merrily skip your way through the standard city break checklist if you life. Just make sure you allow time for something other than architecture, UNESCO listings and the admittedly massive market in Riga. There’s a lot to get through, but the eclectic offerings makes the city that smidge more appealing.
Everywhere you look in Riga there’s a restaurant, food stall or cafe calling to your travel tastebuds. Do try some Latvian classics while you’re in town, especially the potent combo of herbs in a shot of Black Balsam. But don’t be afraid to go global. Happily, everything pairs well with the local beers.
Riga’s cobbles are stacked with opportunities for fun, frolics and a little contemplative musing. But there’s much to see – and that’s before you even contemplate widening the net to the city’s nearby beaches. Grab a few of our tips to explore Riga without the worry of missing out.
- See & do
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You can merrily skip your way through the standard city break checklist if you life. Just make sure you allow time for something other than architecture, UNESCO listings and the admittedly massive market in Riga. There’s a lot to get through, but the eclectic offerings makes the city that smidge more appealing.
- Food & Drink
-
Everywhere you look in Riga there’s a restaurant, food stall or cafe calling to your travel tastebuds. Do try some Latvian classics while you’re in town, especially the potent combo of herbs in a shot of Black Balsam. But don’t be afraid to go global. Happily, everything pairs well with the local beers.
- Guides & tips
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Riga’s cobbles are stacked with opportunities for fun, frolics and a little contemplative musing. But there’s much to see – and that’s before you even contemplate widening the net to the city’s nearby beaches. Grab a few of our tips to explore Riga without the worry of missing out.
- Map View
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More of the Latvia
Latvia really should be showing off its pristine landscapes just a little more. How else would we know its pine forests are sprinkled with glistening berries, ripe for picking? Or that the Daugava River practically begs kayakers to explore its winding waters. Untouched valleys, sprawling national parks, rushing waterfalls and a 30km beach so eye-watering it’s inspired poetry. Perhaps the real question is, why we all haven’t hopped on a flight sooner?
