The city of Riga is a beautiful city with a historic old town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Featuring historical architecture and parks, this city is also famed for its festivals and music. Riga is the capital of Latvia in the Baltics, located in the north east of Europe.
The Old Town is undoubtedly the city’s best attraction. Explore the medieval streets of this World Heritage Site and visit the Ratslaukums, the Town Hall Square right in the centre. Follow the area’s twisting cobblestone streets lead to attractions like the House of Blackheads and the Museum of the Occupation. Visit St. Peter’s Church and take the lift to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views over the city. Admire the baroque and Gothic buildings at Dome Square and enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at an outdoor café or bar.
From Dome Square, take the short walk to Livu Square, which comes alive in summer with a beer garden and riveting live outdoor entertainment. In winter, the children will love the ice skating rink here. Be sure to take a moment to relax in the tranquil Bastejkalns Park, a beautiful green space with a canal running through it. Take a moment to observe the Freedom Monument, which commemorates the soldiers that fought during the Latvian War of Independence.
Music is a big part of in Riga’s arts scene. Catch an opera or ballet performance at the Latvian National Opera or come for the RITMI Festival; an annual jazz festival, which has seen such big name performers as Bobby Darin and Robert Glasper.
Riga’s cuisine is a incredible melting pot of influences, with input from nearby German, Polish and Russian flavours. Taste big plates of piragi, the East European dumpling, or pork, cabbage and potato-inspired dishes. You‘ll find cheap fruit and vegetables, and local delicacies such as smoked eel at the Central Market. The market opened in 1930 and takes place in converted Zeppelin aircraft hangars.
The city is ideal for walking as the streets are flat. There is also a cheap public transport system, with trams, buses and trolleys stopping close to all the major sights.