Discover Riga

Discover Riga

The capital of Latvia in Eastern Europe is abuzz with fun things to do and adventures to be had. Here's our whistle stop guide to making the most of it.

1. History

   Riga's struggle for independence under the Soviet regime is well documented; less well-known however is the important role the city played over 800 years of trade in the Baltic region and the constant battle for power that ensued. As a result, the city is an intriguing blend of cultures and traditions, with German, Swedish, and Russian influences to name but a few. Since 1991, Riga has reveled in its independence and today is blossoming into a prime tourist destination.

2. Must See

   Funded by trade and commerce, Riga's Old Town is made up of lovingly-crafted medieval buildings dating back to the thirteenth century. Some of the finest specimens of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture anywhere in the world can be found dotted around the historic centre. Such is its beauty, Riga has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Particularly impressive is St Peter's Cathedral, located within the old town walls.

3. Cultural Activities

   To really understand this city and its turbulent past, a good place to start is the Museum of Latvian Occupation (free entry), which simply but evocatively illustrates how Riga came to be what it is today through invasion and subordination. If possible, catch a performance at the opulent Opera House, the first building to be restored following Soviet rule. Latvians consider opera as key to their national identity and the Riga company is renowned for its energetic approach.

4. Local Delicacies

   While it's fairly safe to say Riga wouldn't be a foodie's first choice of destination, you'd be surprised just how tasty the hearty and simple meals are. Most dishes are designed to deliver maximum flavour from a few ingredients. To wash it down try Riga Black Balsam. This traditional Latvian herbal liqueur is prepared by mixing ingredients in pure vodka. The original recipe was created by a pharmacist from Riga called Abraham Kunze. His original concoction included a blend of 24 unusual ingredients such as plants, flowers, buds, juices, roots, oils and berries, all distilled in a wooden barrel to create a bitter flavour with sweet undertones. It's great for colds.

5. Shopping

   Finding themselves with four disused zeppelin hangars the ever pragmatic Soviet authorities saw an opportunity and transported these huge structures to a site by the Daugava River where they became the City Market. These days the vast roofs give shelter to hundreds of stalls which sell just about anything you can think of. Only two minutes walk from the Old Town, the market is a startling contrast to the inner city and well worth a visit.

6. Out on the Town

   Riga's nightlife is rightly considered to be amongst the best in Eastern Europe. While many bars cater for the lads-on-tour groups attracted by cheap beer and exotic dancers, there are a large number of alternative venues with a more authentic, bohemian feel. Techno and House are big in Latvia so if that's your thing, you'll be impressed, not least by dance club Nautilus.

Useful Information

Language: Latvian
Currency: Latvian Lat 1.2: 1 GBP (Spring 2011)

Getting There: Ryanair is probably the cheapest option from the UK. Ferrie services run between the city and Stockholm, while buses run to the Nordic countries and Germany, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Estonia, and Lithuania. The Bus Station (Autoosta) is just south of the Old Town in the middle of the city. Trains also arrive into the city from many cities in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, as well as from Moscow and St Petersburg.

Going Out: A beer is generally 2-3 Lats but be sure to check before ordering as tourists are sometimes taken advantage of. Club entry varies but should be around 5 Lats. Beware of clubs advertising free entry. Drinks will be extortionately expensive and while entry may be easy, exiting certainly won't be.

AK47 Shooting: Many tours operate target practice packages, with 10 rounds for about €20.

Where to stay: Friendly Fun Frank's is a Hostelworld.com Best Hostel in the World winner, conveniently located in the Old Town.