Latvia
Riga
Riga is a city of inspiring contrasts, where the spiers of the medieval churches of the Old Town juxtapose with the grandiose Art Nouveau facades and cozy wooden quarters of past centuries. The majestic Daugava divides the Latvian capital into a historical core and a quiet, green left bank, creating the perfect balance between the rhythm of a modern metropolis and the tranquility of the Baltic. It’s worth escaping here to wander endlessly along the cobbled streets, warm up with a cup of coffee in secret courtyards and try culinary masterpieces at the intersection of centuries-old traditions and daring modernity.
How to get to the city
By public transport
Bus No. 22 runs regularly from Riga Airport (RIX) to the city center. It goes directly to stop 11. novembra krastmala or Central Station
Cost: EUR 1.50 per trip (90-minute ticket, which can be purchased from airport machines or through the mobile application).
By taxi
For a comfortable ride, it is best to use Bolt apps. The trip to the Old Town will take about 15–20 minutes and cost approximately 12–18 EUR
What to see
Old Town (Vecriga)
The heart of Riga, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll around Town Hall Square, see the famous House of the Blackheads and take photos at St. Peter's Basilica. Be sure to stop by the quiet courtyard of the Convention and walk through the Swedish Gate, the only surviving city gate in Riga.
Art Nouveau Quarter (Quiet Center)
Riga is considered the capital of northern modernism. Head to Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela streets. Here, literally every house is a work of art with complex facades, sculptures of sphinxes, mythical creatures and bizarre plant patterns.
Central Market (Rīgas Centrāltirgus)
One of the largest and oldest markets in Europe, located in giant hangar pavilions that were originally built for German Zeppelins. This is a lively, non-tourist place where you can feel the real flavor, buy fresh Baltic delicacies, local bread, cheeses and famous smoked fish.
Latvian National Opera and Ballet
A snow-white building in a neoclassical style, surrounded by a well-kept City Canal and a park. In the evening, when the lights come on, the opera looks especially monumental, and pleasure boats on the canal add a special romanticism to the place.
Where to stay
Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel
The hotel is located on a quiet street in the heart of Old Riga, just a few steps from the Daugava embankment. An ideal starting point: all key attractions, cozy cafes, the Central Market and the bus station are within walking distance, allowing you to explore the city without unnecessary transport.
Where to eat
Rosengrals
A medieval restaurant-attraction in the very center of the Old Town, located in the cellars of the 13th century. The atmosphere is recreated to the smallest detail: the halls are lit exclusively by candles, ancient music plays, and the menu features authentic duck dishes, pork knuckles and traditional stews.
Lido Recreation Center
A famous chain of restaurants serving homemade Latvian cuisine in a bistro format. A great way to have a quick, tasty and satisfying lunch: a huge selection of grilled meat and fish dishes, baked potatoes, fresh salads and desserts at very affordable prices.
Additional info
Practical information
- Transport in the city: The historical center of Riga is completely pedestrian. For trips outside the center (for example, to Mezaparks) there is an excellent network of trams, trolleybuses and buses. The most convenient way to buy tickets is through the Rīgas satiksme or Mobilly app.
- Currency and payment: The official currency is Euro (EUR). Cashless payments are developed everywhere: cards are accepted even in the smallest coffee shops and at most counters of the Central Market.
- Communications: High-speed 4G/5G is available throughout the city. Latvia has pan-European roaming, and most public places and cafes have free, stable Wi-Fi.
What else should be included in the program
- Trip to Jurmala: Just 30 minutes by commuter train from the Central Station - and you are on the coast of the Gulf of Riga. White quartz sand, pine forest, fresh sea air and charming wooden country-style architecture.
- Observation deck of the Academy of Sciences: If you want to see a panorama of the city without the queues of St. Peter's Cathedral, go to the “Stalin skyscraper” of Riga. The open terrace on the 17th floor offers stunning views of the Daugava, bridges and rooftops of the Old Town.
- Canoe on the City Canal: In the warm season, you can rent a kayak or canoe and go around the Old Town along a closed water route: through the City Canal, past the Bastion Hill and the Opera, with access to the majestic Daugava.
Photos
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