The Best Things To Do in Riga – The Complete Guide to the Capital of Latvia

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is bursting with culture and one of the top destinations for travellers and locals alike. With a wide selection of activities on offer, there truly is something for everyone in Riga. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, entertainment or other unique experiences, this guide has it all!

History and Culture

Riga has a rich history and culture that is still very much alive today. It has been an important trading port since the Dutch merchants founded it in the 13th century, and its status as a cultural and commercial hub led to it becoming the capital of Latvia in 1918. Its Medieval city centre, with its cobblestone streets and charming buildings, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.One of the best ways to explore Riga’s history is to take a walking tour around the city. There are several operators that provide walking tours, including the highly rated and popular Touranbalt, which offers tours in English. You can learn about the Gothic churches, Old Town walls and magnificent Art Nouveau architecture during a walk around the city.The National Library of Latvia also provides incredible insight into the city’s past. It has been open since 1919 and is home to a stunning collection of books, manuscripts and other documents, including some of Estonia’s oldest manuscripts. The library also hosts plenty of events throughout the year, including book readings and workshops.

Museums

Riga is home to many wonderful museums, with something for every taste. The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is perfect if you want to explore Latvian culture and traditions. It features dozens of wooden buildings that have been relocated from various parts of Latvia, as well as arts and crafts exhibitions and traditional events. The museum also hosts a Latvian music festival every summer.If you’re interested in history, the Museum of Occupation of Latvia is an absolute must-see. The museum covers Latvia’s turbulent history under Soviet rule from 1940-1991 and offers a unique insight into life during that time. It is a very moving experience and provides an important glimpse into Latvia’s past.The Museum of Contemporary Art Riga is another important museum in Riga, featuring contemporary works by Latvian artists. It is a great place to learn about Latvia’s modern art scene and explore a range of mediums from painting to installations and performance art. The museum also hosts lectures and film screenings throughout the year.

Food & Drink

Riga has a vibrant food scene that offers something for every taste. If you want to taste some authentic Baltic cuisine, try Dome Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija. The restaurant serves classic dishes such as black pudding soup, cold-smoked Baltic salmon and roasted pork belly. For more contemporary dishes, head to Double Coffee – one of Riga’s oldest cafes – which offers everything from homemade sandwiches to locally sourced fish dishes. There are many other excellent cafes across the city too – from hipster cafes like Folkklubs Alcaza to classic cafes such as Biseseles Pelēķu māja. When it comes to drinking, Riga has a fantastic craft beer scene with plenty of bars for you to check out. Pils Craft Beer House is one of the city’s most popular beer spots, offering over 40 varieties on tap, as well as a selection of international beers and ciders. Craft pub Folks is also very popular – it serves over 50 local beers from microbreweries in Latvia.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Riga is an entertainment hotspot with plenty of clubs and bars to choose from. Skaņu Mežs is one of the city’s most iconic clubs; it’s a bar, gallery, record label and event space all rolled into one! This funky venue plays host to some of the city’s best live music acts as well as DJs. If you’re looking for something more chilled out, Riga also has plenty of cosy bars and pubs where you can relax with a drink or two. One of the most popular spots is Dada bar – an underground bar with a great atmosphere and plenty of live music. For something completely different, head to Rooftop at Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija – this rooftop bar has stunning views of Old Town and the Daugava River from its terrace on the 22nd floor! You can sip on one of their signature cocktails while watching the sunset over Riga.

Conclusion

Riga is bursting with exciting things to experience – from culture and history to entertainment and nightlife. There truly is something for everyone in this wonderful city! Whether you’re looking for cosy pubs or lively clubs, you’ll be sure to find something that appeals to your taste in Riga. So make sure you include the capital of Latvia in your travel plans! For more information on things to do in Riga check out Lonely Planet’s website, which provides a comprehensive guide to everything the city has to offer!

The Best Things To Do In Riga – The Complete Guide To The Capital Of Latvia

Riga, the capital city of Latvia, is a charming hub of history, culture, and tradition. It is often referred to as the Paris of the North and boasts a beautiful architectural landscape. Riga is rapidly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe due to its beautiful scenery, rich history, and cultural events. If you are planning a trip to Riga and want to explore the best things to do in the city, then this complete guide is perfect for you. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers which will help you plan your trip to Riga:

1. What is the best time to visit Riga?

Riga is a destination which can be visited all-year-round, as every season offers its own unique charm. However, the best time to visit Riga is during the summer months of June through to August when the city is in full swing. The weather is perfect for exploring the city, with lots of outdoor activities and events happening throughout the city. The city also hosts the famous Riga City Festival in August. However, if you’re looking for a budget trip, then it’s best to visit during the winter season (November to February) when the crowds are less and the prices are lower.

2. How to get to Riga?

Riga is well connected to many cities across the globe, with Riga International Airport being the main point of entry. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or tram to reach your destination in the city. You can also take a train to reach Riga from various European countries.

3. What are the best places to stay in Riga?

Riga has a wide variety of accommodation options for all budgets. One of the best areas to stay in Riga is the Old Town, which is the historical center of the city and is filled with stunning architecture, plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The other popular areas to stay in Riga include Central Riga, Bergs Bazaar, and Jurmala, which is the beachside town located just outside of Riga.

4. What are the must-visit places in Riga?

Riga has plenty to offer to its visitors. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss:

i. Old Town

The Old Town of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stunning area filled with Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The area is approximately 800 years old and is home to Riga Castle, St. Peter’s Church, and the Dome Cathedral. A walk through the Old Town is like traveling back in time.

ii. Art Nouveau District

Riga is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, and the Art Nouveau District in the city is a must-visit. The district features stunning buildings that showcase the unique style of Art Nouveau.

iii. National Museum of Art

The National Museum of Art in Riga houses an extensive collection of Latvian artworks, as well as international art. The museum is located in a beautiful 20th-century building and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

iv. Riga Central Market

The Riga Central Market is one of the largest markets in Europe and is housed in old zeppelin hangars. The market has a wide range of goods on offer, from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

v. Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument is an iconic landmark of Riga and a symbol of Latvia’s freedom. The monument is located in the heart of Riga and is a must-visit for history buffs.

5. What activities can you do in Riga?

Apart from sightseeing, Riga offers plenty of activities for visitors. Here are some of the top activities to try in Riga:

i. Biking Tour

Riga has a well-developed biking infrastructure, and there are plenty of biking tours that you can take to explore the city. A biking tour will take you to various picturesque locations and hidden corners of the city.

ii. River Cruise

A river cruise is an excellent way to see Riga from a unique perspective. River cruises run along the Daugava River, and some even offer dinner cruises with live music.

iii. Latvian Cuisine Tour

Latvian cuisine is hearty and delicious, and a cuisine tour is an excellent way to try the local dishes. The tour will take you to local cafes and restaurants where you can sample delicious Latvian cuisine.

iv. Escape Room

Escape rooms are a popular activity worldwide, and Riga has plenty of them to offer. You can challenge yourself and your friends to escape from a variety of rooms with different themes and difficulties.

Conclusion

Riga is a city that has much to offer to its visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just want to have fun, Riga has something for everyone. This complete guide to Riga should help you plan your next trip to this beautiful city with ease. Remember to visit the top attractions, try out the local cuisine, and take part in fun activities to make the most of your stay in Riga.