Riga is one of those cities that took me by surprise. Before visiting, I did not really know anything about Latvia, so nothing prepared me for how incredibly unique and beautiful this city is! You can easily spend a few days just wandering around the city, although it’s small enough to do in just 24 hours if you’re pressed for time.
What to see
Architecture buffs will have an absolute field day: Riga is home to some incredibly pretty buildings. In fact it is It is generally accepted that Riga has the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in the whole of Europe – which is definitely saying something! Head to Albert Street (Alberta iela) for the most famous examples. Then head over to the even older historic city centre, where you can wander along cobbled streets and marvel at impressive medieval buildings like Riga Cathedral and St Peter’s Church, as well as the world-famous House of the Blackheads, a fine example of Hanseatic architecture. Here you’ll also find the “Three Brothers“, three neighbouring buildings each showcasing a different period in Riga’s architectural history, and housing the Latvian Museum of Architecture.
What to eat
Hands down the best place to eat in Riga is Lido (there are a few dotted around the city. Don’t come here expecting luxury, but do expect to be treated to the best of authentic Latvian cuisine, and as much of it as you want! Feel like something a bit fancier? Try Vincents, 3 Pavaru or 1221.
Where to stay
There are a whole host of cute and quirky airbnbs in Riga, usuallr right in the city centre and for really affordable prices. I’d be tempted by this one, this one or this one with views over St Peter’s Church!
Get around
The city is easy to navigate and most of the main sights are in the historical old town area, so you can spend most of your time on foot. Public transport is cheap and plentiful, or you could rent a bike or book a cycle tour of the city.
Where next?
It’s incredibly easy to hop on the bus to either Tallinn in Estonia or Vilnius in Lithuania, making Riga an excellent base for exploring the Baltic States. Loving the architecture and art history? Why not head slightly further east and explore St Petersburg in Russia?
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