The capital of Latvia has become a popular city break over the years, whether you’re arriving by air, land or sea. Known for its stag and hen parties, Riga also has plenty of cultural attractions, eye-catching architecture and a picture-perfect landscape. If you’re thinking of visiting for a few days, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve pulled together the best of Riga so you can make your trip one to remember.
Visit the Art Nouveau district
To the north of the Old Town is where you will find the Art Nouveau district. It features striking buildings from the 19th century, each one tall and colourful with fine sculptured details. The Art Nouveau district’s central location makes it easily accessible, and you can spend hours wandering around and taking in the local surroundings. Complete your visit with a trip to the Art Nouveau Museum – it features one of the most impressive Art Nouveau staircases in Europe.
Enjoy a beach day at Jurmala
For such a built-up city, there are plenty of water activities on offer in Riga. You can even arrive at one of the ports after booking a ferry with Ferryscanner.com. There’s also a peaceful beach just a 30-minute train ride from the city. Jurmala offers 30 km of golden sands and is surrounded by clean waters and more Art Nouveau architecture. A great place to soak up some sun in the summer, but even during the colder months Jurmala beach is still a fine destination for a brisk stroll.
Sample Riga Black Balsam
When in Riga, drink Black Balsam. It’s the city’s traditional drink, a liqueur made with various plants mixed in vodka. Most of the bars and restaurants in the city serve up a round or two of Black Balsam, so you won’t encounter any problems ordering the drink. It’s often described as having a medicinal taste, and legend has it that it cured a Russian Empress after she fell ill in the city.
Shop at Central Market
Five pavilions built upon old German Zeppelin hangars in, you guessed it, Art Nouveau style house Central Market. It looks unique and is a place where you can shop for a gem or two. There’s a mix of tourists and locals here, with the latter buying their groceries and everyday items. Central Market also happens to be the largest market in Europe.
Visit the Old Town
The old town of Vecriga is arguably the highlight of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the narrow cobbled streets and snap a pic or two of the city’s oldest buildings during your visit to Vecriga. There’s a selection of local restaurants to sample, and the area is also residential – there’s a strong neighbourhood community vibe on offer.
Experience the nightlife
No trip to Riga is complete without experiencing its legendary nightlife. It’s not all stag and hen parties, however. You can sip a few Black Balsams at a quiet bar or party until the sun comes up. What’s more is that Riga is reasonably priced and has a range of options for all nighttime activities, from bar crawls to karaoke and more.
Making the most of Riga
Riga has a unique feel to it and is a great place to visit for a few days. From beautiful Art Nouveau architecture to local markets and even a beach, you won’t be short for things to do and see during your Riga adventure.