Riga

Riga is the financial, creative, and cultural center of Latvia. It is the capital and the largest city in Latvia, it is also the largest city in the Baltic States. The city lies on the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of Daugava, Riga has an population of approximately 640,000 inhabitants, or 1/3 of the population of Latvia. The city was part of many empires throughout history, each of which has left its mark on the city. It is famous for Art Nouveau and wooden architecture. Riga's historical center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are many administrative districts in Riga. However, almost all tourist attractions, historic buildings and hotels are contained within the borders of the relatively small and walkable Centra rajons district, which is made up of Vecrīga (the old town) and Centrs (the modern-day business district). However if you have already seen the more famous attractions in the city center, the outer districts do have their own draws too.

Riga is famous for its world heritage-listed old town (Vecrīga) and city center (Centrs), in which over 800 buildings — a third of all buildings — are of the Art Nouveau (aka Jugendstil) style of architecture and thus Riga is one of the best destinations to see this architectural style. Chiefly built in the first years of the 20th century, many of Riga's Art Nouveau buildings were created by ethnic Latvian architects unlike earlier buildings in the city . The Art Nouveau style involves intricate building facades, with carvings of flowers and mythological creatures, and ornate doorways and windows.

A considerable part of the old town was either destroyed by fire or destroyed by the Germans in World War II but many old buildings were also spared. The old town was a draw of the city during the Soviet times and it received protected status in 1967. The damaged parts, most notably the House of the Blackheads, were restored in the late 1990s, mainly to make Riga more attractive as a tourist destination. Another thing that attracts visitors, especially young adults, is the lively nightlife and discount airlines that offer cheap flights to/from much of Europe.

Riga is bisected by the river Daugava. Old (medieval) town is in the center of the city on the east side of the river. It is surrounded by a ring of ~19th–early 20th-century architecture including the Art Nouveau buildings described above, followed by a mix of private 2-floor house districts (many also pre-World War II) and Soviet-era 5-18 floor apartment districts. Especially near railroad lines, they are interspersed with industrial plants from different eras, including some from the Imperial Russian era.

Riga was founded in 1201 by Albert of Bremen as a port city and a base to conquer and convert the native Livonians to Christianity, a goal that was achieved in 1206 after a battle in Turaida during the Northern Crusades. Riga developed as the major trade hub of the area during the peak of the Hanseatic League in the 13th to the 15th centuries and was ruled by the Archbishop of Riga. The Reformation reached Riga in 1522, which ended the Archbishops' power. In 1621, Riga became part of the Kingdom of Sweden, although it maintained a great deal of autonomy. In 1710, an invasion by Peter the Great of Russia ended Swedish rule and cemented Russian influence on the city.

Latvia declared its independence on November 18, 1918. It was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. Riga served as the capital of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Germans have inhabited the city since its establishment by Albert, and throughout most of its history, Germans were the elite while Latvians remained a lower class. The Germans' position as the elite continued through the Imperial period of Riga, visible in some of the architecture of the city. The Germans were forcibly evicted after the Nazi occupation of 1941-44.

The official language of Latvia is Latvian; however, in Riga, the majority of the population speaks both Latvian and Russian. English is widely spoken by younger people and by people in the tourism industry. German is also commonly spoken by tour guides.

For tourists, the most interesting districts are Vecrīga (the UNESCO-listed Old Town) and the area around the nearby Freedom Monument, which do double duty as the setting of Riga's foremost historic sites and the center of its burgeoning nightlife. In Vecrīga, the two main clusters of historic sites lie just a few blocks from each other: Town Hall Square, which contains the striking 13th-century House of Blackheads, the Town Hall (built in 2003 as a down-to-the-last-detail copy of the 17th-century original), and Riga Cathedral and the square surrounding it. There you'll also find important museums such as the National History Museum of Latvia (located in Riga Castle) and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (closed for refurbishment until late 2018, with the exhibition moved to temporary premises), as well as remnants of the Medieval-era city fortifications popping up here and there.

Further out from Vecrīga is Riga's modern-day downtown (Centrs). Aside from the aforementioned Freedom Monument, architecture buffs flock here to admire the beautifully preserved Art Nouveau row houses on Alberta iela and other nearby streets — one of the densest clusters of architecture of that style in the world — as well as still more museums, such as Latvia's National Museum of Art.

However, there are places worth visiting outside the city center as well. Some other old and well-preserved urban districts that are relatively unvisited by tourists include Agenskalns and Tornakalns, just over the Stone bridge. Further out, the residential areas on the periphery of town are largely made up of gray apartment blocks built in the typically Soviet style. These areas are nearly identical to those all over Eastern Europe. However, they do give an idea of how the vast majority of the people in Riga live and of the history of the area.

The Riga Card, which costs €16-26, has discounts for museums and some tourist attractions.

The tourist office, located inside the House of Blackheads, offers guided tours and free pamphlets, complete with detailed descriptions of many buildings, for independent walks. These walks cover the old town, the nearby city center sights, and the Art Nouveau district. It's easy to do each of these in around an hour, or linger and read every detail in the booklet. In the absence of any signs or plaques around the city, the booklet gives you an insight to what you are seeing.

Many private companies offer organized tours of Riga. Options include bike tours, Segway tours, pub crawls, hop-on-hop-off bus tours, walking tours, free tours, and tours focused on a certain aspect of Riga - away from the touristy old town.

If you're interested in classical culture, head to the National Opera in the Old Town to enjoy opera or ballet or to the Koncertzāle Ave Sol a little further north. The city has several pleasant parks, notably around the city canal and further north into Centrs. Another interesting park is Mežaparks in the north of the city with beautiful old villas and Riga's zoo.

It's also possible to do a boat ride on the canal, making a tour around the old town on the Daugava river. Start point is near the Freedom Monument.

Also, check out the nearby sights of the Riga region, some of which allow for a good day trip from Riga due to the frequent and comprehensive travel options of the region.

Riga and its surroundings are popular destinations for adrenaline sports, which can be booked online, from most hostels and hotels, or from any local travel agent. The activities generally include transfers to/from your accommodation and all necessary supplies. Popular activities include bobsledding, AK-47 shooting (€40), bungee jumping from a cable car, scenic flights, canoeing, kayaking, go-karting, golfing, paintball, drift biking, husky dog sledding (€40), indoor skydiving (€60), laser tag in an old factory (€50) and driving a 4x4 off-road.

• GUNS Funnel.
• Wolftrike Drift Hall.
• Rīgas Lāzertags.

GUNS Funnel.

Wolftrike Drift Hall.

Rīgas Lāzertags.

• Easter. Egg fights!
• Count of May, Spīķeru laukums. Medieval festival. Takes place annually in mid-May.
• Latviabeerfest, Vērmanes garden, +371 27 726 200. Takes place annually at the end of May. The largest international beer festival in the Baltics.
• Jāņi. On June 24, Latvians celebrate the summer solstice with the midsummer festival called Jāņi. Before the celebration, flea markets are held in many places.
• Latvian Song and Dance Festival, Vērmanes garden, +371 28611731. An annual song and dance festival in July, with an even larger festival every 5 years. One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started in 1873 as a singing festival.
• Rīga City Day. Takes place in the middle of August (2017: on Aug 18-20). Traditional weekend of celebrating a city. Many cultural events take place all around the city, including Street Music Day. Booklet

Easter. Egg fights!

Count of May, Spīķeru laukums. Medieval festival. Takes place annually in mid-May.

Latviabeerfest, Vērmanes garden, +371 27 726 200. Takes place annually at the end of May. The largest international beer festival in the Baltics.

Jāņi. On June 24, Latvians celebrate the summer solstice with the midsummer festival called Jāņi. Before the celebration, flea markets are held in many places.

Latvian Song and Dance Festival, Vērmanes garden, +371 28611731. An annual song and dance festival in July, with an even larger festival every 5 years. One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started in 1873 as a singing festival.

Rīga City Day. Takes place in the middle of August (2017: on Aug 18-20). Traditional weekend of celebrating a city. Many cultural events take place all around the city, including Street Music Day. Booklet

Riga had a significant Jewish population during the Russian Empire period and therefore has a significant Jewish legacy.

• Great Choral Synagogue ruins
• Jews in Latvia museum
• Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust museum

Buy items like amber and wool mittens and socks in the central market or throughout Vecrīga in little stands. You might haggle and get good prices for souvenirs.

During the Christmas season there is a small Christmas market in the main square of old town which offers lots of festive fare and hot wine.

Like in other cities around the world, you can find shopping malls in the suburbs along most major thoroughfares. While not attractions in themselves, they may come in handy especially if you get around by car; you can buy things you need on your trip, some Latvian specialties to bring home or have a quick meal there.

Riga, as the most vibrant and cosmopolitan city of the Baltics, offers countless opportunities to sample both local cuisine and international favorites. Latvian food can be hearty, using a lot of potato, cabbage, beef, pork and fish. A diversity of foreign cuisines is also available — sushi restaurants in particular are in vogue.

The most central districts Vecriga and Centrs are the places to go for the widest selection of restaurants, though there are certainly also places to eat elsewhere in the city. There are a couple of local restaurant chains that have eateries in many different parts of Riga:

• Čili Pica, Several locations (One near the Freedom Monument, another on the ground floor of the Stockmann mall near central station. Cheap but good pizza.
• Fontaine Delisnack, 3 locations including Teātra iela in the Vecrīga, +371 67 250 250. A 24-hour diner with an extensive menu, this restaurant chain is popular at all hours of the day and night. Try the large CB Burger for €5! Free delivery for orders over €25, otherwise there is a €3 delivery fee.
• Lido. A network of 8 restaurants offering decent hearty Latvian food, including desserts, at good prices. The restaurants are either cafeteria-style or feature English menus.

Čili Pica, Several locations (One near the Freedom Monument, another on the ground floor of the Stockmann mall near central station. Cheap but good pizza.

Fontaine Delisnack, 3 locations including Teātra iela in the Vecrīga, +371 67 250 250. A 24-hour diner with an extensive menu, this restaurant chain is popular at all hours of the day and night. Try the large CB Burger for €5! Free delivery for orders over €25, otherwise there is a €3 delivery fee.

Lido. A network of 8 restaurants offering decent hearty Latvian food, including desserts, at good prices. The restaurants are either cafeteria-style or feature English menus.

Black coffee in Latvia is traditionally served unfiltered and quite strong in small cups. If you are used to filtered coffee, you may want to have a "white coffee" (with either milk, whipped milk or cream), or you want to have a glass of water on the side. Coffee "to go" has become increasingly popular, and many of the coffee chains offer coffee served in paper cups with lids.

In addition to the independent coffee shops listed in district articles, several international coffee chains such as Double Coffee, Coffee Inn, and Costa Coffee, have locations in Riga.

Riga is a major nightlife destination for tourists and bars here are often open later than those in other European cities. On average, bars in Vecrīga will charge €2-3 per beer and bars outside of Vecrīga will charge €1.50-2 per beer. A specialty liquor is Riga Balsam, which is an acquired taste.

Riga is known for a sparkling nightlife. There is a difference in style between 'Russian' clubs and 'Latvian' clubs.

As with neighboring Vilnius and Tallinn, Riga is generally safe if you know how to take the basic precautions. Riga's old town is extremely safe at all times, as are the city's major thoroughfares. On the other hand, certain areas in the city's western parts have had their share of crime since the fall of the USSR.

Many Latvians will tell you that any Russian-speaking neighborhood is rife with crime and violence. While this may be blown out of proportion due to historical tensions, many parts of Riga with significant Russian populations do need to be avoided after dark.

Alcohol consumption in Riga is high and bar fights are relatively common. It is wise to be level-headed and not escalate a situation. See the info box in the Riga#Drink section regarding common bar scams in Riga.

Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/latvia

• Canada Canada, 20/22 Baznicas St 6F, +371 67813945.
• Denmark Denmark, Pils iela 11, +371 67 226 210.
• Finland Finland, Kalpaka bulvaris 1, LV-1605 Riga, +371-6707 8800. M-F 08:30-12:00, 13:00-16:30.
• Georgia Georgia, Raina bulvaris 3-19, LV -1050 Riga, +371 7225812. M-F 08:00-17:00.
• Germany Germany, Raina Bulvaris 13, +371 67085100.
• Greece Greece, Elizabetes str. 11, Appt. 5, +371 6735-6345, +371 2009-3089 (Emergencies). 09:00-17:00.
• Ireland Ireland, Alberta iela 13, +371 6703-9370, +371 6703-9370 (Emergencies).
• Italy Italy, Teatra iela 9, +371 6721-6069.
• Japan Japan, Vesetas iela 7, +371 6781-2001, +371 6781-2002.
• Norway Norway, Kaļķu ielā 15, +371 67814100.
• Spain Spain, Elizabetes iela 11 3, +371 6732-0281.
• Sweden Sweden, Andreja Pumpura iela 8, +371 6768 6600.
• Russia Russia, Antonijas 2, +371 67332151.
• Ukraine Ukraine, Kalpaka bulvaris 3, +371 6724 3082.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, J.Alunana iela 5, +371 6777 4700. M-Th 08:30-17:00, F 08:30-13:30.
• United States United States, Samnera Velsa iela 1, +371 6703 6200.

Canada Canada, 20/22 Baznicas St 6F, +371 67813945.

Denmark Denmark, Pils iela 11, +371 67 226 210.

Finland Finland, Kalpaka bulvaris 1, LV-1605 Riga, +371-6707 8800. M-F 08:30-12:00, 13:00-16:30.

Georgia Georgia, Raina bulvaris 3-19, LV -1050 Riga, +371 7225812. M-F 08:00-17:00.

Germany Germany, Raina Bulvaris 13, +371 67085100.

Greece Greece, Elizabetes str. 11, Appt. 5, +371 6735-6345, +371 2009-3089 (Emergencies). 09:00-17:00.

Ireland Ireland, Alberta iela 13, +371 6703-9370, +371 6703-9370 (Emergencies).

Italy Italy, Teatra iela 9, +371 6721-6069.

Japan Japan, Vesetas iela 7, +371 6781-2001, +371 6781-2002.

Norway Norway, Kaļķu ielā 15, +371 67814100.

Spain Spain, Elizabetes iela 11 3, +371 6732-0281.

Sweden Sweden, Andreja Pumpura iela 8, +371 6768 6600.

Russia Russia, Antonijas 2, +371 67332151.

Ukraine Ukraine, Kalpaka bulvaris 3, +371 6724 3082.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, J.Alunana iela 5, +371 6777 4700. M-Th 08:30-17:00, F 08:30-13:30.

United States United States, Samnera Velsa iela 1, +371 6703 6200.

The Baltic states are compact and virtually all of the region is within 300 km of Riga, at least as the crow flies. All of Latvia and a large part of what Estonia and Lithuania has to offer is doable as a daytrip if you have a car. However, larger cities listed below do have several days' worth of attractions.

• Sigulda – A town in central Latvia with many interesting castles and historic points of interest. Probably, the most popular destination outside of Riga for foreign tourists, also due to its closeness.
• Jūrmala – A popular holiday and sea resort town with wooden houses just west of Riga, which claims to have the longest beach in Northern Europe.
• Salaspils – a former German concentration camp site 15 km southeast of Riga.
• Ligatne – A village fairly well known for its nature trails, with a great natural park with wildlife animals and "fairy tale" forests with characters from famous Latvian fairy tales. Nearby, also an old Soviet bunker complex can be visited, which was built in case of a nuclear war.
• Cēsis – One of the country's oldest towns. It has an impressive castle complex of Livonian Order origin, a charming city centre with some cobblestoned streets, and historic wooden buildings.
• Liepāja – Named "the city of wind", and the southwestern most city of Latvia. Famous for its sandy beach, numerous music events, and the largest organ in the world. It features modern architecture and a long history along with the formerly secret Soviet military neighbourhood of Karosta (literally: War Port).
• Valka – A unique town on the Estonian border, which runs through the town centre, creating Valga on the other side. It is close to regaining the status of an important cultural centre.

• Tartu – Museum-rich and hanseatic city on the banks of the Emajõgi River. Also, Estonia's second-largest and oldest city, intellectual hub famous for its universities, and a lively student city. Accessible from Riga by direct bus.
• Tallinn – The capital, and financial and cosmopolitan centre of Estonia, with a medieval Old Town. Beautiful and expensive. A 5-hour bus trip from Riga.
• Pärnu – Estonia's 4th largest city and the summer capital of Estonia, popular for its balneo-therapy complexes and spa centres, surrounded by numerous beaches, little more than halfway to Tallinn.

• Vilnius – The capital of Lithuania; a 5-hour bus trip from Riga.
• Kaunas – The second-largest city in Lithuania.
• Klaipėda – A beach town near Nida and the Curonian Spit.
• Šiauliai – Famous for the Hill of Crosses.

• Stockholm - accessible via direct ferry from Riga; 17-hour journey