Riga the capital of Latvia is an under-touristed city in the baltic sea sitting between it’s much smaller neighbours Lithuania and Estonia. Although not visited by as many people as it should be it is slowly growing in popularity due to Riga’s cheap prices for food, drinks, accommodation (average £45 a night) and beautiful scenery making it an ideal location for people travelling on a budget.
When should you visit Riga?
The weather in Riga can be very similar to the UK but they tend to get it way colder. Expect some snow if you visit Riga in November – April. May onwards you can expect 20 degrees or higher but July and August is the peak tourist season where hotels will be much pricier.
The history of Riga
Riga’s history is very recent because Latvia was only formed in 1918 when it declared its independence
from German, Swedish and Russian rule. Although this was short lived because the Soviet Union occupied Lat
via at the beginning of WW2 this continued until 1991. This had a huge impact on Latvia and its people, you can still find Soviet-era buildings as you walk around the city. Since then Latvia and Riga has gone from strength to strength being named the European Capital of Culture in 2014.
What to see and do in Riga
Most major sites are located in the Old Town, which is a UNESCO protected area with unique buildings, narrow pathways and architecture like you’ve never seen. The Old Town of Riga used to be surrounded by walls on all sides to keep invaders out, you can still find the old city walls remains at the Swedish Gate which was built in 1698 when Sweden took over the city.
Some cultural and architectural sights that should not be missed include the House of the Blackheads, St Peter’s Church where you can look out over the Old Town and The Three Brothers which are three of the oldest houses in Riga.
Once you are done exploring the Old Town if you head to the much quieter part of the city Albert Street and Elizabeth Street you will find wonderful art nouveau architecture. Built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
After walking around all day you may want to get away from the main tourist spots and relax in one of the cities four parks: Bastejkalna Park, Vermanes Park, Mezaparks and Kronvalda Park.
Latvian food and drink
Latvia is known for many foods including pork, soup, fish and rye bread if you want to enjoy a traditional latvian dinner head underground to Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs where you’ll also find live music from the talented locals. They are also famous for Black Balsam which is a vodka based drink made with many different natural ingredients giving a 45% abv. It rather reminded me of cough medicine or Jagermeister.
So could this beautifully quaint city with so much to offer be about to get a tourist boom it really deserves! Let’s wait and see!
