Fairy-tale Riga is located on the coast Baltic Sea and is divided into two parts by the Dugava River. Riga is one of the best places for a romantic weekend family vacation. To understand and feel the atmosphere of this city, it is enough to visit its main square. Ancient "gingerbread" houses, St. Peter's Cathedral, Rolond's statue, a symbol of Latvia's independence, the Dome Cathedral - all this, which every traveler should see.
The capital of Latvia seems to be specially created for unhurried walks along the medieval streets and conversations over a cup of coffee. But the main uniqueness of Riga is that it is easy to combine sightseeing and beach holiday. City beaches are wide and clean, some of them are even marked with the Blue Flag. In summer, the coast is dotted with tourists, but in autumn and spring you can stroll along the deserted beach, breathing in the cool sea air.
If you want to diversify your visit with a visit to the museum, then pay attention to National Museum History of Latvia and National Art Museum.
When is the best time to go?
To fully enjoy visiting Riga, including sunbathing on the beach and splashing in the Baltic Sea, it is better to choose the summer months for a trip, when the thermometer rises to an average of + 25 ° С. If you do not intend to sunbathe, but are going to devote time to studying the culture and historical sights of Riga, then the most comfortable months will be the spring months and the beginning of autumn.
In winter, the city is quite cold and damp. The temperature drops due to cold air masses from the sea. But if the cold does not scare you, then visit Riga during the Christmas holidays.
What to buy?
Shopping in Riga comes from Soviet Union. In that era, everyone dreamed of Latvian cosmetics, bought Riga sprats for the New Year's table and decorated the sideboard with a bottle of Riga Balsam. These legendary products have not lost their relevance today.
Real Riga sprats of rich golden color, made from fresh Baltic fish, packed in jars in even rows, are sold everywhere in the Latvian capital - from small grocery stores and markets to large supermarkets.
The list of obligatory purchases includes cosmetics of the Dzintars company. Many specialize in the sale of cosmetic products of this brand. The permanent symbol of the city and Latvia as a whole is the Riga Balsam. This alcoholic drink is attributed medicinal properties, because the drink is a tincture of various local herbs. Look for antiques at the flea market in the Latgalite region, and traditional souvenirs are sold in shops and shops near the main attractions.
What to try?
The culinary capital of Latvia does not end with sprats alone. The range of fish dishes on the menu is amazing. Herring dishes are loved here. It is fried with vegetables, pickled, sandwiches and salads are made. All kinds of smoked fish are popular with tourists: salmon, eel, flounder, cod. Thanks to the peculiarities of cooking, smoked delicacies can not only be tasted during the trip, but also taken home with you.
Latvian rye bread deserves special attention. It is prepared in a classic form, as well as with all kinds of additives: dried fruits, nuts, seeds. Soups, snacks and even desserts are prepared from rye bread.
Authentic restaurants of Latvian cuisine are sure to offer dishes with forest mushrooms and berries, black pudding, meat steaks and grilled fish. For dessert, go to the nearest supermarket - there you will definitely find the legendary Karums sweet curds.
Where to stay?
In the Latvian capital there is a sufficient number of hotels and hostels for all tourists. The city is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and those who want to get the best hotel room always enough. That is why, going here, it is worth it in advance.
For the most demanding travelers in the center of Riga there are many 4 and 5 star hotels. Luxury hotels will cost an average of 150-200 euros per day. A budget option accommodation - hostels that you can easily find both in the Old Town and in other areas. The golden mean is represented by 2 and 3 star hotels.
Riga from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Riga.
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Riga is very beautiful city. His central District has preserved a whole complex of old, very old and very ancient buildings that do not leave anyone indifferent. At the same time, Riga has always been a “big brother” in its small Baltic family. Compared to Tallinn or Vilnius, this city really gives the impression of a metropolis. It rages, has fun, attracts thousands of tourists, imperceptibly makes them fall in love with itself, forcing them, if not to stay for a day or two, then at least to come here again.
Divided by the wide 500-meter river Daugava, Riga will forever remain in the heart with its Art Nouveau facades, large green parks and cozy little bars, where the minutes pass unnoticed by the crackling and flickering of candles.
Surprisingly, this city combines its toy, as if descended from medieval engravings, historical center, vibrant nightlife and a thriving restaurant business. The lavish beauty, timeless elegance and irrepressible fusion of old and new in Riga has such a powerful charm that it can only be perceived to the accompaniment of the famous Black Balsam of Riga.
How to get to Riga
When planning a vacation in Riga, the first thing to do is to decide on transport. There are several options, and the choice depends on the total duration of the trip. If this is a weekend tour, then it is better to go by plane. Direct flights connect Riga with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Residents of other regions will have to plan their route with a transfer.
In addition, there is a bus railway communication. Trains from Moscow and St. Petersburg run once a day, there are a few more bus trips. The latter are preferable in all respects - tickets are almost half the price, and time costs are reduced by 3-6 hours.
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Districts of Riga
As you might guess, the most popular among tourists is the Central District of Riga. Here, on a tiny square, most of the sights of this Baltic city are concentrated, the main of which is considered to be Old Riga. Since the area itself occupies only 3 square meters. km, we can say with certainty - per 1 sq. km there are 3-4 museums. In addition to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the Dome Cathedral and the museum dedicated to the history of the Latvian capital are also of interest.
Do not ignore one of the most historically and culturally significant buildings - Riga Castle, as well as museums of the History of Latvia and Foreign Art. In terms of lodging, rooms in most hotels in the city center are not cheap, however, if you are only here for a couple of days, it is still worth staying here.
Budget accommodation options can be found near the Central Station.
Of the remaining 5 administrative districts of Riga special attention Vidzeme suburb and Ziemel region deserve. The first of them houses the Latvian Ethnographic Museum. In addition to the extensive exposition, it is also interesting unusual excursions which are conducted by guides in national costumes. It is also worth a look at the Riga Motor Museum, where you can admire vintage cars and motorcycles. The Ziemel region is great for outdoor recreation. It contains Lake Kisezers, Mežaparks with numerous recreational areas and the Riga Zoo.
Transport
Public transport in Riga is well developed: there are many bus, trolleybus and tram routes. The former cover all districts and suburbs of the city, and the latter converge in its center. Tickets can be purchased from drivers, the fare is 1.15 EUR. In addition, there are unified travel tickets in Riga - e-tickets. An hour of travel in transport will cost 2.30 EUR. If you plan to move around the city a lot, you can load the required number of trips on the card (up to 50). The passes are sold at customer service centres, ticket machines and online. Prices on the page are for November 2018.
There are temporary tickets in the city that allow you to make an unlimited number of trips on all routes of the city during the day (5 EUR), 3 (10 EUR) or 5 (15 EUR) days. This fare payment option will save you money if you plan to visit all the sights of the Latvian capital.
In addition to the main city transport, minibuses also run in Riga, and on weekends there are also night buses. Since transportation is carried out by another company, general travel cards do not work in them, tickets must be purchased separately. However, the fares are the same, and you can pay for the fare with the driver.
There are many taxis in the city, and all of them are official and equipped with meters. They are distinguished from ordinary cars by yellow numbers and light shades on the roof. Despite the fact that there are no private traders in Riga at all, it will not be difficult to find a taxi at special parking lots. In addition, the car can be ordered by phone, the call is free.
In most cases, payment is accepted credit cards. However, it is better to check with the driver about the presence of the terminal before boarding.
Different rates apply depending on the time of day. Night trip will cost 20% more. The prices for transportation from different companies are about the same. You will have to pay about 1 EUR for landing, the cost of 1 km is from 0.35-0.80 EUR.
When traveling around Latvia in your own car, you must have driver's civil liability insurance. "Antiradar" is prohibited in the country: before entering it will have to be removed. A pedestrian in Latvia is always right - he must certainly give way.
Maps of Riga
Rent a Car
Guides in Riga
Cafes and restaurants in Riga
There are many cafes, restaurants and bars in the Latvian capital, the general price level is quite high, especially in the central part, but inexpensive establishments can also be found.
Many of them have promotions - business lunches, meals of the day, etc. You should take a closer look at them - the savings can be very significant.
For those who want to taste Latvian cuisine, there are authentic restaurants in the Old Town. The cost of lunch or dinner varies from 20 to 40 EUR. The menu includes milk and bread soups, a wide variety of herring dishes, boiled potatoes, gray peas, black pudding and much more. From drinks it is worth paying attention to local beer. However, it is better for beer lovers to go to a beer house, there are also a lot of them in the city - English, Irish pubs and German bars, where you can taste famous foreign and local varieties.
The Lido entertainment complex located in the city center is especially popular among tourists. Decorated in an ethnic style, it attracts attention with its own mill and brewery, as well as entertainment for children and adults. There is a bistro, cafe and restaurant, which are distinguished by a varied menu and quite affordable prices (average bill from 5 EUR).
For a delicious breakfast and great coffee, head to one of the many coffee shops. A light snack will cost 4-5 EUR, a rather hearty lunch - 10 EUR. In addition, there are restaurants in Riga that offer guests dishes of Italian, Caucasian, Chinese and other cuisines of the world, as well as inexpensive pizzerias and kebabs (lunch from 5-6 EUR).
Entertainment and sights of Riga
Riga is a relatively small cozy European city. Despite this, visiting all the sights and museum expositions can take several days, or even a week. Of course, most of them are located in the historical center of the city, but there is also something to see on the opposite bank of the Daugava and the outskirts of the city.
The unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages reigns in Old Riga with its cobbled streets and squares, ancient churches and architectural diversity.
Once in the Old Town, first of all go to the Town Hall Square. In addition to the Town Hall itself, you should pay attention to the famous House of the Blackheads - one of the most interesting buildings in Riga from an architectural point of view. In the center of the square, the statue of Rolonda stands proudly - a symbol of economic and political independence. A little further away stands one of the oldest buildings in the city - St. Peter's Church with a high spire, visible from almost anywhere in Old Riga.
If time permits, be sure to go up to the observation deck of the church. From a height of 72 m, a beautiful view of the historical center of the Latvian capital opens up.
Nearby is the Dome Square, which is considered to be the heart of Old Riga. Its main attraction is the famous Dome Cathedral - a real symbol of the city, which has incorporated features of various architectural styles. Inside there is a huge 25-meter organ, its sound is considered one of the best in the world.
If you're lucky, you can get to the concert organ music which are often held in the temple.
Museums
Although most of the museums in Riga are located in the central part of the city, even the longest vacation will not be enough to see them all. Therefore, we advise you to carefully study and choose the most interesting expositions for yourself.
The famous Riga Castle houses two museums at once - the National Museum of the History of Latvia and the Museum of Foreign Art. The latter is one of the largest art collections in the country, containing samples of ancient painting and sculpture. IN Historical Museum there are exhibits dedicated to the life of Latvians from ancient times to the present day.
In connection with the large-scale reconstruction of the old building, the Museum of Foreign Art has already moved to the premises of the Riga Stock Exchange, and the historical exposition will soon be moved.
Within the walls of the ensemble of famous old buildings "Three Brothers" is the Latvian Museum of Architecture. Although his collection contains more than a thousand items, permanent exhibition no, exhibitions are held in the halls, regularly replacing each other. Also of interest is the Latvian National Museum of Art, which presents paintings, drawings and sculptures from Latvia, Russia and the peoples of the Baltics.
If you have time, it is worth visiting the Motor Museum - one of the best expositions of old cars in the world. It is located quite far from the city center, so not all tourists get to it, but at the same time, the local collection of vintage cars is truly impressive.
Riga for children
For most tourists, Riga is the cobblestone pavements of the Old Town, ancient architecture and other medieval surroundings. However, a completely different picture opens before the young guests of the city. The Latvian capital has everything for children to leave with a whole bunch of bright emotions and new impressions.
There are many in the city entertainment centers and amusement parks, the most popular of which is considered to be Lido. It won the love of Rigans and guests of the city thanks to the variety of entertainment for children and adults, as well as quite affordable prices. Another interesting place- "Peak Nick Park", which has many attractions for guests of all ages.
Riga has everything necessary for the children to leave here with a whole bunch of new experiences.
The Riga Zoo is especially popular. The well-groomed green area contains more than 3 thousand animals, among which there are exotic ones - lions, giraffes, pandas and many others.
Be sure to check out the Riga Circus, located not far from the Central Station in one of the oldest circus buildings in Europe. You can get both to the performances of local artists, and to tour performances of famous bands. No less interesting program is offered by the Latvian Puppet Theatre. The repertoire is dominated by productions of favorite children's fairy tales - "The Three Little Pigs", "Alice in Wonderland", "Doctor Aibolit" and many others. The performances are in Latvian and Russian.
For sightseeing holiday the end of spring or the beginning of autumn is more suitable. At this time, the weather in Riga is warm, there is little rainfall, however, at the end of May the city is especially charming, and there are not so many tourists yet. At the same time, winter Riga is also popular among vacationers. There are no particular colds here, and bright lights and Christmas markets charge with positive and create a New Year's mood.
TOURIST ANSWERS:
Riga is called the capital of the Baltic States. And why it is called so - everyone understands. The locals patiently endure the working days of the week in anticipation of Thursday night, when the spree begins in bars and clubs, which continues until Sunday morning. The clubs stay open until late, and some until the morning, and even after all that, you can always find a place for an after-party. Well, or in order to put an end to the fun. Riga has everything from small bars swarming with young hipsters to large dance floors with more pop music and big parties.
In general, Riga nightlife is deservedly considered one of the best in Eastern Europe. The highest concentration of pubs, cafes and bars is in the Old Town (many also set up outdoor tables in the summer, so it's even more fun). British pub-style beer gardens stand side by side with chic and trendy cocktail bars and clubs, so you're sure to find a place to party. Worth a visit to the bar "Orange Bar"(Jāņa sēta 5), well "Pupu"(Vecriga Marstalu 14) will keep you dancing until the morning. This is a chic lounge bar in the center of Riga. 
"Pupi", in fact, is translated from Latvian as "breast", and this theme is well developed inside the club, where on the walls there are pictures "in the theme" and the outfits of the waitresses are correspondingly sparkling. The menu is fastened with a strap from a bra that can be unfastened - this is what everyone here does after a couple of beers.
skyline bar(Elizabetes iela 55) - Another quite cool bar in the center. 
Locals and foreign tourists alike love this lively cocktail bar on the 26th floor of the Reval Hotel Latvija - great view to Riga. Of course, the tables near the window are the most favorite, and they fill up very quickly. On Friday and Saturday there are DJs and great parties.
Meanwhile, the bar-club Martini(12/14 Kalku iela) show off great go-go dancers. 
This is where some of the best parties in the city take place. If you come to Riga for a bachelor party, be sure to check out this bar. It is ideally located in the central part of the city and easy to find. The bar occupies two floors, the menu offers international cuisine, about seventy-five cocktails - in general, it will not be boring here. beautiful girls and great atmosphere.
Of course, not a single clubber wants to leave Riga without first visiting a couple of local clubs. There are enough clubs in Riga, and even the most astute party-goers will find something to their taste. If you have a lot of experience in clubbing behind you, feel free to step into Nautilus(Kungu iela 8) is probably the best choice for you. 
There is a young beautiful crowd hanging out here who know the difference between house and techno music. Some events are constantly taking place in this club and some of the coolest DJs in the country perform here. The decor is stylish retro 90s.
well and "Essential Club"(Skolas 2) is a bit bigger and simpler and worth a visit if big name European DJs are playing here. 
The club can rightfully claim the title of one of the best in Riga. Stars such as Tiesto, Deep Dish and Lee Coombs performed here. The decor of the club is stuck somewhere in the last millennium, but the club boasts a large open dance floor.
Even more club "La Roca"(Brīvības iela 96) is the favorite club of the Riga Russian community. 
Some of the best techno parties in the city take place here. Lasers, loud music, beautiful guests, dance floors, a couple of poles for go-go dancers - well, what else is needed for happiness! There is also a casino, a restaurant and a sauna. Any whim and complete revelry!
Well, what about "Pulkvedim Neviens Neraksta"(Peldu iela 26/28). Great club with two dance floors and music in style from the latest pop hits to retro, funk, hip hop and drum and bass. 
There are also several alternative music venues in Riga. Relax and unwind at the bar "I love you"(Aldaru iela 9) – a very cool bohemian bar spread over two floors, with simple furniture, massive wooden chairs, sofas and dim lighting – a great casual setting to have a beer with a cheap snack while discussing the pros and cons of the musicians performing nearby. 
You can often meet drunk British people in the bar. Check out the cute John Lemon bar before heading to the legendary club Depo(32 Valnu street). A favorite of the Latvian alternative crowd, this club has all the key ingredients needed to create a classic underground club: décor consisting solely of broken old shabby furniture, dark colors, toilets scribbled with swear words in different languages, and a top-notch music program. 
Local heavy metal bands, Scandinavian punk rockers or Canadian experimental DJs play here every night. Meanwhile, upstairs, in the lounge, you can take a break and watch classic video clips.
Are there any downsides to nightlife Riga? There, of course, there is. With the increase in the number of cheap flights to Riga from all European cities, more and more more tourists heading for this beautiful northern city. A large number of tourists take to the streets of the city in search of places with cheap beer and beautiful women. So if you don't want to spend your evening in the company of thirty drunk Britons, go to parties during the week, or at least go to bars that are out of sight, a little further from the center.
Helpful answer?
During the New Year holidays, the question of what entertainments are available in winter Riga is especially relevant. In addition to a wide range of clubs and other entertainment venues, the Latvian capital really has a lot to offer to its guests these days.
I'll probably start with the simplest and most affordable, but very pleasant and cute pastime options. If we talk about December, then first of all you should pay attention to the magnificent Christmas markets deployed in different parts of Old Riga. Here you can not only buy nice little things or souvenirs, but also drink something hot, eat traditional Christmas sweets, listen to music or just plunge into the atmosphere of the New Year holiday. The main such fair is located right in the heart of the Old Town, on Dome Square, near the cathedral of the same name. 
It is there that the main Christmas tree of the country is installed. And around it you can notice comfortably perched wooden houses, from which the products of Latvian artisans coquettishly look out, the enchanting aroma of mulled wine or the sweet smells of local pastries can be heard. Needless to say, this is without a doubt the most attractive place for walking at this time of the year. It is here that you can feel the fabulous atmosphere of Riga.
But the market on the Dome Square in Riga is not the only one. And if you wish, you can also wrap up at the New Year's Fair, located near the Orthodox Cathedral, in the Esplanade park. Its main difference from other "commodities" is the presence of a real rabbit town with charming fluffy animals that delight children in indescribable delight and which the best entertainment it's hard to imagine these days.
If you happen to be close to Egle Park, do not be lazy and turn into a small Christmas market nestled there. And although there is no such scale as in the places described above, pleasant impressions, as well as the opportunity to find original and relatively inexpensive souvenirs, are provided to you.
It's hard to imagine new year holidays and winter in general and without winter sports entertainment. Great place for these purposes in Riga, a snow park located within the city limits may well provide Mezhaparks. This is a place where you can not only ride cross-country and skiing or snowboarding, but also ride free ice rink. 
For those who do not have the appropriate equipment, a rental office offers its services. In addition, interesting this place is also regularly held here in winter time concerts and festivals, which, you see, adds to its attractiveness in the eyes of residents and guests of the city.
Almost next to Mežaparks, there is the famous Riga Zoo, which will also be interesting to look at in winter days. After all, it is during this period (somewhere from mid-December to the end of January) that the zoo arranges a special promotion “Winter Evenings”, during which not only the zoo’s working hours are extended - these days it is open until 21.00, but the cost is also slightly reduced. entrance ticket. I think this is a great time for the whole family to take an exciting walk along the wobblers with animals, and maybe even watch them feed. In general, not a bad idea for entertaining both small and large travelers.
Well, if there is no desire to move away from the embankment and the central part of the city, then you can go to ice rink located directly below open sky on the territory of the popular Riga entertainment complex "Lido". The complex is located at Krasta iela 76, you can get to it without any problems on public transport. And although the skating rink is paid, the cost of skating is affordable for absolutely everyone. For children, an hour of skiing will cost 1.45 EUR, for adults - from 2.15 EUR. And for those who do not have their own skates, there is also a special rental point. Works given place quite late - from 11.00 to 22.00, and on weekends and even until 23.00. And by the way, there is also one of the most popular self-service restaurant "Lido" among city guests, which provides an opportunity to have an inexpensive and satisfying meal, which, you see, will be very useful after active skiing in the cold.
Another original, from my point of view, way of spending time in New Year's Eve Riga can be a trip to Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum. In addition to the fact that wooden houses brought from all over Latvia look very cute and even mysterious under a layer of snow, you can get acquainted with the life of a traditional Latvian village in them. And if you're lucky - then become a member of some winter ritual or holiday, which are often held during the New Year holidays on the territory of the complex. 
Walking around the city, be sure to carefully look around - there is a chance to see the original Christmas tree, unlike other New Year trees. And it is no coincidence. The fact is that in Riga every year in December festival "Way of Christmas Trees", during which local designers exhibit their own "green beauties" on the city streets. True, I got excited about the greens. After all, they are often made of the most unexpected materials, such as glass or plastic, and in the most unexpected forms. But each of them really serves as a real decoration of the city, moreover, a bright and memorable decoration.
Well, in conclusion, I would like to note that Riga is one of the most attractive cities to celebrate the New Year or Christmas. Here they honor winter holidays, treat them with special trepidation and strive to make every New Year's Eve look like a beautiful fairy tale.
A place where the waters of the Daugava River meet the sands of the Baltic Sea, and a light pine forest turns into soft narrow beaches. The main attraction of the peninsula is the Mangalsalskaya dam or the Eastern pier, built back in 1861 under the patronage of the Russian Tsar Alexander II. In addition, here you can find catacombs from the times of the Russian-Swedish war, protected by the state. Mangalsala is recommended to visit for lovers of picturesque sunsets and thrills. You can get here from the center by bus number 24.
Area Mezhaparks
The most prestigious green area of the city, where you can walk for hours, looking at old and new mansions. Until 1923, it was called the Tsar's Forest, where peasants lived, growing vegetables and fruits for the townspeople. But everything changed dramatically at the end of the 19th century. At the suggestion of the chief architect of Riga, rich and creative people began to build their dachas here. Now it is a favorite place for walks among residents of Riga. The most delicious eclairs are prepared in the Gustav Adolf cafe, named after the Swedish king of the 17th century. It is also good to combine a visit to Mežaparks with a visit to the oldest Northern Europe zoo, grandiose concerts on the singing stage and services in Russian in a chamber Lutheran church.
Miera street
miera iela
Locals call it the Republic of Miera: there is a workshop for processing glass containers into modern design objects "Boutelion", a tea shop "Illoseum", where you can buy tea from all over the world and admire the psychedelic interior, a hairdresser-library, a hotel for flowers, rent clothes XX century, an antique furniture salon and many, many other interesting establishments.
Nudist beach in Vecaki
Riga, Vecaki
A place popular not only among nudists, but also among all fans of wild tourism on the right hand side of the city beach of Vecaki. Here you can spend both a couple of hours and the whole day, play beach volleyball on the way back, and eat simple food next to the volleyball court, like sprat sandwiches, beetroot and barbecue. Already at railway station At the Wave Cafe, you should definitely try Indian food and pizza rich in toppings on a thin Indian flatbread. The trip can be combined with a trip to Mangalsala.
Cafe Osiris
Krišjāņa Barona iela 31
Perhaps the most stable cafe in Riga was opened in 1994 by the director of the National Opera and just a talented person, Andrejs Žagars. Several tables, a laconic interior and a fusion menu that has not changed for 20 years, just like the main guests. Favorite place journalists, artists and other creative citizens. Pancakes, sandwiches and pastas are equally good.
Andrejsala peninsula
Andreevsky Peninsula is not only yachts, sailboats and ferries, but also a lot of good establishments for any budget. From the old democratic bus with burgers and fries, to the glamorous Aqua Luna restaurant with fried foie gras and elements of Japanese cuisine, or the snobbish Koja, where Latvian dishes are rediscovered. Even at the beginning of the 19th century, the island was not on the map of Riga, but already in the 20th century it was directly opposite historical center the port has grown with industrial buildings. In the 2000s, young artists, designers and budding restaurateurs began to settle in them. Now fans of seascapes, gourmets and party-goers spend time here.
Cemetery for animals
Bramberģes iela 63
A touching place familiar to every Rigan: a light pine forest, monuments, photographs and flowers. Just like people, only better. The cemetery has existed since 2004, when it was founded by talented fashion designer Ugis Ruitis, who lived a difficult life, part of which was with him his best friend, a labrador named Carbo Cerbo Corso van der Clemenceau. In the center of the cemetery there is a mass grave in the form of a collar for homeless animals and those whose owners cannot afford to pay for a separate place. On the day of memory of pets (the second Sunday of September), a saxophone plays here in the morning. There is also a monument to accidentally crushed insects.
Introduction to the Moscow suburb
Latgale suburb
The Moscow suburb in Riga begins with the Central Market - a tourist attraction and a favorite place for fans of farm products, as well as Riga grandparents: the prices are surprising in a good way. The market lives in former airship hangars built during the First World War - there are only nine such structures in Europe, and five of them are in Riga. It is better to pass through the pavilions from rich fish, through fragrant green and to meat. Immediately after the meat pavilion, you can turn right along Gogol Street. Here begins the Moscow suburb - the most international district of the city. To the left is the Church of All Saints, where Fyodor Chaliapin performed. To the right is the Stalinist skyscraper of the Academy of Sciences with the best view of Old Riga. Right - the walls of the Great Choral Synagogue burned in 1941 together with the people. And also - a flea market, an exhibition hall and a youth theater. The atmosphere has hardly changed in the last 100 years.
Cafe Andaluzijas Suns
Elizabetes street 83/85
A democratic cafe in the bourgeois quarter of Berga Bazaar. The cuisine is a mixture of Latvian, Mexican and American food. Moderately unobtrusive service, a large selection of draft local beer and tequila-based cocktails. Jazz is played once or twice a week in the evenings. If it gets too noisy, you can go to the Garage wine bar across the street or the gourmet restaurant Bergs next door. Directly above the café is the K. Suns cinema, which shows underground films with subtitles in Russian and Latvian.
Museum of Roman Suta and Alexandra Belcova
Elizabetes iela 57a-26
The apartment-museum of the outstanding Latvian masters of modernism was created by their daughter Tatyana Suta, a ballerina, art critic and TV presenter. The interior and atmosphere of salon parties, which hosts arranged on Thursdays, refer to the beginning of the last century - to the heyday of their creativity. Beltsova and Suta met while studying at the Penza Art School, but began to live and work together in Riga. The union resulted in works, 4,500 of which Tatyana Suta donated to the State of Latvia on the condition of creating a museum.
Photos: cover - Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com, 1 - out0fwave , 2 - Dāvis Mosāns , 3 - Buteljons, 4 - Shutterstock.com, 5 - www.abcsofbeijing.com , 6 - Reinis Traidas , 7 - www.petcemetery.lv , 8 - Wikipedia, 9 - A. Suns cafe, 10 - Romana Sutas un Aleksandras Beļcovas Muzejs
... Well, what can I say: Riga is a very cool city. We stayed here for three and a half days, and during this time the capital of Latvia gave us a lot of unforgettable impressions. Getting into the cycle of its narrow streets, you seem to fall into some other reality, where the air is filled with the amber light of forged lanterns, and the songs of street musicians seem to be intertwined with the songs of the Baltic wind by themselves. I will not hide: I liked our trip to Riga. Therefore, writing this article, again scrolling through the memories of those days in my head, is somehow warm and pleasant in a special way.
I hope your trip to Latvia You will like it as much as we do ours. And in order to help you make your trip a little more interesting and brighter, we have prepared this short review for you, collecting in it all the interesting activities and entertainment that you definitely need to devote time to while traveling around the Latvian capital.
16 things to do on time trips to Latvia
- Stay in an old mansion.
This option will allow you to feel like a real resident of this city for a short time, help you better understand it and feel its atmosphere. By choosing an apartment instead of a standard hotel, you get a chance to "look behind the scenes" and see the city as the locals see it. Moreover, you can settle in one of the houses of old Riga for very little money. You can find a good option, as well as save a little, using the AIRBNB website (which, by the way, offers a small bonus to all new users of the project. To get it, just register using this link).
From the window of our apartment, for example, such a stunning view opened up. It is always a special pleasure to meet the morning, looking at such beauty.
- Wander around the old city.
Well, there is probably no need to explain anything. Old city- this is the real heart of Riga, its soul and its main center of attraction. Therefore, you are unlikely to pass by here. In this place, the present and the past are intertwined in the most bizarre way. Replicas of ancient buildings are adjacent to the original buildings, dating back more than one hundred years. And cute street cafes, original art installations and modern cars of wealthy Rigans surprisingly harmoniously complement the image of old squares and lanes.
However, you will probably note all this without me. Therefore, I will not in vain load you with all this unnecessary information. Instead, I’d better throw in a few photos here, which, probably, will convey the atmosphere of these places much more eloquently.
- Take a picture in the narrow streets of Riga.
Do not know, things to do in Riga? Have a little photo shoot for yourself! The capital of Latvia is an amazingly photogenic city. Therefore, anyone can find some interesting shots for themselves. In general, all fans of Vkontakte and Instagram will definitely like it here.
Dedicated to the imminent release of the film "Spectre" ...
Lady with a handbag
- Feel like a movie hero on Jauniela Street.
It just so happened that two cult films were filmed on this colorful street during the Soviet era. At one time, the famous Baker Street from the film epic about the famous detective Sherlock Holmes was located here. As well as the Flower Street of "Swiss" Bern, which is familiar to all of us from the series "17 Moments of Spring". 
Without visiting this place trip to Riga will definitely be incomplete.
- Make a wish at the monument to the Bremen Town Musicians.
As in many other cities in Riga, there is a place where flocks of tourists together rub / twist something, hoping that this non-trivial ritual will fulfill some of their secret desire. To believe in such things or not is everyone's business. But it is definitely worth visiting the Riga monument to the Bremen Town Musicians. At least because it is one of the most popular and "photographed" monuments in Latvia.
The monument is located behind the Church of St. Peter (in the Sk?r?u iela area). In the photo, its location is marked by a group of tourists
His wish fulfillment system is quite simple - he made a wish, rubbed the nose of one of the animals. Well, the higher you reached, the faster your wish will come true. Reaching out to the rooster, by the way, is quite difficult (even with my height of 195 cm). But definitely worth a try. Even if it takes some time. In general, there will things to do in Riga.
- See the famous spiers of Riga.
In general, there are only four main "skyscrapers" in the capital of Latvia - the Church of St. Jacob, the Church of St. Peter, the Dome Cathedral and the Riga Castle. It was these buildings that were the main symbols of old Latvia in Soviet times. Their images were used almost everywhere. And over time, the panorama of the city crowned with sharp roofs became so popular that other buildings were often ranked among the Riga spiers.
Today, in addition to the four main buildings, the expanded list also includes the spiers of the Riga Academy of Sciences, the Church of St. Magdalene, the Anglican Church of the Holy Redeemer, as well as the thin needle of the Riga TV Tower. Which one to pay attention to during trips to Latvia- decide for yourself.
Riga castle
Buildings with the four main spiers of Riga can be found at: Herdera laukums 6 (Dome Cathedral), Skarnu iela 19 (St. Peter's Church), Jakaba iela 9 (St. Jacob's Church), Pils laukums 3 (Riga Castle). best view on all Riga spiers opens from the left bank of the Daugava.
- See Riga from above.
By the way, many skyscrapers in Riga today are equipped with viewing platforms. But the entrance to most of them is paid. You can climb the tower of St. Peter's Cathedral for 7 euros, the observation deck of the "Stalin skyscraper" of the Academy of Sciences (Academy Square, 1) - for 4 euros, and the platform of the Riga TV Tower (Zakyusala Island) - for 3.70 euros. The latter option may seem the most tempting (especially considering the fact that the Riga TV Tower, with a height of 368 meters, is officially considered the most tall building the Baltics). However, I would strongly advise you not to choose it. If only because the windows in this building are constantly dirty.
Latvian Academy of Sciences and Riga TV Tower
Instead, go to the Panorama Cafe located on the roof shopping center Galleria Riga (Dzirnavu iela, 67) or to the pretentious Riga bar Sky Line in the hotel Latvija (aka - Radisson Blu Hotel). You can go here on weekdays for free. And the saved money is better spent on coffee. Any cocktails there are expensive (9-12 euros).
Hotel Latvija on Brivibas Ave. View from cafe Panorama
- Listen to street musicians.
I don't know why, but trips to the Old World in my mind are always associated with the music of street musicians. A few months ago we listened to a cool street concert during a trip to Warsaw. This time we came across an equally interesting performance of street musicians in Riga. The guys were playing on the trumpet "because i "m happy" by Farrell Williams. And in the background some small EU citizen was dancing. In general, it was great.
- Wander around Riga's parks.
Autumn in Latvia is very picturesque. We especially liked the park next to the Freedom Monument (on Brivibas Avenue). Ponds, bridges with locks, ducks running underfoot and a huge amount of yellow, red and orange colors around - it looks very beautiful.
- See Riga through the eyes of a local. After all, someone like not real Rigans will be able to show you all the most hidden corners of this city, tell you about the legends of old Riga, show the city “from the inside”, as it appears to ordinary residents of Latvia. To move away from the traditional format of excursions, some time ago, on the basis of the Tripster project, a number of unusual author's tours were created from " local residents". Today they enjoy stable popularity in Riga. Look full list such non-standard excursions. If finances allow, do not miss this opportunity.
- Visit Riga's Art Nouveau quarters(located in the area of Elizabetes, Alberta, Antonijas streets and some others adjoining them).
Latvian Art Nouveau has long been considered one of the symbols of Riga. Pay attention to these areas. There really is something to see. And in general, trip to Riga- a great opportunity to understand a little the intricacies of architectural styles.
- Stroll along the banks of the Daugava.
Just dress warmly first. Autumn weather in Riga is some kind of hellish swing! Either rain, then sun, then fog, then wind ... First you leave the house and think: “Why am I dressed like a cabbage.” But after an hour you realize that you did the right thing. 
National Library of Latvia. Architecture in the style of the late "anyhow." Also a crown on top.
- Take a picture of the ugliest library in the world .
Do you think we have one in Minsk? I hasten to assure you: not at all. In comparison, with an unprepossessing and some kind of awkward building national library Latvia, our "Diamond of Knowledge" is simply an architectural masterpiece. In general, you don't know things to do in Riga- go to the Daugava. There is always a lot of interesting things here.
- Compare Minsk and Riga Lido.
Another point of comparison is the two Lido restaurants located in two capitals. As for me, our Lido is even a little better than the Latvian one. At least in Riga, Tanya constantly grumbled that with desserts in this place some strained.
Here are some local dishes national cuisine I liked it. But this, perhaps, should be written in the form of a separate paragraph. Itaaaaa….
- Taste Latvian National Cuisine.
There is actually a lot of things strange, but at the same time very interesting. Milk soup with fish, semolina porridge with a beaten egg, pumpkin compote and many other weird oddities. Although in reality everything turns out to be very, very tasty. For example, I especially liked gray peas with bacon. It looks unassuming, but it's actually delicious. Eat and immediately imagine yourself as some kind of Latvian farmer of the Middle Ages. In the Lido, this dish cost 1.65 euros. Oh, yes… This restaurant also brews very tasty beer (1.95 euros per mug). In short, you won't know things to do in Riga- go on a tour of local gastronomic establishments. It's still an adventure.
- Treat yourself to Latvian pastries.
Rigans simply adore her. Yes, and Tanya (our chief specialist in eating sweets) also liked her very much. At the same time, good pastries can be found both in cafes and in ordinary stores. For example, we liked the shop at the intersection of Tallinas and Krishjan Baron streets. And also cafe "Martina". In both places they made very cool buns (0.3-0.45 euros).
- Bonus. If you suddenly start to get bored in the Latvian capital itself, go on a tour of its nearest suburbs.
Turaida castle in autumn
In summer, the numerous beach villages of Jurmala can be a good solution. In autumn (as in our case), Sigulda and its surroundings will be a much better option. national park Gauja.
Filled with a myriad of yellow, red and burgundy colors at this time of the year, these places become especially beautiful and picturesque. However, see for yourself... 
That's all. I hope our article is about things to do in Riga was helpful to you. Write comments and share your impressions of your own trips. We will be glad to see you again. Bye!
A little useful information to arrange a trip:
- The average cost of hostels in Riga fluctuates around 6-12 dollars (for a bed in a common room). You can see inexpensive housing options on this site. Our personal selection of the best hostels in the Latvian capital is presented.
- Renting an apartment in Riga for a day (for two people) costs from 29 to 45 dollars. You can see the current options and get a discount on your first booking on this site.
- Approximate cost of hotel rooms (2-3*): $25-50. You can check prices for several booking systems at once and save a little using this site.
