Riga has become a popular city to visit, with temperatures in summer an average of 17 °C. Travelling to Riga is also very easy, with Air Baltic offering 3 direct flights a week from Aberdeen with a flight time of just 2 hours 40 minutes. There are many high quality hotels to stay at, in particular the Hotel Radisson Blu Daugava, Riga – offering stunning views across the River to the city. Iona MacGowan travels to Riga to find out what the city has to offer.
Riga is the capital of independent Latvia; however, it has not always been so. Over 700 years of German, Swedish and Russian rule have left their imprint on the city. Next year will mark 100 years since Latvia declared its independence in 1918. To mark this momentous event, Riga has undergone extensive rejuvenation, to celebrate and exhibit its individual cultural heritage to the world.
Riga is considered the Art Nouveau capital of the world with over a third of all the buildings in the city being examples of this unique school of design. In recognition of this, UNESCO has declared Riga’s historical centre a World Heritage Site. In addition to being one of the main tourist attractions, Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture is one of the most obvious aspects of the city going under renovation, giving tourists the opportunity to discover art nouveau in its full splendour.
The magic of Art Nouveau architecture is not just reserved for castles or churches but instead has found a place amongst apartment blocks and streets of Riga. Enchanting all of those who gaze upwards, with buildings often staring back with bewitching faces and mystical sculptures.
The ‘Museo Centro de Art Nouveau de Riga’ offers an authentic and comprehensive insight into art Nouveau living and is located in the apartment where the outstanding Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns lived until 1907. If you want to get really involved you can even try on a costume and pose for an authentic picture!
Vecriga, also known as the ‘old town’ is the historical centre of Riga, a popular entertainment district, featuring cobblestone streets and even more beautiful architecture. The largest square in Vecriga is Dome Square, referred to as the heart of the city. It is home to Dome Cathedral and has 7 separate streets flowing into the square, louring all tourists into its centre.
The square has seen many events significant to Latvia and plays host to beer gardens and entertainment in the summer, as well as Christmas markets in the winter.
A visit to Dome Square is the perfect opportunity to sit back and be immersed in Riga and perhaps even try the traditional Latvian herbal liqueur – Riga Black Balsam.
Another must-see in Riga’s Old Town is the 800-year-old St Peter’s Church that looms behind Town Hall Square. With a spire soaring to 123 meters, it is Riga’s tallest church, with a tower offering breath-taking views of the red roofs of the Old Town, the views are hard to beat! (Don’t worry there’s a lift!)
The historic culture of Riga oozes out of the city and into the surrounding Guaja National Park. The park is dotted with castles, caves and rivers; each bathed in myth and legend, making for a fascinating and magical day trip for the young and old alike. Be taken back in time and hear the folk songs of the Latvian people in the Folk Song Gardens of Turaida, or discover how Latvians lived 200 years ago and visit a re-creation of original saunas and smokehouses.
The people of Riga love to be close to nature by spending time outdoors or even foraging in the woods. Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the forest and you may even spot a mushroom picker or two.
Although Riga has many historical attractions, it has also turned its hand to be a chic and modern place to visit. Many Latvian norms include eating natural and organic food, connecting with nature and an appreciation of art has become a source of attraction to travellers seeking an authentic experience.
If food is your kind of thing, Riga is the right Baltic state to visit. Riga Central Market is Europe’s largest market and bazaar. Situated a few hundred meters from Old Town on the banks of the River Daugava, it is a bustling place that can attract up to 80,000 visitors per day.
The central market is situated in five architecturally imposing food pavilions, each delegated to a specific food type including vegetables, dairy, meat and fish. Interestingly it was originally used as military airship hangers that were later transformed into market venues. At Riga central market you can buy Latvian-grown and homemade products alongside manufactured merchandise. There is an outdoor area with stalls and even a night market – why not go along and try a pickled cucumber, or maybe even a smoked eel?
If you’re looking for a more relaxing break, just 30 minutes from Riga is Jurmala, a magnificent seaside resort with miles of sandy beaches, swaying pine trees and beautiful architecture. Originally a cluster of fishing villages, Jurmala has been a seaside resort for over 200 years resulting in a unique architectural blend including ornate timber cottages and contemporary mansions it offers diverse cultural and entertainment events all year round. It also has an open-air museum where you can discover Jurmala’s fishing heritage. In the nearby Kemeri National Park, there is an abundance of birds, animals, plants and walking trails.
HOLIDAY FACTS – BEST OF THE BALTICS
- Return direct flights from Aberdeen
- From £869pp
- 7 nights B&B hotel accommodation (3 in Riga, 4 in Tallinn)
- Visit to the resort of Parnu
- Visit to Sigulda, in the Guaja National Park, with lunch
- Excursion to Lahemaa National Park with entrance to Palmse Manor and lunch
- Walking tours of Riga and Tallin
- Services of a tour representative