Riga
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Riga
Riga greets visitors with a unique and breathtaking silhouette, beautifully reflected in the Baltic Sea. A stroll through the city centre offers a charmingly confusing mix of a modern metropolitan city with exclusive shopping, vibrant nightlife, international cuisine, and ancient traditions in a capital that has been multi-cultural throughout its 800-year history.Hitta resa
The Freedom Monument, or "Milda" (as the locals call it), towers gracefully between the Old Town and the city. The 42-metre-tall statue is a symbol of Latvia’s freedom and independence. The honour guard changes shifts every hour, on the hour, from morning until evening.
The Three Brothers are the oldest stone residential buildings in the city, situated in the picturesque Maza Pils alley in the Old Town. Each of the three houses represents different stages in the architectural époques of Riga, from Medieval to Baroque.
St Peter's Church in Riga is known for its tall tower, which offers stunning views of the city, including the red roofs of Old Town, the modern part of Riga, Riga Bay, and the Daugava River with its large port. The church itself was originally built in 1209, but only a few walls and pillars remain from that time. The Gothic tower, which was over 130 meters tall, was completed in the late 15th century. However, it collapsed in 1666 and was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1690–at the time, it was the tallest wooden structure in the world. In 1721, the tower was struck by lightning and burned down. It was later restored, but once again it burned down during World War II. Renovation of the tower began in 1967, and today, it stands at a height of 123.25 meters. Visitors can access the second gallery, which is 72 meters above the ground. In 1997, St Peter's Church was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list.
The so-called Powder Tower, the last remnant of the 13th-century wall that once surrounded the heart of Riga, now hosts a war museum. The aim of the museum is to reveal to the public the complicated military history of Latvia, with a special emphasis on the 20th century, during which the Latvian people had to win their independence twice.
Founded in 1330 and located on the banks of the Daugava River, the Riga Castle is one of the country's most prominent medieval castles. Throughout its history, it has suffered significant damage and seen various rulers and wars. After numerous reconstructions, it is a typical sample of late Classicism architecture. Currently, it serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia.
Constructed in the Neo-Byzantine style between 1876 and 1883, when the country was a part of the Russian Empire, the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Riga is the largest Orthodox church in the city. It has undergone several transformations over the years, being used as a planetarium and a restaurant during the Soviet Era. However, it has since been fully restored as a church and now holds regular Orthodox services. It has also one of the biggest organs in Europe with 6,768 pipes.
Dome Square is the largest square in Old Town Riga where various public events are often held. Made of seven streets, it includes several monuments dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. The square has a marked point where you can stand and see all three golden cockerels on top of Old Town's churches.
Riga Motor Museum is an absolute bliss for car lovers. The museum displays Western as well as Soviet cars and motorcycles, topped with wax dolls of the old Soviet party leaders. The new exposition tells fascinating stories about unique vehicles, renowned individuals and important milestones that helped to shape the world’s automotive history.
The Freedom Monument, or "Milda" (as the locals call it), towers gracefully between the Old Town and the city. The 42-metre-tall statue is a symbol of Latvia’s freedom and independence. The honour guard changes shifts every hour, on the hour, from morning until evening.
The Three Brothers are the oldest stone residential buildings in the city, situated in the picturesque Maza Pils alley in the Old Town. Each of the three houses represents different stages in the architectural époques of Riga, from Medieval to Baroque.
Stock Pot is a very popular restaurant in the Old Town offering a diverse and affordable lunch menu, which draws inspiration from various regions of the world, including the Middle East, Indochina, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Mediterranean.
As the flagship restaurant of a Latvian successful food chain, Lido offers a variety of appetising Latvian foods. The dishes are served quickly and directly by the chefs.
Championed as the best restaurant in all of the Baltic states and one of the top contenders for first place in all of Europe, this fine dining establishment has been frequented by Queen Elizabeth II and other major world figures. Expect above-average prices and service.
A shining example of modern Latvian cuisine, this restaurant is located inside a beautiful art nouveau building in the heart of Riga's Old Town. Neiburgs is a great choice for an upscale dining experience — it consistently makes the top of Latvia's Top 50 Restaurants list.
Trendy gastropub serving an extensive menu of different cuisines in a vibrant atmosphere. The burgers and Mexican fare are a huge hit among diners.
Istaba is a dining experience not to be missed when in Riga – there is no menu per se, and diners are invited to choose from the day's meat and fish options and are then served appetisers and sides (included in the price). The incredibly cosy and authentic atmosphere top off the night.
A medieval-themed restaurant that takes its theme very seriously — the atmosphere is very authentic and diners listen to the sound of flutes, bagpipes, and lutes while eating. Keep in mind that if you order chicken, you can expect to receive a whole one!
Stock Pot is a very popular restaurant in the Old Town offering a diverse and affordable lunch menu, which draws inspiration from various regions of the world, including the Middle East, Indochina, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Mediterranean.
As the flagship restaurant of a Latvian successful food chain, Lido offers a variety of appetising Latvian foods. The dishes are served quickly and directly by the chefs.
Housed in Zeppelin hangers, Riga's vibrant central market is an experience not to be missed. Authentic and mainly non-touristic, the market is where locals come to shop for everything – from groceries to clothing and household items. Several food stalls also sell freshly made local delights.
Opened in 1938, Galerija Centrs is a shopping mall located in the Old Town of Riga, in the historic Vecrīga neighbourhood. The mall offers 110 shops, as well as cafés, restaurants, and other services. It boasts a unique blend of historical elements and modern architecture, and there are shops to suit every pocket. The atmosphere at Galerija Centrs is not too crowded or stressful, making it a great place for a relaxing shopping experience.
Originally constructed between 1887–1900, Berga Bazārs is a pedestrian zone/shopping arcade in the heart of Riga. Its maze-like layout is home to a wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafés, as well as beauty salons, a barbershop, and small boutique shops selling a variety of items such as antique maps, French wines, exclusive cosmetics, and clothing by local fashion designers. In addition, there are event and exhibition spaces, as well as weekly outdoor jazz concerts in the summer.
The high-quality, six-storey department store Stockmann offers clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and items for the home, but also houses a supermarket and a delicatessen store in the basement. A lunch break with Latvian pancakes and tea can be enjoyed on the shopping complex’s top floor.
A cosy charity thrift shop with a tiny café downstairs. A nice place to roam around and find a unique item to take home as a souvenir while also contributing to a good cause.
The Riga instalment of this international vintage store chain is everything you would expect from a venue celebrated as a "hipster paradise" – retro/vintage clothing, record players, second-hand books, and much more.
Robert's books is a small English-language bookshop started by The Economist's former journalist Robert Cottrell. He brought to life what he envisioned as a perfect bookstore – a place where great minds meet and find food for thought. Feel free to bring in your old books and exchange them for a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
What started as a small outlet selling Vans turned into a hip hangout spot when the store was complemented by a coffee shop. It now still offers a wide array of men's (and women's) clothing, accessories, and footwear, as well as a quiet place to enjoy a coffee break looking out on the town.
Housed in Zeppelin hangers, Riga's vibrant central market is an experience not to be missed. Authentic and mainly non-touristic, the market is where locals come to shop for everything – from groceries to clothing and household items. Several food stalls also sell freshly made local delights.
Opened in 1938, Galerija Centrs is a shopping mall located in the Old Town of Riga, in the historic Vecrīga neighbourhood. The mall offers 110 shops, as well as cafés, restaurants, and other services. It boasts a unique blend of historical elements and modern architecture, and there are shops to suit every pocket. The atmosphere at Galerija Centrs is not too crowded or stressful, making it a great place for a relaxing shopping experience.
Riga International Airport is located 8 kilometres away from the city centre. Bus 22 to Riga Central Station leaves from a spot behind the airport car park every 10-30 minutes from early morning. The journey takes around 30 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the driver. In addition to the regular bus, there is also a shuttle bus which connects the airport with many hotels. A taxi ride takes about 10-20 minutes from the airport to the city centre.
Latvia can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
The best time to visit the Baltic States is late spring or summer when there’s usually fine, warm weather to stroll around the cities and make significant forays into the great outdoors. Temperatures cool down rapidly from mid-September onward, although autumn can be an extraordinarily beautiful season to visit Latvia, with the golden brown leaves of deciduous trees contrasting with the dark-green pines.
Riga has a good tram system that runs through the Old City, as well as bus, trolleybus, and taxi bus routes. During the nighttime, several tram and trolley bus routes run once an hour. Rigas satiksme offers tickets for all means of public transport in the city. You can buy an e-ticket that is valid in all public transport vehicles.
You can easily order a taxi or hail one down the street. You can also ask your hotel to help you order a taxi. Lady Taxi +371 26 399 993 Baltic Taxi +371 20 008 500 Avoiss Taxi +371 25 544 555
There are numerous post offices in the city, just look for the yellow envelope.
You can easily find a pharmacy in Riga. Here are a couple of pharmacies that are open 24 hours. BENU aptieka (open 24/7) Aleksandra Čaka iela 104, Riga +371 67 314 211 Mēness Aptieka (open 24/7) Brīvības iela 74 - 26, Riga +371 20 377 466
Country code: 371 Area code: not used in Latvia
Riga International Airport is located 8 kilometres away from the city centre. Bus 22 to Riga Central Station leaves from a spot behind the airport car park every 10-30 minutes from early morning. The journey takes around 30 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the driver. In addition to the regular bus, there is also a shuttle bus which connects the airport with many hotels. A taxi ride takes about 10-20 minutes from the airport to the city centre.
Latvia can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
