Riga

Riga is a nice destination for a weekend trip. The city can be visited in one day and on the second day you can go to Sigulda or Jurmala.

Almost the entire population is fluent in Russian. Latvians use Russian language even in everyday life, at least in Riga. For us, it was a little bit surprising.

Cheap and delicious food in Riga is available at Lido restaurants, there are several of them in the city (some addresses Tirgoņu iela 6, Elizabetes iela 65, Dzirnavu iela 74/76). 7-10 euro for a dinner per person. The kitchen is traditional, Latvian.

We did not use a guide and just walked around the city. All the information can be found on the internet as almost the whole city is covered with free WiFi.

We spent the night at the Radisson (booking.com), the highest hotel, which offers the best view of the old town. Skyline bar is opened from 15:00 on the 26th floor, though everyone can use the panoramic lift to 26th floor (even if you do not go to the bar).


Riga in the morning


Riga in the evening






Gallery Riga, with a roof terrace.


Fire Escape ladder in the Hotel


In the old city we walked in the morning, when the streets are completely empty.
























Around this monument, there is a park Bastion Hill as well as few others.




This crow does not afraid of people at all.


There is almost no good graffiti in Riga. This one not bad.




On the other bank of the river Daugava there not many buildings, although they are high.


The new library building has a viewpoint on the upper floors.


Livu square is the most beautiful in the city.




The house with the cat is well-known among tourists.


But the house with the dog we found by accident.


Funny installations.


These figures made of granite can be bought, although the prices are extremely high.


Jauniela Street is known by the Soviet films about Sherlock Holmes. For the people from the former USSR this movie is legendary. And Jauniela Street played the role of Baker street.


We are watching the first series of the movie.


And here is the home of Sherlock, "Baker Street 221B" (Jauniela 22)


The main dominant of the city is the St Peter's Church which is visible from everywhere.


Funny columns.


In the background is one of the main attractions of the city - the House of Blackheads.


There is an observation deck on the bell tower of the church of St. Peter, but we did not visit it and went to the observation deck on the building of the Academy of Sciences (Akademijas laukums, 1).




Interesting buildings to the right are the former hangars for dirigibles and now it is Riga Central Market.


Riga TV tower also has an observation deck, but it's not very good, according to reviews.


From the top is visible "Spikeri" Quarter, the area of the former ghetto.


On the Turgenev street we found a few wooden houses.


"Spikeri" Quarter is now a museum and an art space.








In the evening, at sunset, take a walk along the AB dam which offers a nice view of the old town.




Do not miss:
 - Riga Castle
 - Latvian Ethnographic Museum
 - Kalnciema Quarter
 - Albert Street, with Art Nouveau houses
 - Free tour at 12:00 from the Church of St. Peter (link)

Maps and brochures of Riga can be downloaded here.

Getting there: There is a large airport in Riga. Taxi to the center costs 12 euro. Bus 22 goes to the old town (40 minutes), buy tickets in the machine. Or take minibus 222, buy tickets from the driver (2 euros). Airbaltic Airport Express is the fastest option, 20 minutes, 5 euros.