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 - the bar offers great views of 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 Rocca"(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 in 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 Riga nightlife? There, of course, there is. With the increase in the number of cheap flights to Riga from all European cities, more and more tourists are heading to 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, party during the week, or at least visit the 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 turn to 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 indescribably and for whom it is difficult to imagine better entertainment 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 is difficult to imagine the New Year holidays and winter in general without winter sports entertainment. An excellent place for these purposes in Riga may well be a snow park located within the city limits. Mezhaparks. This is a place where you can not only ride cross-country and alpine skiing or snowboarding, but also ride a free skating rink.
For those who do not have the appropriate equipment, a rental office offers its services. In addition, this place is also interesting with concerts and festivals regularly held here in winter, 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 entrance fee is also slightly reduced. 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 under the 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 by 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. This place works quite late - from 11.00 to 22.00, and on weekends 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 for celebrating the New Year or Christmas. Here they honor the winter holidays, treat them with special trepidation and strive to make every New Year's day 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 Mezhaparks with a visit to the oldest zoo in Northern Europe, 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, on the way back you can play beach volleyball, and next to the volleyball court you can eat simple food, like sprat sandwiches, beetroot and barbecue. Already at the railway station in 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 of 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, a port with industrial buildings grew right in front of the historical center. 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's too noisy, you can go to the wine bar "Garage" opposite 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

Riga is a beautiful old city. It has preserved ancient buildings, there are baroque and rococo castles, temples of various religions. At the end of winter, it is still quite cold here, and in order not to freeze, you need to approach planning your vacation with skill. Before your trip to Riga in February 2020, we advise you to read our article in order to know in advance how to dress for the weather, what to foresee, what to do during your vacation.

Well, hello, winter Riga!

About the weather

The weather in Riga in February is cold, windy and dank. Due to the high humidity and piercing winds, a small minus feels like a real frost. In a matter of minutes, the nose and cheeks turn red. The air temperature in early February is kept at the level of −1–−4⁰С, and at night it drops to −7–−9⁰С. Hard frosts down to -20⁰С are very rare.

In the second half of the month, the temperature is more often positive, but the wind intensifies even more. The air warms up to +4⁰С on average.

At the end of February, snow begins to melt in Riga, which causes puddles and slush underfoot. Often, ice crust appears on the roads. Most of the month is cloudy weather, there are few sunny days - an average of 3-4 for the whole of February.

Weather forecast for Riga in February 2020.

Tatiana, Moscow:

“Arriving in Riga in February, we were constantly freezing. It often rained. Mokla clothes and shoes. But despite the cloudy weather, we liked the city. We don't regret the trip.

When traveling, be sure to take warm clothes: tights, pants, a jacket with a hood, a hat and gloves. Don't forget insulated boots and wool socks. Shoes should preferably be treated with water-repellent impregnation. If it starts to snow and rain, then an umbrella is unlikely to save you, it is better to hide in a cafe for this time.

There is no need to think about swimming in the Baltic Sea. The sea water temperature in February averages about 0⁰С. The lakes are completely covered with ice at this time.

The wind is raging on the Baltic Sea.

Guided tours

We recommend starting your acquaintance with the city with a simple sightseeing tour in the company of a guide. You will see all the most important and beautiful objects of the capital, get acquainted with its history. A ticket for a two-hour tour costs €15. Children under 12 years old participate free of charge.

We recommend as an alternative. Paying €5 for a tour, you will see the main sights, learn how to navigate the city and learn how to make your stay in the Latvian capital economical and memorable. The duration of the tour is 3 hours.

1. . This 2-hour walking tour will introduce you to urban legends, the history of the center's most striking sights. You can go for a walk with children. Participation fee €19 per person.
2. . The guide will take you to interesting, conceptual cafes and restaurants with Latvian cuisine, introduce you to the peculiarities of local village food. Despite the fact that the tour is gastronomic, you will learn a lot about the history and architecture of the city. The program is designed for a company of up to 5 people. The cost of the tour is €50 if you are 1 or 2 people, or €25 for each if there are more of you. Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes.

Gastronomic walk around the city.

1. .The tour will allow you to try on the images of the contemporaries of the famous detective and even Sherlock himself, walk around the filming locations of the famous TV movie, play on camera and get about 100 processed pictures. The cost of the walk is €160 for a company of 1-4 people. Duration - 1 hour 30 minutes.
2. . The cost of the tour is €69 for a company of up to 6 people. In 3.5 hours you will see all the sights of the popular resort, hear funny stories associated with this place.

Trip to Jurmala.

The entire range of Russian-language excursions in Riga is on the websites and. Choose! And pleasant impressions!

February leisure

If you are an active person, here are a few leisure options in Riga in February:

1. Spend time on the skating rink. There are many of them in Riga - both indoor and outdoor. The most popular place is the skating rink in the Lido park at Krasta iela, 76. The park has a lot of entertainment for adults and children - shooting galleries, a Ferris wheel, attractions, cafes and restaurants. The cost of the skating rink on weekdays is €3 for adults and €2 for children. Skate rental - €1.50 per hour.

In winter, city skating rinks operate every day.

1. To ski. Head to the very center of Riga - Uzvaras Park. There is a free ski run here. Inventory is rented (€4.5 per hour). The rental point is open from 10:00 to 21:00.

Ski trip in Uzvaras park.

1. Walk around the Riga Zoo(Meza prospects, 1). You can feed and touch the animals, and if it gets cold, warm up in the Tropical House, where exotic animals live. The zoo is open every day. Ticket price for adults - €6, for children - €4.

Children will enjoy the local zoo.

1. Try your hand at downhill skiing from the mountains on a controlled sled. In Sigulda, a small town an hour's drive from Riga, there is a bobsleigh track. It is available not only to athletes, but also to amateurs. The cost of the descent is from 10 to 50 depending on the "vehicle". You can get to the town by bus, train, or by ordering a taxi.

In Sigulda you can try your hand at luge.

1. Resting with children visit Livu water park in Jurmala(20 km from Riga). You can get from the city by public transport or taxi. The center is open all year round. Inside there are swimming pools with sea and fresh water, slides, saunas, jacuzzis. In February, an adult ticket costs €18.5 for 2 hours. Discounts for children, families and pensioners.

It's always summer at Livu Water Park.

Olga, Moscow:

February holidays in the Lido amusement park.

If you want to eat delicious, go to the Le Dome fish restaurant in Riga at ul. Miesnieku 4. Order any dish from the menu and don't forget to try our signature rye bread dessert with cheese cream and berry sauce.

shopping

The end of winter in Riga is a sales season and a great time for shopping. Take advantage of this chance and please your loved ones with gifts from Latvia. You can bring not only the famous black balsam and Riga sprats from the capital, but also many other useful souvenirs:

• amber products, for example, a magnet with a Baltic stone;

Amber jewelry to remember the trip.

• sweets from the local Laima factory;
• ceramics;
• linen products;
• cosmetics and perfumery Dzintars;
• LAUMA lingerie;
• curds Karums;

Enjoy Karums cheese curds.

• pepper cookies;
• smoked fish in the original packaging.

Alexey, Moscow:

“I bought a pendant with green amber as a gift for a girl. The seller explained that it was a marsh stone, which is why the color is so unusual. I brought Riga Balsam with blackcurrant to my parents. It differs from the traditional Latvian drink in a milder taste.”

For groceries, go to the Central Riga Market.

Cosmetics, clothes and other goods - in stores:

• Galerija Centrs at Audeju iela, 16;
• Univers alveikals Stockmann at 8 Janvara street;
• Olimpia, located at Azenes iela, 5.

Holidays and concerts - poster of events

On February 10, 2020, one of the significant events of February will take place in Riga - Metenis (Shrovetide). On this day, residents of the city will say goodbye to winter, bake traditional pancakes, ride ice slides and dance round dances. To join the folk festivities, head to the Latvian Ethnographic Museum at Brīvības gatve 440. From 12:00 to 16:00, a folklore performance awaits you. Ticket price - €2.

1. Until February 24 at the Latvian National Museum of Art at Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1 you can visit the exhibition "Portrait in Latvia". It presents outstanding works from museum and private collections. You can visit the event on any day of the week except Monday. Opening hours: 10:00–17:00. The entry price is from €2 to €3.5.
2. On February 16, 2020, the play "Plastic Fantasy" will be shown in the city. This unique show combines pantomime and improvisation. If you are traveling with a child, don't miss it. The performance starts at 12:00. Duration - 1 hour 30 minutes. Ticket price - from €12 to €20. Venue - Rigas Kongresu nams.

Travel budget

When calculating your travel budget, take into account in advance the costs that you are likely to face:

• air tickets from Moscow to Riga and back ≈ 16,720 rubles;
• round-trip train ticket from Moscow ≈ 10,900 in a reserved seat car and 15,500 in a compartment;
• daily accommodation in a 4-star hotel in a double room ≈ 4,000 rubles;
• a week-long tour to Riga for two in a 4* hotel ≈ 42,400 rubles;
• trip by public transport - €2;
• lunch in an inexpensive cafe (for example, in LIDO) - € 7;
• dinner for two with alcohol - €35.

A delicious dinner at the end of an adventurous day.

Conclusion

Rest in Riga is usually not complete without visiting excursion programs. Dress appropriately, plan routes, and then exploring the city will bring pleasure. If possible, visit a theater or a museum. There are also facilities for real winter entertainment in Riga: skating rinks and ski slopes, and they are open here from morning to evening.

More than 20 different conceptual establishments and two bars will open in the gastro market, which will offer visitors international and Latvian cuisine. The gastro market is located in the gastronomic pavilion of the Riga Central Market.

“Centralais Gastro Tirgus is the most complex project I have ever implemented, and no one in Latvia has experience in implementing such projects. However, we succeeded, and the whole team is happy that the residents and guests of Riga will get new opportunities for recreation, entertainment and enjoying delicious food,” says Victor Ravdive, the author of the idea.

According to the concept of Centralais Gastro Tirgus, all dishes are prepared on the spot, in front of visitors, and each place will offer its own menu. The offer includes: grilled dishes, burgers, pizzas, soups, dumplings, hot dogs, sushi, Asian street food, tempura dishes, chicken dishes, favorite homemade recipes and many others. Centralais Gastro Tirgus is modeled after a food court. This is a very common catering model in Europe, a popular place for recreation, pastime, meetings with friends, family lunches or breakfasts, as well as a convenient opportunity to have a snack during working hours.

Artis Druvinieks, Chairman of the Board of the Riga Central Market, positively assesses the creation of the gastro market: “In 1930, the Riga Central Market was recognized as the largest in Europe, and in 1931, the most modern market of that period. Creation of Centralais Gastro Tirgus is an actual solution. We are confident that we have chosen the right path of development by creating a modern environment and meeting place for Riga gourmets.”

Centralais Gastro Tirgus will give residents the opportunity to test their abilities and implement ideas using the concept pop up. For short-term rent, a fully equipped kiosk will be offered, where an entrepreneur can open any restaurant, and a chef can realize his bold ideas.

The construction works of Centralais Gastro Tirgus started in June last year and were fully completed in January of this year, after which the landscaping work began. The total area of ​​the Central Gastro Market is 1,079.6 m 2 , the number of seats reaches 380. The Gastro Market is located in the renovated gastronomic pavilion of the Riga Central Market, on weekdays it will be open from 10.00 to 22.00, on Fridays and Saturdays - until 2.00 at night. It is planned to organize performances of musicians, DJs, and many other events here.

The official opening of the gastronomic pavilion and Centralais Gastro Tirgus will take place on February 9th at 15:00. The program will include entertainment, performances by DJs and musicians, a children's creative workshop and a special guest of the evening.

TOP 20 places to see in Riga

Cozy cafes and noisy bars, tiled roofs, narrow cobbled streets and spiers of ancient bell towers. Probably, it is precisely due to its subtle charm that the capital of Latvia is always popular among tourists. For everyone who plans to visit Riga, we will tell you about the most interesting places that make this city unforgettable.

Riga is a real find for tourists. Compact old town, many cozy bars, art nouveau architecture, proximity to the Baltic Sea - these are just a few of the reasons to go to Riga for the weekend.

1 /1

Everything is possible in magical Riga. For example, to travel back in time and find yourself in the past. How? You just need to get to New Street, which is hidden between Domskaya and Town Hall Square.

2. New street (Jauniela)

This is truly a piece of history that has come to life! Motley, like a patchwork quilt, the houses on both sides of the street will not let you lower your eyes - there are so many original and beautiful facades with stucco decorations, sculptures and even paintings (like on the house with number 1221 above the entrance). It was here, on New Street, that the famous "Seventeen Moments of Spring" and "Sherlock Holmes" were filmed.

1 /1

Well, after a leisurely walk, you can look into one of the local restaurants with a cozy flower terrace (there are a lot of flowers here) to taste local cuisine.

How to get there? You can get to New Street from the Central Station by bus number 22, going in the direction of Lidosta. You will need to get off at the Grecinieku iela stop and walk a little.

3. Courtyard of the Convention

This old courtyard is famous for serving as a "model" for one of the paintings of Nicholas Roerich himself. But even if you are not interested in painting, we certainly recommend visiting here - this place is so picturesque and such an atmosphere of antiquity and revived history reigns here. The courtyard of the Convent is located next to the Church of St. Peter, under the shadow of its graceful bell tower. Here you can take a leisurely walk among the old houses, go to antique shops or visit the porcelain museum.

How to get there? From the Central Station, you can get here by bus number 15 in the direction of Latvijas Universitate. You need to take the Centrala stacija stop, get off at Latvijas Universitate, and after walking another 10 minutes, you will be there.

On a note: there are several entrances to the Convention Court, but they are all closed at night, so it's better to come here before dark.

4. Jewelry Museum

Do you want to know what decorations were in fashion among the inhabitants of Riga several hundred years ago? Then be sure to visit the Jewelery Museum. Its owners - the family of jewelers Inita and Vytauts Straupe - have been studying the history of Baltic jewelry for 20 years, and they also make copies of ancient jewelry.

In the museum you can see both original antique jewelry and their copies made by craftsmen, as well as modern products with national motifs and ornaments. Entrance to the museum is free.

Address: Grecinieku iela 11/2.

Working hours: Mon-Fri - 11:00-19:00, Sat - 10:00-18:00.

5. Museum of Decorative Arts

The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design is a showpiece in itself. The museum building is the former church of St. George, the oldest surviving wooden building in Riga. But not only the facade is interesting, but also the "stuffing". Here you will find collections of textile art, ceramics and porcelain, leather and wood products, as well as the largest collection of works by the founders of Latvian modernism.

Address: Skarnu iela 10/20.

Working hours: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00 (on Tuesdays until 19:00).

Ticket price: for the permanent exhibition - €2.13 (adult) and €0.71 (students, students, pensioners). Every last Sunday of the month and May 18, admission is free.

You can learn more about prices.

6. Art Nouveau Museum

Jugendstil (aka Art Nouveau) was so popular in Riga that it is considered the European capital of this architectural trend. Almost every second building in the city is made in the Art Nouveau style, and there are more than 800 of them. Even a person who is far from architecture can easily recognize them by the abundance of decorations on the facade. Art Nouveau in Riga has even surpassed itself in this sense: statues, masks, chimeras and dragons, floral ornaments and bas-reliefs give each house a unique and unforgettable look.

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Therefore, it would be useful to go to a museum dedicated to this direction of architecture. The Jugendstil Museum is located on Albert street (Albert iela 12) in the former apartment of the Riga architect Konstantin Pekshens. This is where you can feel like you are in 20th century Riga, walking through the rooms, looking at the interiors and decor, or trying on costumes of that era for a souvenir photo.

Working hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Ticket price: from May 1 to September 30 - €6 (full); €7.50 (family: 2 adults, 2 children); €4 (students). From October 1 to April 31 - €3.50, €7.50 and €2.50.

7. Town Hall Square

The ancient heart of Riga and the center of life - the Town Hall Square - remains a lively place today, where both locals and tourists like to take a walk. The Town Hall and the House of the Blackheads attract with their openwork facades and evening illumination, and the museums, of which there are several, will not let any traveler get bored.

How to get there? The fastest way to get here from Riga Central Station is by bus number 22, going in the direction of Lidosta. Get off at the Centrala stacija stop and get off at Grecinieku iela, and in a couple of minutes you will get to the square.

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8 Slazds Gallery

To find out how the modern creative Riga lives, you should pay attention to local art galleries. One of these is the Slazds gallery. Here you will find landscapes that are familiar to everyone, and many original artistic experiments in painting, photography, graphics and sculpture.

Address: Aldaru street 12/14.

Working hours: daily from 12:00 to 20:00.

9. Ethnographic Museum

There is a very interesting place in Riga, where the history of the country literally comes to life before our eyes. In the Latvian Ethnographic Museum, you can get acquainted with the life and traditions of Latvians of the 17th - 20th centuries, as well as observe how craftsmen worked centuries ago.

This open-air museum contains 118 historical buildings from all over the country, which makes it look more like an old settlement: here you have peasant farmsteads, fishermen's houses, churches, and a real Latvian farm. You can go into each house and see how representatives of different classes lived. And you can also join the past and try yourself as an artisan, for example, weaving a basket or making something out of clay.

Working hours: the ethnographic museum is open October 1 - April 30 from 10:00 to 17:00 and May 1 - September 30 from 10:00 to 20:00.

Entrance ticket price: – €1,40-4

Museum Address: Brivibas gatve 440, Riga. From the Central Station, you can get here by bus number 1 (in the direction of Berguciems).

How to get there? To do this, take the bus at the Merkela iela stop and get off at Rozu iela. You will need to walk another 10 minutes to the museum. Buses No. 19, 28 and 29 also go here (to the Brivdabas muzejs stop).

On a note: the museum staff speaks Russian, and there is free parking and wireless Internet on the territory.

10. Park "Arcadia"

Arcadia is one of the most beautiful landscape parks in Riga and a great place to relax after an eventful city day. Shady alleys, streams with graceful bridges and mini-waterfalls create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

How to get there? The park can be reached from the Central Station (the journey takes a little over 20 minutes). At stop 13.janvara iela, take bus number 25 towards Marupe and go to Arkadijas parks. Entrance to the park is free.

Do you want to get into a real oasis in the heart of the city? Then be sure to go to the Botanical Garden in Riga. Not only the flora of Latvia is collected here, but also such exotic plants as ginkgo, witch hazel, cork trees and lilies, and in greenhouses you can even find cacti and other inhabitants of the desert. The garden is good at any time of the year: from February to April, azaleas bloom in greenhouses, magnolias in spring, and rhododendrons, peonies and roses in summer, and real tropics turn green in the greenhouses of the garden!

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Working hours: the garden is open from April to September from 09:00 to 19:00 and from October to March from 10:00 to 16:30.

Ticket price:€3 (adult), €2 (students and pensioners), €1 (schoolchildren and pensioners on Mondays). Free - for preschoolers and large families on Mondays. The full price list is available.

Address: Kandavas street 2.

How to get there? From the center of Riga (to the stop Dzirciema iela or Botaniskais darzs) buses No. 4, 21, 37, 38, 39, 41, 46 and 54 go here. You can also get there by tram (No. 4, 5), trolleybus (No. 9 and 25) or by minibus (No. 237, 238, 241, 244, 263, 270).

12. Livov Square

This small but surprisingly beautiful and cozy square is hidden between Zirgu, Meistaru and Kalku streets. Surrounded by colorful houses with red tiled roofs, spiers and turrets, it looks like an illustration from a fairy tale come to life. Here you can sit in a summer cafe, enjoying the unhurried passage of time, and those who want to feel like noble Rigans of the past can ride in an open horse-drawn carriage.

How to get there? From the Central Station you can walk to Livov Square in 15 minutes, or take bus No. 2, 3, 11, 19, 24, 57 from the Centrala stacija stop to Inzenieru iela (you will need to walk another 5-7 minutes to the square).

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13. Riga Old Town

Old Riga is the oldest part of the city and one of the favorite places for both residents and tourists. The Riga Old Town covers the area surrounded by Zigfrida Annas Meierovica bulvaris, Aspazijas bulvaris, 13.janvara iela and Krasta iela streets.

It is here that the Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral and the square of the same name, the Church of St. Peter, the Cathedral of St. James and many other popular attractions are located. Old Riga is an ideal place for those who like to explore the city on foot, “intelligently, with feeling, with the arrangement”, slowly discovering its most hidden corners.

14. Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians

The Riga monument to the Bremen Town Musicians depicts the well-known cat, donkey, dog and rooster from the fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm. Created by Bremen-based sculptor Christa Baumgartel in 1990, the monument turns out to have a deep connotation: it symbolizes the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Iron Curtain (this is hinted at by the “window” through which the heroes look out). Important information for all lovers of urban beliefs: they say that if you rub the noses of four-legged musicians, then any wish will come true.

Address: The monument is located next to Skarnu Street, between St. Peter's Church and the Konventa seta complex.

15. Cat house

We hasten to warn you that this is not a house from the fairy tale of the same name, although cats are really present there in the form of decorative figures on the spiers of the towers. In fact, the story is quite funny: the former owner of this house - a wealthy merchant - decided to take revenge on the merchant Guild, where they refused to accept him, and decorated his house with black cats, turning them back to the ill-fated building where the Riga merchants met. The joker was reprimanded, and the cats were turned in the other direction, where they show off to this day.

Address of the "cat" house: Meistaru street 10.