Riga, Latvia Travel

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a beautiful and historic city located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. With a population of over 700,000 people, it is the largest city in the country and a major economic and cultural center.

For orientation, Latvia is just south of Estonia, and just north of Lithuania.

For me, the most striking thing about Riga is its location on the globe. Situated on the 57th parallel north, it is on the same latitude as Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Glasgow. This gives the city a unique combination of long, light summers and short, dark winters.

What to Do in Riga, Latvia

One of the most interesting things about Riga is its architecture. The city is home to a diverse mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Soviet-era buildings. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is particularly noteworthy for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads.

Freedom Monument

Located in the center of the city, the Freedom Monument is a tall, granite monument that was erected in 1935 to commemorate the Latvian War of Independence. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to gather and pay their respects.

St. Peter’s Church

Peter’s Church is a beautiful Baroque-style church located in the Old Town. It is the oldest church in Riga and is home to a beautiful organ and a number of interesting works of art.

House of the Blackheads

The House of the Blackheads is a beautiful Gothic-style building located in the Old Town. It was originally built in the 14th century as a guildhall for merchants, and today it is home to a number of museums and cultural events.

Old Town Riga

Riga’s Old Town is a beautiful and historic part of the city that is filled with charming cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a must-see for any visitor to Riga.

Where to Stay in Riga, Latvia

I stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija, which is located in the heart of the city and offers great views of the Old Town. The hotel is modern, comfortable, and well-appointed, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Also, you can walk the 1/2 mile to the start of Old Town Riga.

As you can see in the video, there are plenty of things to see and do in Riga, from exploring the Old Town to visiting the top attractions such as the Riga Castle, the Freedom Monument, and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.

Unfortunately, I did not leave the city, so I did not see the countryside. But everyone I spoke with said the beach was great in the summer.

Riga, Latvia Nightlife

Riga is known for its great nightlife. There are tons of bars and clubs. I didn’t go to any of the bars, but I did go to the bar at the top of the Radisson Blue hotel. It was a very good bar.

While not wall-to-wall packed with beautiful girls like you would see in Moscow or Kharkiv, but there were definitely a few 10s in the bar every night.

Riga is known to have beautiful girls. I would say above average, so go if you’re a single guy for sure.

What to Eat in Riga, Latvia

The food scene in Riga is also worth exploring. Latvian cuisine is a mix of Baltic, German, and Russian influences, and you can find everything from traditional smoked fish and meat dishes to modern fusion cuisine.

My friends took me out to a Latvian restaurant, and the food was very good.

Be sure to try these dishes:

“Sklandrausis” a traditional sweet and savory pastry filled with mashed potatoes and meat or cottage cheese.
“Zupa” a soup made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and grains.
“Kārstie kartupeļi” (Latvian fried potatoes) which are often served with sour cream and dill.
“Grey peas” a traditional Latvian stew made with peas, bacon, and onions.
“Rupjmaize” traditional bread made from rye flour.
“Latvian smoked fish” such as smoked eel, salmon, and trout.
“Latvian smoked meat” such as smoked pork and bacon.
“Kvass” a traditional Latvian fermented drink made from bread and berries
“Black Balsam” is a traditional liquor that is made from a secret blend of herbs and spices.

It is also a great idea to try some of the traditional desserts such as “Riga Black Balsam Cake” which is a traditional Latvian cake made with dark chocolate and Riga Black Balsam.

Summary

In final thoughts, Riga is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife, there is something in Riga that will appeal to you. It’s a great place to visit, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and interesting travel destination.

Please leave any questions in the comments

Have fun!

Derron

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