- Riga islands
- Riga parks and gardens
- Sights of the capital of Latvia
- Riga museums
- Riga for children
- Shopping in the capital of Latvia
- Cafes and restaurants
- Note to theatergoers
The largest city in the Baltics, Riga attracts foreign tourists with its amazing architectural heritage. For several centuries it was a Hanseatic city and thanks to the flourishing of trade, many buildings appeared in it, which now serve as the hallmarks of the capital of Latvia. The abundance of architectural monuments has become the reason that UNESCO marks Riga as a World Heritage Site, and the European Union chooses one of the cultural capitals of the Old World. When planning a sightseeing tour and deciding where to go in Riga, do not forget to take some time to visit restaurants and try the trademark Latvian klops. The best establishments with an authentic menu can be found in the historic part of the city.
Riga islands
The city was founded at the confluence of the Daugava into the Baltic Sea. Together with the Bullupe tributary and the Lielupe river, the Daugava forms several islands within the city, where you can walk and get acquainted with some of Riga's sights:
- On the largest island Bullu, the attention of tourists will be attracted by the Daugavgrivsky lighthouse. It first appeared at this place in the first third of the 16th century. at a time when the Livonian Order and the Archbishop of Riga were at enmity with each other and fought for control over the mouth of the river. The modern tower appeared in 1957.
- Another island within the boundaries of Riga is called Kipsala. In 2004, Sunstone was built on it - one of the tallest office buildings in the city. You can get to the island via the Cable-stayed bridge.
- On the island of Kundzinsala, locals and tourists swim in the lakes in summer.
- The attraction of Lucavsala Island is a monument to its defenders, erected in 1891 in memory of the victory over Sweden in the Northern War.
The Riga TV tower, the height of which is 368 m, is located on the island of Zakusala. The observation decks of the highest television tower in the European Union can be reached by high-speed elevators.
Riga parks and gardens
The Latvian capital is famous for its parks, where you can enjoy your time both in summer and in winter. Be sure to visit the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, founded in 1922 and famous for its collection of medicinal plants, in Riga. It has about 270 species.
One of the oldest parks in Riga, Arcadia, has its history since the middle of the 19th century, when greenhouses were built on an empty site on the banks of the Daugava, and palm trees and other exotic plants appeared in them. The park quickly gained popularity, and residents of the surrounding towns began to come to Riga to admire the novelty. Today "Arcadia" is a green area, arranged in full accordance with the latest trends in landscape fashion.
Even earlier, the Vermanes Park appeared in Riga, named after the patron of the arts Anna Gertrude Verman, who donated funds for its foundation in 1813. In the XIX century. one of the first artificial mineral water institutions in Europe was opened in the Vermanes Park, and later the green zone became a cultural and musical center, on the stage of which Gogol's plays were staged.
The public garden "Viestura" appeared in Riga in 1721 by order of Peter I. It was called Tsarskoe, and then Petrovsky park. You can also go to the Viestura Garden in Riga to get acquainted with the unique flora. Hornbeam grows in the park - a tree specially protected in the republic. At the entrance you will see the Alexander Gate, built at the beginning of the 19th century. in honor of the victory in the war with Napoleon and listed in the register of architectural monuments.
Sights of the capital of Latvia
The Riga atmosphere of the Middle Ages and special intimacy immediately appeals to foreign tourists. Despite the status of the capital, the city remains very cozy and disposes to long walks and leisurely excursions.
The list of sights worth seeing in Riga invariably includes:
- House of the Blackheads, built in the XIV century. and served for meetings of Riga public organizations. Three hundred years later, the mansion became the property of the association of foreign merchants, and the black head on the coat of arms of the merchants' guild gave the house its name, which has survived to this day. The most beautiful facade of the House of Blackheads adorns the main square of the Latvian capital.
- The oldest building in Riga, whose spire is visible from all points of the old center, is called St. Peter's Church. Visitors can take the elevator and climb 70 meters to see the city from the observation deck. The temple was built at the beginning of the XIII century.
- The Cathedral on Dome Square was founded in 1211. The temple was built for over a hundred years, and today it is rightfully called the hallmark of Riga. It is worth going to it in order to hear the organ installed in the 19th century.
During a sightseeing tour of the city, the guides draw the guests' attention to the Cat's House with remarkable four-legged figurines on the roof, lead tourists to the walls of the Riga Castle, which reliably served the knights of the Livonian Order, and also acquaint travelers with the history of the city, generously presented in the capital's museums.
Riga museums
The most popular exhibitions are located in the old city center and are dedicated to the history of Latvia and the art of its inhabitants.
The National Museum of the History of the Republic in the Riga Castle was founded in the 60s. XIX centuries. The largest collection of historical values will help present the life of Latvians from ancient times.
Original architectural projects, some of which have been successfully implemented in Riga, await guests at the Latvian Museum of Architecture. It was opened in the residential complex "Three Brothers" - medieval buildings in the old center, which themselves are full-fledged exhibits of the museum.
In the Latvian National Museum of Art, it is worth paying attention to the collection of paintings by the Roerich brothers.
Famous decorative art items made by Baltic craftsmen await visitors at the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design. Porcelain, ceramics, fabrics, tapestries and leather, glass and metal products are widely represented at the stands.
The collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation will not leave indifferent guests who are fond of local history. The exhibition is based on the collection of Dr. Nikolaus von Himsel, who has collected historical items for many years.
Riga for children
Are you looking for an active family vacation and looking for where to go with your kids? Head to Pik Nik Park for fun rides. At Peak Nick Park, you can jump on a trampoline and throw darts, play volleyball and go karts, ride a fun train and organize outdoor picnics.
Riga Zoo is no less popular with young visitors, where not only giraffes and lions live, but also real pandas and pink flamingos. Many animals can be fed by arriving at the park at certain times. Toddlers also enjoy horse riding.
If your child loves puppet theater, be sure to go to Riga. Knowledge of the Latvian language is not necessary, because the dolls here speak Russian too, you just need to clarify the schedule of performances. Most often, the names of your favorite classics - fairy tales known to all children in the post-Soviet space - appear on the posters.
Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted with the offer to visit the Chocolate Museum. In Riga, there is the Laima factory, well-known throughout Europe, with a delicious museum exposition. Children and adults will learn how the production of their favorite treats works.
Shopping in the capital of Latvia
The two most popular Riga markets with tourists are the flea market in Latgale and Rozhdestvensky in the center of the old town. On the first one, you will buy any antiques - from jewelry to vinyl records. The second, although it only works on Christmas Eve, provides residents and guests of the city with ideal souvenirs and traditional Baltic goods. It is worth going to the market in Riga on New Year's holidays for handmade Christmas tree decorations, knitted hats and sweaters, delicious sweets, linen and ceramic household goods and, of course, fragrant mulled wine.
Traditional shopping in Riga is best done in the shopping centers Riga Gallery and Central Gallery. The sales season starts in summer and on Christmas Eve.
Cafes and restaurants
Riga's restaurateurs increasingly rely on fresh farm products. One of the most popular establishments where the menu is always seasonal, and the chef often comes out to the guests and talks to them, is called Vincents. Traditional Latvian cuisine in this restaurant is very widely represented, and even the heads of foreign states who came to Riga on official visits managed to visit it.
The Le Dome fish restaurant in the Dome Hotel & Spa boutique hotel is famous not only for fresh seafood, but also for a magnificent view of the Daugava and the Dome Cathedral. In summer, the establishment opens an outdoor terrace.
The title of the best gourmet restaurant in the city went to Renommé, which is located in the Gallery Park Hotel, by right. The restaurant's collection of classic and modern cuisine is ideally complemented by an extensive wine list and spiced with views of the surrounding garden.
Note to theatergoers
If your ideal holiday is to enjoy a performance in a theater box, Riga will not disappoint with a repertoire of the country's best stage venues. Baryshnikov, Maris Liepa and Maya Kovalevska once brought world fame to the Latvian Opera House. The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain is a success at the Latvian National Theater. Riga Russian Theater Mikhail Chekhov remembers Vasily Kachalov, and the repertoire includes both classical and modern works.
