Information about flights to Riga
More than 800 years' old, Riga has traditionally been reliant on sea trading and is now the largest city of all the Baltic states. It was declared the European Capital of Culture for 2014 and is home to a well-preserved Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city's historic centre does not feel like an urban metropolis like many of Europe's other capitals, but rather more like an extended village with charming painted houses, cobbled streets and market traders selling freshly made pastries, jewellery and hand-crafted goods.
St Peter's Church
For an uninterrupted view of Riga's architectural masterpieces, head up to the tower of St Peter's Church. Dating back to 1209, this site has been a place of worship almost as long as the city has existed, although the church has been rebuilt on numerous occasions, most recently between the 1950s and 1980s, when it was restored to its original style.
Art Museum Riga Bourse
The majestic Art Museum Riga Bourse is one of the city's principal galleries and opened to the public in 2011, although the building itself actually dates back to the 1850s. The exhibition venue explores the links between the Eastern and Western worlds, as well as the perceptions of art in the 19th century and the German influence in the city.
The city's parks
The glorious Vermandes Garden is one of Riga's main public gardens and celebrated its 200th anniversary as a park in 2014, although it was originally known as Wöhrmann Park. Bastejkalns Park, meanwhile, features the scenic Riga Canal and is adjacent to the imposing Freedom Monument, which was erected in the 1930s and is more than 40 metres in height. The canal also passes through Kronvalda Park, another popular open space just a short walk from the vast River Daugava.
More things to do
Head to the Skyline Bar and enjoy a refreshing drink while admiring another incredible panoramic view over Riga, or go to some of the city's buzzing nightclubs such as 69 and LaRocca if you're planning a big night out. Enjoy some delicious chocolate at the Emils Gustavs Chocolate confectionery, read a book while enjoying a fresh coffee at the elegant Kafka café, or have some delectable Eastern European cuisine at the Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs restaurant. Other acclaimed restaurants in Riga include the Italian-inspired Aperitivo, the Russian-themed Tevocis Vana and the Armenian-inspired Restaurant Armenia.
