Riga hotels

Hotels in Riga

Latvia's capital and also its largest city, Riga is home to over 640,000 inhabitants. The city lies on the Gulf of Riga and is host to some highly impressive architecture. Founded in 1201, the city was listed as the European Capital of Culture 2014 and hosted both the 2006 NATO Summit and the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest, so it goes without saying that the largest city of the Baltic States can hold its own.

Museums

There's an abundance of cultural heritage to absorb in Riga. If you love museums, start with the Museum of Occupation of Latvia. Guided tours will take you through the prison cells and exhibitions about the history of KGB activity during Soviet occupation, where thousands of Latvians were oppressed and murdered under this brutal regime.

Try the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, where an open-air depiction of ancient Latvian farmers and fishermen welcomes you. Lastly, visit the oldest museum in Riga, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, which is housed in a 13th to 20th-century architectural monument – the Riga Dome Complex.

Love quirky antiques? Visit the one-of-its-kind Riga Motor Museum. Dedicated to the restoration, exploration and collecting of antique vehicles, it really is a unique place. And if it's eccentricity you seek, take a trip to the Film Museum, a miniature film theatre room used for film screenings, solely for the depiction of arts.

Sights

Visit the Freedom Monument, a memorial honouring soldiers killed in the War of Independence. St Peter's Church is one of the oldest monuments of medieval architecture, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the picturesque historical centre of Riga, you can view the capital from the top of the church.

Covering 12 acres in the city centre, Vermanes Gardens is Riga's oldest public park. With plush greenery and art nouveau architecture it makes for a spectacular trek. If you're visiting with family, make the kids' day with a visit to Riga Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals and owner of National Zoo status. The origins of the zoo can also be traced to earlier centuries.

Nightlife

There are no shortages of bars and clubs in Riga, so expect to let your hair down. The best reviews belong to Bar.Ber.Room, situated in Old Riga, and Skyline Bar, which is located on the staggering 26th floor of Radisson Bhe Hotel. You'll enjoy a breath-taking view here, morning or night.

Eateries

Riga houses some incredible restaurants that all come with rave reviews. International SV serves Latvian and international cuisine, whilst for a fusion of Euro-Asian, try Aqua Luna, the restaurant by the riverbank. Latvian restaurants will deliver fantastically fresh food, as Latvian cuisine is based on the herbs and ingredients that are in season.

Riga hotels vary and offer anything from art nouveau settings to spa hotels for a relaxing break. Like the city, it offers something for everyone.