Riga straddles the Daugava River, about 15km (9mi) from its mouth in the south-eastern corner of the Gulf of Riga. Centuries-old German buildings are strewn throughout the historic quarter of Vecriga (Old Riga), and taking the lift up to the spire of St Peter's Church for an aerial view of the neighbourhood is one of the highlights of a visit. Riga Castle dates from 1330, when it was built as the headquarters of the Livonian Order. It's now the home of Latvia's president.

There is something for everyone to see and to do while in Riga. This is one of the main advantages of Riga over other European or Baltic cities. Riga has the both the historic merchant past and the old world charm of the Nineteenth Century and has a look and feel somewhat like Paris. Some have even refereed to Riga as the "Paris of the north"! To add even more charm, Riga has many great and relaxing city parks that are exciting during all seasons!

One can walk the romantic cobblestone streets of 800 year old Old Riga City and marvel at how well the buildings have withstood all these years. Or you can walk the length of Elizabetes street from the train station to the North section of the city and tilt your head high to gaze at the remarkable Art Nouveau buildings erected in the expansion boom of the early 1900’s.

Further North after crossing the main East/West street Valdemara, be sure to stop at Elizabetes Street Number 10 and then again at the Riga Law School at the intersection of Alberta and Strelnieku Streets in the Embassy District. Continue West along Elizabetes Street and then turn left at Trade Center building and walk through the lovely canal park back to the Old City Area.

Along the way or after you are tired of walking you may sit in one of the small and cozy cafes and tea houses around the city and sample cakes, tortes and other famous Latvian breads and pastries. For a heartier meal, stop into one of the LIDO restaurants around the city (Elizabetes & Terbatas is one) or take a taxi to the largest Lido log house on Krasta Boulevard for a real treat.

Nightlife is abundant around the city. Check the Riga In your Pocket Guide for all the latest places.
Riga’s Opera house is just plain fantastic - what more can I say! You not only will marvel at the building but the performance as well!

Shopping is everywhere but be sure to watch your money closely. Both the pickpockets and the merchants would love to have some of it. Be sure to visit Europe’s largest marketplace just South of the central Bus Station. Go as early as possible in the day as this is the most active time.

There are several new shopping centers and grocery stores around the city in case you have a need. Just ask for the closest Spice, City Market, Sky or Maxima location. A taxi ride will be your best method of transportation but it is not expensive. Just experience some of the daily Latvian life.

Tipping in the restaurants is not yet too established and don’t expect too much of the service level. We are working on improving it but the pace is slow. I normally tip 5% for good service and leave no tip for locations where you order yourself from the counter.

Riga was home to the first Christmas Tree (documented use of an evergreen tree in a Christmas celebration) in the year 1510. Visit Riga at Christmas and do your shopping in the outdoor Christmas market.

In summer, tables and chairs spill out onto Doma laukums (Dome Square), transforming it into a fun-packed plaza of cheap cafes, beer tents and late-night bars. You’re spoilt for choice dining out in Riga, but if you long for a return to the good ol’ days, there’s a Soviet-style cafe in Old Riga with stale buns, plastic cups, drab walls and vodka at rock-bottom prices.

Tag: Tour of Riga