The capital of Latvia on the Gulf of Riga, a short cruise from the Baltic Sea, is one of the primary reasons why the part of the world once under the domain of the Soviet Empire is so attractive. If you think of Tallinn, Estonia or Minsk, Belarus, Riga may trump them both and indeed may be the best tourist option in the entire Baltic region.
First of all, UNESCO ranks the Art Nouveau-heavy architecture in the historic heart of Riga to be virtually unmatched. As a paramount focal point of the mercantile and military Hanseatic League between the 13th and 15th century, the city underwent a tidal wave of prosperity. A medieval old town reflects this former commercial heritage, with a necklace of innovative and brilliant suburban development that began in the 19th century and shines today as the main thrust behind the World Heritage status.
With so much eye candy in the region, it may be difficult to find time for Riga, let alone Latvia. Tallinn after all, has become a hotspot of late. Helsinki is nearby of course, with the unique seaport and Russian enclave of Kaliningrad not far away. Lithuania, whose capital Vilnius is certainly home to much history and allure, beckons on the border. And with St. Petersburg to the northeast and Poland to the southwest, the options for vacation charm seem endless. While all this is undisputed, Riga remains regal. Here are 15 reasons why you should visit the dynamic European capital of 750,000 people.
A myriad of superb hotel options await, from budget to luxury, in cosmopolitan Riga.
10. Riga Castle
Riga Castle is a magnificent complex on the shores of the River Daugava. Built and rebuilt over time since 1330, today the castle is the official home of the President of Latvia, in addition to the Museum of Latvian History and Museum of Foreign Art.
Riga Cathedral is the church of record in the vast Baltic region. The Protestant Cathedral sits high on a perch over the River Daugava, as it has since the Medieval period. Built in 1211, the grand spiritual site illustrates how important and powerful the city was throughout history.
Saint Peter’s Church accomplishes the exact same point. With glorious spires, the highest wooden structure on the continent prior to World War II was first built in 1209, incredibly. Today the riverside landmark affords some of the best aerial views of Riga.
7. Latvian Academy of Sciences
The Latvian Academy of Sciences has two nicknames of interest: the Kremlin and Stalin’s birthday cake. While the massive Soviet Empire skyscraper, built between 1953 and 1956 in typical Stalin-hammer-and-sickle fashion, has had different functions over the decades, today it serves Latvia’s top scientific minds. The free view of Riga from the 17th floor balcony is rather spectacular.
Alberta Street is headquarters for the best and most emblematic Art Nouveau designs in all of Riga and indeed, Europe. If you can handle the occasional crush of architecture students and professors, take a stroll with your camera in tow. Numbers 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12 and 13 are all considered national treasures., in addition to proximate Elizabetes Street 33 and Strelnieku Street 4A.
Boulevard Circle is the de facto urban oasis for Riga residents. Built in the 19th century after the deconstruction of ancient fortification walls, the green space contains beautiful gardens and many vital civic monuments.
The Neo-Classical National Opera of Riga is another superlative architectural effort. The lush city park provides the perfect backdrop for this eminent cultural landmark, built in 1860 to help Riga compete with other European capitals at the time. Simply put, the opera house gets it done.
The Academy of Arts was a former military facility built at the turn of the last century in pristine Neo-Gothic style. As a national monument, the now predominant art school in Latvia stands head and shoulders above most in Riga.
2. Me?aparks
Me?aparks is an affluent district of the city characterized by private estates, gorgeous parks and the Riga Zoo. Historically however, the area has a dark past, as the World War II site of a Nazi concentration camp.
1. Jurmala
The resort town of Jurmala is a hop, skip and a jump from Riga and has tremendous allure as the former seaside retreat for national poets, writers and Communist Party officials. With a superb beachfront in the summer and idyllic Art Nouveau wooden cottages, Jurmala makes for a quality day trip or weekend getaway from Riga.
Discover why Jurmala is so terrific, with the help of great hotel rates.
Very beautiful town. I was in Riga 2 years ago