By Kerry Kubilius
Eastern Europe Travel Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]Riga, the capital city of Latvia, is a lovely city for exploring from top to bottom. This city is more than just its old town—walk beyond it and you will continue to enjoy the urban beauty, which mostly has its basis in Art Nouveau architecture.
Airport
Riga Airport
is, on average, a 15-minute ride from the city center. Buses drop off
and pick up passengers at the airport. Taxis are, of course, also
available and have their rates posted for review for passengers. Note
that some international bus companies also make a stop at the Riga
Airport.
Currency
Latvia has used the euro since its switch from lats in 2014.
Getting Around
Riga
is a large city, so if you aren’t a walker, consider using the bus
system or taxis to get around. However, if you enjoy walking, Riga
offers unlimited potential for sightseeing strolls. Old Town Riga is beautiful by day or night, and restful green spaces provide the opportunity to rest and enjoy. Even if you have only one day in Riga, it’s possible to see many of its sights on foot!
Sights
[post_ads]While many of Riga’s must-see sights are located in the historic core, don’t forget about other areas of the city. For example, Art Nouveau architecture is one thing Riga is famous for—you will have a sore neck from looking up at the gorgeous architecture from the turn of the 20th century, much of it in a well-preserved state. If you have time, also visit the Moscow District,
which includes the central market, the area of the former Jewish
ghetto, the Academy of Arts and Sciences building (one of the Stalin’s seven sisters
buildings) and the Warehouse District. As you sightsee, you may
encounter souvenir shops or outdoor markets selling handmade gifts and Latvian products, such as leather goods and pottery.
Dining
Riga’s dining options range from hearty traditional Latvian cuisine—really good on a cold winter’s night when visiting the Christmas market—to posh wine bars serving tapas and cheese platters. Be sure to try Black Balsam, a Latvian national beverage with a color as deep as tar and a flavor that will make you sit up and pay attention.
Getting Out
Latvia’s cities
and towns are a peek into the past. A tour of Latvia can be done in
only a few days, which makes exploring the country possible while still
leaving plenty of time for Riga or a visit to nearby countries. For
example, Jurmala is a nearby resort town on the Baltic Sea with charming wooden villas and a white-sanded beach. Sigulda will take you back into the time of knights and castles, the latter of which are nestled into miles of forests. Furthermore, Rundale Palace
is a Baroque-era palace open to visitors that has undergone restoration
to its main rooms and to its extensive gardens—the palace is located
near the border with Lithuania, so if you happen to be driving through
the Baltics, it makes an easy afternoon stop.
Connections with Other Countries
Riga
is the Baltic’s major hub, trumping Vilnius and Tallinn in its
popularity with airlines. However, Riga is also accessible from other
countries by bus. Riga is also connected to Stockholm by ferry.
