Travel Riga Guide

Riga is a classic European city, only now gaining recognition and respect as a tourist destination. Un-touched during World War II, Riga's streets and buildings are some of the oldest in Europe. Every street and sign post seems to have been built with care during a time when such things were considered art. Cobblestone streets, ornate bridges, Art Nouveau stained-glass windows and cute little cars make Riga a lovable and unforgettable city.

Imagine enjoying a beer and a plate of sausage in a tavern built in the 1400’s, in sight of an ancient woman knitting a wool sweater and inhaling the rich scents of freshly baked rye bread. This is true Riga experience. Riga is also home to one of Europe's largest outdoor markets; contained in a former helicopter hangar. One could spend days strolling through the hundreds of stands selling such delicacies as home-made fresh cheese and cured meats.

The first buildings in Riga were constructed in the early thirteenth century! A UNESCO World heritage sight; Riga is home to medieval churches, ancient wooden houses, tastes of the Soviet era, the extremely wealthy and the severely impoverished. Your best bet for enjoying all this city has to offer is simply walking its streets. Get lost in the Old Town's many winding allies, stop in tiny cafés, browse in the shops, eat chocolate truffles and buy wool sweaters during your visit to this enchanting little fairy tale city.

Riga is a virtual Mecca for lovers of Art Nouveau. Riga is home to the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in all of Europe. Mixed in with the medieval-style churches and soviet block housing, Riga's local architecture is strange, but never boring. Many organized tours will bring you on a special trek around the city meant to show you all of the Art Nouveau buildings, stained glass and Art Nouveau-related points of historical interest.

Beautiful churches, peaceful city parks, quaint corner cafés and abundant museums have lead people to refer to Riga as the "Paris of the North". Of course, being in the Balkans, you'll find your Euro will go a lot farther in Riga than in any other city of its cultural caliber. For an affordable, unique and genuine European experience, try Riga for your next holiday.