Christmas markets in Riga are filled with stalls and fragrant hot mulled wine. Have you already tried a hot currant drink with Riga black balsam? It is believed that this balm has medicinal properties, and in a cocktail together with hot juice it warms both the soul and the body. If you're in Riga, be sure to try it!

Enjoy Riga's evenings while strolling through the Christmas markets. Try wild boar sausages, homemade piparkukas cookies and hot sauerkraut, and don’t forget to buy souvenirs!

What we eat undoubtedly affects our mood, health and well-being. In winter, it is advisable to eat warm and satisfying food - otherwise you won’t have enough energy for all the fun!

Warm yourself up with national Latvian cuisine, such as gray peas with speck, blood sausage, national potato and barley porridge and potatoes with herring and cottage cheese. In winter, in restaurants you will find turnips, rye bread and rowan cakes - very valuable sources of vitamins C and B.

Do you want to feel the adrenaline and rush at a speed of 75 – 80 km/h? and go sledding Vuchko! This is one of the rare trails that is accessible not only to athletes, but also to visitors. Every turn is an adventure! You can ride the Vuchko every weekend until March. The track is suitable for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton – both for training and competition.

Wooden houses are located in the area of ​​Grizinkalns and Kipsala, as well as in the Moscow suburb, and the center of wooden architecture is Pardaugava, where beautiful wooden houses have been built since the 17th century.

Unlike other European countries, wooden architecture in Riga continued to develop until the beginning of the Second World War. Already a hundred years ago there were about 12,000 wooden buildings here.

Wooden architecture is more common in Riga than in other European cities. On this moment 4,000 buildings were preserved, the oldest of which date back to the 18th century.

#6 Latvians skate like professionals

Do you want to awaken the Olympic champion in you? figure skating? During the winter season in Latvia, the most large parks and public skating rinks open in squares. A visit to the skating rink is wonderfully combined with a walk through the old town or the Speakers' Promenade, which is located next to the Central Market - the most significant market in the Baltic countries.

Latvian museums invite you to look, explore and feel. Meet ! Original, rich in historical heritage, unique - you won’t find anything like them anymore! This is, for example, the Museum “Art Nouveau Center” - the only museum in the Baltic countries that displays the historical heritage of Art Nouveau of the 20th century. This is also a glass museum, which offers the opportunity to learn the ancient craft of glassblowing.

Latvia is proud of world-class achievements in the field of performing arts. Here, world-class stars began their careers - opera soloists Kristine Opoleis, Elina Garanca, Marina Rebeka, Alexander Antonenko, as well as conductors and opera directors in demand in Europe.

The creativity of Latvian artists has no boundaries! It mixed various cultural phenomena and experiences. Get to know the works of Latvian artists, which are in various museums and galleries.

A small Baltic state in the north-eastern part of Europe, famous for its incomparable nature and luxurious architecture, Latvia - most beautiful state, which is Russia's western neighbor. Read our article on Tour Calendar, in which we find out why best time to visit it - from May to September.

Tourist season in Latvia

Small, cozy Latvia has a complex history behind it - long years of occupation, two world wars and 50 years behind the Iron Curtain. But its people were able to find strength and enter one of the most promising periods of their development. Even during the times of the USSR, Latvia was called “Soviet Europe”, because even then its architecture was radically different from the “Soviet stamps”. Jurmala was the blue dream of every Soviet intellectual, and even today there is an exclusively selected audience here - artists, writers, showmen, politicians, as well as those who want to join the cream of society. The cleanest air, dozens of excellent resorts with snow-white quartz beaches, hundreds of healing mineral springs, a myriad of ancient castles, beautiful Riga with an abundance of attractions, comfortable hotels, helpful service - these are just a few reasons to visit Latvia. Over the course of a year, which is exactly how long the cycle is tourist season, the country is visited by about 1.3 million people.

High season in Latvia

The official opening of the tourist season occurs at the end of May. At that time Baltic resorts open their doors in anticipation of foreign guests. However, they attract a real full house only in the summer months. And the point, in fact, is not that the sea warms up properly, but that at the “equator” of the season Jurmala is enriched with such world-famous cultural events as the international music competition “New Wave” and the humorous festival “KiViN”. Reservations for tours usually open in February. And by April they were 98% sold out. The remaining 2% is available only to tourists with high incomes, as they involve hotel accommodation increased comfort. These days, the democratic prices inherent in Latvia are becoming prohibitively high. Nevertheless, people come here, despite the rise in prices for train and air tickets. The country welcomes the next flow of foreigners during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. This time the flagship tourist market elegant Riga single-handedly becomes. Interesting things await guests of the capital entertainment programs, Christmas markets, ice skating rinks under the starry sky and sales.

Low season in Latvia

As already mentioned, people come to Latvia on vacation regardless of the time of year on the calendar. However, a reduced demand for visas is still observed. This happens from October to mid-December and from the second half of January to the end of April. At this time, the country is quite cold, the big holidays are already behind us, so not everyone decides to travel to the country. In fact, visiting Latvia in the low season has a lot of advantages, perhaps the main ones are prices that have returned to their previous state and the absence of a huge crowd of tourists. Let's briefly go over the first aspect: cost. direct flight to Riga, as well as train travel is significantly reduced compared to high season, hoteliers are curbing their appetites, asking for much lower amounts for room stays, and even in restaurants the same dishes can be enjoyed with a 20% saving. The benefits, as they say, are obvious. Well, with tourists everything is clear - few people enjoy the ever-scurrying crowds of people.

Best time for excursions

Holidays in Latvia threaten tourists with at least an intense “excursion” experience. As a rule, getting to know a country invariably begins with its capital, Riga, which boasts the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, as well as a considerable number of masterpieces and other architectural movements. Well, after that there are several options for excursion programs: ancient cities, ancient estates and medieval castles, crystal clean lakes and river valleys. You can continue ad infinitum. But the main thing that a tourist needs to think about thoroughly is the weather that will occur during his trips. After all, their comfort and their own mood entirely depend on it. Tour-Calendar advises you to plan a cultural and educational program for the period from the second half of May to the first half of September, when the days in the country are relatively warm.

Beach season in Latvia

The beach season in Latvia opens very early - in mid-to-late May. However, it is still very cold to swim, so the majority of holidaymakers take sunbathing. In June, only tourists practicing winter swimming enter the water, since the water temperature in the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea is about +17 °C. Mass swimming season opens in early July (by this time the water warms up to +21..+23 °C), and comes to an end already in mid-late August. It should be borne in mind that the Baltic Sea itself is not very warm, and during the summer season a sharp drop in water temperature (up to approximately +14..+15 °C) may be observed several times due to bottom currents. Therefore, resorts located on the Riga seaside (Jurmala), characterized by shallow waters, are more preferable.

Cruise season in Latvia

Some arrive in Latvia by train, others by plane, and others by passenger ship. The next cruise season opens in the port of Riga in early - mid-May. They come here large airliners from Russia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. During the navigation season, which actively continues until the end of October, approximately at least 100 ship calls are made. Today, first place in the number of arrivals to Latvia by sea deservedly belongs to the Germans, second place is shared by Russians and Spaniards, and third place goes to the Americans. In turn, Baltic cruises to Stockholm operate from Riga. Maximum prices are set in July and August, as well as on Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Ski season in Latvia

With the coming of winter leisure does not end in Latvia, it only takes on different features. At this time of year, about 35 tourists are expected ski resorts, offering excellent trails for skiers and snowboarders. Sigulda is considered a real mecca for winter sports; tens of thousands of Latvians and foreign guests come here. The skiing season lasts from the first days of December to the middle - end of May. At this time, the air temperature at the resorts fluctuates in the range of -5..-2 °C.

Wellness season

In Latvia you can not only enjoy communication with beautiful nature Baltic states, but also, taking the opportunity to accept its gifts for the sake of one’s own health. In addition to the mild climate, as well as the air saturated with phytoncides and iodine, there are several deposits in Latvia therapeutic mud And mineral water, which help cope with diseases of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and musculoskeletal system. However, each health resort has its own specific specialization, so before purchasing a voucher it is better to first consult with your doctor. More than half of all sanatoriums are located on the Riga seaside, so the peak health season occurs in the summer months. However, late spring is still good for these purposes. The weather conditions in September, it must be said, are also not bad. The first positive changes in health during a course of procedures should be expected no earlier than 2 weeks, so this period is very desirable, although tour operators quite often offer weekly packages.

It's time for holidays and festivals

Latvia has a rich historical and cultural heritage, and her local residents They are famous for their careful attitude to folk traditions. Therefore, all events and celebrations are always celebrated here on a grand scale, which is of great interest to tourists. National and state holidays, as well as memorable dates in Latvia include: January 1 - New Year, January 20 - Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of the Barricades of 1991, March 8 - International Women's Day, March 25 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Communist Genocide, end of March - beginning of April - Lutheran Easter, May 1 - Labor Day, May 4 - Day of Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia , May 8 - Day of the Defeat of Nazism and Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Second World War, second Sunday of May - Mother's Day, June 14 - Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communist Genocide, June 23 - Ligo Day, June 24 - Jan's Day, August 11 - Day of Remembrance of Latvian Freedom Fighters , August 15 - Day of the Assumption of Mary, August 16 - Riga City Day, August 21 - Day of Adoption of the Constitutional Law "On state status Republic of Latvia", September 22 - Baltic Unity Day, November 11 - Lachplesis Day in Latvia, November 18 - Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia, December 24-26 - Christmas. Quite notable are the annual festivals and cultural events such as the Riga Salsa Festival and International Festival Organ music, held in June, Fisherman's Day, which falls on the second Sunday of July, "Jurmalina", "Voting KiViN" and the music competition "New Wave" in Jurmala in July-August, as well as Mikel's holiday on the occasion of the end of summer-autumn work 29 September.

Climate in Latvia

The weather in Latvia is determined by a transitional type of climate: along the coast of the Baltic Sea there is a climate close to the sea, which is greatly influenced by damp air from the Atlantic, and as you move inland and to the east, real continental conditions are observed. In general, in Latvia all seasons can be traced quite clearly. It must be said that weather, prevailing in the country, are typical for temperate latitudes. However, the local climate is much milder than in Russia. Unfortunately, Latvia cannot boast of an abundance of sun - there are only 30 to 40 sunny days per year. The weather is quite changeable: warm and clear skies can be replaced by rain and wind.

Latvia in spring

In March, spring is not yet in a hurry to come into its own. This is a fairly cold and dank month. And, as a rule, winter still confidently holds its position. During the day it is slightly above zero, but in the evening the country is gripped by a “good” frost. April is another matter. This month there is significant warming, the snow begins to melt, and migratory birds are already returning home in full swing. At this time, local landscapes acquire rich green colors. Nature is gradually awakening: the birch tree lets out sap, the bird cherry puts on its graceful earrings, and the apple trees stand in white blossom. In May, the thermometer already reaches +17..+18 °C, this month greatest number sunny days. However, no matter how warm the daytime weather is, keep in mind that large temperature changes are expected in the evening - an average of 9 °C-12 °C. When going to Latvia in the spring, you should also be prepared for periodic cold spells, provoked by arctic masses breaking through into the country.

Temperature and weather in Latvia in spring

	Weather in March	Weather in April	Weather in May
Riga	+2 +1	+9 +4	+16 +10
Daugavpils	+2	+10	+18
Ventspils	+2 +2	+8 +4	+15 +7
Liepaja	+3 +3	+8 +4	+15 +7
Jurmala	+3 +1	+10 +5	+17 +11

Latvia in summer

In summer the weather in Latvia is moderate. This means that the atmospheric phenomena inherent in these latitudes at this time of year are observed in moderate quantities: not very warm, not very sunny, moderately rainy. Although in some years summer season It turned out to be quite dry. But this is the whole climate of the country - to be absolutely unpredictable. On the Baltic Sea coast average monthly temperature The air temperature is about +22 °C, a degree cooler in the capital. Minimum climatic indicators are recorded in the eastern regions, here approximately +17..+18 °C. The swimming season opens in mid-June and lasts in Latvia until mid-August. However, it may be interrupted due to short-term cooling of the sea. The last month of summer is characterized by thunderstorms, and gusty winds often blow at this time.

Temperature and weather in Latvia in summer

	Weather in June	Weather in July	Weather in August
Riga	+19 +16	+21 +18	+20 +19
Daugavpils	+21	+22	+21
Ventspils	+19 +12	+20 +16	+20 +17
Liepaja	+18 +12	+20 +16	+20 +18
Jurmala	+21 +17	+23 +21	+21 +23

Latvia in autumn

Autumn in Latvia is a rainy season, which is why there is an increased level of air humidity. Precipitation is distributed almost evenly over all three months, but the most comfortable climate is September. It is warmest in the coastal zone. For example, in Jurmala in the first month of the season, the daytime air temperature is about +16..+17 °C, in the capital it can be a little cooler - +14..+15 °C. In October and November, cloudy weather prevails, the sun practically does not appear in the sky, and the trees shed their golden leaves. Light frosts are possible at night. Overall, not the best time to travel.

In winter in Riga quite a lot of public buildings are flooded, free skating rinks. If you come with your own skates, it’s free; if you rent them, you only have to pay for the equipment rental.

You can also skate in Riga, Latvia in professional ice halls and Olympic centers. Small skating rinks also open in entertainment centers(For example, ).

Ice palaces, Olympic centers in Latvia

There are ice palaces in almost everyone big city Latvia. Local hockey schools usually train here, and in your free time you have the opportunity to use a skating rink and, if necessary, rent skates.

Curling in Latvia

Curling in Latvia was “born” in Jelgava - in. This is where today you can play and learn to play curling.

10 idea for winter holiday in Riga, Latvia

1. Go to the ski hill

The highest, and therefore popular, slide in Latvia (312 m) - . There are several illuminated trails up to 360 meters long. Among them are two for descending cameras. The route works until the last client. There is equipment rental and a place to stay overnight.

More skiing and ski slopes -

2. Go to Mezaparks

3. Go cross-country skiing in Riga parks

With the arrival of real winter, cross-country ski trails open in Riga. For example, there are good trails (Riga, Uzvaras вulv., 15), in Lucavsala, Imanta and Purvciems.

The Latvian capital Riga attracts more and more guests every year in winter, and they come here to relax for a reason! Here you can see the sights of old Riga (the historical part of the city), and this time is ideal for shopping, because it is in winter that Riga shops offer the greatest discounts. Let's find out what to do in Riga in winter before planning to go there on vacation.

Winter in Riga

The weather in Riga in winter is much milder than in Russia. This is due to the close proximity to Baltic Sea. average temperature varies between -7-+5 degrees Celsius, but sometimes it can surprise with 30-degree frosts. Where to go in Riga in winter? Walking around the Old Town in winter can be especially interesting. Ancient buildings dusted with snow are simply an unforgettable sight. The narrow streets that run between the houses have seen a lot over the course of several centuries. They fully convey the atmosphere of ancient Latvia. So, what are the best attractions to see in Riga in Winter?

Old Riga

The capital of Latvia, Riga, is famous for its huge number of attractions that certainly deserve attention. The largest number of them are concentrated in Old Riga- the historical part of this wonderful city. Most of The main attractions of Riga are located right here; few excursions are complete without visiting this part of the city. And this is not surprising, because this place is one of the few that are included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage of humanity.

You should start exploring the Old Town by visiting the Dome Cathedral. Just imagine, the first stones of this structure were laid back in 1211. This place has rich history, it was partially destroyed and rebuilt many times. The ancient architecture of the building has been partially preserved to this day, but this is enough to spend several hours exploring this place. In addition, today the Philharmonic Society and the Museum of Navigation and History are located here.

Be sure to visit Riga Castle when visiting this city. This majestic structure was built in 1333; since then, this castle has been completely destroyed and restored several times. In this place you can see a tower that was built in 1515. The uniqueness of this tower lies not only in its age, but also in the fact that it has survived (and this is a miracle!) to this day unchanged. The three museums located in the Riga Castle building are also of considerable interest. Here you can visit Historical Museum Latvia, visit the most interesting galleries of the Museum of Foreign Art. The works of famous world-class masters are presented here. A visit to this place will bring a lot of pleasure to connoisseurs of high art. For lovers of the work of J. Rainis, there is an opportunity to visit a museum dedicated to his art.

Visitors to the city are of considerable interest in visiting the Powder Tower. No one knows for sure the exact date of the beginning of its construction; it approximately began in the 15th-16th centuries. This tower was rebuilt several times, in particular, it underwent the last architectural changes after the First World War.

At the end of your walk, you simply need to visit the Swedish Gate. This place contains an interesting monument - the last of the eight ancient Riga gates that stood at the entrance to the city. They were built in 1698. There are even several legends associated with this place, which the locals here will gladly tell you.

We hope that from this material you will be able to understand what to see and what to do while relaxing in Riga in winter, you will always find. The time spent here will fly by unnoticed most interesting excursions through an amazing city.

You can visit this wonderful city by registering and.

After our trip, I have accumulated many reasons why it is worth coming to Riga, getting to know this city, falling in love with it and coming back again. Riga is truly one of the few cities where you want to return!

1. Climb the tower of St. Peter's Church and look at the old city from above

The church is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, the cost of climbing is 9 euros for adults and 7 euros for students. IN holidays the schedule needs to be confirmed. You can also find a church choir in the cathedral itself. It is better to climb the tower in the late afternoon - fewer tourists and the sun will no longer be so bright and will not illuminate your photos.

2. Visit the old city market

The market buildings, which are visible from many points in the city, are former hangars for airships. Previously, they were much larger and were located outside the city, but the Riga City Council bought them at auction and brought them to the city. In the market buildings, between the counters, you can find ancient photographs where huge aircraft were located inside the structures. At the market you can try sanctioned cheeses, buy selected meat, and also try delicious dumplings with all kinds of fillings - from beef to venison.

The market also sells a variety of flowers - tulips, daffodils, roses and many more!

3. View the city from the deck of a ship

In the Bastion Hill park, which is practically in the very center of Riga, you can find a small boat dock and for 18 euros (9 euros for students) you can ride along the city canal and even swim out onto the Dvina River, from where a beautiful panorama opens up and great view on city bridges. This tour lasts about 50 minutes and is perfect for a sunny, warm day. Also note an interesting walk kayaking along Riga's canals - Luzumpunkts.

4. Take a walk in the park next to Japanese houses

After a walk along the city canals, you will again find yourself in the city park, where among the fluffy green lawns and flower beds there are many Japanese gazebos that Japan gave to the city. They fit well into a city park and create the feeling that you are already in another country.

5. Marvel at the clock at St. Peter's Church

Walking around the city, you will almost always be able to see the spire of St. Peter's Church. Take a closer look at the clock: firstly, this is the first clock in Riga since 1352, secondly, the clock has one hand, and thirdly, the number 4 on the clock is not Roman.

6. Visit the best fish restaurant in Riga and try the signature dessert Le Dome

12. Take a walk through Victory Park (Uzvaras park), especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom there

In the Uzvaras city park, located on the left bank of the Daugava River, sakura blooms in spring! The trees were donated to the city by the Japanese Embassy in Latvia in 2012 and since then residents have enjoyed the stunning pink flowers every year. The park has a large green area, equipped with benches and paths, both for bicycles and for walking with children. If you didn’t see the flowering, then come here for a picnic.

13. Get acquainted with Riga Art Nouveau

If you are interested in architecture, head to Rue Alberta, considered the pearl of Art Nouveau. Gorgeous facades decorated with female sculptures, Viking helmets, torches, screaming masquerons, standing sculptures of women with open mouths expressing concern and anxiety, Apollos, phoenix birds and much more. This street is called the street of millionaires, because the cost of apartments here is quite high, and throughout history the most famous personalities have lived here - from opera singers to political figures.

14. See the most beautiful staircase in the city

After looking at all the houses on Alberta Street, visit the Art Nouveau Museum, located here at Alberta iela 12. The luxurious interiors of the museum jugendstils.riga.lv start from the front door, where you will find the most beautiful staircase in the city! Be sure to look at it from below, and then climb to the very top to enjoy a different pattern.

15. Sit with a book in a cozy cafe

Not far from the famous Alberta Street there is an art cafe Siena. Antique furniture, beautiful china and lots of books! Every morning you will find fresh croissants, French desserts, teas from all over the world, high-quality coffee, as well as French wines, champagne and even cognac. Siena is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy an interesting book or a pleasant conversation.

Photo from instagram @veroveronika

16. Ride a bike

Almost the entire city can be explored on foot or using public transport, call a green taxi. But how many cyclists are there in Riga? Feel free to rent a bike and go see areas remote from the center, cross bridges and enjoy the beauty of small streets!

17. Stroll along the most hipster street in the world

Miera iela street (translated into Russian as Mira Street) received the title of the most hipster street in the world according to the travel portal SkyScanner, which identified the 20 most popular hipster neighborhoods in the world. Miera Street beat out its competitors - New York's Williamsburg, London's Dalston and Berlin's Kreuzberg. Here you will find many cafes and art galleries, modern barbershops, as well as bookstores and specialty teas. Here - mieriela.lv you can virtually walk along Mira Street, and here delfi.lv see photos of its visitors.

18. Reach for the rooster on the Bremen Town Musicians statue

Walking through the old town, you will definitely come across the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians. This is a gift to Riga from German city Bremen. There is a legend that the higher you reach, the more your deepest wish will come true, which is why the noses of the donkey, dog, cat and rooster became shiny.

Photo from instagram @veronikakas

19. See the faces on the facade of St. John's Church

Diagonally from the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians is the oldest church, in the foundation of which volunteer monks were walled up. They wanted to be canonized, but after the foundation was done, their desire was considered pride. On the facade of the church you can see the masks through which the preachers spoke to the people, inviting them to worship.

20. Find out Flower Street from the series “17 Moments of Spring”

Riga's Jauniela Street (namely house 25/27) was filmed in the famous TV series 17 Moments of Spring as Flower Street (Blümenstraße). It was from the window of this house that Professor Pleischner jumped out, swallowing an ampoule of poison when, while visiting a meeting place in Bern, he did not check the established signals - a flower in the window. Pleischner remembered Stirlitz's instructions too late. Instead of the store of birds that the professor admired, the Eustace Hotel has been opened, where cages with birds hang on the facade. The name of the hotel corresponds to the pseudonym with which Stirlitz signed his coded messages from Berlin to Moscow.

On the same street is one of the most famous facades - the house with cows or restaurant 1221.

21. Go into the courtyard of the house of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson

To the side of the roadway on Jauniela Street, in a small cramped courtyard, is the house of Homs and Watson. Entering the courtyard, you will immediately notice the same door at 221b Baker Street.

22. Admire the Three Brothers

The famous "Three Brothers", named by analogy with the "Three Sisters" in Tallinn, show the periods of development of residential building construction in medieval Latvia. The White Brother, Middle Brother and Green Brother were each built in their own century, the oldest being in the 15th century. Try to get into the courtyard of the buildings, and then go to the cozy veranda of the nearest cafe Parunasim kafe"teeka.

23. Get lost in the city and find the most beautiful front doors

While walking around the city, turn into any alley, then go straight, turn right, and somewhere here you will find a beautiful front door. It was when we got “lost” in the city that we came across the most beautiful porches!

24. Drink a glass of wine in one of the best bars in Riga

26. Go on an excursion with a yellow suitcase

Every day at 12:00 a man with a yellow suitcase comes to the main entrance to St. Peter's Church, and a bunch of people from different countries- this is Free Walking Tour Riga. The tour is free, lasts 2.5 hours, at the end of which you can pay as much as you want. The excursion goes to English language and it is always carried out by local residents who know the most interesting places of your city. They won't show you tourist sites, but they will definitely lead you somewhere that is not written about in any guidebook. I highly recommend visiting."

27. Listen to the organ in the Dome Cathedral

The Dome Cathedral is the largest religious building in Latvia; it houses many artistic and historical values. The Dome Cathedral is famous for its organ. The concert schedule and other information can be found on the official website of the cathedral - doms.lv.

28. Drink Riga balsam and visit Abram Kuntze’s pharmacy

Abram Kunze is the inventor of the famous Riga balsam. A pharmacist mixed 24 ingredients to make a medicine. Riga balsam became famous during the time of Catherine II, when she visited Courland and felt unwell, she was offered balsam, after which the disease went away. In Riga, the pharmacy where the pharmacist worked has been preserved, where they made a beautiful design and now it is the Black Magic Bar, where every visitor can get a “portion of fear” and buy surprise candies.

29. Find “waves” on the lawn of Livov Square

The square was formed in the middle of the 20th century, after the Second World War. Here is the Big Guild (of merchants), the Small Guild (of craftsmen), where dance balls are held, as well as a complex of buildings from the 18th century, when houses were added to existing walls. Waves are depicted on the lawn because the city river used to begin here.

30. Find out the story about the house with black cats

Not far from Livov Square, namely to the right of the Great Guild, there is a house with two black cats on the roof, and the cats are in such a position that they are ready to defecate. The story of the appearance of cats is as follows: one of the Riga merchants really wanted to join the guild, but he was not accepted, then he decided to buy the house opposite the guild and ordered cats to be placed on the spiers of the roofs, with their backs to the guild. After this there was a trial, the merchant was called upon to remove the cats, but the court decided to turn the cats in the other direction. The cats were deployed, and the merchant was accepted into the guild.

31. Laugh at the name of the Stalinist high-rise building

The Academy of Sciences of Latvia is a 21-story building modeled after Moscow's "Stalinist high-rises." Locals call the high-rise birthday cake:) The building has Observation deck, so you can look at the city from a new angle.

32. Take a photo of the powder tower

This is the only surviving tower of the Riga fortress wall. In summer the tower is covered with green ivy, and in spring you can see 2 cannonballs stuck in the wall of the tower since the 17th century. The tower was abandoned for a long time until German students rented it. Having opened the tower, they discovered mountains of pigeon droppings, but the students were not taken aback, sold the droppings to farmers, and used the money to carry out restoration.

33. Find a monument to photographer Philippe Halsman

On the side wall of the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design on Skarnu Street, a monument to the famous photographer Philip Halsman, born in Riga, was erected in 2011. Halsman is considered the founder of surrealism in photography, because it was he who came up with the idea of ​​jumping in photographs. While jumping, he captured more than 200 portraits famous people such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Selvador Dali, Henri Matisse.

34. Drink coffee with delicious ice cream

37. Watch the sunset overlooking the city at SkyLine Bar

One of the most best views The view of the city opens from the 27th floor of the SkyLine bar, located at the Radisson Blue hotel. Book a table by the window in advance and the very best will be waiting for you beautiful view on the city during sunset. The bar has an excellent cocktail list!

38. Buy souvenirs with Latvian ornaments

The Latvian ornament is many thousands of years old and, they say, secret information is encoded in it. There are many interesting souvenirs in Riga, ranging from designer postcards to ceramic houses and clothes.

39. Take a photo near the Stenders soap store

This porch remains a mystery to me personally! Why is everyone taking pictures with him I don’t understand?! You will definitely come across a store while walking around the city, and you will have to take a photo.

40. Visit the luxurious ESPA spa

Swimming in the pool, lying in the sauna and attending treatments is an obligatory part of the program after walking around Riga! You can’t get there on holidays, so book your visit in advance - www.espariga.lv

41. Take a photo - a postcard

Floating along the river on a boat or walking along the city bridge, you will have a stunning view of the city, its ancient towers, Riga Castle, and you can catch the point that all the towers are lined up in one row - this is a postcard view photo.

42. Walk to the Academy of Arts

The building of the Academy of Arts with neo-Gothic forms will not leave you indifferent! The building was built in 1905, and in 1919 the Academy of Arts was founded here. Around the building there are unusual sculptures and a small park.

43. Go to the zoo

Hop on the tram and head to the Riga Zoo! There is also the greenest district of Riga - Mežaparks, as well as Lake Kišezers. Admission ticket to the zoo for an adult - 6 euros, for a child - 4 euros. The official website of the zoo is rigazoo.lv.

45. Fly with Air Baltic

Air Baltic calls itself the most punctual airline. On board the plane you will be offered a delicious menu from famous chefs. The flight to Riga is only 1 hour and 20 minutes, so it’s really easy to get here.

If you have free time, go out of town:

46. ​​Jurmala - take a walk along the sea and in the pine forest, sit on the cozy veranda of the 36 Line and Faces restaurants. You can get to Jurmala in 35 minutes by train from the city railway station.

47. Rumene Manor - country residence(100 km from Riga) Hotel Bergs for relaxation, various events, banquets and conferences with the opportunity to spend the night in 5 spacious apartments.

48. Trek through the swamps in national park Kemeri.

49. Turaida Museum-Reserve.

50. City of Sigulda. The city is located 50 km from Riga. This region of Latvia is rich in its nature and interesting sights, including Turaida Castle, cable car, caves, estates and others.

See you in Riga!