Letsgo2 Riga - Reasons to Visit Riga

Whygo2 Riga

Letsgo2 employees have travelled extensively to the destinations we feature. Here are the five main reasons they would consider a visit to Riga.

History and Architecture

The Old Town of Riga is home to many ancient buildings and important sites. Your visit to the Latvian capital is not complete until you have visited sites such as the following.

The Dome Cathedral - dating back to the 13th century is the largest place of worship in the Baltic States.

St. Peters Lutheran Church - one of the most ancient examples of Medieval churches in the Baltic region and The famous Freedom Monument is a symbol of Latvias freedom and independence which was completed in 1935.

The Three Brothers - is a fine example of medieval residential structures in Riga, the facades and interiors provide a textbook example of the development of architecture over the course of time.

With so much history and culture Rigas Old Town is sure to be the highlight of your trip.

Art & Culture

In addition to a 14th century castle, ancient churches and beautiful architecture Riga has many museums and galleries that are well worth visiting. The Riga Open-Air Ethnographic Museum is 100 hectares of life as it once was. Fishing villages and farmsteads have been moved here and preserved for posterity and the park is particularly active during the summer when many local artisans demonstrate their skills and crafts. Another favourite attraction is the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia which is dedicated to the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia and exhibits displays of many of the atrocities committed against the people of Latvia. Other museums that are worth visiting include the Art Nouveau Architecture Gallery and the Latvian Photography Museum.

Fabulous Shopping

Like any other European city, Riga is home to an abundance of high street brands and designer labels all featuring the latest collections straight from the catwalk, although goods tend to be similarly priced in Latvian currency to what they would be in the Euro anywhere else in Europe. For those wishing to take home some souvenirs there are many shops and stalls in the Old Town where you can purchase local specialities such as Riga Black Balzams and Amber.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Traditional dishes such as pork, bread and potatoes may still be the norm for many, but the last few years have seen a dramatic change in the dining scene in Riga. One is more likely to find themselves dining in American burger bars, Arabic restaurants and trendy Sushi bars, Rigas international collection of restaurants cater for all budgets and is sure to please even the most discerning diners. By night the city is a bustling metropolis with many bars and clubs open till the early hours of the morning, for those looking for a more cultural way to spend their evening Rigas theatres offer a wide range of shows from classical Opera and Ballet to traditional music and dance.

Climate

Latvias climate is determined by the proximity of the Baltic Sea, it has a moderate maritime climate - a relatively high average air temperature, relatively high humidity and relatively warm summers. Unlike some cities the temperature in the summer months tends to be quite comfortable, average temperature during the summer is +20C and the Bay of Riga warms up to about +22C.

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