Riga
Riga, the vibrant cosmopolitan capital of Latvia is situated on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava.
Architecture
Riga boasts an impressive collection of Art Nouveau buildings and gothic churches creating a fairy-tale historic city centre, in fact this Latvian capital has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world. Along with this you will find medieval castles and palaces, and the building in the old Town are a varied mix of architectural styles.
A city for shopping
Haggle in the Riga central market, one of the biggest marketplaces in Eastern Europe, where you will be able to buy Latvian products or visit the Kalnciems Fair on a Saturday to seek out Latvian crafts; fashion by local designers; food and drink. In the summer the Kalciema courtyard also hosts free concerts. In the Old Town you will find independent boutiques selling local crafts, and Art Nouveau souvenirs.
Entertainment
There are events to suit all in Riga. Be it a classical concert in one of the medieval churches or a hip hop gig in in the Riga Arena. The Great Guild is home to the Latvian Symphonic Orchestra and hosts all kinds of concerts including jazz. Each year around 5 new ballet and opera productions are produced and they are well worth a watch.
Further afield
The states of Tallinn, Polanga and Vilnius are also easily accessible from Riga. Why not make Riga your first stop, before travelling on to experience a taste of Latvia and Estonia for a summer holiday with a difference.