PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO LNK SPORTA PARKS 2

*** BUS: 12, 60

RIGA: THE FAIRY CAPITAL OF THE BALTIC

It is a city that evokes a fairy tale, a city with a strong and distinct personality and with places designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Its inhabitants love art, architecture, sciences and letters. Its timeless elegance, art nouveau architecture, vast and green parks, medieval influences and the combination of the old town with the newer part will seduce you and make you fall in love with it. Explore every corner and discover the treasures of a city rich in history and culture.

Currency: Euro

Calling Code: +371

Nearest airports from city center: Riga Airport (11km), Kaunas Airport (270km), Vilnius Airport (293km), Tallinn Airport (320km),   Kaliningrad Airport (405km).

TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING

*** HOUSE OF THE BLACKHEADS (Rātslaukums 7, Centra district, Riga, LV-1050)

It is considered the trademark of the Old Town. It dates back to 1334 and has been used for concerts, exhibitions, receptions and many more events.

*** OLD TOWN

It is the most popular area in the city and its every corner, its monuments and every cobbled street is worth exploring. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

*** THE FREEDOM MONUMENT (Central Apartment, Riga, LV-1050)

It has historical significance as it symbolizes the national unity, independence and freedom of Latvia. It is almost 43 meters high and has 56 sculptures depicting the history of the country.

*** RIGA CATHEDRAL and DOME SQUARE (Herdera Square 6, Centra district, Riga, LV-1050)

Dating back to 1211, it is located on Dome Square and is the seat of the Archbishop of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church. Tour the interior of the church and the square surrounded by 19th century buildings.

*** RIGA MOTOR MUSEUM (Sergeja Eisenstein iela 8, Vidzeme suburb, Riga, LV-1079)

Enjoy the largest and most diverse collection of antique motor vehicles in the Baltics. See among others Soviet cars, military vehicles and more.

*** RIGA ART NOUVEAU CENTER MUSEUM (Alberta iela 12, Centra district, Riga, LV-1010)

In this museum you will have the opportunity to see the historical heritage of Art Nouveau in an apartment dating back to 1903.

***  THREE BROTHERS MUSEUM (Mazā Pils iela 19, Centra district, Riga, LV-1050)

They are the oldest medieval houses in Riga and now house the Latvian Museum of Architecture and the State Inspectorate for Heritage Protection.

*** LATVIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART (Anna Rozental Square 1, Centra district, Riga, LV-1010)

It includes tens of thousands of works of art by Baltic and Russian painters and sculptors. The building is one of the most impressive buildings in the city.

*** BASTEJKALNA PARK (Central Apartment, Riga, LV-1050)

It dates from the end of the 19th century and is one of the most beautiful parks in the Baltic.

*** ΤΗΕ ETHNOGRAPHIC OPEN-AIR MUSEUM (Brivdabas iela 21, Riga, LV-1024)

It is an open museum that will take you back in time. It has 118 historical buildings from the 17th century to the 1930s and many exhibits that will pique your interest.

ΤΗINGS TO DO

*** You should definitely visit the Riga Central Market which is a sight to see, but also a culinary paradise.

*** Of special interest is the Corner House, which was the headquarters of the KGB.

*** The Church of Saint Peter dates back to the 15th century and we would recommend you to visit it.

*** Vērmane Garden is yet another park that will delight you.

*** Riga National Zoological Garden is a place that appeals to young and old alike.

*** If you like operas, ballet performances or theater and musical performances, then you should visit the National Opera and Ballet.

*** Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral is also another church that could deserve your attention.

*** Latvian National Museum of Natural History, The RSU Anatomy Museum, National History Museum of Latvia and Zuzeum Art Center are four places worth visiting.

FOOD AND DRINK

Riga is a culinary paradise and you will have the opportunity to try delicacies that will be unforgettable and you will want to eat again. It has many restaurants with American, Asian, Latin American, Russian and Mediterranean cuisine. The locals would recommend you to try asindesa (blood sausage), smoked fish, karbonade (schnitzel), dumplings, various kinds of soups (especially cold beet soup) and the special meat recipes. Also, the bacon rolls, piragi and the wonderful local cheeses are worth tasting. For dessert we would recommend you to try black rye bread, ekler, abolu platsmaize (apple flatbread), sklandrausis and pancakes. Accompany your food with beer or wine. Latvians are proud of Riga Black Balsam.

WHERE TO STAY

Riga offers many hotels and apartments for your stay in the Old Town and at a distance of 8 km from the center. You can find hotels for all budgets.

FUN AND SHOPPING

*** Galleria Riga is one of your main shopping options.

*** Riga Plaza and Galerija Centrs are also two places worth going for your shopping.

*** Barona Centrs is also a good choice for your shopping.

*** Akropole Alfa and Akropole Riga are equally two places we would recommend you to do your shopping.

*** Riga has several adventure parks, such as Mežakaķis and Tarzāns Sigulda Adventure Park.

 HOW TO GET AROUND

The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike, by bus or by trolley bus.

CITIES NEAR RIGA

Major cities close to Riga are Jurmala (25km), Jelgava (47km), Panevezys (136km), Kaunas (229km), Vilnius (262km), Pskov (286km), Tallinn (311km).

PHOTO CREDITS: Official Website LNK Sporta Parks