RIGA
Old Town (Vecrīga)
The Latvian capital is a seamless blend of Baltic influence, modernity and medieval history. Renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, Riga, the largest Baltic city, features bright-coloured buildings, Gothic spires, and cobbled streets scattered amongst the Old Town of Vecrīga.
Riga has a burgeoning dynamic food and wine scene with galleries to match, along with endless green gardens and the iconic Riga Castle, situated on the banks of Daugava River.
THINGS TO DO
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Latvia experienced Nazi and Society occupations throughout its complex 20th-century history, and the museum offers a comprehensive insight to educate visitors about the impact of these regimes on the Latvian people.
Old Town (Vecrīga)
As a UNESCO Heritage Site, explore iconic landmarks from Riga Cathedral to St. Peter’s Church through the cobblestone streets. There are several outdoor bars to stop and try the famous Riga Black Balsam overlooking the medieval architecture.
Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA)
The LNMA hosts a vast collection of Latvian visual art from the 18th century to today, from paintings and decorative arts to sculptures.
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
It is well worth a visit to the striking pink church emulating Russian baroque-style architecture. The current 17th-century building was completed in 1893.
Bastejkalna Park
Escape the urban landscape at the serene Bastejkalna Park with a coffee at one of the many cafes amongst the greenery, or hire a boat.
Art Nouveau District
Riga is known for its impressive Art Nouveau architecture, and the city boasts one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. Wander through the quiet streets of the district, particularly Alberta iela, and marvel at the intricate facades adorned with elaborate sculptures and decorations.
Vintage Shopping
Bastejkalna Park
There are too many designer treasures to be found, at extremely affordable prices. My top picks are the faithful Humana Vintage, Kilomax, NorthernGrip Vintage Clothing and Pop Life Vintage. The suitcase will be panicking.
Riga Central Market
Immerse yourself in Latvian culture by visiting Riga Central Market, one of the largest and most diverse markets in Europe. Housed in five former Zeppelin hangars, the market offers a wide range of fresh produce, crafts and Latvian specialties (roulade for days).
STAY
On the outskirts of the old town, the 84 luxury suites offer modern amenities in a historical setting being the oldest running hotel in Riga, opening in 1871. The hotel offers a spa centre after a day pounding the streets of Riga, with a sizeable breakfast offering (huge points for the fruit selection) and a swanky bar.
BARS
Truff Le Pig
With a focus on natural wine and champagne, a slow afternoon at Truff Le Pig in the trendy Art Nouveau district is a must. While the records spin, pair an orange wine with a sando tartar of beef, truffle and caramelised onion, or aubergine with citrus ponzu and toasted pine nuts. You know it’s good if they don’t take reservations.
Barents Cocktail & Seafood Bar
A unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. With an emphasis on well-crafted cocktails influenced by the Nordic seas, it is the perfect spot for a pre or post-dinner visit to snack on truffle popcorn or pumpkin dumplings with pine nuts and crab sauce.
CAFES
Better Bread
For a quick morning stop in an aesthetic setting. Better Bread is a gluten-free bakery, and contemporary cafe for your matcha or and oat-latte needs.
Mikla Bakery
A specialist bakery, packed with sweet treats. In the warmer months, a seat outside with an iced latte is essential.
RESTAURANTS
TAILS
Heavily focused on Baltic seafood, pop a seat at the raw bar or a long lunch in the airy dining room. With exceptional staff and cocktails to match, it’s an I’ll-have-one-of-everything type of menu. Lobster rolls, octopus carpaccio with potato foam and trout roe, seafood tarts and dry-aged yellowfin tuna with figs, yuzu & sesame; it was all 10/10.
Snatch is Sicilian-style fare with a hip backdrop. Book in for a buzzy evening of cauliflower with truffle sauce and homemade pici cacio e pepe, after selecting from the carefully curated Italian-influenced wine list.
As the name suggests, the hip eatery has a thing for falafels in a designer setting. Think vintage couches while records play, Middle Eastern street food and guzzle-worthy cocktails.
A delightful fusion of traditional Baltic flavours and contemporary innovations. The Michelin-starred Barents focuses on sustainability and offers a menu of eleven courses or a la carte. For entrees, the Norwegian sea diver scallop tartare with apple and caviar is a standout, followed by Faroe Island cod with pear and crab buerre blanc.
Barents
Add Riga to the list for a city with skylines adorned with intricate spires of churches, and an unsuspecting thriving culinary scene. The city boasts an enchanting mix of history, architecture, culture, and natural beauty, as a charming Baltic gem.