Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Latvia / Riga
 |  | Destination Guide : Riga |
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| | | Short-break heaven |  | Why go on holiday to Riga?
Latvia's capital city isn't quite as exciting as it was in the early 90s when it first shrugged off its Soviet shackles and opened its doors to tourism.
But Riga's edgy vibe makes it a great short break for those wishing to sample Eastern Europe. Its attractions can also be combined with easy day trips to the coast, meaning that you can pack your bikini and get an all over tan on this city break.
When should I go?
April to September has the best weather and more daylight hours. Summer is good for folk festivals and winter is best for theatre and concerts, but the winter weather can be really bitter. In July and August hotels get full so make reservations well ahead to avoid disappointment
How much will it cost?
Look out for low cost flight deals with Ryanair and Easyjet. Flights from London to Riga start from £150, a three-star hotel in Riga is from £65 per room, hostels charge from £5 a night. The Eurolines coach to Riga from London Victoria takes two days and costs from £188 return.
Who's it for?
Glowing reports of the city's nightspots have made it a trendy city break for young revellers. But once your hangover has worn off, Riga's medieval buildings, which have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status, are pretty intoxicating too. A must for history and culture buffs.
What are the must-sees?
Spend a day walking around Old Riga, a protected warren of crooked, pedestrianised streets. In some areas, entire streets date back 400 years or more. The Dome Cathedral is a highlight. Dome Square in the summer transforms into a Med-style plaza of cheap cafes, beer tents and late night bars. Don't miss views of the entire Old Town area from the spire of the Gothic St Peter's Church.
Hard to miss with its canary yellow facades, Riga Castle is now home to the Latvian president. It has been modified several times since it was built in 1330 and today houses three good museums.
Take a stroll down Smilsu iela, one of Riga's oldest streets, and the pedestrianised Torna iela (Tower Street) with its restored buildings. Don't miss the Blackheads House, which is a lot more attractive than it sounds. One of Latvia's architectural gems, it dates back to the 14th century and was badly damaged in the Second World War but has recently been fully restored.
To get a genuine taste of Riga life, head for the colourful central market housed in five giant 1930s Zeppelin hangers behind the bus station. You could spend hours browsing through the stalls which sell everything from food to everyday trinkets.
Day-trippers can consider a guided bird-watching tour to Baldone, about 12 miles south of Riga, or travel to Jurmala which boasts a 12-mile string of small towns and resorts to the west. With beaches, dunes and woodlands, plus museums, galleries, restaurants, pubs and inns, it's a worthwhile getaway from the city. There are several trains from Riga and a special Jurmala-bound taxi rank operates in front of Riga's railway station.
If you prefer more cultured entertainment, attend classical music concerts by Latvia Philharmonia. Or enjoy opera at Riga's 1860 Opera House.
What will I spend?
Prices vary but a cheap meal will cost from £2, while one in an upmarket restaurant will cost about £10. Cheap accommodation costs around £8 a night, compared to from £50 a night for more upmarket hotels.
Any special events?
Gadatirgus is a big arts and crafts fair held in Riga in June. The International Festival of Organ Music is held in the capital in the same month.
The Opera Music Festival follows in July in Sigulda; and Liepajas Dzintars, a rock festival is held in Liepaja in mid-August. There's also a three-day rock festival which attracts international names in Mezaparks, in July.
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| | Fact File : Riga |
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| | | Riga | | Did you know?
The giant organ in Riga's Dome Cathedral has 6768 pipes, allegedly making it the fourth largest in the world.
Languages
Latvian and Russian but English is widely spoken in Riga.
Visas
UK passport-holders can travel visa-free for up to 90 days.
Getting there
Air Baltic and British Airways offer direct flights from London. Look out for low cost deals with Ryanair and Easyjet.
Flying time from London
About two hours 40 mins.
Getting around
A good network of suburban trains provides the best transport option for many places within 50km of Riga. On longer routes however, bus services are generally cheaper, more frequent and faster. Buses, trolleybuses and trams operate within the cities, usually between 6am-midnight. Driving and cycling in Latvia are popular, as the main roads are good and the distances aren't great. Most of the major car rental agencies have offices in Riga and at the airport. Remember to drive on the right side of the road. There are 24-hour petrol stations along all the major roads.
Currency
Lats. But the best money to use in Latvia is probably US dollars. The euro will be introduced in 2008.
Costs
Prices vary but a cheap meal will cost from £2, while a dish in an upmarket restaurant is about £10. Cheap accommodation is around £8 a night, compared to from £50 a night for more upmarket hotels.
Weather
Spring and summer (April-Sept) is the best time of year to visit. July is hottest - temperatures can climb to 28C but there can also be persistent showers. Winter from Nov-Mar can be extreme, with temperatures rarely nudging above 4C and snow common in coastal regions.
Time difference
Three hours ahead of the UK in the summer.
Voltage
220V. Sockets require a European plug with two round pins.
Opening hours
Most shops are open from 9am or 10am to 6pm Mon-Fri, and to 4pm or 5pm on Saturdays. Many open on Sundays too. Restaurants are usually open until 11pm. Museum hours vary.
Health - Before you go
In the summer, there is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in the capital's parks and in the areas bordering Jurmala's beaches. Consider getting a vaccine and always ask your GP for advice. No other immunisations are needed.
Health - When you are there
Avoid tap water in Riga. Stick to bottled drinking water or make sure the tap water is boiled before drinking.
Warnings
Theft from hotel rooms is a risk, particularly at the budget end of the market. There is some street crime so avoid walking alone along darkened routes and beware of pickpockets.
Emergency
Fire 01; police 02; ambulance 03.
Customs
When making a payment in a shop or restaurant, place your money in a tray on the counter rather than give it to the cashier.
Pets
Latvia is not part of the Pet Travel Scheme so pets will be quarantined when they re-enter the UK.
Tipping
It's not traditional in taxis but if you're happy with restaurant service, add 10% to your bill.
Tourist Office
Latvian Embassy, 45 Nottingham Place, London, W1M 3FE. Tel: 0207 3120040.
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