Winding cobbled streets filled with hidden alleys, gothic architecture that towers overhead in dizzying spires and secret city guilds meeting by candlelight in the House of the Blackheads – it might sound like the setting of an exciting fantasy novel but Riga is a cosmopolitan capital city with a focus on both forging a path into the future and preserving its rich history. It’s fair to say that we’ve fallen in love with this charming capital and we think you would too.
Riga is a gorgeous city nestled between the Baltic Sea and the River Daugava and is home to many of Latvia’s landmarks and cultural icons. Throughout the city’s history, it has been occupied multiple times and endured several wars – which gives it a patchwork look that’s completely unique. If you’re starting to think it might be worth a visit, we have 5 more things to tell you about the city that you’re going to love!
1) One Of The Best Parks In Europe
Sitting in the centre of Riga, Bastion Hill Park may look like any other sleepy urban park at first glance but the sprawling green space is filled with hidden waterfalls, sculpted stone gardens and picturesque tree-lined walks. The Hill also has historic significance as it’s home to a memorial to five journalists killed by Soviets in 1991 while bringing attention to many of the injustices in Latvia. This combination of timeless beauty and historic significance has convinced many visitors that Bastion Hill Park is one of the best parks in Europe.
2) The City’s Biggest Market Is In A Zeppelin Hanger
What better way to make use of the city’s troubled past than turning it into a symbol of local passion and pride? This was the thought that Riga’s people had when they repurposed the German-built Zeppelin hangers in the city into the biggest food market in Latvia. On any given day you can find over 3,000 stalls selling produce from every corner of Latvia as well as plenty of crafts, trinkets and clothing. It’s a must for visitors in search of souvenirs or just looking to do a little shopping.
3) It’s The Home Of Black Balsam
Like Vodka is to Moscow, Black Balsam is to Riga. A delicate liquor described as having a bitter taste with a sweet aftertaste, Black Balsam is beloved by the people of Riga and many local distilleries will claim their unique blend of botanicals is the best in the city. Of course, the only way to find out which is truly the best black balsam is to taste them all, which is sure to lead to a wild night in the city.
4) There’s A KGB Museum Hidden In The City
It’s no secret that the Soviet government, and by extension the KGB, operated throughout Riga and Latvia, however, unlike many Soviet cities, the people of Riga have chosen not to destroy the remnants of the Soviet regime on their city but instead to transform them in museums. The best example of this is the KGB museum, which looks indistinguishable from a block of flats in the centre of the city - in fact, even the people of Riga advise getting a tour guide to show you which building is the right one. Inside the museum is a preserved KGB jail, interrogation suites and several exhibitions displaying the full state of the Soviet occupation.
5) You Can Eat Like An Emperor At Vincents
One of the city’s most beloved residents, chef Martins Ritins, is the proud owner and head chef for the famed Vincents restaurant in the centre of the city. Having played host to both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, it has a royal seal of approval that is supported by Elton John, the Emperor of Japan and Heston Blumenthal. Meals can be very pricey but this is certainly a once in a lifetime experience that you can’t afford to miss.
