Riga, Latvia

[XanaduKira]

I'm now finding myself in Riga, Latvia for a long weekend in the middle of January due to some work stuff going on. Any recommendations on places to go / see / do? Anything to avoid? What to wear (as imagine it'll be very cold!)? Any other hints and tips would be much appreciated. TIA

Anyone?

The museum of occupation, Rīga castle and Stura Maja - old kgb interrogation building/prison are great if you are interested in Latvian history. Otherwise there’s lots of architecture and places to eat and drink in the old town. Art nouveau district for more architecture and great cafes. Ala folkklubs is a great place for dinner/drinks (underground cellar, different traditional dancing and live music ion different nights) Yes it will be cold but the air is dry so even if it’s -15 it will feel like 2 degrees UK as the air is so damp here. Make sure you try a karstais balsams cocktail and try some local food. Lido is a great and inexpensive place to try Latvian food.

From memory the market is in an old zeplin hanger, which we thought was quite cool...

Fab, thank you both!

The old city is very pretty, especially at night.

The market in the zeppelin hangers is worth a walk around.

The museum of occupation was interesting.

I was rather younger when I visited and frequented a foam party in a nightclub with a dance floor on hydraulics. This I would definitely not recommend!

We were recently there and stayed at the wonderful Neiburgs Hotel - can highly recommend. Book a sauna if you’re there.
The market is amazing, we had a lovely dinner at Milda, bought some nice table linen at the local craft shops near the central square. KGB museum is harrowing but helps you understand the impact of Soviet occupation.

Thank you all.

Its been a few years since I went, but I really liked it. The old town is lovely, very pretty and lots to take in.

You could hop on the train to Jurmala - I think it took about 30-45 mins to get there, especially if you fancy a blast of seaside air.

Lido Atputas centrs is worth a visit, and not far from a tram stop.

Depends on what you want to do: plenty of cafes to people watch from, the market is definitely an experience, there were a fair few spa's around the city, or just mooch about and enjoy somewhere different. Have fun!

Another vote for Jurmala. Absolutely lovely!

I'm jealous because I went in lockdown (long story, accidentally) . The park was lovely and the takeaway burger (Hessburger?) also lovely. Seemed like an amazing city when everything is open. Have fun

We went a few years back in the summer though. Visited the house of the Black heads. We did a River Cruise also. The market is nice to look around.

We took a guided tour day trip to Lithuania and saw the hill of crosses.

Also bought some Riga Balsam the blackberry one is the tastiest.