Riga

Last weekend, we went to Riga (Latvia) for three days, from 28/02 to 02/03. After spending most of our first month in Vilnius, we felt the need to travel and visit a neighboring country. In this article, I'll share the best places to visit in Riga.

Since Lithuania is a small country, it's relatively easy to travel around using eco-friendly transportation. To get from Vilnius to Riga, we took a bus that lasted only about four hours and cost less than €30. For a short stay, we initially looked for Airbnbs, but hotels turned out to be cheaper, so we chose the A1 Hotel, located east of the city. It cost around €25 per night, with breakfast available for an additional €7.

Compared to Paris or other capitals, Riga is quite a small city. However, it boasts some impressive historic buildings. We visited two of the most notable landmarks: the Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral and the House of the Black Heads, which is a museum. The House of the Black Heads is relatively small but fascinating, as it traces the history of merchants in Latvia.

Beyond sightseeing, Riga also offers great places to relax and party. One of them is the Skyline Bar, a rooftop bar at the top of the Radisson Hotel. Here, you can enjoy delicious cocktails with a stunning view of the entire city. We went at night, and it was quite crowded, so we couldn’t fully enjoy the view. However, I highly recommend visiting if you’re- ever in Riga, the cocktails are a bit expensive but definitely worth it.

For a more laid-back experience with a vibrant Cuban vibe, you can try Cuba Cafe, located in the eastern part of the city. They also serve cocktails, but with a Cuban twist. The venue often hosts live music events, so I really encourage you to check it out if you have the time.

If you ever travel to Northern Europe, Riga is a great city to visit for a few days. There’s always something to do, and it’s not as touristy as other major capitals. As a bonus tip, you can try ice skating at Bērnu rotaļu laukums park, it’s a fun experience!