Riga

The Freedom Monument, or "Milda" (as the locals call it), towers gracefully between the Old Town and the city. The 42-metre tall statue is a symbol of Latvia’s freedom and independence. The honour guard changes shifts every hour, on the hour, from morning until evening.

The Three Brothers are the oldest stone residential buildings in the city, situated in the picturesque Maza Pils alley in the Old Town. Each of the three houses represents different stages in the architectural époques of Riga, from Medieval to Baroque.

From the viewing platform around the church spire, you can walk 360 degrees around the tower. From St. Peter’s Church you can see the whole of Riga laid out before you.

The so-called Powder Tower, the last remnant of the 13th-century wall that once surrounded the heart of Riga, now hosts a war museum. The aim of the museum is to reveal to the public the complicated military history of Latvia, with a special emphasis on the 20th century, during which the Latvian people had to win their independence twice.

The Latvian president Andris Bērziņš lives in one of the wings of this yellow 14th-century castle, situated by the mouth of the Daugava River in the harbour area. The castle has been rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, and its architectural style is a charming muddle of different architectural époques. Several art museums are housed inside of it.

The largest place of worship in the Baltic, the Nativity Cathedral of Riga measures 187 times 43 metres, with walls two metres thick. It has also one of the biggest organs in Europe with 6,768 pipes.

Dome Square is the largest square in Riga Old Town where various public events are often held. Made of seven streets, it includes several monuments dating back to the 19th and 20th century. The square has a marked point where you can stand and see all three golden cockerels on top of Old Town's churches.

Riga Motor Museum is an absolute bliss for car lovers. The museum displays Western as well as Soviet cars and motorcycles, topped with wax dolls of the old Soviet party leaders. The new exposition tells fascinating stories about unique vehicles, renowned individuals and important milestones that helped to shape world’s automotive history.

One of Baltic States best chefs (Chef Eugene Ponomarev who received a Bronze medal in Chefs Competition 2010) offers traditional Latvian cuisine in a historical and romantic surrounding. The restaurant’s design is a classic Riga retro, ideally for guests wishing to enjoy intimacy and quietness. One can fully enjoy a quality rest here – a relaxed conversation with friends, listening to quiet music, observing fishes playing in the water tank or looking at the paintings.

This is a very popular restaurant in the Old Town. The cuisine from different parts of the world makes the lunch very enjoyable. The lunch menu usually contains 6 different dishes, one or two salads and a mini snack wrap. The atmosphere is really nice and the owners are very attentive patrons.

As the flagship restaurant of Latvian successful food chain, Lido offers a variety of appetising Latvian foods. The dishes are served quickly and directly by the chefs.

Pelmeni XL is a self-service restaurant serving Pelmeni, the Russian or Ukrainian version of ravioli or tortellini. The Pelmenis are filled either with chicken, pork, lamb, vegetables or cheese.

Championed as the best restaurant in all of the Baltic states and one of the top contenders for the first place in all of Europe, this fine dining establishment has been frequented by Queen Elizabeth II and other major world figures. Expect above average prices and service.

A shining example of modern Latvian cuisine, this restaurant is located inside a beautiful art nouveau building in the heart of Riga's Old Town. Neiburgs is a great choice for an upscale dining experience - it consistently makes the top of Latvia's Top 50 Restaurants list.

Known for its unique atmosphere and a variety of rooms to be seated in (including a summertime patio), Fazenda is the upcoming new place frequented by locals. Vegetarian options are available.

Great atmosphere and friendly service are some of the place's highlights, but what really draws return clients is the burgers - both meat and chicken varieties are worth your undivided attention.

Riga's vibrant central market is an experience not to be missed. Authentic and mainly non-touristic, the market is where locals come to shop for everything - from groceries to clothing and household items. Several food stalls also sell freshly made local delights.

Centrs is Riga’s oldest and best-known department store has successfully cast off its old Soviet label of empty shelves. Recently renovated, the department store offers trendy cafés and shops, upscale prêt-a-porter boutiques, and a more-than-full grocery store in the basement.

Another upscale shopping complex is the Berga Bazars, just outside the Old City, housing a range of fine specialty shops such as boutique Emihla Gustava, where exquisite chocolate sweets are handmade and packed in exclusive gift boxes. Hugo Boss and Armani have just opened their first boutiques in the galleria.

The high-quality, six-storey department store Stockmann has the usual fashion, electric appliances and other items for the home, but also houses a huge selection of tableware, the biggest cosmetics shop in Riga and, best of all, the Stockmann supermarket and delicatessen store in the basement. A lunch break with Latvian pancakes and tea can be enjoyed on the shopping complex’s top floor.

A cozy charity thrift shop with a tiny cafe downstairs. A nice place to roam around and find a unique little item to take home as souvenir while contributing to a good cause.

The Riga instalment of this international vintage store chain is everything you would expect from a venue celebrated as "hipster paradise" - retro/vintage clothing, record players, second hand books and much more.

What started as a small outlet selling Vans turned into a hip hangout spot when the store was complemented with a coffee shop. It now still offers a wide array of men's (and women's) clothing and footwear, as well as a quiet place to enjoy a coffee break looking out on the town.

This Latvian record shop has something every music store in the world could use - its very own bar. UPE is a favourite haunt of opera lovers, Latvian composers, diplomats, musicians and melomaniacs. And last, but definitely not least, the store boasts an eclectic offering of music DVDs and Latvian films. Have a drink and flip through the many records.

Riga International Airport/Lidosta is located 8 kilometres away from the city centre. Bus n.22 to Riga Central Station leaves from a spot behind the airport car park every 10-30 minutes from early morning. The journey takes around 30 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the driver. www.rigassatiksme.lv/en In addition to the regular bus, there is also a shuttle bus which connects the airport with many hotels. www.airbaltic.com A taxi ride takes about 10-20 minutes from the airport to the city center.

Latvia can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

The best time to visit the Baltic States is late spring or summer, when there’s usually fine, warm weather to stroll around the cities and make significant forays into the great outdoors. Temperatures cool down rapidly from mid-September onward, although autumn can be an extraordinarily beautiful season to visit Latvia, with the golden brown leaves of deciduous trees contrasting with the dark-green pines.

Riga has a good tram system that runs through the Old City, as well as bus, trolleybus and taxi bus routes. During night time, several tram and trolleybus routes run once an hour. Rīgas satiksme offers tickets for all means of public transport in the city. You can buy an e-ticket that is valid in all public transport vehicles.

You can easily order a taxi or hail one down the street. You can also ask your hotel to help you order a taxi. Lady Taxi +371 2780 0900 info@lady-taxi.lv Riga Taxi +371 8000 1010 Avoiss Taxi +371 2554 4555 www.avoiss-taxi.lv

There are numerous post offices in the city, just look for the yellow envelope. Main Post Office:

You can easily find a pharmacy in Riga. BENU aptieka (open 24/7) Tallinas 57b, Riga Mēness aptieka Brīvības 74, Riga Saules aptieka Brīvības 68, Riga

Country code: 371 Area code: not used in Latvia