It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Riga, Latvia.
Held since 1873, the Latvian Song and Dance Festival is held in Riga, drawing nearly 500,000 people to celebrate Latvian culture and life. The festival is part of the UNESCO Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity list. About 40,000 performers participate in the event, from folk songs to choir music to modern songs. The annual event occurs in summer. © Irabel8 | Dreamstime.com
Riga teems with Art Nouveau architecture, making up about one-third of all buildings in the city. In fact, there’s even Art Nouveau Museum, the only museum in the Baltics dedicated to the region’s Art Nouveau heritage. This particular building pictured on Alberta iela is by Mikhail Eisenstein. © Olga Juraleviciute | Dreamstime.com
Sip on mulled wine, take in the scent of roasted almonds and cinnamon, and peruse stalls of handmade crafts and items at Riga’s Christmas market. The market also features street food of traditional Latvian cuisine, performances and more, all found in the city’s Old Town. © Erix2005 | Dreamstime.com
Dating back to the 13th century, Riga’s Town Hall Square was once filled with market stalls, tournaments and parades. While the original square was destroyed in the 14th century and the Second World War, today’s square embraces the style of the city’s past and is a popular place to visit. © Olgacov | Dreamstime.com
Lined with street cafés, Meistaru iela is a road in the central district once a street for blacksmiths in the 16th century. Meaning “Master Street” in Latvian, this street also features Cat House, an Art Nouveau building with a fabled history about cats. © Es70photo | Dreamstime.com
In spring and summer, vibrant flower beds bloom along Līvu Square, a paved area of the city also home to the concert hall of the Latvian Philharmonic, the Small Guide, Riga Russian Drama Theatre and outdoor cafés. In winter, the square offers a skating rink. © Pamela Uyttendaele | Dreamstime.com
You’ll find no shortage of outdoor cafés and restaurants in Riga. Some popular eateries include Osta, promising a view of the river, and Anna’s Garden, where a cozy atmosphere with good food and drinks titillate the senses. Café Mio blends French and Italian flavors amidst a romantic outdoor terrace. © Okssi68 | Dreamstime.com
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