I recently went for a long weekend to Riga on a stag do. Despite it being a stag, there was plenty of time for culture and exploration. Here are 6 top things I recommend doing in the capital as well as a few things I would skip and a few things for me to try next time.
1. Brave the Corner House, the KGB headquarters. You have book and pay for entry but it was terrifying and a real eye-opener into life under a totalitarian regime. Freezing cold, sobering and terrifying but a must visit.
2. Ascend St. Peter Cathedral for beautiful views across the city, especially the old city. You have to pay to go up but it is part stairs and part escalator.
An alternative to St. Peter Cathedral is to visit (for example if you prefer step free access) is the Skyline Bar. You do not have to pay for entry, just buy a drink. Views are less of old town and more beautiful city skyline.
3. Explore Riga Central Market, the largest market in Europe. One stall in particular to head to is Pelmenu Sturitis, a small family-run stall where you can get a bowl of made-to-order dumplings for around €3.
4. Visit House of the Blackheads for pretty houses and the marker of the first recorded decorated Christmas tree in the world. I also recommend wandering around the streets of old town to see more colourful buildings and cobbled pavements.
5. Drink Black Balsam, the national alcoholic drink of Latvia. Or Kvass for a non-alcoholic national drink which looks very much like beer.
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6. Eat! For things to eat in Riga, I recommend dumplings, fresh baked rye bread and the garlic bread.
Maybe one to miss. Laima is the largest producer of confectionery in Latvia. I had planned to try Laima and potentially visit the Laima Chocolate Museum but I was quite disappointed in the taste of Laima chocolate and the museum had quite bad reviews. Instead, I visited the AJ Chocolate House, where I had a whole pot of delicious melted chocolate. I’d recommend this instead.
Next time
- Wonder at the beauty of Kemeri National Park.
- Admire the majestic National Library of Latvia up close and personal.
- Visit a free museum, the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum for an insight into the holocaust in Latvia and Jewish life in Latvia before the holocaust.
