Katrina’s guidebook
Food scene
5 min drive from the apartment.
Prices are very reasonable, food is authentic and just like my grandmother used to cook it, the place is very beautiful, cosy and welcoming.
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Lido Leisure Centre
76 Krasta iela5 min drive from the apartment.
Prices are very reasonable, food is authentic and just like my grandmother used to cook it, the place is very beautiful, cosy and welcoming.
Riga Cenral Market is Europe's largest market and bazaar. It is one of the most notable structures from 20th century in Latvia and has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site list together with Old Riga in 1998. It was planned from 1922 and built from 1924 to 1930. The main structures of the market are five pavilions constructed by reusing old German Zeppelin hangars and incorporating Neoclassicism and Art Deco styles. The market is 72,300 square metres (778,000 sq ft) wide with more than 3,000 trade stands.
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Riga Central Market
Riga Cenral Market is Europe's largest market and bazaar. It is one of the most notable structures from 20th century in Latvia and has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site list together with Old Riga in 1998. It was planned from 1922 and built from 1924 to 1930. The main structures of the market are five pavilions constructed by reusing old German Zeppelin hangars and incorporating Neoclassicism and Art Deco styles. The market is 72,300 square metres (778,000 sq ft) wide with more than 3,000 trade stands.
Very close to the apartment. Like all the other "LIDO" chain restaurants, this place is great for it's authentic cuisine and interior design, what makes it special thou is, that it isn't authentic Latvian, but actually Russian.
LIDO "KRIEVU SĒTA"
3 Ķengaraga ielaVery close to the apartment. Like all the other "LIDO" chain restaurants, this place is great for it's authentic cuisine and interior design, what makes it special thou is, that it isn't authentic Latvian, but actually Russian.
"Black Magic" in Riga is a must-visit!
Riga Black Balsam is an ecological product, all of it's ingredients are tested. Since ancient times, the drink has been kept in clay pitchers to protect from sunbeams. You can even say that in wintertime Balsam replaces the sun; it warms your body and mind when mixed with hot blackberry juice and Black Magic is the place where Black Balsam is tge main event.
Chocolate and Balsam is extraordinary experience. The Black Magic Balsam chocolate cake with fresh black currant is absolutely mouth-watering. Their chocolate truffles and drinks are to die for. Highly recommend for anyone craving an unforgettable treat for the taste buds 😋
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Black Magic
10 Kaļķu iela"Black Magic" in Riga is a must-visit!
Riga Black Balsam is an ecological product, all of it's ingredients are tested. Since ancient times, the drink has been kept in clay pitchers to protect from sunbeams. You can even say that in wintertime Balsam replaces the sun; it warms your body and mind when mixed with hot blackberry juice and Black Magic is the place where Black Balsam is tge main event.
Chocolate and Balsam is extraordinary experience. The Black Magic Balsam chocolate cake with fresh black currant is absolutely mouth-watering. Their chocolate truffles and drinks are to die for. Highly recommend for anyone craving an unforgettable treat for the taste buds 😋
"Laima" is the largest producer of confectionery in Latvia with the headquarters in Riga since 1870.
While you are introduced to the development of "Laima" over the years, at the same time you will be able to savour "Laima's" rich and love-inspiring chocolate drink. You will have the opportunity to make your own chocolate bar to bring home as a sweet souvenir of your visit to the Chocolate Museum. Tickets are €8 per adult and opening hours are 10am-4pm.
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I-Museum ye-Chocolate ye-Laima
22 Miera iela"Laima" is the largest producer of confectionery in Latvia with the headquarters in Riga since 1870.
While you are introduced to the development of "Laima" over the years, at the same time you will be able to savour "Laima's" rich and love-inspiring chocolate drink. You will have the opportunity to make your own chocolate bar to bring home as a sweet souvenir of your visit to the Chocolate Museum. Tickets are €8 per adult and opening hours are 10am-4pm.
The restaurant "Laivas" is in Lielupe, on the bank of the Lielupe River and offers contemporary Latvian cuisine. Dishes are prepared from local ingredients using traditional recipes from the Baltic region with a modern twist. The restaurant's interior is done in a minimalistic style, whereas the top-class staff creates an elegant atmosphere of discreet luxury.
Laivas Restaurant
36 Vienības prospektsThe restaurant "Laivas" is in Lielupe, on the bank of the Lielupe River and offers contemporary Latvian cuisine. Dishes are prepared from local ingredients using traditional recipes from the Baltic region with a modern twist. The restaurant's interior is done in a minimalistic style, whereas the top-class staff creates an elegant atmosphere of discreet luxury.
If Skyline Bar in Hotel Radisson Blu Latvia is too far of a walk, but a night cap with sushi overlooking nightly Riga scene sounds like a great idea, head to the top of The Clock Tower.
Central Station Clock Tower
2 Stacijas laukumsIf Skyline Bar in Hotel Radisson Blu Latvia is too far of a walk, but a night cap with sushi overlooking nightly Riga scene sounds like a great idea, head to the top of The Clock Tower.
Day out to the near by city
For visiting these places, except Jurmala, you'd need a car as they are around an hours drive from Riga center.
15-20 min drive from Riga.
In Soviet times Jūrmala was popular with the Communist officials because of its beach and sanatoriums - holidays were also given as rewards for top union members. It became one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole Union.
The most distinguishing architectural feature in Jūrmala is the prevalence of wooden houses dating from the 19th and first half of the 20th century. Most of the buildings were built by Baltic German and Latvian architects, but there also are works of Russian, Finnish and other architects. Jūrmala's architecture typically falls into classicism, national romanticism, and modern styles. The town has an official list of 414 historical buildings under protection, as well as over 4,000 wooden structures.
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Jūrmala
15-20 min drive from Riga.
In Soviet times Jūrmala was popular with the Communist officials because of its beach and sanatoriums - holidays were also given as rewards for top union members. It became one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole Union.
The most distinguishing architectural feature in Jūrmala is the prevalence of wooden houses dating from the 19th and first half of the 20th century. Most of the buildings were built by Baltic German and Latvian architects, but there also are works of Russian, Finnish and other architects. Jūrmala's architecture typically falls into classicism, national romanticism, and modern styles. The town has an official list of 414 historical buildings under protection, as well as over 4,000 wooden structures.
Absolutely stunning palace which feachers in "War and peace" series by BBC with the original 18th century gardens.
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Indlu ye-Rundāle
Absolutely stunning palace which feachers in "War and peace" series by BBC with the original 18th century gardens.
Sigulda is the most popular destination for locals during the fall to enjoy the golden seeneries.
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Sigulda Municipality
Sigulda is the most popular destination for locals during the fall to enjoy the golden seeneries.
Go back in time at our movie making sets. A whole city built in the middle of nowhere to recreate prewar time sets. On the way can visit Jaunmoku Palace for lunch.
Cinevilla Studio
Go back in time at our movie making sets. A whole city built in the middle of nowhere to recreate prewar time sets. On the way can visit Jaunmoku Palace for lunch.
Kuldīga or The Little Venice as the locals call it is only 2 hours drive away from Riga and one of my personal favourite towns to visit.
Kuldīga is an ancient town in Latvia's western region of Kurzeme with distinctive architecture, which is included in the list of the UNESCO's World Heritage.
In Kuldīga you will also find Venta Rapid, a 240-meter wide natural rapid on the Venta River, is the widest in Europe.
Kuldīga Municipality Council
1 Baznīcas ielaKuldīga or The Little Venice as the locals call it is only 2 hours drive away from Riga and one of my personal favourite towns to visit.
Kuldīga is an ancient town in Latvia's western region of Kurzeme with distinctive architecture, which is included in the list of the UNESCO's World Heritage.
In Kuldīga you will also find Venta Rapid, a 240-meter wide natural rapid on the Venta River, is the widest in Europe.
Even though Hill of Crosses is actually in Lithuania, you can drive there in just under 2 hours.
Hill of Crosses is a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. The precise origin of the practice of leaving crosses on the hill is uncertain, but it is believed that the first crosses were placed on the former Jurgaičiai or Domantai hill fort after the 1831 Uprising.
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I-Hill of Crosses
Even though Hill of Crosses is actually in Lithuania, you can drive there in just under 2 hours.
Hill of Crosses is a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. The precise origin of the practice of leaving crosses on the hill is uncertain, but it is believed that the first crosses were placed on the former Jurgaičiai or Domantai hill fort after the 1831 Uprising.
If you love nature, flowers , pretty pictures for the social media, this garden is gorgeous.
AuGustes iedvesmas dārzs
If you love nature, flowers , pretty pictures for the social media, this garden is gorgeous.
If you are a gourme food lover, visit the Ostrich farm, take a tour, see the incubator with the eggs and ostrich chicks, meet the owner at the restaurant on site, try the fresh ostrich tartar or carpachio and bring home a souvenir ostrich EGG :)
This place is close to Kuldīga which is mentioned before in my guide, I suggest to combine these 2 places on your day trip out.
STRAUSS un KAZA
If you are a gourme food lover, visit the Ostrich farm, take a tour, see the incubator with the eggs and ostrich chicks, meet the owner at the restaurant on site, try the fresh ostrich tartar or carpachio and bring home a souvenir ostrich EGG :)
This place is close to Kuldīga which is mentioned before in my guide, I suggest to combine these 2 places on your day trip out.
Ķemerit National Park is a unique experience for hiking enthusiasts. Along side with some beautiful architecture the main event is Kemeri Bog Walk and the best time to be there is at sunrise or sunset. There are guided tours available at around €50 per person including Jurmala visit which might make things easier. I'm yet to go there, so can't comment much, but I have friends who have been there multiple times.
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Ķemeri National Park
Meža ielaĶemerit National Park is a unique experience for hiking enthusiasts. Along side with some beautiful architecture the main event is Kemeri Bog Walk and the best time to be there is at sunrise or sunset. There are guided tours available at around €50 per person including Jurmala visit which might make things easier. I'm yet to go there, so can't comment much, but I have friends who have been there multiple times.
Ķemerit National Park is a unique experience for hiking enthusiasts. Along side with some beautiful architecture the main event is Kemeri Bog Walk and the best time to be there is at sunrise or sunset. There are guided tours available at around €50 per person including Jurmala visit which might make things easier. I'm yet to go there, so can't comment much, but I have friends who have been there multiple times.
39 abantu bendawo batusa
Ķemeri National Park
Meža ielaĶemerit National Park is a unique experience for hiking enthusiasts. Along side with some beautiful architecture the main event is Kemeri Bog Walk and the best time to be there is at sunrise or sunset. There are guided tours available at around €50 per person including Jurmala visit which might make things easier. I'm yet to go there, so can't comment much, but I have friends who have been there multiple times.
Great experience
Aerodium is a really cool way of trying out free fall. For more info i suggest to google. It's located a bit of a drive away from Riga, near by a gorgeous city Sigulda, where people also travel to enjoy scenery mostly during the Fall (September, October)
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Aerodium Sigulda
Aerodium is a really cool way of trying out free fall. For more info i suggest to google. It's located a bit of a drive away from Riga, near by a gorgeous city Sigulda, where people also travel to enjoy scenery mostly during the Fall (September, October)
If you are fascinated by new and unusual experiences, this is an exclusive opportunity to try out real weapons at the shooting range in Riga.
Riga Shooting Range
If you are fascinated by new and unusual experiences, this is an exclusive opportunity to try out real weapons at the shooting range in Riga.
Only 20 min taxi ride and you can enjoy a night club on the beach, tables before 10pm are free to reserve. Mixed crowd from young and rich ordering loud Champagne rivers to quet couples or girlie companies enjoying finger foods with a nice cocktail.
Piji Jurmala
Only 20 min taxi ride and you can enjoy a night club on the beach, tables before 10pm are free to reserve. Mixed crowd from young and rich ordering loud Champagne rivers to quet couples or girlie companies enjoying finger foods with a nice cocktail.
Rabbit Town is a cute place for kids, but my personal interest at that place are the Highland Cows. The owner with his wife are always there and will come over to greet you and collect the donation for the visit, make sure to mention the cows and they will gladly call them over from the field and let you pet them. Apart from cows and rabbits, there are other unusual birds and animals to see. I personally love to visit this place atleast once a year.
Rabbit Town
Rabbit Town is a cute place for kids, but my personal interest at that place are the Highland Cows. The owner with his wife are always there and will come over to greet you and collect the donation for the visit, make sure to mention the cows and they will gladly call them over from the field and let you pet them. Apart from cows and rabbits, there are other unusual birds and animals to see. I personally love to visit this place atleast once a year.
Sightseeing
Just as you cross the main road passed the shopping centre Stockmann and enter the park, you'll find a pier for the Riga Canal tour boat. Tickets are €15 per person.
Riga by Canal
Just as you cross the main road passed the shopping centre Stockmann and enter the park, you'll find a pier for the Riga Canal tour boat. Tickets are €15 per person.
Skyline bar
55 Elizabetes ielaStriking riverside building with exhibitions on Latvian literature, guided tours & a viewing deck available.
The current building was designed in 1989 by noted Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts (1925–2017), who immigrated to the United States and made his career there. It was constructed in the early 21st century and opened in 2014.
Library holds 4.2 million books, but I admire this place for its architecture inside and out.
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National Library of Latvia
3 Mūkusalas ielaStriking riverside building with exhibitions on Latvian literature, guided tours & a viewing deck available.
The current building was designed in 1989 by noted Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts (1925–2017), who immigrated to the United States and made his career there. It was constructed in the early 21st century and opened in 2014.
Library holds 4.2 million books, but I admire this place for its architecture inside and out.
The Riga Radio and TV Tower in Riga, Latvia is the tallest tower in the European Union. It was built between 1979 and 1989 with funding from the central government of the Soviet Union. Its highest point reaches 368.5 metres (1,209 ft),† which makes it the third tallest tower in Europe (after the Ostankino Tower at 540 metres (1,770 ft) and the Kyiv TV Tower at 385 metres (1,263 ft)) and the 15th tallest self-supporting tower in the world.
Visitors are welcome.
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Riga Radio and TV Tower
The Riga Radio and TV Tower in Riga, Latvia is the tallest tower in the European Union. It was built between 1979 and 1989 with funding from the central government of the Soviet Union. Its highest point reaches 368.5 metres (1,209 ft),† which makes it the third tallest tower in Europe (after the Ostankino Tower at 540 metres (1,770 ft) and the Kyiv TV Tower at 385 metres (1,263 ft)) and the 15th tallest self-supporting tower in the world.
Visitors are welcome.