Today’s guide includes Riga, one of the most important cities in the Baltic. I have prepared the most comprehensive travel guide on Riga for you.. You can find places to visit in Riga and answers to any questions you might have in the topic !
Riga for Beginners, Latvia
First of all, Latvia left the USSR in 1991 a small Baltic country declaring its independence. Its population is approximately 2 million.
Riga is the capital of Latvia. Its population is around 600 thousand as of 2017.. Riga is the most important city of Latvia in socio-cultural, economic and industrial sense.
13. The most important structures of the city, which gained fame and population with the German Merchant Ships calling at the beginning of the century, began to be built on this date.. The Old Town Center, which is now called the Old Town, is one of the tourism destinations that will be popular today with its Art Nouveau Architecture’ and high living standards.
Where is Riga?
Riga is located in northeastern Europe, by the Baltic Sea. At a point that can be considered in the middle of Latvia.
The city center opens to the Baltic Sea with the Daugava river.
Riga is 1,700 kilometers from the northern borders of our country. .
How to get to Riga? – Riga Flights
If you want to reach Riga directly from Turkey. Turkish Airlines has Istanbul – Riga flights. You can reach it in only 3 hours. Riga – Istanbul flights are available 5 to 7 days a week, depending on the season.
You can reach Riga International Airport by air from other European cities.. Air Baltic, RyanAir and WizzAir are important “Low Cost Airline Companies” serving in this region.
- How to Find Cheap Flight Tickets ?
Another way to reach Riga is by buses.. You can reach Latvia’s northern neighbor Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, its southern neighbor Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and direct bus services from cities such as Moscow, Minsk and Warsaw.
Beni Riga. Bus That Brings You to
If you are going to travel between Tallinn and Riga, I recommend LuxExpress to you.. This is how I reached Riga myself. Prices vary between 5-20 euros.
There are also train services, but I can’t say that I recommend much.. Because the train frequency in Latvia and the baltic region in general and the development of the roads are not considered to be in good condition.
I think that the cheapest way to get to Riga from our country will be by connecting from Europe.. You can also catch THY’s campaigns for Istanbul – Riga flights from time to time.
Is it Necessary to Get a Visa to Latvia?
Latvia, European Union and Schengen Agreement a member country. For your travels to Riga you need to obtain a Schengen Visa. Special and service passport holders do not need a visa.
If you are going to enter Riga from other Schengen countries, you do not need to make any extra application.. You can visit within the scope of free roaming.. Passport control is not performed when entering the country in this way. There is only name control.
- Which Countries Do We Need to Get a Visa?
Riga Overview
Riga Weather and Climate
Riga is located at quite northern latitudes. That’s why the air temperatures are a little lower.
The winters are usually snowy and minus degrees.. Summers are like spring for us.. The city receives an average of 10-15 days of precipitation per month, especially in summer.
Riga Annual Average Temperature
Jan Feb Ma Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Max °C -2 -2 3 9 16 20 21 20 15 11 4 0 Min °C -6 -7 -2 1 7 11 13 13 9 5 1 -4 of of When to Go ?
I am a person against suggestions to go everywhere in the summer.
In my opinion, the most beautiful period of this city is the winter months that I have been to.. Because this place is famous for its cold and snowy atmosphere. We can say that it is a perfect winter city.. The culture and habits of the city are compatible with this.
If you visit in December, you can see the Christmas decorated trees and catch various city organizations as you can read in my Riga Travel Notes. I must remind you that the city’s sun duration is also between 6-7 hours during the winter.
If you want longer days and a warm trip, there is no such thing as a summer trip.. I already mentioned that the summers are not too hot. A pleasant summer trip with the taste of spring can be experienced in Riga with plenty of green !
Christmas Events in Riga
Which Language is Spoken in Riga?
In Riga The country’s language of the same name, that is, Latvian is spoken. Latvian is also the official language of Latvia.. Since almost half of the population of Riga and Latvia in general is of Russian origin, you will be able to communicate in Russian in the city.
The city is at an average level in terms of English.. Although they don’t speak as well as the Scandinavian Countries just to the north, most people know English well enough to get along.
Which Currency Is Used in Riga?
Latvia’s I mentioned that you are a member of the European Union. The Euro currency is used throughout the country. This actually applies to all Baltic States as well.. That’s why I don’t think you will have a problem with currency translations.
There are enough banks and ATMs in the city.. You can withdraw money with your debit cards in Riga.
Places to Visit in Riga
- House of Blackheads
- St. Peter’s Church
- Riga Central Market
- Riga Cathedral
- Riga Castle
- Bastion Hill Park
- Swedish Gate
- Jēkaba Barracks
- Three Brothers Buildings
These are the main attractions in Riga. I will talk about them briefly, you can read the details in my Riga Travel Notes.
House of Blackheads is the most important structure of the city in my opinion. Right next to St Peters. It is worth seeing with its tower in the Church.
Three Brothers Buildings, Riga
Riga Central Market, I can say that it is a local market building as in other European cities.. Here it is possible to find more food products and to witness moments from life.
Riga Cathedral is one of the oldest structures in the city.. Together with the square in front of it, it creates a unity.
Riga Castle is a building that is important for Latvian History, although it has not fully survived to the present day.. It should be visited with the war museum it has in the Jekaba Barracks, which is located right next to it.
Swedish Gate and Three Brothers Buildings I can say that it is one of the lovely structures of Riga.
Bastion Hill Park is the most spacious spot in the city. Passing with its small canal and swans is a spot where you can take lots of pictures.
Riga Castle, Latvia
Inner City Transportation in Riga
Riga is a pretty small city. The Old Town, called the Old Town, is only within a 1 kilometer radius. You can reach most points in the city center on foot.
For the opposite side of the river and further parts of the city, you should go to the bus stops of Riga Central Market.
Riga’ What to Eat in ?
Try local Latvian Cuisine in Riga. You can try new tastes in this cuisine, which is usually based on meat and rice.
It is possible to find good local restaurants on Kalku Street and on the streets.
Shops of famous food chains in the city. Also available.
Some Tastes of Latvian Cuisine
How Many Days to Visit Riga?
Riga is an impressive but small city. My suggestion would be 1-2 days .
1 full day is enough for the must-see places in the first place, but more time to fully experience the city atmosphere
How Much Money is Spent in Riga?
Riga is a cheap city on the European scale. In general Latvia is also a suitable country. Prices are generally in the setting of our country.. The prices of liquor and meat are affordable in our country.
The average prices of hostels are 10 euros per night, and half a liter of water in the markets is 0.30 cents.
Of course it’s up to you to spend, but in Riga It will not exceed your expectations.
- A must-have for cheap travel
Streets of Riga
Where to Stay in Riga ?
Most hotels and hostels in Riga are located in the old city center area. I think you should stay in this area too.
In this way, you can go to all the important points of the city just by walking.. Make sure it is in a good location rather than being convenient When finding your place to stay in Riga.
- How to Arrange Accommodation Abroad ?
Shopping in Riga
First of all, I think Riga is a suitable place for shopping. There are shopping centers very close to the city center.. Although not as big as ours, you can find a wide range of products.
You can find local products in the old city centre.
You shouldn’t expect too much from the prices.. Wherever you go in today’s world, prices have come to a very close band.. I just think that local products are worth buying, and if you catch the discounted products.
How is the Nightlife in Riga?
Riga nightlife is pretty good. a city with colorful options. Entertainment is a subject in the culture of the city. You can come across pubs on the road in most parts of the city. Local beers and wines are also quite famous.
The most striking features of Riga nightlife are that it is very cheap and the city’s Russian origin population. because of its excess, people love entertainment.
I think that at least one evening in Riga should be devoted to entertainment.
Across the Swedish Gate and a Local Bar on the Left
For Those Who Go to Riga Tips
- Before going to Riga, especially in winter, you should dress tightly and pack your bag accordingly.
- At the food and coffee chain shops on Kalku Street You can find free washrooms and internet.
- If you are going to stay in a hostel, you can choose a hostel with a pub inside before you go.
Tips for Traveling Abroad
Things to Do in Riga
- In Riga, you should walk a lot in the Old Town area walk a lot
- Riga Cathedral You should visit the small shops
- Spend some time in one of Riga’s fun street pubs.
- Especially on weekends , you should visit the street market around Riga Central Market.
in the square in front of it
Cities to Visit around Riga
only 300 kilometers north and south of everyone who comes to Riga I recommend you to visit the cities Tallinn and Vilnius located in. These cities I mentioned are at least as important as Riga, and they are very close.
In addition, seeing these cities one after the other means that you witness cultural transitions between them.
If you have come all the way to Riga, I suggest you explore Latvia’s more modest small cities. There isn’t a city as famous as I can name it, but there are dozens of secret places you can discover !
Riga and the Baltic States on the Map
How Is Latvian Beer and Wines?
Special Latvian Beer all over Riga you can find. There are more flavored and mild varieties according to taste.. Beer is already an important culture for Rigans.. I can personally say that I like it.
As for the wines, the subject will be a little different.. Those who go to Riga in winter should definitely try local mulled wines. It is another pleasure to drink in the small street shops in the square in front of Riga Cathedral!
In addition, Latvia’s exclusive red and white wines There are also wines. So I added one to my wine collection from Riga.
Local Shops by Riga Cathedral
Are Latvian People Friendly?
Latvian People Contrary to Predictions they are very friendly. Or at least I can say to the people of our country that they are.. I had the opportunity to meet and chat with friendly and sincere people in every corner of Riga. Do not have any reservations about it.
Why Go to Riga?
Although Riga is not very famous in our country and is not among the first places to go, in my opinion, its unique atmosphere, very expensive and with other beautiful cities it hosts, it is a point to be visited.
In addition, the relaxing and calm atmosphere of the city is a place to get away from the confusion of our country and relax for a bit. It’s also the same.
Riga Streets and Local Shops
How Riga Travel Route Should Be?
Riga sightseeing route should definitely not include only one city. The Baltic Capitals around it I just mentioned should also include. Tallinn and Vilnius are the most important cities that should be added to this route.
Riga is not a city that tires people too much.. That’s why you have the luxury of making your travel route relatively congested. I say this for those who have limited time to travel.
If I go back to the city, keep in mind the things like renting a car or taking a taxi in Riga.. This is one of Europe’s major atmospheric cities and just enjoy it on foot.
- How to Make a Travel Plan?
What to Buy in Riga?
If you have a collection in Riga, like me, you can buy a variety of drinks such as beer and wine. The special architecture of the city and small models of its unique houses are also worth buying.
Handcraft products are also quite abundant in Latvia.. You can come across them while exploring the city.
The Streets of Riga
Is Riga, Latvia Safe?
Riga is one of the safest cities I’ve seen in Europe. The country is not considered a target country with too many names anyway.. They do not have any political turmoils and problems in themselves.
Women pass through the places that I wonder when I pass by, even late at night,women alone. There is definitely no problem in this regard. Have no doubts.
Of course, this does not mean that nothing will happen to you in Riga.. You still be careful but only at a normal level, Riga will help you.
Go to Riga Alone ?
Go to Riga alone , I went. As I mentioned in the previous question it is not a place where you will have security problems anyway.
I also mentioned the warm people and fun nightlife of the city.. Riga is such a beautiful city that you forget the clock in your remaining time.
Old Ruined Buildings in Riga City and Me in the Cold
Important Festivals in Riga
There are beautiful festivals in Latvia, although not world-famous. Especially in the summer, the Positivus and Salacgriva music festivals are among the events I’ve heard of, even though I can’t attend.
Those who go in December can also attend free Christmas events.
Riga’ da Christmas Events / Riga Cathedral in the Behind
Things to Do Before Going to Riga
You have learned most of the things you need to know before going to Riga by asking questions above.. Now you have to complete your preparations by witnessing what I went through and how I acted in Riga!
My Riga Travel Notes
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