RIGA
We spent 3 days in Riga.
Our accommodations:
Hotel Justus
Jauniela 24, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Excellent location and very comfortable rooms.
Private walking tour we took, that I would recommend:
“Old Town + Art Nouveau tour”
Honestly, I had no idea what a big deal the art nouveau architecture is in Riga. It is beautiful!
https://rigasightseeing.com/old-town-%2B-art-nouveau
Our favorite sites:
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Latviešu strēlnieku laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia. This was very interesting and very well-organized. We were impressed! https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXqb5n3dC7Wdvbkt5
The Corner House. Brīvības iela 61, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia. This is the old KGB location when Latvia was under communist rule. Well-done and eye-opening. https://maps.app.goo.gl/619bAZcXNZ49ik998
Riga Market (UNESCO) was worth a stroll. We grabbed lunch there at the food court.
House of the Black Heads Museum. Rātslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia. Interesting historical perspective. Worth a visit for 1-2 hours. https://maps.app.goo.gl/kh6NSKaF4KPd3i8EA
Art Nouveau District. Definitely a highlight! If you take the same walking tour we did, you will see a lot of it. If not, I’d recommend strolling around the area as much as you can.
Freedom Monument and gardens. Interesting to see once you learn the history. Doesn’t require a lot of time.
Our favorite restaurants:
LIDO Vērmanītis. Elizabetes iela 65, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia. This is a Polish “milk bar” style cafeteria with authentic local cuisine. Nothing flashy but fills the tummy and scratches the itch for local-style food. https://maps.app.goo.gl/CDTDuhVPZsWU5kRw9
Ala Pagrabs. Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia. Very fun downstairs bar & restaurant where you can get very good local cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Live music options so check current listings. Very generous portions! https://maps.app.goo.gl/v2mBHawSNdHMQ4Av8
Late Night Munchies. Peldu iela 21, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia, We got into Riga sort of late and our hotel recommended this place for a late supper. We sat outside and drank beer and shared burgers and wood-fired pizza. It was lovely. Next door to Ala Pagrab. https://maps.app.goo.gl/rh8jU1hVPaK283ey5