Riga is the capital city of Latvia located on the north eastern part of Europe next to Gulf of riga divided by Daugava river. Latvia lies just below Estonia and beside Lithuania. Compared to its neighbours, Riga is the largest city housing one of the worlds richest collection of Art Nouveau buildings.
Interesting fact…
Riga is a UNESCO World heritage site, same as Tallinn, Estonia.
Photo by @amalog
HOW TO GET THERE?
Riga Latvia is the second Baltic states I have visited after Tallinn. Getting to Riga, Latvia from Tallinn was a 4-5 hour bus ride via EcoLines. However, you can also take the Tallink Ferry if you prefer travelling by Sea. Also, there is Air Baltic for those who loves flying.
I would highly recommend taking the bus especially if you are on a budget. EcoLines charge from 5,00EU each way dependent on the date/season. The rate back in July last year (2018) was 15,00EU for one way. For a more accurate cost please visit their website.
The overall experience was wonderful as there way enough leg room space and the seats are cozy and comfortable especially for long drive. For more information about EcoLines please click here.
Photo by @amalog
Interesting fact…
Did you know? Riga was dubbed as Europe’s wifi capital, with 1000 spots offering free wifi based on Latvia Travel blog post. Next time you visit Riga, uploading photos of your travel on your social media would not be a problem.
TOP 5 MUST VISIT PLACES
1.Three Brothers
Location: Maza Pils Iela 17, Centra rajons, Riga
The dwelling known as the three brothers was on top of my list as the name itself intrigues me. Also, the Three brothers is known to be the one of the oldest medieval dwelling standing at the heart of Riga.
Photo by @amalog
Story time…
The dwellings was built by three brothers, the oldest brother (Dwelling no. 17) was built back on 1490.
The oldest brothers’ dwelling shows a more outdated features, as comparing the doorways alone you can see the the archway has a medieval feature as well as the stepped roof. Also, you will notice that the windows are much smaller than the other two.
Photo by @amalog
The middle brother (Dwelling no. 19) is squeezed in between the older brother and youngest brothers dwelling. The dwelling is painted in pastel yellow colour, built around 1646 and is dubbed as the rich brother.
Comparing the buildings side to side, the middle brother has a decorative feature, larger window and has a greater area overall.
If you check the entrance of all three dwellings the middle brother has the most extravagant door entrance consisting of a stone door surround with an inscription ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ which stands for “Glory to God”.
Photo by @amalog
The youngest brother (Dwelling no. 21) is the smallest and narrowest of them all, covered in pastel mint green painting. This dwelling was erected around the second half of the 17th century right after the middle brother was built.
The similarities are easy to spot specially in terms of the use of pastel colours as well as Edwardian windows. A unique feature of the youngest brothers dwelling was the mask located at the top of the door entrance, which was said to drive out bad luck.
If you have decided to visit Riga on your next trip make sure to include the three brothers on your list of must do’s as viewing it in real life does look like it came out of a childrens’ story book.
Photo by @amalog
2.House of the Blackheads
Location: Ratslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Riga
Photo by @amalog
The house of blackhead was built back on 1334 located at the centre of Riga. This building served as a hall or gathering place housing one of the most legendary brotherhood of craftsmen and merchants back in the 14th century who called themselves “Blackheads”.
The blackheads brotherhood is run by young unmarried traders or craftsmen of foreign nationals, mainly of German descent. They are characterized as young and enthusiastic, passionate about trading their goods and engaging on all types of activities, celebration and events.
Photo by @amalog
The building was then demolished and destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt back on 1999, keeping its magnificent facade and its rich history of the blackheads activities.
Photo by @amalog
The house of blackheads has the most intricately designed Gothic/Medieval inspired facade located at the heart of Riga.
3.Cat House
Location: Meistaru Iela 10/12, Centra Rajons, Riga
The story behind the famous Cat house in Riga was one of the most interesting stories I have ever heard of during our stay at Riga.
The story began when the Latvian owner of the building was rejected membership from the most powerful and influential Large Guild residing beside the building.
The Liela Gilde or Large Guild in English, is Riga’s merchant organisation accepting membership from traders and craftsmen only. As a result of disappointment the owner decided to place a black cat on top of its tower facing the Large Guild to convey his dismayed feelings.
Photo by @amalog
The building during my visit had a pale mustard colour paint covering the entire facade with deep dark green vertical stripes. As shown on the photos the Cat house do not have sharp corners and has a palace-like towers on each side and has a feel of parliament inspired building.
Photo by @amalog
The next time you visit Riga make sure to drop by the Cat house and don’t forget to look up to not miss it. Also, have you heard of the same story as I did? If not, can you share yours at the comment down below.
4.Black Magic Apothecary Bar
Location: Kalku Iela 10, Centra rajons, Riga
Photo by @amalog
Photo by @amalog
Riga is the house of the underrated Black Magic Apothecary bar selling the famous Riga’s Black Balsam. Riga’s Black Balsam as the name suggest originated in Latvia.
Balsam is a type of liqueur made of natural ingredients, usually mixed up with other schnapps, vodka, coffee, hot chocolate, cocktail and etc.
Photo by @amalog
I myself have not tried the Black Balsam on it’s own but did try it with hot chocolate and all I could say is that they serve the richest and best quality hot chocolate I have tasted.
If you are a hot chocolate lover I would highly recommend this drink. Most of the drink they offer on the menu can be mixed up with Black Balsam dependent on your preference.
Apart from drinks they also serve sweets and desserts. The place is like a chocolate factory with a mixture of Harry Potter type of witchcraft vibe. To those who love anything magical and mysterious at the same time this place has that vibe.
Photo by @amalog
To know more about what Black Magic can offer please feel free to visit their website here. Upon reviewing their website they do offer Chocolate masterclass for both adult and children. Visit Black Magic and unveil the hidden secrets of Black Magic and be amazed of what it can offer you.
5.Visit Art Nouveau District
Location: Alberta Iela 13, Centra rajons, Riga
To all art fanatics especially if you have a flare for Art Nouveau inspired dwellings, this street is perfect for you. Unfortunately, I did not get to visit this street as I just had almost less than 24 hours during my visit and decided to just go around Riga’s old town.
Photo by @latvia.travel
The whole street of Alberta Iela is filled up with rows of art nouveau inspired buildings ranging from pastel colours, decorative pedestal, heavily decorated bay windows and sculptures of animal, people and faces placed on every section of the building.
Photo by @latvia.travel
WHERE TO EAT?
Location: Ratslaukums 5 Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Photo by @amalog
As I only had less than 24 hours to spare during my stay at Riga, Latvia I was only able to have one big meal. And as this would be my one and only time to experience a Latvian cuisine, why not go for the restaurant that is famous for its outstanding local cuisine.
Salve Restaurant is located beside the house of Blackheads offering both indoor and outdoor seating perfect for all types of customers. The interior of the restaurant has a cozy and chic vibe.
Photo by @amalog
Photo by @amalog
All in all Riga, Latvia should be included in your list of must visit as it truly is a charming city rich in history, traditions and culture. Unlike, other European cities that are overrated, visiting the country or other Baltic states (Estonia and Lithuania) is like a breath of fresh air.
QUESTION: Have you visited Riga, Latvia? What are your top must visit places in the Area and share your experience on the comments section down below 🙂
Hope you enjoyed this short blog post…
Till next time,
If you’ve missed my previous post please click the links below
TRAVEL TOPICS:
Do you love to travel? Check out my blog post about Switzerland Hotel Review, Tallinn Travel Guide, Bulgaria Travel Guide, Cappadocia Travel Guide, Bratislava, Slovakia, Zagreb, Croatia and Top 5 underrated European Cities to visit.
Travelling on a budget? read my previous post about Wanderlust Fund – Savings Challenge.
Planning for your next destination? read this post Book your holiday through social media, How travel around 6 European countries in 10 days, How to plan your trip and Travel Essentials – Summer Holiday
BLOGGING TOPICS:
Are you considering blogging on the side? check out the 10 blogging lessons you need to know
PERSONAL FINANCE TOPICS:
Interested in personal finance topics? read 10 money saving tips and my top 5 money mistakes
LIFE HACKS TOPICS:
Interested in improving your lifestyle and attitude towards life? read Top 3 life lessons I have learned from my mom
Disclaimer: This post is based on my experience and my previous travel last 2018. Hence, all prices, timetable and schedules mentioned is subject to change dependent on the month and year you decide to visit the country.