Travel Riga - Hotels, Tours, Local tips and stories

Local travelling in Riga

2010-05-07T11:22:00.008+03:00

There is no doubt that local traveling gives you the opportunity to get under the skin of the destination and get the best out of your trip. We are sure that the greatest way to discover the country is to get connected with locals and find out the genuine traditions and real values.
So take the first step to become a local traveler and find your local connection in Riga. We are here to help you to plan the most local trip to Riga and Latvia in general.
Here are some Riga photos we would like to share with you to ensure that our city is one of numerous great travel destinations found in Europe. All photos reflect the real part of Riga – its magnificent architecture and culture of local people.

One of the top travel sites in Riga - St. Peter's Church and the Blackheads House, situated in the very heart of Old Riga Town.

The diversity of ancient and modern Riga architecture will surely charm you. To explore the city and find out more local stories and legends you can book a Private Riga City Walking Tour!

The Riga Red Roofs makes the city more romantic. By the way Riga is a great destination to choose for a romance holiday!

You will find numerous souvenir shops and stalls mushroomed all over the Old Riga Town.

Some of them are really stylish and interesting. While offering different locally made bijoux or even clothes these homelike shops have a specifically pleasant atmosphere. To discover shops offering truly local stuff you can join the tour around stylish shops and museums.

And don't forget to grab a painting made by local artists!

Still we would like to warn you that not all souvenirs offered in Riga souvenir shops are genuine! Please note that the doll called Matroshka is NOT Latvia souvenir, but it's a great one if you want to have something from Russia.

Just beside the Old Town you will find the River Daugava on which banks Riga is settled on.

On the other side of the river Daugava you will find the area called Kipsala. Plan your time to have a walk along quiet cobbled streets of the area and you will enjoy the amazing Riga panorama view. You can even choose to overnight on this side of Riga as the airBaltichotels Islande offers really good hotel services.

To get off the beaten path you should visit the Riga Central Market where you will find numerous local outputs, starting from dairy produce and vegetables to antiques and fiddle-faddle. However make a tight grip to your possessions as pickpockets are quite common here as well. We would like to recommend you to book a Local Cuisine Tour including a visit to the market and national food cooking class.

Latvians are passionate singers and dancers so it's quite normal if you discover yourself in some local song and dance party or even festival. The most popular one is the All Latvian Song and Dance Festival held every five years usually for a week in July.

In its turn the most characteristic Latvia event is the Midsummer Festival also know as Jāņi (Līgo vakars). This public holiday takes its place on 24th of June. There is always plenty of beer, food, singing and dancing. The St. John's Eve is celebrated all night long. Everyone jump over the bonfire, women were wreath made from season flowers and men (usually the ones whose name is Janis or John) were corolla made from oak-tree leaves.

SO PACK YOUR BAGS AND COME ON OVER TO FIND OUT THE COLORFUL DIVERSITY OF RIGA!

WE' RE LOOKING FORWARD TO MEET YOU!

Online Riga Hotel and Tour Booking Service
riga-hotels.lv

Riga Events and Venue Guide

2010-03-23T22:02:00.010+02:00

While traveling to Riga or Latvia in general you can visit numerous Riga events to explore the local culture more closely. Throughout the year various concerts, exhibitions or feasts are organized all over the country.

The most popular of course are the Midsummer Celebration (locally knows as Jani) and the All Latvian Song and Dance Festival. As Latvians are passionate singers and dancers these events famously reflect local traditions. To enjoy this you should plan your trip to Riga starting from early June to mid July. The Midsummer Feast is celebrated from 23rd to 26th of June. Meanwhile the Song and Dance Festival is held every four years usually for a week. This year Riga will celebrate the 10th Latvian Student and Youth Festival of Song and Dance (08.07 to 12.07.2010).

Arena Riga with a capacity of 14 5000 spectators is the largest multifunctional hall where various Riga sport and culture events take place. Here local and international level concerts are held quite frequently.

While planning your Riga event trip, don’t forget to check out a place to stay in Riga! In about 5 minutes’ walk from Arena Riga you will find a small and quiet Riga Hotel Avitar. For reasonable prices the Avitar Hotel offers either guest rooms for one night stay or convenient apartments for an extended stay.

In Jurmala – the pearl of Baltic resorts, you will find the Dzintaru Concert Hall. Here the famous International competition of young singers of popular music "New Wave" is held every late July. Usually the competition lasts for six days. The contest was founded by a Russian composer Igor Krutoy and Latvian pianist and composer Raimonds Pauls. A bit later famous Russian super-star Alla Pugachova joined the project. Although the main idea of the contest is to promote new singers from all over Europe, important role (sometimes even the main role) is played by present and former superstars of Russia and ex Soviet Union countries.

The famous Riga travel site - Dome Square, is also known as the place where all main city’s feasts and fairs take place. At Christmas time the aroma of gingerbreads and roasted almonds spread all over the Dome Square. In its turn colourful flowers and songs bedeck the area by time of Midsummer Celebration Fair. On August 20th to 22nd the Riga City Festival will be celebrated so following local traditions the Riga Dome Square will be the central place of the event.

Throughout the year there are much more Riga events worth to visit – the Riga Opera Festival, the Nordea Marathon, Go Blonde Festival or Riga Fashion Week. Stay tuned about the coming up Riga events and check out our list of Riga hotels to book a nice place to stay in Riga.

Riga Travel – places to see, feel, taste and stay

2010-02-25T23:07:00.006+02:00

I really hope that this post can do a great help for travelers planning to visit Riga Old Town and its surroundings.

No doubt that there are numerous things to see and do in Riga so it’s quite complicated to put it in one post. To see Riga as good as is it gets you can book Riga tour and meet your personal and local guide to Latvia.

So here are some Riga sites I would like you to know more about:

- The House of Blackheads located on the Town Hall Square is an outstanding example of gothic architecture. The original house, built in 1344, was the headquarters of unmarried local merchants, known as the Blackheads. After complete renovation the building possesses both a 28 meter gable, rising majestically above the square, and an impressive hall. In nowadays royal balls and exclusive dinners are held here frequently.

- St. Peter's Church is another significant example of Gothic architecture in Riga as well as in all Baltic states. This most favoured travel site was first mentioned in 1209 and dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron of Riga. After several reconstruction works locals and travellers are welcome to enjoy this masterpiece as a church and a concert or exhibition hall. A lift takes visitors up to the top of the steel spire and an observation gallery, which offers an amazing view of Riga.

- Mentzendorff's House is a 17th century architectural monument once owned by a rich Riga’s merchant. Since 1992 a museum is housed here to introduce its visitors with the social culture and traditions of Riga inhabitants during 17-18th century. Here you can find various antique furniture, beautiful frescoes and household items.

- The Dome Square, also known as the heart of Riga, is the place hosting most of city’s feasts and fairs. Here several architecture monuments are settled, including the Riga Cathedral (Rigas Doms) which is the most photographed religious building in the city. It was built in 1211 as a new residence of Bishop Albert, the founder of Riga. Today one of the most famous organs in the world is located within the Cathedral, and is a key highlight of any visit.

- The Riga Castle is the residence of the president of Latvia in nowadays. Meeting different political powers the Riga Castle has experienced various owners. Due to that the castle has been rebuilt for several times changing the construction at the discretion of particular owner. In the premises of the castle you will find the Museum of Foreign Art, the Museum of Literature and Arts History named after J. Rainis and the History Museum of Latvia.

- Three Brothers – that’s how locals call the oldest stone houses still standing here, in the very heart of Riga. This is the greatest example of medieval architecture built between the 15th century (White Brother) and the middle of the 18th century (Yellow Brother). Don’t forget to visit the Latvian Museum of Architecture housed in the White Brother, number 19.

- The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) initially called as Smilsu Tornis (Sand Tower) is the only completely preserved watchtower in Old Riga. Today it is a home of Latvia War Museum which is one of the most interesting and controversial museums in Riga. It features displays of various wars that Latvia has found itself embroiled in, including the War of Liberation (1918-1920) and World War II.

- The very special one to locals - The Monument of Freedom was originally paid for and built, in 1935, by the citizens of Riga. Somehow it survived four decades of Soviet rule, plus a brief German occupation. It is decorated with thirteen allegoric and historical sculptures, portraying images of defenders of the Motherland, labour, family and culture. On the spike of the monument there’s a figure of Milda - a woman, who embodies the freedom. As the tallest monument of its kind in Europe, it’s quite impressive in both its size and poignancy. The monument neatly divides the Old Town from the New Town, and serves as a place for different meetings and celebrations.

- For travellers wishing to get off-the-beaten track we can recommend to visit The Central Riga Market (Centraltirgus). This huge marketplace located within five old zeppelin hangars, gives you an opportunity to see part of the everyday lives of locals. Here you can also haggle for fruit, vegetables, various trinkets or antiques. However, make sure to keep a tight grip on your possessions, as pickpockets are relatively common. Check out the local cuisine tour, which includes an interesting market visit.

- Spikeri – the warehouse complex located next to Riga Central Market. This is a comparatively new and creative area evolving into an amazing neighbourhood of Riga art and culture scene. In the red brick buildings of the 19th century The Museum of contemporary art KIM? and Museum of Doll Art are housed. The territory has been included into the World Heritage Site by UNESCO already. With great ideas in the future the reconstruction of the complex is planned to be completed in 2012. It is planned to have a space for the best College of Gastronomic Arts in the Baltic region and a farmers' eco-market. By the way, a busy night market between the red brick buildings can be found here already.

Outside the Old Town you will find the famous Art Nouveau area – one more place you should not miss while staying in Riga. More information about that you can find in older posts of this blog.

After a nice Old Town stroll you can settle down in some funky Riga bar or cosy cafe or even candle-lit Riga restaurant. Either you want to have a nice dining or just a cup of great coffee; you will find something to fit your needs and wishes.

- Cafe Amelie is a small and really cosy confectionery located right in the heart of Riga Old Town. Cheerful and friendly ladies will serve you with delicious cup of coffee and home made cookies. (Zirgu Street 7)

- El Primero is the first Spanish restaurant in Riga situated in the very heart of Old Town. Live flamenco music, authentic Spanish atmosphere and friendly waiters always glad to offer exotic dishes from a classic Spanish menu. Prices and special offers are as even friendlier as its staff! (Smilsu Street 6 - entrance from Aldaru street)

- Austrumu Robeza inspires an ironic about communism and the totalitarian regime. The interior is decorated with numerous Soviet style features; meanwhile the menu offers traditional Soviet dishes. Busts of Hitler, Stalin, Lenin and Putin make the atmosphere even weirder. There is also a tiny stage frequently hosting local band concerts or stand-up theatre performances. (Riharda Vagnera Street 8 - entrance from Gleznotaju Street)

And finally here are some nice Riga hotels if you’re looking for a place to stay in the Old Town.

A very romantic place to stay is Ekes Konvents settled in a small 15th century building on one of the oldest streets of Riga - Skarnu Street. It occupies 3 stories of the house where the city's first hostel was opened in 1435. For those willing to sense Riga’s history entirely, Ekes Konvents is really a good choice.

For almost 15 years Hotel Radi un Draugi has been favoured among locals and Riga guests. It’s housed in one of Old Riga Town genuine buildings on the junction of four historical streets of the city - Grecinieku, Audeju, Marstalu and Skarnu Streets. The hotel has a good reputation because of its homey atmosphere and good quality services for a reasonable price. The name of the hotel signifies the warm and welcoming atmosphere of it – Radi un Draugi or Relatives and Friends.

A luxury city break you can enjoy at Old Riga Palace Hotel. It is a newly opened four-star hotel settled on a quiet street of Riga Old Town. Its location is really convenient for leisure or romance seeking travellers. To explore Riga’s nightlife you just stroll around the area and find great deal of clubs, pubs, local cafes or chic restaurants. Easy reachable Riga business centres and banks make Old Riga Palace Hotel highly suitable for Riga corporate travellers as well.

Hope the information was useful, but in case of any questions about Riga Travel do not hesitate to ask!

Useful Riga travel tips

2010-02-24T13:24:00.007+02:00

Here are some useful travel tips to make your trip to Latvia safe and enjoyable:

1. The best time to travel to Latvia is from May till September, but those willing to see the Real Winter are welcome in December to very February.

2. To explore Riga's nightlife head to Riga Old Town - most of favored clubs, pubs and restaurants are located there. Some can also be found on the bounders of Riga Old Town located mostly on the Brivibas Street or close to it.

3. There are some areas in Riga you should not visit during nigh time. For example, Kengarags, Maskavas street district and the very end of Matisa Street.

4. All taxis in Riga are recognizable by lighted roof signs and special yellow plates starting with TX. The official tariff is about 0, 70 EUR per km. All taxis must be equipped with taximeters and you should always make sure the meter is turned on. Otherwise you should haggle for the price before getting into the taxi.

5. If you're planning to travel Latvia by car, be aware of animals running out on the roads. Mainly perceived on countryside roads.

6. In case of emergency you must call 112.

7. To move about Riga you can use three kind of public transports - tram, bus and trolley bus. Unfortunately there is no metro in Riga.

8. It's not possible to purchase alcoholic drinks in department stores after 10 p.m. You can get it only in bars, pubs and restaurants. In case some shop man tries to sell it after the hour you should not buy it to avoid problems with a police.

9. All Riga museums are closed on Mondays so if you want to book a Riga city tour plan it at any time except Mondays.

10. Most of the embassies are located in a district known as Art Nouveau area (Elizabetes, J. Alunana, Pumpura Streets and Kalpaka Blvd.)

Wishing you a pleasant stay in Riga,
Blueberry Travel

Place to stay in Riga - Art Hotel Laine

2010-02-23T13:52:00.006+02:00

Housed in a wonderful Art Nouveau building the Art Hotel Laine is situated within a short walking distance to Old Riga Town. Due to its convenient location it's a great place to stay for business travelers. Meanwhile the hotel's cosy and discreet atmosphere will make a great deal for those willing to escape the hustle of the city.

Here one can find high standard services and superb accommodation for reasonable rates. This quite small but cosy hotel offers 35 traditionally furnished rooms containing comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. All guest rooms are equipped with all the necessary amenities to make one's stay enjoyable. As the hotel is settled in a building that was constructed in 1912 its facade and interior feature various Art Nouveau elements making it more interesting place to stay in Riga.

The room prices are starting from 39 EUR per night. Rich and delicious buffet breakfast is included in all room rates.

You can book a room online via hotel's website art-hotel-lane-riga.com

Did you know that the historic center of Riga boasts the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe?

With more than a third of the buildings Riga's central district is built in a style of Art Nouveau. The style which developed in Riga between 1896 and 1913 was influenced mainly by German, Austrian and Finnish architects. Most typical elements of Art Nouveau buildings are steep roofs, heavy structures and the use of ethnographic ornamental motifs.

Most impressive examples of the style can be found on Elizabetes, Alberta and Strelnieku Streets. In total, there are over 800 Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. Buildings by one of the most famous architects, Mikhail Eisenstein, can be found at Elizabetes 10a and 10b, as well as at Alberta 2, 2a, 4, 8 and 13. On Alberta 13 stands a fully restored building from 1904 which now houses the Riga Graduate School of Law.

The Art Nouveau district is located just in a 10 minutes walk from the Art Hotel Laine. So take a stroll enjoying the amazing monuments of Art Nouveau architecture in Riga. To find out more about the heritage of Riga book a private city walking tour lead by a local guide.

View Riga - Art Hotel Laine in a larger map

Your travel destination - Riga!

2010-02-22T18:09:00.007+02:00

Riga - the capital of Latvia (Lettland, Lettonie), is the largest city in the Baltic States with its location on the banks of the beautiful River Daugava. In past 10 years the city attracts travelers with its rich history, amazing architecture and colorful culture. Various leisure and recreation activities are offered in the city center and outside its boundaries. The Old Town of Riga is a unique cultural treasure which was listed by UNESCO on its World Heritage List. Meanwhile Riga is considered to be the world’s best collection of the Art Nouveau architecture. Its admirable integration of historical and contemporary architecture often comes as the highlight to visit the city.

Starting from early May to late September Riga is really crowded with its visitors so to be sure you’ll have a place to stay you should book Riga hotels in advance. The other favored period of traveling to Riga is Christmas time, when various holiday events take place – concerts, exhibitions, markets and season feasts.

Due to travelers’ interest about Riga in past years, numerous accommodations have mushroomed all across the city. Riga visitors are offered different kinds of service, starting from budget hostels for backpackers to luxury conference hotels for travelers coming to Riga on business purpose. There is a wide choice of mid-range accommodations offering high quality service standards for a reasonable price. A lot of accommodations are family-friendly with an offer of suitable rooms and additional amenities for kids. If you are seeking to stay in an authentic Latvian hotel, you should choose one of those boutique or art hotels, which are located in Riga Old Town or close to it.

The best way to explore Riga is to book a city walking tour and stroll around the Old Town visiting medieval churches, museums and architecture monuments. The ‘must see’ places in Riga are St. Peter’s church, Riga Dome Square with Riga Cathedral, Blackheads’ house, Three Brothers and Latvia Occupation museum. All these sights are located in Riga Old Town near many other interesting travel attractions. And don’t forget to visit the Art Nouveau district!

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Support children by booking Riga Hotels and Tours

2010-02-21T01:36:00.004+02:00

Blueberry Travel - the local travel agency in Riga, has proudly joined the social campaign, Lielie (literally meaning “Grown-ups”), whose main target is to support the University Children’s Hospital in Riga, Latvia.

As a travel agency committed to responsible travel and sustainability policies, the team is in accordance with “Grown-ups for children”. To support the campaign Blueberry Travel offers travelers the opportunity to donate by booking Riga hotels, tours and activities via their Booking Service Site. A portion of each booking will go to support the program.

More about the "Grown-ups for children"

It all started via the social site, Twitter.com, with one goal – to change the present situation of the University Children’s Hospital in Riga. Selfless doctors with the help of kind, always mindful nurses take care of kids here daily. Unfortunately, the premises of the hospital are outdated, and there is a lack of medical equipment available. The hospital is dilapidated and in need of repair, at night it is sometimes even dangerous due to the structural integrity of the building. The government of Latvia ensures the provision of basic needs – medicine and free medical aid for children. Meanwhile, things such as treatment and housing for parents of ill-affected children go overlooked, and the government does not dedicate any extra aid to these areas.

With social support, the project “Parents’ House” has been in development since August 2009. The funds to build the house have already been collected. The next step is to construct the house so parents can stay with their kids during their recovery period.

The main focus of this campaign is that each “Grown-up” can help kids in any way he or she wants. Whether it’s financial or moral support, we can make the place better when we join hands. Everyone is welcome to support the hospital with various goods which can be helpful to make the place better such as furniture, toys, office supplies, catering etc. No less important are the various activities which can make the gloomy atmosphere more colorful. Concerts, performances and volunteer programs can make a great help to boost the patients’ spirit while they wait in recovery. Time after time, various activities are organized around the hospital. Everyone can join!

“Grown-ups for children” is neither a social institution nor marketing campaign. It’s not even an intermediate to collect donations. Its main target is to inform the society about the poor situation and needs of the children’s hospital. The program wants to encourage people to help by implementing projects that are not supported by the Latvian government.