Riga. One city, many faces
Visiting the Latvian metropolis is worth it
“Paris of the North”, “Second city that never sleeps”, “Baltic Pearl”, “Hottest city in the north” – Riga has a lot of nick names. And it might be surprising but: It’s all true. Riga is definitely worth a visit.
“Paris of the North”
It’s due to its 800 Art Nouveau Buildings, actually unique in Europe, that the city carries this name. Everywhere you can find richly decorated buildings and ornamental splendor. The old town therefore is a UNCESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Alberta iela, Riga’s most important Art Nouveau Street, there’s no limit for imagination: Pompous houses are followed by discreetly decorated buildings, each of it worth to be seen. New colors and shapes make sure that there’s always something new to discover in this street.
“Hottest city in the north”
Riga’s not really known for its Mediterranean climate, but mild midsummer nights make it possible to stay in one of numerous street cafés and restaurants until late. Very often a free seat is hardly to find around the dome square. But whenever you sit down somewhere you can marvel at young Riga ladies who easily manage to walk in high heels on the centuries-old cobblestone. Here’s where you can feel it though – the much-vaulted Mediterranean atmosphere.
“Baltic Pearl”
Latvia, located at the Baltic sea, is also the country of amber. Riga’s numerous little shops offer a lot of art works made of this gemstone. But just a few minutes drive away you can even search for it on your own: The beach resort Jurmala is situated directly at the so-called “Baltic Riviera” and has a long, white and sandy beach leading back to Riga, which is just 10 km away. Worth seeing in Jurmala are also numerous wooden mansions in bright colors, often decorated in Art Nouveau style and dating from the turn-of-the-century.
“The second city that never sleeps”
Young Riga enjoys the Latvian summer. Mild midsummer nights are long, live bands are often entertaining the whole city and open air cinemas offer great outdoor movie experiences in the night. Countless green parks in Riga are full of life until late and often last until the next morning. Then the central market invites everyone to have breakfast – and there’s definitely no place and way to taste Latvian delicacies newer.
In 2017 Riga will be meeting place for choirs from around the world and host the Grand Prix of Nations & 3rd European Choir Games. Find out more and join us!
