The Latvian capital, Riga, is the biggest and most bustling of the Baltic capitals. Affordable and accessible it has all the trappings of a modern capital but wears its history proudly. See itinerary ideas
An enchanting mix of the old and the new, the city is full of attractive architecture from historic narrow cobbles of Old Riga to the wide boulevards and beautiful examples of Jugendstil Art Nouveau. Most of the historic buildings can be found in Old Riga, which affords visitors a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. To the east lies Bastejkalns Park and beyond this New Town, where wide boulevards are lined with extravagantly decorated town houses.
To get an overview of the city, climb the tower of St Peter’s Church and gaze out over the melange of church domes, parks, ribbon of river and squat Soviet creations. Alternatively, climb the Academy of Sciences, nicknamed ‘Stalin’s Birthday Cake’ and adorned with hammers and sickles, to visit the panoramic viewing platform on the 17th floor.