We ventured to Riga, Latvia in December!
It was a city we didn't know much about, but one we loved.
We chose to take a taxi from the airport to the city centre. There was a long line to wait for taxi's and as we waited for 10+ minutes and the line didn't go down I realized it was because people weren't respecting the taxi line and were just cutting in front of people! Other than that small bit, I think taking a taxi is the easiest mode of transport to and from Riga Airport.
We rented an apartment about 15 minutes walk from the Old Town and the only reason I would stay there again is because it was really cheap, pretty comfortable and fairly convenient! After having walked around the city, I would have preferred to stay right in Old Town.
Saturday morning we got up early to explore. We picked up a free In Your Pocket guide of Riga and followed their suggested Old Riga walking tour! I really loved this guide because it told you where to go, what to see, and a little bit of information/history!
Per the tour, we started at the Freedom Monument.
It was unveiled in 1935 and is a national shrine for Latvians.
Laima Clock
The Laima clock was created so people wouldn't be late to work. What a wise idea. :)
The park where you will find Bastion Hill.
Making our way to Bastion Hill! It was an overcast day, but still pretty enjoyable!
You will find memorial stones for five individuals who were killed by Soviet's during the 1991 disturbances.
Powder Tower
We also went into the Museum of War which is located right next to the tower. They had lockers with locks for your coat thus ensuring mine would be safe during our visit ;).
The James' Barracks
Remnants of the Old City Walls
The Old City Walls are the oldest remaining portion of the Old Town fortifications. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, but was restored during Soviet times.
Swedish Gate
The Swedish Gate was built in 1698 to celebrate the Scandinavians' occupation of the city. The apartment above the gate belonged to the executioner who would place a red rose on the window sill the morning a head would roll. How morbid!
One of Riga's narrowest streets.
Parliament
St. James Cathedral
St. James Cathedral was one of the first three churches built in Riga. (And let me tell you - there were A LOT of churches!)
Three Brothers
The Three Brothers are the oldest stone residential buildings in the city and represent different stages in architectural development in Riga.
A church by the Riga Castle.
The Riga Castle is under construction and did not really offer anything to photograph!
One picture. Two Churches!
Cathedral Square
In the winter there is a Christmas market here! IT was amazing and very different than German Christmas markets. :)
Riga Cathedral
Cathedral and Christmas Market
So the walking guide encouraged you to go inside. It was 3€ and truthfully I am not sure it was really worth it because a lot of the inside is under construction so you didn't really get access to all there is to see. They did have a bathroom though. :)
Riga Cathedral is the largest place of worship in the Baltic's, it is also home to one of the largest organs in Europe (6,768 pipes!).
We got some mulled wine from this guy!
He was also selling food!
Since it was pretty chilly out we found a small pub near the Cathedral Square and ate a pretty yummy lunch!
House of Blackheads
An architectural treasure in Riga. It was originally built in 1344, but was destroyed in 1941 and its ruins were completely destroyed by the Soviet's in 1948. It was rebuilt in 1990 keeping with the medieval saying above the entrance 'if I should fall, build me again'.
St. Peter's Church
Next we paid a visit to Mentzendorff's House. We didn't really enjoy it. I mean, I can't agree with everything this guide tells me right? Something has to not be a good idea.
Metzendorff is a house that belonged to a wealthy merchant. It would be darling if you really enjoyed antiques. We however, do not. On the plus side, it was next door to some fabulous ice cream. :)
We decided to have some pre-dinner beer!
We stopped by Peter's Brewhouse! The beer was pretty good!
We got Italian for dinner! It was amazing.
After dinner we went back to our apartment, rented a movie and had a really nice evening in!
We explored a little bit in the morning. We stumbled on some cool buildings and a rabbit farm!
Rabbits!
We also decided to go inside St. Peter's Church because you can take an elevator to the top and get some amazing views of the city!
Riga from above!
Opera
We enjoyed a coffee and then headed to the airport!
Remember how I said it was really nice?! LOOK foot rests! We loved it after a long day of sight seeing!
All in all, Riga surprised me! It was charming, interesting and a really fun city to explore! I loved it far more than I thought I would.
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