Riga

Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO-listed heritage site, and as such most of the city’s accommodation is centred in and around here. Among the five-star offerings is the modern Dome Hotel & Spa (Miesnieku iela 4), which boasts a magnificent spa. The upmarket boutique Hotel Bergs (Elizabetes iela 83-85) draws on African influences with its décor, while the four-star Hotel Neiburgs (Jauniela 25-27) nods to the city’s art nouveau heritage, combining this with contemporary chic. Meanwhile the three-star Hanza Hotel (Elijas iela 7) is a strong choice for those on a budget, and the welcoming Ekes Konvent (Skārņu iela 22) guest house is set in historic surrounds and offers oodles of local charm.

There are plenty of international brands and independent shops to be found in Riga, which is classed as one of the region’s prime shopping destinations. There are a number of shopping centres to visit for getting everything done under one roof, including Galerija Centrs (Audēju iela 16), found in the Old Town and offering designer brands such as Diesel and Gant. Gallerija Riga (Dzirnavu iela 67) is located nearby, and boasts seven floors of shops, boutiques and restaurants. For Latvian-inspired goods check out Green Studio Pienene (Kungu iela 7-9), which sells local pottery, cosmetics and textiles. For local clothing designers head to KLASE (Elizabetes iela 85a).

Restaurants in Riga are disposed to showcase the virtues of Latvian cuisine, with Kaļķu Vārti (Kaļķu iela 11a) at the forefront of supplying a contemporary twist to the style. For a varied and creative menu try BIBLIOTĒKA N°1 Restaurant (Tērbatas iela 2), while Restorāns Dārzs (Skārņu iela 9) offers dining in a quirky garden setting and a good-value locally influenced menu. Fresh fish and seafood is done superbly well at Le Dome (Miesnieku iela 4), while Garage (Elizabetes iela 83-85) is just the ticket for those after some fine wine and tasty tapas.

Nordea Riga Marathon

May

Riga’s marathon attracts over 20,000 runners each year, who make their way past some of the city’s most iconic sights. The course starts and finishes on the banks of the Daugava River, and for those looking to participate there is a choice between completing a full- or half-marathon, 5km or 10km distance.

Riga Opera Festival

June

The Riga Opera Festival signals the end of the Latvian National Opera’s season, with new and classic operas put on to mark the celebration.

Ligo!

June

Music, dancing, markets and other events help Riga celebrate the summer solstice. The Old Town’s Dome Square holds a midsummer market on 21 June, and celebrations continue over the following days with concerts along the Daugava River.

Riga City Festival

August

This festival is Riga’s main cultural event, lasting for three days and involving everything from music and dance to fairs and lots of fireworks.

Festival of Light Staro Riga

November

Celebrate all things luminary at the Festival of Light as colourful outdoor installations and projections that showcase latest technologies enlighten the evening skies.