Riga Travel Guide

 

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is situated on the Baltic Sea coast at the mouth of the Daugava River (see map). With roughly 850,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the Baltic States and serves as a major cultural, educational, commercial and industrial center.

 

From early in its history Riga has flourished as a major commercial and cultural center. It's strategic location at the cross-roads between Western Europe and lucrative Eastern markets brought it great wealth and affluence. Indicative of its great commercial clout, it was named to the Hanseatic League in 1282. Remaining a mighty seaport throughout the middle ages, it was the largest city in the Swedish Empire during the 17th century, and a leading port for the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. Such wealth attracted some of Europe's best artisans and craftsmen. Over the centuries they helped create one of most beautiful and historic cities in all of Europe.

 

Nowadays Riga still flourishes as an important trade junction and commercial center. Spared from the fate of many great cities during World War II, the city has also witnessed a new and ever growing industry. Tourists by the tens of thousands now come to see remnants old Europe, historical architecture in its original. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its a museum of living history.

 

For those with limited time, it will be difficult to see all of Rigа's fascinating attractions. From the ancient buildings and narrow streets of Old Riga, to the many historical houses of worship from no fewer than five different religious denominations, to one of the greatest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, most visitors will simply be overwhelmed.

 

 

 

 

Phoning Riga
+ 371 (Country Code) + (no distinct city code) + Telephone Number
For a complete list of Latvia and CIS Dialing Codes, follow the link.

 

 

 

Independent Riga Guides and Interpreters

A B Languages: Availability: Fees: Resume: Contact Info: Contact Guides: members / non-members
A B Languages: Availability: Fees: Resume: Contact Info: Contact Guides: members / non-members

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Riga Weather (click for 3, 5 & 11 day forecast)

 

 

 

Additional Resources for Riga, Latvia

• Wiki: Riga, Latvia
• Virtual Tour of Old Riga (eng, lat & rus)
• Riga.lv: Official website of the Riga Municipality
• FK Riga: Official site of pro football club Riga, member of Latvian football's highest division, Virsliga (lat & rus)
• HK Dinamo Riga: Professional Riga hockey team playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (lat)