Art Nouveau in Latvia
When Art Nouveau came on the scene at the end of the 19th century, the Latvian capital of Riga experienced a financial boom. Today, just over a third of the buildings in its Old Town are a testament to this creative explosion, a mash-up of modern, classic and fantasy architecture unlike anywhere else on the planet. Stretch your neck and get set to explore Art Nouveau in Latvia. Walking maps, available free from local tourist offices, provide routes and further information.
Length of Trip : Full Day
Cost :
It's free to wander about with a tourist map (picked up at the excellent Riga Tourism Information Office) and discover the wonderful architecture. Or you can employ the services of a guided walking tour, which start at about 10 euro per person.
Best time to go : Year-round
Wheelchair friendly : Yes
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
For traditional Latvian food, join the locals at the Lido buffet (various locations). Another popular option with locals and tourists, and famed for its local beer selection, is the
Ala Folk Club. For more stylish fare, try the highly-rated Cemodans, or the excellent wine pairing at Easy Wine.
Official Site :
For more information about visiting Riga, visit the city's tourism website
For more information about the Art Nouveau buildings, visit this comprehensive guide.
UTracks' Treasures of the Baltic by Bike includes a City Tour of Riga
Where to Stay :
The Draugi is a good budget/mid-level hotel located in Old Town
The Grand Palace is the Grand Old Dame of luxury hotels in the city.
Getting There :
Riga is accessible through budget carriers like RyanAir, AirBaltic and WizzAir from the UK, as well as other international gateways.
Note from Robin :
Some cities have skyscrapers, others have cathedrals, Riga has Art Nouveau, which you probably didn't think about much until you see just how incredible it can be. The Baltics are highly underrated, and Riga is perhaps its most cosmopolitan city (although Tallinn and Vilnius are not far behind). The city does get some unwelcome attention from hordes of bachelor and bachelorette parties, flying in on the cheap from the UK and Ireland. But locals are friendly and everything is generally (and delightfully) civilized. Whatever you do, don't miss Elizabetes 10a & 10b and the buildings located on Alberta street.
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