TIPS FOR VISITING RIGA AND LATVIA

I didn't expect to live 5 months in Riga, Latvia, but here I am and WOW! I came here with one main goal: learning Russian language as much as possible. You may wonder why I didn't go to Saint-Petersburg or Moscow and, guys, the answer is simple: too much expensive for me and, saying in Russian я не могу себе позволить поездку в Россию, literally, I couldn't afford a stay in Russia. I am very happy about this decision because I had the chance to discover a different country which isn't usually so popular in Italy. So here some tips about your travel in Riga and Latvia!

1- CHOOSE THE BEST SEASON FOR YOU!

If you are Italian like me, I think you have to come from May on since the weather is cooler. When I arrived here it was very cold and, even if wandering around the city centre under the snow had been unforgettable, I really love spring and summer seasons. I was ind of surprised seeing every bar, restaurant and local building up their porch for the warm seasons and I have to say that is really nice relaxing in front of the sun, drinking a fresh beer. But, if you love winter, Riga is the perfect destination! Not only does the snow make you feel a little bit warmed, but also covers the beach and the Baltic Sea is just 30 minutes from RIga! This was a suggesting scenario that I will always remember!

2- GET INFORMED ON THE PLACES TO GO

Riga is a city with a lot going on and places to go! Despite being called "museum city" because it offers more than 50 museums, Riga has very nice locals and restaurants. First of all, you should read some articles about it, so that you don't waste the chance to see them! For example, I just discovered this patisserie in the Old Town where you can eat delicious almond croissant; if you are more interested in night locals, there are several pubs and bars that have happy-hour time. This means that you can have 2 cocktails for the price of 1. If you want to eat somewhere special, there is a medieval restaurant, than Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs, a trendy local place with cheap and delicious plates. Just a few weeks ago I found out that Il Patio, an Italian cuisine and sushi restaurant, have happy-hour promotion, too, every Friday and Saturday from 12.00 am to 3.00 am. If you are wondering about cultural events, check this website, www.liveriga.lv, here you can find everything you need!

Don't miss the chance to see Riga's skyline from the top of Saint Peter Church, try come local food at Lido restaurant and visit the Latvian National Library, the most contemporary building in Riga!

3- MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL

Ok! Now, this is really important! Latvian people wait all year this celebration which is, of course, the most important one since here the winter is very long! This festivity concerns the longest day of the year and local people, traditionally, go to the countryside to celebrate it with bonfire and local old dances!

I really suggest you visit Riga in this period so that you will be able to live the spirit of this day, dance with nice women and kids dressed up with medieval dresses, drink different kind of beers and taste several cheeses in the dome square where everything is set up fro the night! In fact, in the evening there is the annual concert showed across the Daugava River, which is usually a place to meet, dance and have fun!

4- FROM RIGA TO OTHER CITIES

When I arrived in Riga, I started looking for cities to go during the weekend and I have to say, a travel from Riga to other Baltic cities is cheaper than traveling inside Italy! In 3 months I have been to Vilnius, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and I spent nothing! So here my last advice for you, come to Riga, spend some days and then travel in other countries! This is an adventure you will remember!

Maybe you prefer different cities but I can assure you that you have to see Riga and Latvia once in your life, because it is something special and unique!