Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a city that combines magnificent architecture with vibrant culture and culinary experiences. The cityscape is characterized by impressive Art Nouveau facades, historic buildings and modern elements – a visual journey through time and styles. For those who know Ålesund, the Art Nouveau style in Riga will feel both familiar and surprising – the style is the same, but the expression has its own Baltic character.
The city comes alive especially on weekends. The streets are filled with music, and street performers leave their mark on the city spaces with everything from violin notes to folk dances. Music plays a central role in Latvian culture, which was particularly evident during the recent large dance festival, where hundreds of children in traditional costumes created an unforgettable atmosphere in the city streets.
Riga's food culture also deserves attention. A large number of restaurants serve high-quality food – from local, rustic home cooking to modern, creative dishes. A visit to the large Central Market gives a taste of the authentic – here local produce, street food and a warm market atmosphere meet. A special tip is the restaurant Baltā Kaza in the center of the Old Town: They serve the city's best fish soup and a small plate with three types of homemade bread.
Riga offers a rich sensory experience – a city where architecture, music and food form a harmonious whole.