Riga, Latvia’s capital, is a city that combines magnificent architecture with vibrant culture and culinary experiences. The cityscape is characterised by impressive Art Nouveau facades, historic buildings and modern touches – a visual journey through time and styles. For those familiar with Ålesund, the Art Nouveau style in Riga will feel both familiar and surprising – the style is the same, but the expression has its own unique Baltic character.
The city comes to life especially at weekends. The streets fill with music, and street artists leave their mark on the urban spaces with everything from violin music to folk dancing. Music plays a central role in Latvian culture, which was particularly evident during the recent major dance festival, where hundreds of children in traditional costumes created an unforgettable atmosphere in the city streets.
The food culture in Riga 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 you a taste of the authentic – here you will find local produce, street food and a warm market atmosphere. A special tip is the restaurant Baltā Kaza in the centre 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.