Riga

Riga is a city of outstanding beauty and elegance. Today it is dynamic and pulsing city. Citizens of Riga constantly create different activities, participate in them and discuss them.

Capital of Latvia was founded already in 1201. Eight hundred years have shaped the city's unique appearance and rich traditions.

Riga has unique values due to its rather intact medieval architecture and that of later periods, the urban structure, the richness and quality of Art Noveau architecture and the 19-th century wooden architecture of the city. Inscribing the historic centre of Riga on the World Heritage List of UNESCO recognized it.

Riga belongs to the cultural space of Western Europe. For the city, dynamic and diverse music and arts activities are typical. It has hundreds of ways for enticing visitors - its rich history, architecture, spacious gardens and parks, museums, art galleries and world-class opera and daily treats like a walk in the enormous colourful central market or going to a cozy café, club or pub.

Riga seems to have the most vibrant nightlife by far in the Baltics. And of course salsa life is becoming more and more popular.

The most interesting parts of Riga are:

• The Old Town of Riga - originally constructed by Germans. It now attracts visitors from all over the world with its stunning architectural monuments: Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gates, Riga Castle, the Gunpowder Tower, and more;
• The Freedom Monument - a symbol of independent Latvia. The monument was built in 1931-35. The statue of Liberty holds three stars - the symbols of historical areas in Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale. The Freedom Monument was and is the main place of meetings. In 1994 it was the place where Bill Clinton supported the independent Baltic on behalf of America.
• The Central Market in Riga is one of the largest markets in Europe. Located in and around five enormous World War I-era Zeppelin hangars. The bank of the Daugava has been a trading place since 1571 and in 1863 special rows was built here. The modern market building was built in 1930. The Riga Market is amazing because of its sizes, smells and santim-precise change. You simply MUST buy smoked chicken, meat delicacies, smoked fish, rye bread, honey, fresh cottage-cheese, cheese.
• Laima clock - place near Freedom Monument is most popular meeting place for dating. And Laima is very famous chocolate factory in Latvia, which produces delicious chocolates and chocolate's candies.