When you think of going on holiday do you think of visiting Latvia?
If it’s a ‘no’ then you would have been just like me a matter of weeks ago.
That was before I finally decided to go, thanks to my best friend and a hint of boredom on the Luas one morning.
It all started with us declaring we needed a holiday and ended when I told Grace to pick a place – I knew she would pick somewhere more abstract.
At first, we were planning a trip to Estonia but with our pre-Christmas budgets, it just wasn’t possible so admittedly Latvia ended up being our second choice.
After actually visiting, I can safely say that it should be top of everyone’s list.
Firstly with Ryanair, our flights over and back were in the ballpark of €120 – not bad for a bit of a last-minute planning.
Then there was securing accommodation and when you compare the prices to booking a similar place in Dublin, the studio apartment we got in Riga was an absolute steal.
For the two of us to stay three nights it was just €129. Yup. That’s it, you couldn’t even dream of that at home.
So besides the cost of getting to and staying in Riga, there’s just so much to see without having to break the bank. We made a trip to Riga Central Market which was literally just a 10-minute walk from the old town.
Not only is it a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat, but it’s also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its history.
As the largest market in Europe, travellers and locals alike visit to purchase local goods, plus it’s just plain cool as the indoor part is located in unused Zepplin hangers.
Across the market, you can buy things such as Latvian amber jewellery, craft beers and locally made spices. Myself and Grace bought two cherry pies for like €3 which was more than we paid for the bus from the airport into the city.
Even just walking around Riga is stunning, one of the most prominent architectural styles is art nouveau, which you’ll see literally everywhere.
If you really want to see the best the city has to offer, visit Alberta Iela Street. Here you will see exteriors adorned with sculptures, unique windows and statues.
If you fancy a cocktail and a sweet treat, pay a visit to Black Magic Cafe, I promise it’s going to be like nothing live you’ve ever seen before.
The interior was beautiful with its Medieval-style, cave-like feel and shabby, gothic furnishings that gave me Dracula vibes. Our waitress even lit a candle at our table when we sat down.
Riga’s signature liquor Balsam was lined up on shelves and chocolates lined a glass case. Be warned, Balsam is a powerful drink and for lack of better phrasing it blew the head off me.
If you’re not afraid of the hangover from something so strong, there are loads of bars with cheap drinks and super cool themes to check out.
From the Kwakinn Dome Belgian Beer Cafe to Paddy Whelan’s Irish pub all the way to the pop-culture and comic book-themed Clayton McNamaras Drinking Emporium, you’ll find something to suit even the most niche of interests.
The best part is, Riga is super safe, in fact, it’s one of the safest cities in Europe.
Crime rates against tourists and locals are rather low, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remain vigilant. Use your common sense but definitely don’t fret.
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