RIGA is the beating heart of the Baltics. A dynamic and multicultural city in north-eastern Europe, worth exploring for a short city break, exciting incentive trip or business meeting and conference.

Must experience:

• City Game with iPads – a fun way to explore the charming Old Town of Riga where you will visit all the main sights and learn about this ancient city and it’s interesting history.
• Tasting of legendary Riga Black Balsam in a unique venue with a medieval atmosphere.
• A visit to Riga Central Market with a tasting of local products directly from sellers. Freshly smoked fish, various meat products, fresh and marinated vegetables, craft beer, berries, milk and cheese, ecological food, real country bread, honey and more.
• A City Tour in Soviet Retro Cars. Enjoy an exciting ride in an old Soviet car from the ’70s while discovering and learning about our Soviet history and buildings.
• Enjoy a Riga Canal Boat Tour on the River Daugava – a panoramic tour in small wooden boats in the city centre – groups can hire the boats privately and enjoy champagne onboard.
• A unique experience on a real bobsleigh track! Go on a full-day tour to Gauja National Park and take a speedy bobsleigh ride during winter. In summer, you can do this activity in a special tourist bob on wheels called ‘vuchko’.

 Must eat:

• Grey Peas with speck – one of the few dishes that is not borrowed or adapted from other cultures. This national dish is an indispensable part of any Christmas table.
• Rye bread pudding – a beloved Latvian dessert. This layered dish is made with thick cranberry sauce, whipped cream and crunchy fine black rye bread crumble.

Best nightlife: Riga Beer district – best local craft beers and micro breweries such as Labietis and Alus Celle. Later on, visit the nightclubs Coyote Fly or the glamorous Studio 69 in the city centre.

Best time to visit: From April – October as well as in December starting from 1^st Advent with beautiful Christmas markets in the city squares and parks.

Top tip: Do not miss the most Latvian holiday of all – Jāņi or “Līgo!” – the night from June 23 to June 24 in harmony with the summer solstice. You can join in with local Latvians in joyful festivities just as their ancestors did centuries ago. Jāņi was originally a festival for pagan farmers that existed long before the arrival of Christianity and the traditions of the festival remain immensely popular to this day. Another great event is the Mid-summer Herbs and Grass Market in the heart of Riga Old Town on the 22nd of June, where you can find all the must-haves for a celebration – beer and homemade cheese, as well as oak-leaf or flower crowns, wildflowers and herbs.

Our recommended DMC: Baltic Events & Tours. Liga Adamoviča manages this team of friendly travel professionals.