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:

• Pan Cars City Rally – the most fun way to explore Riga, driving around the streets of Riga in brightly painted vintage Fiat 126 cars, solving clues and completing challenges along the way.
• Tasting of Birch Sap – the most unique drink in Latvia. Birch trees sap is tapped in spring, from which different drinks are created – juices, sparkling wine and strong drinks.
• Visit to Riga Central Market with a tasting of local products. Dive into the market’s historic pavilions built in WWI as Zeppelin hangars, and sample local specialities, such as freshly smoked fish, meat, marinated vegetables, craft beer, cheese, black bread, and more.
• Tour to Jurmala in Vintage Cars. Experience a stylish tour to the seaside resort of Jūrmala in vintage retro cars from the 70’s. Cruise along the seaside boulevard and forest-lined avenues, admiring pine forests, sandy beaches, and the elegant wooden villas of Jurmala. Combine with a splendid sea-view lunch.
• 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 ride down the ice track in a tourist bob called “vuchko”. In summer, you can do this activity in a tourist bob on wheels.

 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:

• The Skyline Bar in Riga is a stylish rooftop lounge located on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Latvija hotel, offering panoramic views of the city. Guests can enjoy creative cocktails, Asian fusion cuisine, and live DJ sets while watching the sunset.
• Riga Beer district – the best local craft beers and micro breweries.
• Later on, visit the nightclubs in the city center such as Money Club and St. Black Rock Cafe Urban Stage.

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.