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Lativa was a treat. I don’t think I’ve visited a country in so little time that left such a lovely impression. The capital city is bright, clean and full of art – from dancing statues and street murals to contemporary monuments and homemade jewelry. Interactions were always intelligent and cozy, with many locals offering recommendations for activities and food as a warm welcome to the city. Helen from HelsBels and myself had an amazing, albeit quick experience. Not to mention, we got plenty of bang for our buck, even as the pound to euro exchange is not like it used to be. Feel free to see how much various cities in Europe and beyond cost for a fun weekend getaway in this handy chart.

Now onto the pretty pictures!

Lativan Food & Sweets

traditional lativan pastries riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Who knew whole fish with almonds and cream sauce would be so damn good?!

fish cream sauce riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Architecture in Riga

A mix of old and new on every street corner. It’s a beautifully aesthetically pleasing city.

town square riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Church steeples.

church steeple riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Even the manhole covers are pretty!

manhole cover riga lativa eileen cotter wright

A Little Bit of Nightlife

Have a pint or six at this self-pour. You can sample a lot or a little with your cash card inserted into special machines. There’s dozen on tap (ciders too!) at Easy Beer.

self pour beer bar riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Have a drink with the hipsters of Riga at the Omas Briljanta Istaba bar.

Omas Briljanta Istaba Riga Latvia Eileen Cotter Wright

History and Culture In Riga, Latvia

A towering woman shines bright over the plaza. Symbolizing the Latvian Independence, it’s a freedom memorial that’s been a presence since 1935.

freedom monument riga lativa eileen cotter wright

dancer statue riga lativa eileen cotter wright

A wooden horse in front of the Baltu Rotas jewelry shop. There’s a small hidden museum you can tour for free too.

wooden horse riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Amber is popular in Lativa.

amber jewllery riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Some Curiosities in Riga, Lativa

There’s all sorts of strange things to see in Riga. My favorite was the Black Magic coffee and sweet shop. I don’t know how to describe it, because being somewhat eerie, Gothic and staffed with unusual characters dressed in period clothes.

helen in front of creepy coffee shop riga lativa eileen cotter wright

traditional cake riga lativa eileen cotter wright

creepy coffee shop riga lativa eileen cotter wright

Riga is a perfect place for a long weekend. Check out some other tips left by fellow travel bloggers on thier own city adventures throughout Europe too!

riga lativa eileen cotter wright and helen

Have you gone to a new country in just a weekend? How far would you fly for a 48-hour trip? Do you think it’s worth it?

EileenCotterWright

Author EileenCotterWright

Eileen Cotter Wright is a Boston, MA local and a former London, UK expat. Despite losing her passport the first day she left her home country, she's continued to roam the earth with gusto for more than 16 years. You can keep up with her hot mess adventures on Instagram @CrookedFlight.

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Join the discussion One Comment

  • Becca Talbot says:

    I’ve wanted to go to Riga for ages, and looking at your pictures has made me even more tempted, especially the odd cafe, that sounds right up my street!

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