I'm a local, so I don't really need to watch your video, but for those coming for bachelor parties, please keep in mind that there are lots and lots and lots and lots of cameras all around Old Town and the surrounding neighborhood, so if you decide to be naughty by, for instance, deciding that it would be a good idea to pee on the Freedom Monument, you can be sure that your bachelor party will end much differently than you had expected.
As a local - if you want to come in winter, do it for the Christmas markets, because they're great. Otherwise, come another time, because it will be either very gray and gloomy, or, if it's sunny in winter, then you bet it will be incredibly cold. :D Another recommendation - don't stick to eating out just in the Old Town or city center around the parks. Since the inflation due to covid and the war in Ukraine, a lot of places have been hiking up their prices and slacking on the quality, so really look at recent reviews to figure out if the food is worth it, because of lot of places will serve very expensive (for local standards/salaries) and incredibly mediocre food.
@@opalgriffin I'm planning on doing just that, I'll be doing a Baltics Christmas markets tour this December :) Do you have any special recommendations for Riga?
@@Hanchanad14 I recommend "Gauja", it's a small place little outside the center, but they serve very delicious food and big portions for reasonable price. Me and my family go there every once in a while. And they have great beer as well, try Brenguļu beer, it's very good!
@@quicksilver9892 It... depends. Cilvēki, kuriem ir nauda, var atļauties celt muižas un darīt tamlīdzīgas lietas... Es pats uzaugu laukos :x un kamēr man pašam bija koka rotaļlietas; vecmammas draugi aizrāvās ar savas zemes teritorijas paplašināšanu un muižu celšanu. C'est la Vie, I guess :,D Cheers and may you have good health fellow Latvian!!
As a local I can say this - This is the best and most acurate tourist video for visiting Latvia I've ever seen!! Everything is spot on, a lot of truly useful tips! Great job! I'll just add about the Riga black currant balsam, a really simple cocktail is this balsam mixed with Sprite, this was my go-to for a while! And this is the first time I've seen someone put sour cream in pink soup. It's already made with kefīrs, you don't have to add it :D AND DON'T PASS ON TRAINS!!! They are a great alternative for busses! I personally would choose a train over bus any day if possible!! And often they are cheaper, at least in my experience.
Because there is not such a thing as Eastern European. It's a geopolitical term. We aren't calling French Western Europeans, do we? Unfortunately I was diagnosed as Scandinavian, in UK, during my pregnancy. It nearly cost me my and my child's life, but, yes, we are Northern. It's snowing now nicely in Sheffield.
Happy to see you in my hometown, Wolter! Quick tip - if the weather is good, renting out a bike is a good idea. Riga has a lot to see, and you can even cycle to Jūrmala (about 20km) and go back via train.
@MiaHessMusic Yes, cobblestones cover mostly the central Old Town, but compared to Western Europe Riga is not the most cyclist-friendly city. There is not enough cyclist lines (they're trying but failing to redesign USSR road planning) and there are rougher areas you can hit an odd pothole. That's why a trip to next seaside-resort city of Jūrmala can be more scenic and smooth, it's connected via a good cyclist trail. And then you can explore the ~30km long and very green city from river to sea at your own pace, if your legs are durable. Bicycles (including electric) are available for hire, but also various companies offer electric scooters and whole cars, much easier to find than bicycles.
1:10 I have to correct you on this - yes, its cold. but thats what makes it one of the most perfect christmas destinations in europe! The christmas market is really charming, has a great vibe and the snowy landscape is really awesome - considering that nowadays you rarely get a lot of snow in western europe, its actually a nice thing to do to witness "proper winter" and wander around the markets and old town among the snow also, places like Jurmala or nature reserves are some of the most beauftiful winter landscapes I've ever witnessed - its something different, but definetly worth it! Same applies for Estonia by the way
Rick Steve's videos used to be my "go to" videos to explore Europe but I now enjoy my lunch watching your videos as the content is much newer and you come across as more of a common traveler. Nothing against Rick but obviously his videos are "made for television" with high production costs while yours are made with a phone in your hand. Keep the vids coming.....very informative and enjoyable to watch.
Thanks for the recommendation!! This summer I went to Latvia for the first time and loved it now going back for Christmas this year! Latvia is beautiful
Yes, Riga is cold and dark in the winter, but the Christmas market is amazing. Also, I 100% agree that the Occupation Museum in Riga is one of the best in the world.
Local here. Thank You for coming to Latvia! Your channel helped me a lot few years ago when I went to explore West-cost USA. If You ever return here, and also suggestion for others, come here at Summer and explore rural areas. You will be amazed of pure nature here.
The nature is lovely! This summer I went all over Scandinavia and on the way back to Germany (my starting point) I decided to go through the baltics down from Finland and found Latvia to be absolutely stunning! The rural areas are beautiful I went southwest from Tartu, Estonia. Going back now for Christmas as I really enjoyed my time there
I visited the three Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, in one trip, as many people do. Unfortunately, for work related reasons, I wasn't able to go till October. OMG! Even though I was living in Chicago at the time, I never knew October could be that cold! The people I met all told me : "You should have come a month ago. The weather was beautiful. But here this is winter." It was still beautiful and I'm glad I went. But, believe me. October in the Baltics is winter.
Thank you for making amazing video :) Additionally, as a Eastern local, here are some additional things to do, which I usually dont see being mentioned in other travel videos: *Basilica of Aglona (Aglona is home not only to one of most important churches in the country but also to some museums and "devilish" sites, like Devils lake (Velnezers) or Island of Sacrifices (Upursala)) *Palace of Rundale (approx. 30 min to 1h drive from Riga) *Araišu Ezerpils (Araishu Lake-castle, if you are interested to see how tribal Latgalians lived before Christiany) *city of Cēsis (whole city is historic sight itself) *city of Kuldīga *fortress of Dinaburg (Daugavpils) *...
Rundale Palace is well worth the visit. Probably a truer rival to Versailles than many of the palaces that claim to be. The palace is pristine inside and out due to a 50 year long renovation.
@@lyleelkins5526 why do people so often bring up exactly that palace in France? And is it some kind of competition? Are palaces supposed to rival each other or can they just be on their own in their own way and enjoyed for what they are?
@@dreamthedream8929 If you have been to Europe and toured the different big name palaces, they all compare themselves to Versailles. And yes, they do rival each other. They were built to rival each other. Rundale is not well know. It's helpful to those who are visiting Latvia to put it in context to other landmarks.
@@lyleelkins5526 well I'm from Europe and at least I've seen people bringing this up and trying to compare and especially to that one. Never occured to me to do that but ive seen others doing that. To many people this competition thing may look weird and kind of silly no matter what the original purpose was as you say. In any case if there was some rivalry there then it led to beautiful art and architecture that is palaces. It's just an old home and there are many different kinds of them
I've been to Riga 2 weeks ago... bit late this video, but we experienced a lot of the tips listed here. There are some few additions to make: - Latvia has a dille obsession. You see it in all the Baltic states, but Latvia is the dille (a particular herb) king in putting it in food. It's just crazy, they put it in water, soup, fish dishes, you name it. - For vegetarian people: be aware. There isn't that much choice if you don't eat meat. They even put it in the beetroot soup as well. You can safely choose fish, but if that's a problem too, there isn't that much to choose. - Don't think the building with the black heads is original. It's a reconstruction. Although Riga was spared most troubles in WWII in bombardment of the city (just 3% of the buildings was destroyed back then, a very low percentage), the St. Maurice guild is a rebuild from 1999. The local tour guide we had (Kaspars, you're a top guy!) was very annoyed that this building is THE poster building for Riga. As he said: "Rīga has so many buildings remaining in original state and they chose one that is not in original state. Even I am older than this building." - Check the quarters with the food market. Go to see that part of the city as soon as possible. It's a nice part now that is going to be gentrified very soon. Now it's still original and of the people. In 10 to 15 years it's one big tourist trap. Now you can go to Christ Church there and actually see 9 different building styles on just 1 square! That's quite rare in world cities. - Don't miss out the Science Tower. It's a tower commissioned by Stalin in the early 50s, but the Rigans have designed and built it themselves (with a fiat from Stalin of course... or else...). It's one of 6 towers as a gift from the Soviet Union that were built. The one in Warsaw is the most famous, in Kiev there is one, but this is the smallest of the 6 and best integrated in the neighbourhood. It's one of the last buildings with commie symbols on it in the whole country. - Don't anger the beavers! There are beavers in the park you saw in Mike's video. Sometimes drunk tourists try to make a picture of them with them, and that can be... messy if you do so. - Don't forget to clothe yourselves properly if visiting a Church for checking them out. Some churches still don't accept visible knees, shoulders, etc. They can deny access or kick you out. That would be a shame.
actually thats not important that the building has been reconstructed, many were all over the world at that time in post war years. that was a very common practice. the important thing is that they did and its still there. in the old beautiful style! and its not just that one, others also have been reconstructed, actually historic buildings get reconstructed over the years anyway in a less dramatic fashion and more gradually. the roofs, doors, walls. windows and the rest get replaced and reconstructed. the rule with protected historic buildings though is that the reconstruction must be in the old style to keep the old beautiful vibe going. that is whats important and the original or not (if that even is a thing) should not affect choosing something for its beauty, inspiration and attractivness like that blackhead building there.
@@pickle879 It is the building of Latvian Academy of Sciences. It is not far from the Central Market, a bit behind it if you go there from the Old Center of Riga. You cannot miss it, it is the only very tall building in that direction, you can easily see it from afar, and it's shape itself loudly anounces "Stalin time". One of two best spots where you can see Riga from above (the other is St.Peter's church).
Best video on Latvia I have seen so far!!!! So many intricate details that I'm so glad you are telling to people. You have spent a lot of time getting to know our ways! Great job! Thank you! P.S. Even I didn't know that there are two cats 😅🤭
Not the don'ts, but still good places to visit Riga: • Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Museum / Paula Stradiņa Medicīnas vēstures muzejs • Latvian National Museum of Art / Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs • Victory Park / Uzvaras parks • Zuzeum • Āgenskalna tirgus / ĀGENSKALNS MARKET Outside Riga: • Canoe & Kayak tours (river - Gauja); • Ski resort Žagarkalns / Slēpošanas bāze Žagarkalns • Teiču Nature Reserve- the largest moss marsh in the Baltics; • The Aglona Roman Catholic Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona / Aglonas Bazilika • LVM Nature Park in Tērvete / Tērvetes Dabas parks • Institute of Horticulure in Dobele • Venta waterfall in Kuldiga / Ventas rumba in Kuldiga • Slītere National Park and Cape Kolka / Slīteres dabas parks un kolkas rags • Rundāle Palace Museum / Rundāles Pils muzejs
that national art museum sucks i must say, the building is more beautiful than most of the art inside. it mainly consists of modern art with not much of classical art. this is a warning for those who may consider it. the building is worth seeing for sure but for classic art lovers perhaps not so much. i was disappointed. however im not sure whether or not they still have the same exibitions or whether that museum in general simply has focus on modern art. for absolutely amazing classical art biržas art museum for sure beats that national art museum. biržas museum was amazing, really wanted to spend more and more time in there. full of classic art work of all kinds in an equally nice building! in addition people may want to combine that rundāle visit with bauska visit, see the town and its castle there
I don’t know if you know Latvians but you made pretty good description of everything especially about not being friendly in winter… we are just cold too 😂
Great review; thank you for sharing! Also, to add, the Riga Cathedral usually has free organ concerts at 19:00 every other day. The organ is one of the biggest in Europe, and the cathedral acoustics are such an experience. Cheers from Cesis!
Thanks for all your videos Walter. Had the best time in all the Baltics. The people are amazing and I even explored the sites that my family were from in Lithuania. Two weeks there and I definitely want to go back again.
Mmmm....pelmini.Takes me back to my school days - friend's parents were Latvians by birth - his dad was conscripted into the Russian Army and his mom ended up as a hospital nurse in the Luftwaffe. They met in a 'displaced persons' camp after the war. Their dog's bowl was a Luftwaffe hospital issue bowl. And when we met up at his home on the weekends his mom cooked us traditional food. And I learnt how to curse bad drivers in Latvian too.
The biggest don't in Latvia is speaking Russian. So Mark's zooming in on a pelmeni stand is particularly ironic because pelmeni is an undeniably purely Russian dish. If Russians were as petty as various European nations about staking claim to baguettes, cheeses, rhubarb or borsch or whatever (see: protected origin), they would have petitioned the UN about having pelmeni designated as Russian a long time ago (and no, contrary to the UN, borsch was not invented by the Ukranians and neither is it uniquely theirs. Ask any Eastern European).
I am from Ukraine. I lived in Latvia in 2019. I am amazed how well you summarized this wonderful country. Well done! The country is truly a jewel! Also, I appreciate the respect to the local people and the history especially your remarks on the USSR past. I currently live in the Netherlands but I am actually deliberating moving back to Latvia at some point. One extra tip from me: try riding e-scooters in the city, it is unlike anywhere else, great way to explore the city!
Great video! Cool that you had some footage from offseason mixed in there. Perhaps one thing to add is that if people are looking for hip bars serving microbrews, coffee roasteries, restaurant terraces with a lot of young people you need to get out of the old town and go to Tallinas kvartāls or the part of the city center around Tērbatas street.
Once more thanks for visiting our chaotic capital, done with nearly too much respect and savvy. Good advice and very correct interpretation of the essential points about Latvia. While being very sensitive to our heritage (or baggage) and history, don't worry too much about discussing the times of USSR occupation, deportations and gulags. Unless you deliberately make fun of the "repressed" (official term), deportations or Russian/USSR yolk, you won't have backlash from normal Latvians and might even learn about it from primary sources - if you're in a company of elderly - or secondary sources from the middle-aged. The sensitivity on the topic mostly comes from "communist"/ultranationalist Russian revisionism, which once again rewrites history, denies occupation, patronises, mocks, asks from us to be grateful for "liberation" which is just a bunch of lies and spins and it only gets worse from there. I was born in USSR and actually appreciate the experience to value the freedom of democratic systems more for it. We shouldn't live in the past, but who forgets, forfeits or revisions history are deemed to repeat it. Also, personal experiences and recollections/perceptions vary (i only remember times when Glastnostj already were announced), so some people have to be scrutinised a bit more. Especially anyone online claiming to be Latvian and nostslgic about USSR - they would either be posers, trolls, ethnic Russians loyal to motherland which is not Latvia, ideological communists or some gen-Z's who doesn't know what they're on aboout. The latter two categories are a tiny minority falling for revived propaganda. Most of my ancestors beyond parents were deported to Siberia either in exile without charge or to gulag as political prisoners, like my grandma who even after losing most of her health from gruelling lumberjack labour in -60C* winters, still managed to marry my granddad (upon release from gulag to settlement). After 10 years hard and deadly labour they got sent back home with grandma heavily pregnant with my mum. I know what happened and why from them. We won't let it happen again. That's why someone said something about speaking Russian here, which is not entirely true. Since Latvia is the first and closest target for certain neo-imperial ambitions in EU/NATO, some are escalatimg rethorics about language, nationalism is the natural reaction. However no tourists or immigrants are shunned for speaking Russian here. In Riga and most cities people do and will continue to use Russian, just they have to take into account that we habe only one official national language, so in public services and businesses there is no requirement to use Russian even for clients - although usually it's possible. It all depends on many factors, called human factors. Sory for half-political rant, just to say that it's an increasingly complex and diverse situation all trough countries bordering Russia. What's more noteworthy is what was only shortly touched upon here - nature and life outside the bustling capital. Cities like Jūrmala, Kuldīga or many others (especially along the coast) and summer festivals are worth experiencing, but if you like nature there is a lot to see all over. The best kept secrets are not easy to find (like the longest sandstone suffozy caves in the world), prehistoric sea coast dune forests many km inland from Kurland's coast and cosy, secluded motels in thick nature or barely habited villages will reward you with unique experience. Due to the climate, spring and summer are best for taking in the diversity of nature, but if you want to go skiing or otherwise enjoy the snow and ice in a country where TV tower is over 50m taller than the highest hill above sea level (highest in EU, only i think closed for visitors this year because of renovation), you can in winter. I'm not a travel agent, just love this video..)))
As a Brit living in Riga, it's a cracking place. The summers are fantastic with the long days and I don't mind the winters when they are really cold with bright blue skies (just wear two beanie hats and an extra layer!). Unfortunately, it's not like that every winter and the freezing rain making the pavements icy and sometimes dangerous followed by the slush and mud has made me plan a move down south soon.
Yeah as a Latvian that may be the biggest problem of autumn and winter here. The winters for the most part arent beautiful etc., as you see in pictures and TV. The winters in Latvia are grey, wet, muddy, and just overall very unpleasant. A great place to live, but mostly outside of summer and a few weeks in spring and autumn it is a miserable place due to weather conditions.
I don't know if its true, but I heard that people who have a bit of trouble with dairy do ok over there with that because they don't put tons of Crap in to their cows, so it doesn't affect them the same way it does in the states.
@@VickiMcCormick-jf5pe It is true for the most part. Latvia is big on ecologically clean produce of both Grain and husbandry. But like anywhere else, there are still farmers that are using chemicals. There are a lot of pests here and there are no natural deterrants for some of them.
On the topic of joking about ussr: if you understant why it is not ok to joke about what a certain grman party did to the jewish people, - its the same here. The atrocities comited by the soviets are still alive in peoples memories (especialy in the older generations). And Do not call baltic (Estonia, Latvia Lithuania) people russians, you will come of as an absolute jack..ss. Cheers from Lithuania brothers.
Winter time in Latvia is beautiful if there is snow. But be prepared to cold wind and moist air. It is also nice to come on Independence anniversary time, like from 11th of November to 18th of November. There are interesting events going on, like very national and patriotic decorations, memorial event with a candlelight vigil on the waterfront of November 11, student march, fireworks, many different concerts etc. Very cultural time.
Thank you from the bottom of a proud Latvian's heart! ❤️ Btw great pronunciation! 😉👍 I would add - don't forget to use public transportation especially to/from the airport (bus 22) whenever it's possible, otherwise that relatively short trip might be a rip off.
Awesome video and I'll be coming in winter - I'll be on a mission to show you it can be fun in winter too! Especially with those beautiful Christmas markets plus I live in Chicago, what's a cool breeze in Riga compared to that :) Safe Travels!
A great video of my hometown ! I agree about not coming in winter to Latvia unless you want to see snowy landscapes and experience freezing temperatures.
ok now, I think "explode" is a bit of an exaggeration... phosphorus is what's being referred to here, as it "ignites spontaneously in air at temperatures above 30 °C", for example, in one's pocket. But, look, actually finding amber on the beaches, much less phosphorus, for a visiting tourist is rather unrealistic IMHO.
As a car enthusiast, I would also recommend visiting Riga Motor Museum, which is situated right next to the Bikernieki race track (which also has a fascinating story), lots of interesting soviet cars and other vehicles on display, with historical facts about each one of them 🙂 It's a bit far from the old town, on the edge of the city, but not to worry, Bolt or CityBee will come in handy 👌🏼
I suggest to check out Mežaparks (old historic buildings - private villas there in the forest). Also Āgenskalns ir quite charming! And as for going to the seaside - I would suggest taking the train - it is cheap, fast and brings you close to the sea. :)
I sprained my ankle badly when in Riga! Wasn’t on the cobbles though as I am used to that at home in Aberdeen but there were a bunch of pot holes on the path in one of the parks!
Local here- do tourists still come to parties specifically to Riga? I know it was the case 15-20 years ago, but now- it’s not cheap anymore. Went drinking in London and there was no price differences.
If the weather is good - check out the Latvian Ethnographic open air museum in Riga. Good to visit with kids. You will see real life houses from 18-19 century from all parts of Latvia moved to a single park. Not far from Sigulda - come to Cesis. It's a small city full of history if you are into that. The nearby town Liepa has nice Gauja river walking trails.
If you were here during the Sunday-Monday storm, we were advised to stay inside as much as possible via the news, it was so bad, this is not our normal weather.
It was one crazy storm. The farmers are still recovering. A lot of fields in the middle part of the country are still under water. The grain got damaged a lot and most of the potatoes, etc. in that part of the country are probably done for in a week if the water suddenly doesnt dissappear.
Those are accurate observations. You can come any time; the only dreadful time is when it gets colder but the district heating system has not yet kicked in. You should check with your hotel to see if they have thermostats, because many hotels do not. Some have radiators with valves, but they are not automatic. You have to adjust them manually if it is too hot or cold. This can be a bit wasteful of precious energy because you can't get the exact temperature you want. Central heating is on all the time. We don't switch it off at night as our friends in the south do. I am personally 100% electric because I prefer a stable room temperature, with the temperature adjusting up or down according to my schedule. In winter, you can enjoy some concerts or other cultural events.
I could add visiting the various castles of Latvia: Ēdole, Rundāle, Cesvaine, Jelgava, Cēsis, Bauska... basically in almost every Latvian city is a castle or its ruins. Mostly there are a few exhibitions about the castle and you can take tours as well on a daily basis. Also the theatre/opera scene in Latvia is pretty big and with a lot of interesting history. Definitely be sure to visit the Grand Stage at Mežaparks. And yeah, don't call us russians, because we're not, and definitely don't joke about us being occupied by the USSR. For that - go visit the war museum as well.
You forgot to mention to take tour in "KGB building in Riga". Its powerful sadness there. Similar as occupation museum, but more "easy and entertaining".
Riga's Central Market has churchkhela (written as ჩურჩხელა in kartuli, the Georgian language)! This Georgian food, soft and chewy on the outside with a crunch in the middle, is made of walnuts (typically) on a string dipped in a hot mixture of concentrated grape juice, flour, and sugar so that it coats the nuts like wax over a candle-string, then hung to dry. It's known as "Georgian Snickers" and is healthier (more natural, less processed, less sugar probably, though a slight workout for your teeth), and, in my opinion, better-tasting (unless you're in the mood for chocolate). Regarding the Balsam, I looked up the drink and it says it "contains volatile oils, dissolved resin" - how is that healthy? Also, some can't do dairy not because of lactose but for other reasons (milkfat, histamine, etc.), so it would be helpful to inform people if there are non-dairy as well as vegan options in Latvia. In Georgia, for example, you can find alternative milk, and despite the love of cheese, there are plenty of non-dairy dishes in addition to dairy ones.
The national library is walking distance. The best way for Jurmala is by train or bicycle. As well for other cities the best choice is a train, also "express"train not a bus.
As a Latvian, my top 3 suggestions: 1. Do go outside of the tourist routes to experience the real Latvia 2. Do try the local beer culture as it is our national beverage 3. Do return to experience something new, as we Latvians say:Riga (and Latvia) is never a finished article
ok I found 2022 statistics for you as I was curious myself: in population aged 25-64, 64% speak English, what is more, "Among those speaking English as the first best-known foreign language, almost a half (46 %) rate their knowledge to be at advanced level, followed by 40 % at intermediate level, 12 % at beginner level, and 3 % have hardly any language skills."
I live 44 kilometers from Riga, sometimes I take my horse from the stables and ride to Riga to sell my chickens. We are honest and hard working people, but prideful thus susceptible to offense by unaware foreigners. That's why the first stop at Riga should be the market, because if you insult our customs, then a bag of potatoes will be your best bet to keep your shoes.
I have one important don't. Last year I was in Riga... and I was happy that I could use my Bolt app for renting those electro-scooters. BUT... do not drive these electro-scooters in the old town. Actually it is not prohibited... but again those cobblestones. Its small wheels are not the best option for this surface. It will shake your brain off... trust me... don't drive it in the old town or you will regret it!
@@VetriugaWhen I went to Riga I rented them without knowing you need a Licence.. (I’m 15) so I guess people assumed I had a Licence already since it’s 14+
My Lettish Grandmother was born in Cesis. FASCINATING history I plan to go there next year. Also the grim KGB house in Riga, where It's likely some of my relatives spent time being tortured and/or executed.
![Latvia: a looming threat of Russian separatism [DOCUMENTARY]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ULmgXialiiU/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a local, so I don't really need to watch your video, but for those coming for bachelor parties, please keep in mind that there are lots and lots and lots and lots of cameras all around Old Town and the surrounding neighborhood, so if you decide to be naughty by, for instance, deciding that it would be a good idea to pee on the Freedom Monument, you can be sure that your bachelor party will end much differently than you had expected.
can i pee on the river?
@@ghosthdel3098 You must ask local beavers!
As a local - if you want to come in winter, do it for the Christmas markets, because they're great. Otherwise, come another time, because it will be either very gray and gloomy, or, if it's sunny in winter, then you bet it will be incredibly cold. :D
Another recommendation - don't stick to eating out just in the Old Town or city center around the parks. Since the inflation due to covid and the war in Ukraine, a lot of places have been hiking up their prices and slacking on the quality, so really look at recent reviews to figure out if the food is worth it, because of lot of places will serve very expensive (for local standards/salaries) and incredibly mediocre food.
@@opalgriffin I'm planning on doing just that, I'll be doing a Baltics Christmas markets tour this December :) Do you have any special recommendations for Riga?
@@Hanchanad14 I can suggest to visit medieval restaurant LĀSĪTE, and order a rabbit stew in pot.
@@Hanchanad14 I recommend "Gauja", it's a small place little outside the center, but they serve very delicious food and big portions for reasonable price. Me and my family go there every once in a while. And they have great beer as well, try Brenguļu beer, it's very good!
@@Hanchanad14Me too!! I’m also doing just that this Christmas
@@DNovacI did go to a medieval restaurant when I went to Riga in July it was a cave but I can’t remember the name
I have Latvian friends who live in the countryside. It is like a fairyland, really beautiful.
Your friends are probably rich
Tf, no most people in the countryside are NOT rich, speaking as someone who lives there.
That's true, latvian rural areas are awesome! 😍
@@quicksilver9892 It... depends. Cilvēki, kuriem ir nauda, var atļauties celt muižas un darīt tamlīdzīgas lietas... Es pats uzaugu laukos :x un kamēr man pašam bija koka rotaļlietas; vecmammas draugi aizrāvās ar savas zemes teritorijas paplašināšanu un muižu celšanu. C'est la Vie, I guess :,D Cheers and may you have good health fellow Latvian!!
@@quicksilver9892lol he probably wants attention. I went to the Latvian countryside when I rented a motorhome this summer
I visited Riga in 2022 and absolutely fell in love with Riga, Latvia, the food, the history, the architecture and the people!
Rīga is a soviet city. Most latvieši live in the countryside.
Dude fell in love with herring, cottage cheese and boiled potatos xd
@@dundun8640 If I where to move abroad indefinetly I would have no chyoice but to produce my own biezpienu.
@@dundun8640 yes that’s true 🥰
@@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714 Russians only make up 30% of Riga.
That museum in Latvia looks so fantastic. Great tip thank you so much!
Cheers
As a local I can say this - This is the best and most acurate tourist video for visiting Latvia I've ever seen!! Everything is spot on, a lot of truly useful tips! Great job! I'll just add about the Riga black currant balsam, a really simple cocktail is this balsam mixed with Sprite, this was my go-to for a while! And this is the first time I've seen someone put sour cream in pink soup. It's already made with kefīrs, you don't have to add it :D
AND DON'T PASS ON TRAINS!!! They are a great alternative for busses! I personally would choose a train over bus any day if possible!! And often they are cheaper, at least in my experience.
I'm Latvian and you are so right about us not liking to be called Eastern Europe. I prefer Northern Europe personally. Very nice video ❤
@@bearventurer Thats a bit delulu lmao.
@@edwardhisse2687 why is it tho?
Because there is not such a thing as Eastern European. It's a geopolitical term. We aren't calling French Western Europeans, do we? Unfortunately I was diagnosed as Scandinavian, in UK, during my pregnancy. It nearly cost me my and my child's life, but, yes, we are Northern. It's snowing now nicely in Sheffield.
Happy to see you in my hometown, Wolter! Quick tip - if the weather is good, renting out a bike is a good idea. Riga has a lot to see, and you can even cycle to Jūrmala (about 20km) and go back via train.
Is it hard to cycle with all those cobblestone streets?
The cobblestone is only in the city center@@MiaHessMusic
@@drerri oh thank you!
His name is Mark.
@MiaHessMusic
Yes, cobblestones cover mostly the central Old Town, but compared to Western Europe Riga is not the most cyclist-friendly city. There is not enough cyclist lines (they're trying but failing to redesign USSR road planning) and there are rougher areas you can hit an odd pothole. That's why a trip to next seaside-resort city of Jūrmala can be more scenic and smooth, it's connected via a good cyclist trail. And then you can explore the ~30km long and very green city from river to sea at your own pace, if your legs are durable. Bicycles (including electric) are available for hire, but also various companies offer electric scooters and whole cars, much easier to find than bicycles.
1:10 I have to correct you on this - yes, its cold. but thats what makes it one of the most perfect christmas destinations in europe! The christmas market is really charming, has a great vibe and the snowy landscape is really awesome - considering that nowadays you rarely get a lot of snow in western europe, its actually a nice thing to do to witness "proper winter" and wander around the markets and old town among the snow
also, places like Jurmala or nature reserves are some of the most beauftiful winter landscapes I've ever witnessed - its something different, but definetly worth it!
Same applies for Estonia by the way
Only in case if it snow around the Christmas. Rainy Christmas not fun at all.
One or two-day side trips to both Tallinn and Vilnius are also great, but Riga is definitely my favorite. Love it.
Rick Steve's videos used to be my "go to" videos to explore Europe but I now enjoy my lunch watching your videos as the content is much newer and you come across as more of a common traveler. Nothing against Rick but obviously his videos are "made for television" with high production costs while yours are made with a phone in your hand. Keep the vids coming.....very informative and enjoyable to watch.
I’d love to see a collab travel video with Steve and Wolters! That would pretty damn cool tbh
These are great tips! I just posted my own vlog from Riga sharing my first impressions of Latvia. I definitely think it's a top destination for 2024!
So many compliments, latvians love to hear that. It's like music to our ears.
You didn't mention Kuldīga, it's also a great place in Latvia.
While in Latvia, you must try Karums, cottage cheese chocolate bar
Thanks for the recommendation!! This summer I went to Latvia for the first time and loved it now going back for Christmas this year! Latvia is beautiful
Kesam/cottage cheese bars seem to be a thing in Estonia too?
Yes, Riga is cold and dark in the winter, but the Christmas market is amazing. Also, I 100% agree that the Occupation Museum in Riga is one of the best in the world.
The most respectful and factually correct review of Riga/Latvia I’ve ever heard from a foreigner. Thank you so much!
THIS!!! exactly thiss!!!!
So cool to see one of my favourite youtubers in my local town!
Local here. Thank You for coming to Latvia! Your channel helped me a lot few years ago when I went to explore West-cost USA. If You ever return here, and also suggestion for others, come here at Summer and explore rural areas. You will be amazed of pure nature here.
The nature is lovely! This summer I went all over Scandinavia and on the way back to Germany (my starting point) I decided to go through the baltics down from Finland and found Latvia to be absolutely stunning! The rural areas are beautiful I went southwest from Tartu, Estonia. Going back now for Christmas as I really enjoyed my time there
OMG, now I want to go there. Latvia looks awesome. I've never seen a human-powered bus like that before. Pretty cool.
I visited the three Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, in one trip, as many people do.
Unfortunately, for work related reasons, I wasn't able to go till October.
OMG! Even though I was living in Chicago at the time, I never knew October could be that cold!
The people I met all told me : "You should have come a month ago. The weather was beautiful. But here this is winter."
It was still beautiful and I'm glad I went. But, believe me.
October in the Baltics is winter.
october is autumn, some trees may even still be green at that time and full of red and yellow, some trees even manage to retain leaves into november
Thank you for making amazing video :)
Additionally, as a Eastern local, here are some additional things to do, which I usually dont see being mentioned in other travel videos:
*Basilica of Aglona (Aglona is home not only to one of most important churches in the country but also to some museums and "devilish" sites, like Devils lake (Velnezers) or Island of Sacrifices (Upursala))
*Palace of Rundale (approx. 30 min to 1h drive from Riga)
*Araišu Ezerpils (Araishu Lake-castle, if you are interested to see how tribal Latgalians lived before Christiany)
*city of Cēsis (whole city is historic sight itself)
*city of Kuldīga
*fortress of Dinaburg (Daugavpils)
*...
probably a good idea to combine that rundāle visit with a visit to bauska, explore the town and its castle there
Rundale Palace is well worth the visit. Probably a truer rival to Versailles than many of the palaces that claim to be. The palace is pristine inside and out due to a 50 year long renovation.
@@lyleelkins5526 why do people so often bring up exactly that palace in France? And is it some kind of competition? Are palaces supposed to rival each other or can they just be on their own in their own way and enjoyed for what they are?
@@dreamthedream8929 If you have been to Europe and toured the different big name palaces, they all compare themselves to Versailles. And yes, they do rival each other. They were built to rival each other. Rundale is not well know. It's helpful to those who are visiting Latvia to put it in context to other landmarks.
@@lyleelkins5526 well I'm from Europe and at least I've seen people bringing this up and trying to compare and especially to that one. Never occured to me to do that but ive seen others doing that. To many people this competition thing may look weird and kind of silly no matter what the original purpose was as you say. In any case if there was some rivalry there then it led to beautiful art and architecture that is palaces. It's just an old home and there are many different kinds of them
Thank you for the video, being respectful, and making Latvia so appealing to visitors.. cuz it really is!
Thanks, glad you liked it!
This video has really pointed me toward traveling the eastern parts of Europe for my next trip. Looks affordable, and the food looks wonderful.
you mean Northern.. ? :)
I've been to Riga 2 weeks ago... bit late this video, but we experienced a lot of the tips listed here. There are some few additions to make:
- Latvia has a dille obsession. You see it in all the Baltic states, but Latvia is the dille (a particular herb) king in putting it in food. It's just crazy, they put it in water, soup, fish dishes, you name it.
- For vegetarian people: be aware. There isn't that much choice if you don't eat meat. They even put it in the beetroot soup as well. You can safely choose fish, but if that's a problem too, there isn't that much to choose.
- Don't think the building with the black heads is original. It's a reconstruction. Although Riga was spared most troubles in WWII in bombardment of the city (just 3% of the buildings was destroyed back then, a very low percentage), the St. Maurice guild is a rebuild from 1999. The local tour guide we had (Kaspars, you're a top guy!) was very annoyed that this building is THE poster building for Riga. As he said: "Rīga has so many buildings remaining in original state and they chose one that is not in original state. Even I am older than this building."
- Check the quarters with the food market. Go to see that part of the city as soon as possible. It's a nice part now that is going to be gentrified very soon. Now it's still original and of the people. In 10 to 15 years it's one big tourist trap. Now you can go to Christ Church there and actually see 9 different building styles on just 1 square! That's quite rare in world cities.
- Don't miss out the Science Tower. It's a tower commissioned by Stalin in the early 50s, but the Rigans have designed and built it themselves (with a fiat from Stalin of course... or else...). It's one of 6 towers as a gift from the Soviet Union that were built. The one in Warsaw is the most famous, in Kiev there is one, but this is the smallest of the 6 and best integrated in the neighbourhood. It's one of the last buildings with commie symbols on it in the whole country.
- Don't anger the beavers! There are beavers in the park you saw in Mike's video. Sometimes drunk tourists try to make a picture of them with them, and that can be... messy if you do so.
- Don't forget to clothe yourselves properly if visiting a Church for checking them out. Some churches still don't accept visible knees, shoulders, etc. They can deny access or kick you out. That would be a shame.
actually thats not important that the building has been reconstructed, many were all over the world at that time in post war years. that was a very common practice. the important thing is that they did and its still there. in the old beautiful style! and its not just that one, others also have been reconstructed, actually historic buildings get reconstructed over the years anyway in a less dramatic fashion and more gradually. the roofs, doors, walls. windows and the rest get replaced and reconstructed. the rule with protected historic buildings though is that the reconstruction must be in the old style to keep the old beautiful vibe going. that is whats important and the original or not (if that even is a thing) should not affect choosing something for its beauty, inspiration and attractivness like that blackhead building there.
what in the hell is a science tower???? you mean the tv tower? nobody here calls it a science tower.
@@pickle879 It is the building of Latvian Academy of Sciences. It is not far from the Central Market, a bit behind it if you go there from the Old Center of Riga. You cannot miss it, it is the only very tall building in that direction, you can easily see it from afar, and it's shape itself loudly anounces "Stalin time". One of two best spots where you can see Riga from above (the other is St.Peter's church).
No way!! My hometown!! So happy to see you here through the internet.
Best video on Latvia I have seen so far!!!! So many intricate details that I'm so glad you are telling to people. You have spent a lot of time getting to know our ways! Great job! Thank you!
P.S. Even I didn't know that there are two cats 😅🤭
Dont pee on our monuments and you will be fine! Also youre right about the market it is fun to go there with friends even as a local.
Not the don'ts, but still good places to visit
Riga:
• Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Museum / Paula Stradiņa Medicīnas vēstures muzejs
• Latvian National Museum of Art / Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs
• Victory Park / Uzvaras parks
• Zuzeum
• Āgenskalna tirgus / ĀGENSKALNS MARKET
Outside Riga:
• Canoe & Kayak tours (river - Gauja);
• Ski resort Žagarkalns / Slēpošanas bāze Žagarkalns
• Teiču Nature Reserve- the largest moss marsh in the Baltics;
• The Aglona Roman Catholic Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona / Aglonas Bazilika
• LVM Nature Park in Tērvete / Tērvetes Dabas parks
• Institute of Horticulure in Dobele
• Venta waterfall in Kuldiga / Ventas rumba in Kuldiga
• Slītere National Park and Cape Kolka / Slīteres dabas parks un kolkas rags
• Rundāle Palace Museum / Rundāles Pils muzejs
Zuzeum, only if you like the bad hipster art.
that national art museum sucks i must say, the building is more beautiful than most of the art inside. it mainly consists of modern art with not much of classical art. this is a warning for those who may consider it. the building is worth seeing for sure but for classic art lovers perhaps not so much. i was disappointed. however im not sure whether or not they still have the same exibitions or whether that museum in general simply has focus on modern art. for absolutely amazing classical art biržas art museum for sure beats that national art museum. biržas museum was amazing, really wanted to spend more and more time in there. full of classic art work of all kinds in an equally nice building! in addition people may want to combine that rundāle visit with bauska visit, see the town and its castle there
I don’t know if you know Latvians but you made pretty good description of everything especially about not being friendly in winter… we are just cold too 😂
Fun fact the garlic bread is that color because it's made from rye bread(they go good with garlic sour cream sauce btw).
As a latvian I am not sure if a title of bachelor party capital is suitable, but otherwise I approve this video :)
Visticamāk tāpēc ka ar to populāra daudzviet , vasara it īpaši tas redzams Vecrīgā :)
maybe a “Don’ts of Riga” would’ve been better
Great review; thank you for sharing! Also, to add, the Riga Cathedral usually has free organ concerts at 19:00 every other day. The organ is one of the biggest in Europe, and the cathedral acoustics are such an experience. Cheers from Cesis!
liepāja church has the second or third largest organ, the first one is somewhere in germany
Thanks for all your videos Walter. Had the best time in all the Baltics. The people are amazing and I even explored the sites that my family were from in Lithuania. Two weeks there and I definitely want to go back again.
Mmmm....pelmini.Takes me back to my school days - friend's parents were Latvians by birth - his dad was conscripted into the Russian Army and his mom ended up as a hospital nurse in the Luftwaffe. They met in a 'displaced persons' camp after the war. Their dog's bowl was a Luftwaffe hospital issue bowl. And when we met up at his home on the weekends his mom cooked us traditional food. And I learnt how to curse bad drivers in Latvian too.
The biggest don't in Latvia is speaking Russian. So Mark's zooming in on a pelmeni stand is particularly ironic because pelmeni is an undeniably purely Russian dish. If Russians were as petty as various European nations about staking claim to baguettes, cheeses, rhubarb or borsch or whatever (see: protected origin), they would have petitioned the UN about having pelmeni designated as Russian a long time ago (and no, contrary to the UN, borsch was not invented by the Ukranians and neither is it uniquely theirs. Ask any Eastern European).
I am from Ukraine. I lived in Latvia in 2019. I am amazed how well you summarized this wonderful country. Well done! The country is truly a jewel! Also, I appreciate the respect to the local people and the history especially your remarks on the USSR past. I currently live in the Netherlands but I am actually deliberating moving back to Latvia at some point. One extra tip from me: try riding e-scooters in the city, it is unlike anywhere else, great way to explore the city!
Great video! Cool that you had some footage from offseason mixed in there. Perhaps one thing to add is that if people are looking for hip bars serving microbrews, coffee roasteries, restaurant terraces with a lot of young people you need to get out of the old town and go to Tallinas kvartāls or the part of the city center around Tērbatas street.
Once more thanks for visiting our chaotic capital, done with nearly too much respect and savvy. Good advice and very correct interpretation of the essential points about Latvia.
While being very sensitive to our heritage (or baggage) and history, don't worry too much about discussing the times of USSR occupation, deportations and gulags. Unless you deliberately make fun of the "repressed" (official term), deportations or Russian/USSR yolk, you won't have backlash from normal Latvians and might even learn about it from primary sources - if you're in a company of elderly - or secondary sources from the middle-aged. The sensitivity on the topic mostly comes from "communist"/ultranationalist Russian revisionism, which once again rewrites history, denies occupation, patronises, mocks, asks from us to be grateful for "liberation" which is just a bunch of lies and spins and it only gets worse from there. I was born in USSR and actually appreciate the experience to value the freedom of democratic systems more for it. We shouldn't live in the past, but who forgets, forfeits or revisions history are deemed to repeat it.
Also, personal experiences and recollections/perceptions vary (i only remember times when Glastnostj already were announced), so some people have to be scrutinised a bit more. Especially anyone online claiming to be Latvian and nostslgic about USSR - they would either be posers, trolls, ethnic Russians loyal to motherland which is not Latvia, ideological communists or some gen-Z's who doesn't know what they're on aboout. The latter two categories are a tiny minority falling for revived propaganda.
Most of my ancestors beyond parents were deported to Siberia either in exile without charge or to gulag as political prisoners, like my grandma who even after losing most of her health from gruelling lumberjack labour in -60C* winters, still managed to marry my granddad (upon release from gulag to settlement). After 10 years hard and deadly labour they got sent back home with grandma heavily pregnant with my mum. I know what happened and why from them. We won't let it happen again. That's why someone said something about speaking Russian here, which is not entirely true. Since Latvia is the first and closest target for certain neo-imperial ambitions in EU/NATO, some are escalatimg rethorics about language, nationalism is the natural reaction. However no tourists or immigrants are shunned for speaking Russian here. In Riga and most cities people do and will continue to use Russian, just they have to take into account that we habe only one official national language, so in public services and businesses there is no requirement to use Russian even for clients - although usually it's possible. It all depends on many factors, called human factors.
Sory for half-political rant, just to say that it's an increasingly complex and diverse situation all trough countries bordering Russia. What's more noteworthy is what was only shortly touched upon here - nature and life outside the bustling capital. Cities like Jūrmala, Kuldīga or many others (especially along the coast) and summer festivals are worth experiencing, but if you like nature there is a lot to see all over. The best kept secrets are not easy to find (like the longest sandstone suffozy caves in the world), prehistoric sea coast dune forests many km inland from Kurland's coast and cosy, secluded motels in thick nature or barely habited villages will reward you with unique experience. Due to the climate, spring and summer are best for taking in the diversity of nature, but if you want to go skiing or otherwise enjoy the snow and ice in a country where TV tower is over 50m taller than the highest hill above sea level (highest in EU, only i think closed for visitors this year because of renovation), you can in winter. I'm not a travel agent, just love this video..)))
@@dannydetonator hard times make strong,(and wise), people ❣️
@@dannydetonator that's a very well written comment! 🇱🇻🇱🇹
Who knew?? I learned a lot today, thank you Mark!!
Thank you! We are nice people and we welcome tourists!
As a local - it's so interesting to watch this video and hear your perspective!
As a Brit living in Riga, it's a cracking place. The summers are fantastic with the long days and I don't mind the winters when they are really cold with bright blue skies (just wear two beanie hats and an extra layer!). Unfortunately, it's not like that every winter and the freezing rain making the pavements icy and sometimes dangerous followed by the slush and mud has made me plan a move down south soon.
Yeah as a Latvian that may be the biggest problem of autumn and winter here. The winters for the most part arent beautiful etc., as you see in pictures and TV. The winters in Latvia are grey, wet, muddy, and just overall very unpleasant. A great place to live, but mostly outside of summer and a few weeks in spring and autumn it is a miserable place due to weather conditions.
@@tomsrudzitis4942Oh no I already have a planned trip to Riga for Christmas :(
@@FastGuy1 christmas is fine, dont worry about that
@@tomsrudzitis4942 oh okay was a bit concerned thanks!
@@FastGuy1 december is usually alright, november and february can get quite gloomy
I went to Riga last June (2023). I fell in love with it. Its a beautiful city, with beautiful, friendly people. I want to go back one day 😊
I hear ya, it really is a special place!
Thank you for this wonderful and special topic, Sir…
I don't know if its true, but I heard that people who have a bit of trouble with dairy do ok over there with that because they don't put tons of Crap in to their cows, so it doesn't affect them the same way it does in the states.
@@VickiMcCormick-jf5pe It is true for the most part. Latvia is big on ecologically clean produce of both Grain and husbandry. But like anywhere else, there are still farmers that are using chemicals. There are a lot of pests here and there are no natural deterrants for some of them.
You pronounced "Liepāja" almost perfectly, other foreigners pronounce it as "Leepaga" and i always laughed my ass off 😂
On the topic of joking about ussr: if you understant why it is not ok to joke about what a certain grman party did to the jewish people, - its the same here. The atrocities comited by the soviets are still alive in peoples memories (especialy in the older generations). And Do not call baltic (Estonia, Latvia Lithuania) people russians, you will come of as an absolute jack..ss. Cheers from Lithuania brothers.
Yes, if you meet someone whos grandpa got deported and call them slavic or russian, you will defenetly get ur shit kicked in
@@dundun8640 100% facts
@@dundun8640Definitely. It’s just common sense. It’s not something to joke about
Beautiful place. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤
Love to see my city by your eyes - everything you said was 100% on point 😍
You even made me to go revisit some museums 😊
Winter time in Latvia is beautiful if there is snow. But be prepared to cold wind and moist air. It is also nice to come on Independence anniversary time, like from 11th of November to 18th of November. There are interesting events going on, like very national and patriotic decorations, memorial event with a candlelight vigil on the waterfront of November 11, student march, fireworks, many different concerts etc. Very cultural time.
Yes when there is snow it’s better! Sometimes with the rain everything becomes muddy and slippery
watching this as someone whose been born and raised in latvia is kinda fun ngl
Thank you for an interesting report about my home country. ☺️
Thank you from the bottom of a proud Latvian's heart! ❤️ Btw great pronunciation! 😉👍
I would add - don't forget to use public transportation especially to/from the airport (bus 22) whenever it's possible, otherwise that relatively short trip might be a rip off.
Awesome video and I'll be coming in winter - I'll be on a mission to show you it can be fun in winter too! Especially with those beautiful Christmas markets plus I live in Chicago, what's a cool breeze in Riga compared to that :) Safe Travels!
It can be -13 Fahrenheit in Riga most years
A great video of my hometown ! I agree about not coming in winter to Latvia unless you want to see snowy landscapes and experience freezing temperatures.
❤The markets are fun, the amount of sample of foods they offer you. I get full off of samples sometimes. And they are so friendly.
Between Liepaja and Riga, make sure to visit Kuldiga
Love the architecture ❤ looks like a beautiful country they have amber on the beaches wow 🤩
Just don’t pick it up if you see it, it’s not always amber . If it’s the other substance that looks like amber, it can explode in your hands.
ok now, I think "explode" is a bit of an exaggeration... phosphorus is what's being referred to here, as it "ignites spontaneously in air at temperatures above 30 °C", for example, in one's pocket.
But, look, actually finding amber on the beaches, much less phosphorus, for a visiting tourist is rather unrealistic IMHO.
The Corner House is a sobering place to visit. When we go to Latvia we spend time in Valmiera and Cesis besides Riga.
As a car enthusiast, I would also recommend visiting Riga Motor Museum, which is situated right next to the Bikernieki race track (which also has a fascinating story), lots of interesting soviet cars and other vehicles on display, with historical facts about each one of them 🙂 It's a bit far from the old town, on the edge of the city, but not to worry, Bolt or CityBee will come in handy 👌🏼
+1
Driving is not agressive it's assertive. :)
While I don't enjoy driving in Riga, I love driving in all the other areas of Latvia.
Good food and nice people. The central market they said has every thing you can find. I don't know it but my friends went there.
If you like lights then you can come in December to specific cities that have light sculptures. For example Ogre, but also other cities have them.
Hey Mark, awesome video
Hey, thanks!
I suggest to check out Mežaparks (old historic buildings - private villas there in the forest). Also Āgenskalns ir quite charming!
And as for going to the seaside - I would suggest taking the train - it is cheap, fast and brings you close to the sea. :)
I sprained my ankle badly when in Riga! Wasn’t on the cobbles though as I am used to that at home in Aberdeen but there were a bunch of pot holes on the path in one of the parks!
Riga is a great place to holiday.
I was born in Riga. I miss it so so much
Enjoy your life n don't bother.
Riga is beautiful I was there in July for the first time and now going back for Christmas.. its truly amazing
The different Self Service Restaurants „Lido“ are Great.
Local here- do tourists still come to parties specifically to Riga? I know it was the case 15-20 years ago, but now- it’s not cheap anymore. Went drinking in London and there was no price differences.
Great video; thank you! Do the hotels have air conditioning?
@@kevinquinn3418 yes
If the weather is good - check out the Latvian Ethnographic open air museum in Riga. Good to visit with kids. You will see real life houses from 18-19 century from all parts of Latvia moved to a single park.
Not far from Sigulda - come to Cesis. It's a small city full of history if you are into that. The nearby town Liepa has nice Gauja river walking trails.
Love the "kiss my turku"shirt as someone who lives in turku😄
Just came from Riga yesterday. Well, my main problem was the weather) during the only free time I had it was raining like crazy((😅
yes there was the biggest storm in 100 years
That sucks 😞
If you were here during the Sunday-Monday storm, we were advised to stay inside as much as possible via the news, it was so bad, this is not our normal weather.
the record for most rainfall in a single day was beaten by a sizeable margin that day (both the record for the whole country as well as for Riga)
It was one crazy storm. The farmers are still recovering. A lot of fields in the middle part of the country are still under water. The grain got damaged a lot and most of the potatoes, etc. in that part of the country are probably done for in a week if the water suddenly doesnt dissappear.
Those are accurate observations. You can come any time; the only dreadful time is when it gets colder but the district heating system has not yet kicked in. You should check with your hotel to see if they have thermostats, because many hotels do not. Some have radiators with valves, but they are not automatic. You have to adjust them manually if it is too hot or cold. This can be a bit wasteful of precious energy because you can't get the exact temperature you want. Central heating is on all the time. We don't switch it off at night as our friends in the south do. I am personally 100% electric because I prefer a stable room temperature, with the temperature adjusting up or down according to my schedule. In winter, you can enjoy some concerts or other cultural events.
Great video!
I could add visiting the various castles of Latvia: Ēdole, Rundāle, Cesvaine, Jelgava, Cēsis, Bauska... basically in almost every Latvian city is a castle or its ruins. Mostly there are a few exhibitions about the castle and you can take tours as well on a daily basis.
Also the theatre/opera scene in Latvia is pretty big and with a lot of interesting history. Definitely be sure to visit the Grand Stage at Mežaparks.
And yeah, don't call us russians, because we're not, and definitely don't joke about us being occupied by the USSR. For that - go visit the war museum as well.
nice review.
Linen is also a Great Gift
You forgot to mention to take tour in "KGB building in Riga". Its powerful sadness there. Similar as occupation museum, but more "easy and entertaining".
do you know how the occupation museum was called before?
U R Right 100% .Ive been in Lithuania and some of my friends passport said born in USSR
I went in june. Long days and short nights.
I went in the middle of winter and it was -19 degrees. Not fun! But still beautiful!
Riga rental prices are a fraction of the US was wondering what would it take to become a citizen there?
Riga's Central Market has churchkhela (written as ჩურჩხელა in kartuli, the Georgian language)! This Georgian food, soft and chewy on the outside with a crunch in the middle, is made of walnuts (typically) on a string dipped in a hot mixture of concentrated grape juice, flour, and sugar so that it coats the nuts like wax over a candle-string, then hung to dry. It's known as "Georgian Snickers" and is healthier (more natural, less processed, less sugar probably, though a slight workout for your teeth), and, in my opinion, better-tasting (unless you're in the mood for chocolate). Regarding the Balsam, I looked up the drink and it says it "contains volatile oils, dissolved resin" - how is that healthy? Also, some can't do dairy not because of lactose but for other reasons (milkfat, histamine, etc.), so it would be helpful to inform people if there are non-dairy as well as vegan options in Latvia. In Georgia, for example, you can find alternative milk, and despite the love of cheese, there are plenty of non-dairy dishes in addition to dairy ones.
Bolt-Drive - also OX drive ( only electric tesla, audi rental ) . citybee and carguru also car shering companys
The national library is walking distance.
The best way for Jurmala is by train or bicycle. As well for other cities the best choice is a train, also "express"train not a bus.
I would add one more place for walks and history - open air museum on outskirts of Riga
Hi 👋! I own Ariat wexford chelsea boots. They don’t have a high heel. Are they ok? I’m more of a boot guy. Unless I’m working out. Andrew Keener here.
sure, why wouldn't they be ok? unless you want to take a walk on the beach, then you'd be better off walking barefoot?
@ We all have preferences. Why shame me for mine? I’m not doing that to you?
Super👍
As a Latvian, my top 3 suggestions:
1. Do go outside of the tourist routes to experience the real Latvia
2. Do try the local beer culture as it is our national beverage
3. Do return to experience something new, as we Latvians say:Riga (and Latvia) is never a finished article
As a local I can say that if you know paldies sveiki and atā you know more than most the Russians who have lived here all they're life
What’s the rate of English and/or German speakers?
young people speak English; German, not so much?
ok I found 2022 statistics for you as I was curious myself:
in population aged 25-64, 64% speak English, what is more,
"Among those speaking English as the first best-known foreign language, almost a half (46 %) rate their knowledge to be at advanced level, followed by 40 % at intermediate level, 12 % at beginner level, and 3 % have hardly any language skills."
Among those whose first best-known foreign language is German (15.3% in population aged 25-64), levels are: Advanced 25.2%, Intermediate 33.9%, etc.
which website to buy bus tickets?
Mobilly app
Mobilly
I live 44 kilometers from Riga, sometimes I take my horse from the stables and ride to Riga to sell my chickens. We are honest and hard working people, but prideful thus susceptible to offense by unaware foreigners. That's why the first stop at Riga should be the market, because if you insult our customs, then a bag of potatoes will be your best bet to keep your shoes.
Looks like less tourists than Barcelona! 😂😂
I think Barcelona has more tourists on one street than Latvia has in total 😀
@@woltersworld Yes indeed! Too funny but not so much funny for the locals of Barcelona 🙂
Great video - thank you!
@@woltersworldAnd catalans are waiting with water pistols to welcome more tourists 😅
@@sinugeorge5164oh yess Catalans are waiting for them with open arms 🤣🤣
*heels
15:15
I have one important don't.
Last year I was in Riga... and I was happy that I could use my Bolt app for renting those electro-scooters.
BUT... do not drive these electro-scooters in the old town. Actually it is not prohibited... but again those cobblestones. Its small wheels are not the best option for this surface. It will shake your brain off... trust me... don't drive it in the old town or you will regret it!
Unfortunately a new rule was passed where electric scooters are restricted to those without a driver's license. You can be fined.
@@dhaloh Driving licence?... You mean if I have a driving licence for a car, than I can ride an electric scooter? (that's no problem to me)
@@Zralock79 Yeah you need to have a driving license for a car. I find it unfortunate cause I haven't had the cash to go to driving school yet.
@@Zralock79 you need to be 14+ years old and have ANY type of driving license (bicycle, car, motorbike) for electric scooters :)
@@VetriugaWhen I went to Riga I rented them without knowing you need a Licence.. (I’m 15) so I guess people assumed I had a Licence already since it’s 14+
Riga not only city in Latvia, there more beautifull citys, more latvian citys, small citys.
My Lettish Grandmother was born in Cesis. FASCINATING history I plan to go there next year. Also the grim KGB house in Riga, where It's likely some of my relatives spent time being tortured and/or executed.
I live in Rīga and my favourite part is around ģertrūdes church and what is surrounding the old city, I don’t really like the old city itself.