Riga - one of the top destinations in Europe! Fly to Riga and experience the lively city. https://www.airbaltic.com/en/visitriga The National Library of Latvia Trendy restaurants and cafés, a cosy old town, great value shopping, excellent nightlife and much more. Come and see for yourself how great the Latvian capital is! Opposite to the Old Riga on the left bank of the river Daugava stands the new building of the National Library called also the Castle of Light. The building was designed by Gunārs Birkerts - the most renowned Latvian architect in the world. He also designed the Law Library Building at the University of Michigan and the Corning Museum of Glass that were both included in the list of 150 all-time favourite buildings in America, compiled by the American Institute of Architects. The architect intended for the new building to reflect a hill of glass that has a symbolic meaning in the Latvian culture. The building has 13 floors that rise 68 m high. You can take a tour through the building and dine at the restaurant Klīversala that boasts a great view to the city. The Kalnciems quarter The trendy Kalnciems quarter is located on the left side of the river Daugava around the junction of Kalnciema and Melnsila streets. Thanks to two brothers who have a passion for old wooden buildings, the former worker and craftsmen residential homes have been carefully renovated and transformed into stylish offices, restaurants and shops. The quarter is now engulfed in a creative atmosphere and is a top meeting place for the hip folks of Riga. Every Saturday a farmers and crafts market takes place in the area, which is a popular spot for getting together and having breakfast. During summer on Thursday evenings, free open-air concerts are organized there, and people gather around for a glass of wine after work. To have a meal, visit the restaurant Māja, where you can experience the aura of an authentic former wooden residence or have a beer in the bar Vinilbārs where the music is played on vinyl only. Buy tasty chocolate-covered fruit, marzipan or milk candies in the Skrīveru saldumi sweets shop on 32 Kalnciema street. The Berga Bazaar The Bergs Bazaar, a historical pedestrian oasis dating from 1886, is one of Riga’s most unique and charming destinations. Explore small boutique shops offering both local and imported goods such as stylish clothing made by local designers, current and historical maps, delectable pastries and French wines. Both women and men can pamper themselves at one of the various salons including Rīgas Bārddzinis (Riga Barbershop) featuring exclusive products and straight-blade shaves for discerning gentlemen. Dine at an array of restaurants and cafes: Andaluzijas Suns, Cydonia Gastropub, Zoste, Kanēļa Konditoreja and Buržuja Brokastis are more casual, while restaurant Bergs and wine bar Garage are more up-market. Sunday brunch A Sunday brunch in Riga is a must. There are many places to choose from depending on your culinary tastes and wallet. The finest brunch spots are in Andrejosta behind the Riga passenger port and near the yacht port on the river Daugava. The former industrial territory now features many restaurants and clubs and is especially lively on the weekends. There you can enjoy brunch with a magnificent view to the river on the outdoor terraces of the restaurants Koya and Aqua Luna. In the city centre, the Sky Line bar on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blue Hotel Latvija offers brunch with the best view overlooking the city. Innocent Café and the vegetarian café and bike design studio Meet are popular brunch spots among hipsters. Riga Central Market and Spīķeri quarter Riga Central Market is located on the border of Old Town, almost on the Daugava riverbank. It dates back to the mid-twenties of the 20th century, when the German military Zeppelin hangars from World War I, which give the market its unique appearance, were put to a new use. In its heyday the market stored 700 tons of food, but nowadays it’s a great everyday alternative to supermarkets, offering a variety of products from Latvian farms, both organic and conventional, the Baltic sea as well as a lot of exotic fruit, vegetables and spices from around the world. Because of this, the market is beloved by local chefs, professionals and amateurs alike. Since 1998 Riga Central Market has been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Old Riga. If you’re around the market, you definitely should also pay a visit to Spīķeri quarter right next to it. Since the Middle Ages this area has been serving the port, first as the place where cargo was loaded onto ships and later as the port warehouse. Its current look was established mid-19th century, and right now its one of the cultural hotspots of the city – with a contemporary art center, a theater, a concert hall, and cafes to round your sightseeing up with a nice meal! Visit Riga! https://www.airbaltic.com/en/visitriga

• published: 14 Jul 2015
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