🇱🇻 Riga, Latvia | Baltic Travel Guide

🔆Founded in 1201, Riga's compact Old Town comes alive at night with a vibrant music scene 🎶. 🔆Joined a free walking tour covering Central Riga beyond the Old Town, 🔆including stories behind the statues near the Latvian National Opera: Statue of George Armitstead: Honors Riga’s greatest mayor, 💐 📣unveiled in 2006 by Queen Elizabeth II and Latvia’s then-PM. 📣Art Nouveau hotspot: Alberta iela 13 is the epicenter of stunning facades. Latvian Academy of Sciences: Catch sunset 🌅 (around 9 PM in late July) from its rooftop for €6 (cash only). 📣Hidden gem: A giant fox sculpture (The Free Fox) lurks in the nearby parking lot! 😋 Food Recs 1. Lido Vērmanītis 📍 Elizabetes iela 65 💐Retro-style cafeteria with hearty Latvian fare. Locals swear by its pudding! ✅Pro tip: This branch (outside the Old Town) offers better value. Opposite 24-hour flower stalls 🌸. 2. Restorāns "Zviedru Vārti" 📍 *Torņa iela 4-1a* ✅Cozy Old Town spot for cold beetroot soup (an acquired taste!) and fried Baltic herring. 🚌 Transport ✅From the airport: Take bus (tickets at machines/driver/app). 💐Within the city: Walkable! 🏨 Budget Stay 💐Blue Bird Capsule Hostel: Clean, central (~¥170/night). 🌟 Final Thoughts 💐Safe, spotless, and architecturally fascinating—where Nordic and Soviet styles collide. #LatviaTravel #Riga #BalticAdventure