Riga (750 000 pop.) identify all the attributes of a metropolis: a broad river with huge bridges, multiple roads, high prices, demonstrators, traffic chaos and anonymity. The great old town, Vecriga, is full of people who visit and run through it, but only a few live here. The rent in the downtown is extremely high. Riga is by the russian-speaking minority dominated, in the city there speaks about the half of the total population russian.

Dome St. Marien (Doma baznica) The cathedral is the largest church in the Baltic region. It is famous mainly for its magnificent organ with 6768 pipes The cathedral square adorns the classical stock exchange building. (Doma laukums 6).

Three Brothers (Tris brali) Like that are the three oldest houses made of stone called. They represent different stages in the architecture Rigas. Maza Pils 17, 19 and 21

Independence monument (Brivibas piemineklis) The 42-meter-high bronze statue (nicknamed "Milda") takes freedom after three stars - symbols of the historic provinces Latgale, Kurzeme and Livonia. "For Fatherland and Freedom" says the inscription. The monument was built in 1935 during the first Republic after a presentation of the Latvian architects. daily 9am-6pm Brivibas

Grebenscikova baznīca Out of the city center located, the largest community of old baltic believers. Many fled from Russia in the baltic provinces, where there was more tolerance in religious matters. A beautiful part of Russia in Latvia. Krasta 73

Liela un Maza gilde This was the association of merchant. Wealthy merchants, goldsmiths, pastor and senior officials were part of the great, simpler were in the small guild. Inside there are lush wood carvings and stained glass. Amatu 5 and 6

Sinagoga The richly decorated altar and the mighty chandelier persuade that the house belonged before the war to the Jewish God's most magnificent houses. Easy not to find, the entrance is away from the street. daily. 9am-6pm. Peitavas 6/8

Jugendstila arkitekturas Not only in the city, but also beyond the Freedom Monument are beautiful homes and entire ensembles of Latvian and Russian architects, as in this large number nowhere else in Europe can be found. Strenieku 4 a and a lot more.

Petrichurch (Peterbaznīca) Rīgas highest church. The metal tower, 1973 completed and 123.5 meters high, provides the city view. From the second gallery there is the old town, Baltic Sea and the Daugava river in sight. Tue-Sun 10am-5.15pm. Skarnu 19

Castle (Rigas pils) Up to the dissolution of the State Order in 1592 the citizens argued with the religious masters for the supremacy in Riga. The castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, most recently as the castle in 1515. The holy ghost tower and the northern castle wall are the oldest remaining parts. Pils laukums 3

Melngalvju nams During the Second World War broke, it was in the late 1990s with millions effort rebuilt. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm Ratslaukums 7

Swedish Gate (Zviedru varti) The only remaining city gate. Altogether there were eight gates, which were closed after sunset. The key was kept in the city hall. Torna iela

Centralmarket (Centraltirgus) Half pigs, butter or fresh fish specialty lamprey? In the huge halls you can see so many things. Tue-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun/Mon 8am-4pm Pragas 1

shopping                                                                                                                                                                    Antiqua Antiquarian. There are fine porcelain, paintings and icons to buy. Sun closed. Valdemara 20                                            Berga Bazars living, shopping and having fun in a back-backed founding complex. The shops are usually between 10am and 6pm open. Marijas 13                                                                                                                                                          Laima Latvia's largest candy manufacturer produces the perfect souvenir. Smilsu 16                                                                 Salons A High-quality women's clothes and evening dresses based on designs of the house. Sun closed. Kalku 24                          Upe Excellent business for latvian folk music. Vagnera 5

food                                                                                                                                                                           Alus seta Inexpensive Latvian dishes from the grill and many varieties of fresh draft beer in a relaxed environment. Tirgonu 6          Apsara-Teahouse Specialists choose from about 70 kinds of tea and enjoy entertainment in a peaceful atmosphere. Terbatas 2     Charlestons Excellent salads and pasta dishes. Blaumana 38/40                                                                                           Lido Largest restaurant on the banks of the Daugava river. Latvian food at moderate prices: Because of that even families traveling from the province to eat here. Krasta 76                                                                                                                            Osiris Favorite cafe for breakfast, for lunch and dinner - or just for a drink. Barona 31                                                              Otto Schwarz Elegant restaurant under the roof of the Hotel de Rome. Try the oysters or try a vegetarian dish! Kalku 28                 A. Suns Restaurant with rustic dishes and Tex-Mexfood. Elizabetes 83/85

where to stay                                                                                                                                                             Hotel de Rome High-rise hotel in the heart of the city. 88 rooms. Kalku 28                                                                             Konventa Seta Bright and friendly in the walls of an old widow convention. 140 rooms. Kaleju 9/11                                           Radi un draugi One of the most popular hotels in the middle of old town. For Riga conditions moderate prices. 76 rooms. Marstalu 1-5                                                                                                                                                                                Skanste Modern functional building just outside the center. New and clean, but simple and without a lift. 35 rooms. Skanstes 9         Studentu Kopmitne The "student dormitories" are a real small hotel. Easy, simply and affordably. 33 rooms. Basteja bulvaris 10      Valnis In Soviet times the guest house of the Ministry of Education. Today, foreigners may also be inside, and get sober, but large rooms at the edge of town. 4 rooms. Valnu 2

Plane The national airline of Latvia, AirBaltic connects Riga with many european cities like Hamburg, Wien or Amsterdam.