"Riga" a Riga Travel Page by elPierro

Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city of the Baltic states. The city is a mix of western influences (Scandinavian shops do well here) and Russian influences (half of Riga's population consists of Russians) and makes this a cultural hotspot. The old town is loaded with old Art-Nouveau buildings and tall towers of te churches make-up for the skyline in the old-town.

For those unfamiliar with eastern-Europe, Riga will look very westernized with modern busses driving around, flashy BMW's and SUV's, decent roads and buildings that are usually in a good shape. And even the prices are not that ridiculously cheap as you might think. But that's the key to poverty in Riga, the salaries are not very high while the cost of living is. For the time, that is, because the economy in Latvia is booming.

- Go out, the crazy nightlife of Riga will embrace you.
- Visit the markets, not only cheap food to find here but also a very interesting place to visit. No touristy t-shirts on sale here, but porkheads, all kinds of fish, fruit and this all to be put discretely into designerlabel bags.
- St Peters Church, take the elevator up the tower and enjoy the view over Riga.
- The old town, take a look at all that amazing architecture.