| The charming city of Riga is the capital of | | | | an attraction park and Riga Zoo. Ride the |
| Latvia. The official language is Latvian, but | | | | elevator to the top of St. Peters Basilica to |
| since Latvia was a constituent republic of | | | | get a bird's eye view of Riga. |
| the USSR between 1940 and 1991, a significant | | | | |
| minority is Russian speaking. English & | | | | There are markets next to International Bus |
| German is also widely understood in regularly | | | | Terminal full off people selling various |
| visited areas, although you might want to | | | | wares at inside and outside stalls. This area |
| take a phrase book with you if you're | | | | is great for picking up souvenirs, but you'll |
| visiting areas off the beaten track. | | | | probably find a whole lot more to tickle your |
| | | | interest! While not always customary, many |
| Getting around in Riga is relatively easy and | | | | stall holders in Riga will be prepared to |
| inexpensive. Taxis are cheap but will often | | | | haggle to get a sale, so you may pick up a |
| try to take advantage, so be prepared for a | | | | bargain! For for historically-minded shopper |
| journy round the houses before reaching your | | | | there is also a market held on weekend |
| intended location! Trams, buses and trolleys | | | | mornings in Sadovnika iela where you'll be |
| are also available and easy to use. Ticket | | | | able to buy soviet union era items such as |
| prices cost between 20 to 25 Latvian cents | | | | hats, medals, pins or even complete uniforms. |
| for a single journey. There is a train | | | | |
| service extending to all parts of the | | | | Latvian food tends to be very dense and |
| country, as well as some other big cities | | | | filling, using a lot of potato, cabbage, |
| including St. Petersburg. | | | | beef, pork and fish. There are many |
| | | | restaurants dotted around the city where |
| Riga is divided into several districts, the | | | | you'll be able to sample the cuisine at |
| most popular and most visited amongst | | | | exceptionally reasonable prices, many of |
| travellers being the Old Town (Vecriga). Here | | | | which continue to serve until midnight - some |
| you'll find many of the city's most | | | | later! |
| interesting attractions, including the | | | | |
| magnificent Doma Catherdral, The Three | | | | Latvia is famed for it's beers (alus to the |
| Brothers (the oldest houses in Riga) and The | | | | locals), and they are widely available |
| Occupation Museum. At Christmas there is a | | | | throughout Riga. You must also try Riga's |
| delightful festive market where you'll be | | | | other specialty tipple - "Riga Balsam". It's |
| able to buy a wide selection of native | | | | available almost everywhere and is guaranteed |
| seasonal fare. | | | | to "warm your cockles"! |
| | | | |
| To relax, take a wander into Riga's | | | | Riga is a charming, pretty town with so much |
| Mezaparks. This pleasant park area can be | | | | to see and do - a must visit for any |
| found on the outskirts of Riga, and features | | | | traveller! |