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