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| Tours
are our specialty and we offer a wide range from custom
programs with professional guides and transport.
We also offer walks
around the city with our knowledgeable tourist
office staff at a very reasonable low price. These walks
are NOT filled with lots of dates and facts; but, simply
an opportunity to experience Riga with a local. Send an email for more information: patricia@parks.lv |
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| Looking
for accommodations, we have great values, send us an
email: room@findroom.net or complete our inquiry
form and send it to us. We will reply promptly!
Our professional staff
is based in Riga and we keep in close touch with all
hotels and know where the best values and availability
are:
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| There is
a lot happening in Riga this summer. click the links
to the right for all the information. ... more - Quick
Links below |
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See videos and photos of
Latvia
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| What
the Riga
Rooster Spots |
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| Photos
of Daily Life Icons around Riga |
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photos - to enlarge |
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Places
of Interest (www.rigaguide.com)
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Central
Market – One of the largest in Europe, the market is
partly outdoors and housed in old German blimp hangers. Imagine
a complete building full of cheeses and another selling meat. A
great place to purchase some hand knitted wool socks for that
special person at Christmas. Located next to international bus
station. Hours daily 07:00 to 18:00. Rated
3 Roosters (www.rigamarket.info) |
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Soviet
leftovers – Take a short ride to the North West corner
of Riga and visit the abandoned Spilve Airport that was
in heavy use during soviet times. The main terminal building
still adorns the hammer and sickle on the front façade. Rated
2 Roosters |
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Par Daugava
(over the Daugava River – West bank) provides a
wonderful photo opportunity of the riga Old City and skyline.
Year around, the best time to visit is close to sunset which may
be quite late in the summer and quite early in the winter. Take
a camera! Rated
4 Roosters |
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Wooden
buildings Nometnu Street Agenskalns District Riga
is home of some historic old wooden buildings dating back to the
early 1900’s. Take Tram 4 or 5 from the Old City. Exit Nometnu
Street (first stop after Park Maritim Hotel). Walk along Nometnu
street in both directions and just let your mind go back in
time. Imagine what it would have been like the day that these
marvelous buildings were dedicated. Rated
2 Roosters
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Par Statue
of Karlis Padegs
– Take a
walk North along Merkela Street from the train station. As you
pass the Circus make note that is one of the oldest in Europe.
Cross K. Barona street and walk about 30 meters further on. You
can’t miss the statue as it looks like the local playboy from
the 1930’s. Be sure to take a flower for his jacket. Mr.
Padegs (1911-1940) was a highly talented painter and graphic
artist of his time. Some of his works are on display in the
State Art Museum. photo
Rated
1 Roosters |
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What
to see and what to do |
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Close to city
center:
1. Riga’s Opera/Ballet house
is one of the best outside of Vienna. Great performances: The
Demon (opera 27 Nov); Romeo & Juliet (ballet 28 Nov); The
Birds Opera (30 Nov). Latvian sets are creative and unique. For
the entire family at great low prices. What would December be
without a performance of the Nutcracker? Bring the children and
make it a yearly event. Box-office open daily from 10.00. Tel.
707-3777 (www.opera.lv) |
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2. Walk
along the tall Art Nouveau buildings built by the world
famous Mikhail Eisenstein (father of the film director Sergei)
and enjoy the eclectic and decorative masterpieces built around
1904. Alberta Street is a true treasure in Riga’s chest of
history. Riga is home to the world’s largest collection of Art
Nouveau buildings |
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3. In the
winter plan to visit Riga’s Christmas Market and do
your holiday shopping from first of December through New Years
Day. Enjoy some hot wine and a traditional Latvian gingerbread
cookie! Located in one of the Riga main squares to be announced |
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4. A moving
Memorial to victims of the Nazi regime is located just
a few minutes east of Riga City Center. In 1942 the Nazis herded
thousands of victims to be executed in mass graves. An easy trip
to the forest by Trolly bus number 14 to Bikermieku mezs. |
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5. Need some
excitement or some warmth on a cold afternoon? Take a
minibus 15 Km West to the Jurmala Aqua Park. 30 degree water and
open 10:00 to 22:00. Great place for the family. |
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For
a longer day: |
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Latvia’s
seaside beaches are enjoyable year around. Jurmala is
only 30 minutes west by train or minibus. Take the train marked
Dubulti and stop at the Majori station. Walk along the beach on
the fine white sand; enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the cafes;
or buy your special someone some Amber jewellery at one of the
small shops. Rated
3 Roosters (www.visitjurmala.com) |
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Sigulda and
Krimulda (1 hr East of Riga in the Gauja river valley)
is home to three 800 year old medieval castles. All three
castles are easily visited in one afternoon. The grounds of the
Turaida castle are extensive with a staffed museum. A complete
Latvian sauna is on display as well as the famous grave of the
Rose of Turaida. Easy access by train, bus or car. If you take
public transportation then some walking is required. Rated
3 Roosters (www.sigulda.info) |
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On the way
home from Sigulda, stop and enjoy a traditional Latvian
meal at the Witch Café in Ragana. Close by is the oldest church
in Latvia (Ragana) which will celebrate its 800 th birthday in
2005. The stork nests will be empty so you will have to come
back next summer. Rated
3 Roosters |
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Rundale
Palace and museum (2 hrs South of Riga) One of the most
outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococco art in Latvia.
Built between 1736 and 1740 as the summer residence of the Duke
or Courtland. The palace with 2 floors has 138 rooms. Designed
by famous Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli who
also was responsible for the magnicifient Winter Palace in St
Petersburgh. A rental car is required but you do not need to
hire a guide.
Rated
2 Roosters (www.rigalatvia.net/museums/) |
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