OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of your favourite holiday hotspots – as well as some lesser known areas.
This week, we’re shining a light on Riga, Latvia’s up and coming capital city.
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The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently raved about the city after visiting.
She said: “Riga was named one of the most affordable cities by the Post Office this year, so makes for a great cheap city break.
“It has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world, with more than 800 in the city.
“So even just walking around the towns without an end goal makes it feel like travelling back in time to the golden era.
“If you want to see inside, there is the Art Nouveaur Centre which is a replica house of the time, and worth just a few photo stops.
“Head to the top of the towering Latvian Academy of Sciences for views over the city.
“Or head to Riga Central market which used to be an old German Zeppelin hangar to try some local snacks.”
MUST SEE/DO
Riga’s Art Nouveau district can’t be missed – Alberta Street, in particular, is known for its impressive 20th century architecture with ornate sculptures and columns.
Make sure to visit the ‘pink church’, (officially known as Holy Trinity Orthodox Church) which is a baroque style chapel from the 17th century.
If you need some help with where to go and figuring out what’s what Tui Musement has self-guided tours of Riga’s Art Nouveau scene via an app for £6pp.
HIDDEN GEM
Just an hour’s drive away from the city lies Saulkrasti Beach, one of Europe’s best kept secrets that remain relatively quiet throughout the year.
Ramblers can take advantage of a three kilometrewalking trail which runs along the shoreline, and on windier days, the waters are popular with windsurfers.
BEST VIEW
Head to the top of the spire at St Peter’s Church to take in the whole of Riga from above.
A lift takes you up to the viewing platform, where you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas over the citywith its colourful rooftops and the Daugava River in the distance.
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RATED RESTAURANT
One of the most talked about restaurants is Rozengrāls, a medieval themed venue that offers candlelit dining experiences.
Visitors will tuck into authentic meals that past royals ate back in the day, including poultry liver salad, a recipe from the cookbook of Pope Martin V, or puff pastry pie with spinach and cheese, a dish favoured by King Edward of England and Ireland during lent.
Wash it all down with Latvian beer or honey beer.
If all that sounds a little far-fetched for you then Ala Pagrapbs, in the heart of the Old Town, is an excellent spot for sampling local cuisine.
Set in an ancient wine cellar, this hotspot offers dishes accompanied by live music creating a lively atmosphere.
BEST BARS
For a 360 view of the city while you si[, head to the Skyline Bar on the 26th floor of Radisson Blu Hotel.
Try the Green Mile which staff say is like “walking through one of Riga’s twenty parks and gardens”, made from rum, limoncello, amaretto, green matcha, lemon and pineapple.
For something quirky the Black Magic café in the Old Town is famous in this area. Decorated with golden chandeliers and bookcases, the witchy-theme cafe has double as secret doors and extensive cocktail menu.
HOTEL PICK
A1 Hotel in Riga occupies the top floors of an historical building in the heart of Riga, making it an ideal base for exploring the main sites of the city.
The old town is a 15-minute walk from the property, where you can stroll the narrow streets and tuck into traditional grub.
Three nights room-only at the A1 Hotel is from £313pp including flights from London Stansted on October 15 and with hand-luggage only.
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