I included Riga in my itinerary because I found the Baltics an intriguing region to visit (and I already planned on visiting Vilnius and Tallinn as well).
Riga is an interesting city which you can consider including in your itinerary.
Travel Guide Budget Itinerary for Riga
Riga is the capital of Latvia. In the 12th century, it became a trading post. The city was founded in 1201. in 1282, Riga joined the Hanseatic League. Riga was under different countries such as Poland, Sweden, and Russia throughout the centuries. Latvia declared independence in Riga in 1918. The Soviets and the Nazis occupied the country in the 1940s. The Soviet Union gained control by 1944 until Latvia once again regained their independence in the early 1990s.
Get a Visa
Latvia is part of the Schengen zone which means that if you get a visa for one of the countries in it, you can enter all the countries in the zone. Depending on your citizenship, you'll need to apply for a visa. I use a Filipino passport so I had to apply for a visa first. I got visas from different countries such as Austria, Czechia, and Poland.
These are the basic requirements:
- Valid passport
- Photo (35x45mm)
- Itinerary
- Accommodation confirmation
- Application form
- Proof of occupation or business registration
- Proof of funds (bank certificate, credit card statements, bank statements, etc.)
How to Get to Riga
Riga has an airport that serves flights from different parts of Europe. If you don't have much time, you can directly fly to Riga and do the rest of the Baltics some other time.
Alternatively, it's easy to travel to Riga from Tallinn, Vilnius, or as far as Warsaw. You can take the overnight bus to reach Latvia's capital. I often take FlixBus because of their affordable rates and extensive routes. The bus is an ideal option when you plan yout budget and itinerary for Riga.
You can book tickets here: www.flixbus.com
Things to Do in Riga
There are a number of things to do and places to visit when you plan your budget and itinerary for Riga.
Vecriga (Old Town)
Like many cities in Europe, Riga has a charming old town full of historic buildings and structures. It's a tourist destination with many places to eat, museums, churches, and whatnot. Grab something to eat or drink after exploring. Vecriga is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This square is one of the prettiest spots in town (in my opinion at least). You'll see two of the most striking buildings in the city, one of which is the House of the Blackheads. What you see now are reconstructions of the original. These were seamlessly made that's why it's difficult to tell the structures are relatively new.
The House of the Blackheads is the centerpiece (in my opinion at least) of the Town Hall Square. An association of bachelors comprised of business and ship owners had this building built in the 14th century. It experienced the hustle and bustle of trade in the city during the Hanseatic years. The Blackheads weren't just known for their business savvy, but also their celebrations and parties. The structure underwent renovations over the centuries
Entrance fee: €7
Art Nouveau Architecture
Riga is home to hundreds of Art Nouveau buildings dating frmo the start of the 20th century. The city underwent a financial upswing and it just so happens that this design aesthetic was a fashionable choice for the city's bourgeoisie. The location of some of the buildings isn't too far from the old town.
Three Brothers
This building here is one of the three centuries old houses in the city. The one in the photo Renaissance and Gothic design. You can catch a glimpse of the different architectural influences in the city with a quick visit to the Three Brothers.
This monument towers over the city and commemorates the soldiers who fought for the country's independence. It stands just over 40m high and has different sculptural groups that showcase Latvia's cultural heritage and history.
Riga Central Market
