Riga, Latvia - definitely recommend!

[Geordieprincess]

Just back from a week in Riga, Latvia and it was great, definitely recommend it.

Ryanair have just started flying there from Newcastle so we took a punt on it. Went for a full week, 2 adults and kids aged 16 and 12 and there was enough to keep us occupied, or it would make a lovely short break for couples/friends. Lots of squares in the old town with places to eat and drink, and beautiful buildings.

Our week looked like this
Friday - we arrived early afternoon, room not ready so left bags at hotel (Wellton Riverside hotel and spa, great hotel for location, family room was 2 interconnecting so loads of space, good breakfast although it was busy if you went late, nice pool/spa but need to pay extra unless you book more expensive rate) and went for a wander around the old town. Checked in, unpacked, dinner in the square nearest to our hotel.

Sat - train to Sigulda where we went to Tarzans for high ropes, mountain coaster, downhill donuts etc then visited the castle.

Sun - HOHO bus around Riga, 2 routes plus we did canal and river boat cruise. Pictures from the more modern part, view from top of Radisson Blu hotel and Russian orthodox cathedral.

Floating sauna/hot tub evening trip (the only part of the holiday I wouldn’t recommend as it didn’t look as nice as the website photos)

Mon - rain so we went to hotel pool/spa then shopping at the shopping centre near the railway station.

Tue - private tour to Bauskas castle, Rundale palace, Lithuania border crossing, Hill of Crosses and Siauliai for late lunch.

Wed - train to Jurmala for paddle boarding on the river then afternoon on the beach.

Thur - all about the Holocaust with taxi (used Bolt, like Uber and super easy) to Salaspils memorial, Rumbula Forest Memorial, Riga Holocaust museum.

Fri - travel home

All in all a fab time, beautiful place and easy to get around on trains, bolt taxis or walking. Only downside, no dibbing as IP address in Latvia was blocked due to spam!

[Lola]

DD and DSIL are there at the moment. It looks great

[snowbelle]

It is over 20 years since I went to Latvia way before they came into the EU .
We remember lots of young people trying their English out on us and the hotel being like The most basic youth hostel ever ( they turned the hot water off at night )

Your pictures look lovely and I would love to go back , I have a photo taken in front of the cathedral in about two foot of snow 😃the hill of crosses looks fascinating.

[Geordieprincess]

Originally Posted by snowbelle

It is over 20 years since I went to Latvia way before they came into the EU .
We remember lots of young people trying their English out on us and the hotel being like The most basic youth hostel ever ( they turned the hot water off at night )

Your pictures look lovely and I would love to go back , I have a photo taken in front of the cathedral in about two foot of snow 😃the hill of crosses looks fascinating.

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Sounds interesting! Everything is in Latvian, English and Russian now and the hotel/restaurant staff all just switch between the languages no problem.
We had lovely weather, didn’t realise their summers were so warm. Would like to see it over Christmas time, I bet they dress the squares beautifully.