The Best of Riga, Latvia for Tourists

[@Dan-yf2df]

I have been to Riga lots of times since Latvia gained independence and I can confirm that this video is accurate. Riga is an overlooked gem. Wolters gives a good summary of Riga. The only thing I would add is that for Art Nouveau architecture, which you will find all over Riga, go to the Elizabeta Street and Alberta Street districts. You’ll be stunned by the beauty.

[@ainarszelcs3365]

Latvia regained independence.

[@GreatCityAttractions]

It certainly looks a great place to explore.

[@dreamthedream8929]

There are actually plenty of great art nouveau streets there, the ones you mentioned for sure are nice but I would also recommend to walk on brivibas street for amazing architecture

[@jekabsdzirkalis]

Tip from a latvian: The KGB building (Stūra māja) is a must visit 👍

[@TurnItUpWorld]

Hey fellow Traveler. WOW. The architecture of the buildings in Riga are amazing. Love the cat on top of the building. Great to know that the apartments are new and prices are amazing. LIDO sounds yummy. This sounds like a gorgeous trip that won't break the bank. Thanks for taking us on this journey Mark.

[@dreamthedream8929]

I would recommend renting a car for travellers to see the country in a more time saving and convenient way. There are many historic castles, palaces and manor houses that are located outside of towns and cities. Even Rundales palace is not in a city or town. So a car would be good for exploring more places.

[@mrdoge7605]

I am from Riga, very accurate! I would like to add something. Even though for westerners it is cheap to eat, there are a lot of places that offer lunch discounts on weekdays, so you can save some money that way. Also, the building from the video, where occupation museum was, is closed for renovation. It moved somewhere else, you can google where exactly when visiting.

[@unclerussianuga7602]

Mr Doge Dievs svieti Latviju 😇🇱🇻

[@Partekal]

Thanks man! You've inspired me to see the world. I leave today on my indefinite journey around the world. I hope to visit Riga very soon!

[@Partekal]

@Angelo大安 Tunisia :)

[@mbolgov]

One of the pictures has my house in it!!

[@woltersworld]

Awesome!!!

[@pca1987]

So cool!!!

[@leonardodavid2842]

Kurs?

[@eplv3432]

Lucky

[@ReginaM]

I’m currently in Riga and today is nice weather and walking around old town and went to and watch the Latvian folk dance. Beautiful place to see around.

[@sameern.3125]

Excellent video, I’m planning a trip from Helsinki, to tallinn, then Riga!

[@eksiarvamus]

*Tallinn

[@anderst3988]

Oh my goodness! I’m in Rīga right now!!!

[@ReginaM]

Anders Thibault me too 😂😂😂

[@caralongmuir7129]

Been watching you videos to get some tips about the Deep South. Cannot believe you’ve now done a video about my favourite place in the world, Riga. You touch on all of my favourite places! Those markets are to die for, and don’t even get me started on my love of Lido!

[@TheWien1]

The beauty is outside of Riga. The Latvian landscape is very impressive. Quite disappointing city.

[@dreamthedream8929]

To riga you come for the architecture, museums and parks

[@ajvf97]

Sveiki! ;) Been there. I loved it!

[@garylantz7653]

I've seen a lot of your videos. They are all very well made and very interesting. Anywhere I go in Europe I always watch these videos and I get my research in. Thanks!!

[@madaraaradam7799]

Thanks for the review! :) There are things to do and see in Riga, but honestly-there's so much more to country than just the capital, I'd say rent a car and explore! ;)

[@robrob4730]

As a latvian I can say that summer Latvia is the best place on Earth however winter Latvia is the worst place on Earth. There's no inbetween

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Haha, summer it is then!

[@egg-mr4kf]

I really agree about visiting Lido for some Latvian food, it's a really nice place, and doesn't mess up the foods like some other places do, for the sake of making it more appealing to tourists and the like. Adding onto the list of things to visit - Vecrīga (Riga old town), it's just really pretty, historic, and has a lot of cafes around. The song & dance festival, if you're in the country when it's going on. It's traditional costume, song & dance overload, and there's even a parade of every region with their participants before the actual fest. I'm glad to see people appreciate Rīga, and Latvia in general, despite it being such a small country :) Cheers from Riga.

[@TB-no9ir]

Wow, I didn't know you were in Riga now. My great-grandfather had an apothecary at 22 Antonijas iela, 22. There was an art gallery there, but it moved to another street.

[@shubhendras8650]

I have been doing research on Riga out of some reason. But I tell you something till this very moment I couldn't find such a splendid video on Latvia capital . Very very informative. Yes thank you for promoting this beautiful city . One more thing Riga is emerging as a very popular education hub for higher education. It has attracted lot of Indian students to pursue education in Europe . Its low cost of tuition fee and believe me the education is world class.

[@BillGreenAZ]

LOL! I would love to put a cat statue on the top of my house like the one on the top of that building.

[@sexy_lexi]

Born and raised in Latvia over here but even for a native im always excited to visit Riga - just love it! 💜

[@maritamaizite1408]

I am Latvian and i Love Latvia♥️😸

[@deenaparker8689]

I went to the Baltics a couple of years ago and loved Riga. It was beautiful and very affordable. I recommend it frequently to fellow travelers. Thank you for this video!

[@woltersworld]

You are very welcome

[@simonstadin]

Went to Riga 10 years ago, and I suppose I ought to go back again sometime, especially since I've visited Tallinn six times since then and I feel somewhat done with it 😂 I really did like it there, and Lido was amazing. I could go back for that alone!

[@Singhxravi]

Thanks man . For giving good and right information about Latvia. You always upload relevant and knowledgeable content. Thnx once again from Punjab 🙏🏻

[@visisuni11]

e,kur jūs i?

[@mynameisdudge]

I'm there right now! I really suggest catching a 30 minute train to Jurmala if you have a spare day. The beach is absolutely beautiful and goes on for miles. The place itself reminds me of Maine but still retaining some Soviet era buildings.

[@ajvf97]

I've done it. Great photo ops, and you're surrounded by fantastic scenery. Plus, a train ticket to get there is cheap. So 100% worth it.

[@davidbryant8584]

I agree with you guys Jurmala is awesome with a stunning beach plus there's a cool waterpark nearby for families and kemeri national park which isn't a million miles away is well worth a visit also !

[@sylviamaunsell1520]

@@ajvf97 I always thought I would go to Riga and get married but my gaston passed away so sad I loved him so much

[@RolandBizjets]

Thank you Mark for helping me with my travels!!! I have been watching your videos for years!!!! Finally my hometown Riga is up on your channel too. :) If anyone who reads this comment, and particularly you Mark, needs help or advice regarding travel in Latvia, just let me know! You can ask your questions just by replying to this comment :)

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Roland!

[@shubhendras8650]

Listen brother I'd to choose between Estonia and Latvia or precisely between Riga and Tallinn which place would you suggest.. ? For education and stay for 2 years

[@RolandBizjets]

The Shubhendra Tallinn is slightly cheaper than Riga. But I have no idea about the quality of their education.

[@angelg.8462]

Hello Roland, Is English written or spoken there? I love the old architecture and it looks nice and clean there too🌹🌷

[@RolandBizjets]

Angel G. Hello Angel! English is spoken there! Especially among young people and Latvians (not so much among Russians) . And definitely among people that work in tourist places. Tours around the town are available in English too. Older people may struggle to understand English (often they work in train and bus/coach ticket offices), but it’s easy to communicate with them - all you need to know is your destination, number of persons and the cost, which they would show you on their till. If you are having any issues there and need somebody Latvian speaking, drop me a message on WhatsApp or if it’s really urgent, you can call me. My number is [phone] (UK number).

[@arthurhodzhayev887]

Hey Mark, thank you for the video! I live in Riga, It's my hometown and It was really nice to finally see a proper video about it from you. Thank you for spreading a positive image of Riga and Latvia! I was really surprised to know that you also visited Sigulda, Ventspils, Liepaja and Jurmala- these are my top favorite cities in Latvia. If plan to visit Latvia in the future I would also recommend Kuldiga, Cesis and Rundale. Looking forward for new videos!

[@jeffmerheb3182]

Nice video as always, solo traveler who like history and meet locals, I am planning for my April's travel either Riga, or Turin or Ljubljana for 5 days, which one do you recommend most?

[@ZARAGOLD]

Baltic countries definitely in my bucket list)

[@Kraterlandschaft]

I don't know why I watch these since I never leave my room.

[@classiccountrymore2669]

Mark, is the surname Breede in your family? We are descended from Christina Breede, born 1853. She was the mother of Emma Muller whom I mentioned. My mother won't respond, she could send you a message on 23&me, but she always does the opposite of what I ask her to do. I think she has "Oppositional Defiance Disorder." If her sister, the one who looks more like you, would just create her 23&me account then she would be the one who is more communicative. This is the reason I am trying to talk to you here rather than through what you might consider "acceptable methods." Hopefully Donna will create an account and then you will hear from your 3rd Cousin, my aunt, rather than your 3rd Cousin, my mother. (Donna is an Americanized name. Wait till you hear what her given name is.) Anyway, Christina Breede lived in Latvia, Emma was born in Livonia. I wish I knew where C. Breede's ancestors were originally from. (I checked the frequency map - Breede appears in Denmark, Estonia, and Germany most notably.) Anyway, it is more challenging to re-create the family tree when we are related through the female line.

[@leonardodavid2842]

WTF! I got back yesterday!

[@woltersworld]

I suck :( sorry

[@tosht2515]

@6:06 Excellent photos. 👍👍

[@wallaceokobia5870]

Cobblestone street's Riga Latvia 🇱🇻🇺🇸❤️. Good job!

[@terry4801]

Bus from Tallinn to Riga. I didn't know that. Thanks, Wolter.

Hi! You say that you stay at the "main walking street" you mean in Old Riga?

[@bogdanovsrunningwxrld]

🇱🇻Latvieši?🇱🇻

[@eriks5643]

Čau

[@BaibaVulgaris]

Esam! Čau tev arī, Voldi :)

[@anasummers3833]

Hi from Riga! 🇱🇻❤️

[@alexa7119]

Please make what not to do in Latvia

[@sperma01]

dont talk to russians as a tourist

[@kiribatiforlife8193]

Well, i was in Riga like some weeks ago you should have post the video then

[@AJayAnswersYou]

My mother was there not a long ago with her partner, and from the stories and pictures is seems like a great place to travel to. Instead of the mainstream Spain, Italy, Turkey and so forth.

[@FahadullahMuhammad]

I live in Stockholm and I always take a cruise trip to Riga. Another way to get in.

[@Danny-sv4xu]

Can you do a video on how international travellers connect to domestic flights in USA. For example coming from England to Chicago and the connecting to Columbus OH.

[@maritamaizite1408]

I looooooove Latvia....and Riga - old town are real fairy teal ...

[@pablitn]

Gret video.Not really planning go to Riga right now but nevertheless the video was really really interesting.

[@Ramachadras]

Don't visit Evolution Gaming or Playtec!

[@Ramachadras]

However, you can visit my friend's sister's eclair shop.

[@fishythenothosaurus5938]

Best city ever!!!

[@jamessolomon5876]

Looks like a great place...I want to see Latvia

[@Renegadeproject]

Latvia( Duchy of Courland) had a colony on the island of Tobago from 1654 .

[@dreamthedream8929]

At that time the territory of latvia had kings and queens right? I think the king or Duke lived in kuldiga, rundales and jelgavas castles

[@indrekauneckyte]

Beautiful video ♥️ Riga is one of my favourite cities! I recently been there also and made a vlog about it

[@GreatCityAttractions]

It certainly looks a great city to see the sights of.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Yeah this was the best video guide I saw for Riga!

[@donnachristenson5768]

My mother used to live in Riga

[@jolywizard1519]

It's great that you liked Riga!

[@riproar11]

My favorites at LIDO restaurants are the chicken or pork cutlet topped with melted cheese, then you top it with the nearby champignon cream sauce (mushroom cream sauce). It is sublime and savory. You haven't visited Latvia if you haven't enjoyed bacon rolls (Piragi), They are in bulk at RIMI stores, but try ones at cafes and bakeries along with one filled with sauerkraut. For the RIMI ones, try microwaving them! Yum! RIMI also has bulk fried garlic rye bread sticks. Best dipped in a creamy dill sauce. Enjoy the pink cold beet soup up in the cafe of Stockmann for a nice view. Try the many varieties of filled dumplings and Solyanka soup at Pelmini. At the Central Market you'll have to stand in line briefly to enjoy the fresh out of the kiln baked bread that is similar to Naan bread. For dessert go to Apsara glass tea pagoda near the Opera house for honey cake and Riga coffee (spiked with Black Balsam). Also, Latvia's ice cream is amazing! Latvia has always been a huge exporter of dairy products. The taste of milk all depends on the breed of cows and grass they are feeding on. Latvia has their famous brown cows. Google Latvia blue cows. Ekselence ice cream stands are throughout Riga and ice cream bars are easy to grab at the Narvesen shops or RIMI.

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

I'm going there in about three weeks time and really looking forward to it. Glad you mentioned the Museum of Occupations because its one of the places I want to visit. I went to a similar one in Tallinn the other week. I had a combined ticket for the KGB Cells, which is worth seeing.

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Hope you enjoyed your time - it looks an interesting place.

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

@@GreatCityAttractions Yes, I did enjoy it thanks :)

[@GreatCityAttractions]

@@PlanetaryCitizen great

[@just_a_naebody5213]

Mark if you're still there go to the Folklore bar :) cool underground place! Also guttered we missed you, now I've escaped downunder I keep my eye out for you in every city square 😂🤣

[@woltersworld]

We will bump into each other one of these days :)

[@v.lacbergs821]

Locally known as "ALA"

[@event4216]

If you don't limit your stay to a few days, medical services can make you visit Riga - to my knowledge there are clinics working mostly to serve clients from abroad. Frankly, Europe is stuffed with old buildings and good part of them are built from scratch after WWII like Blackheads House which still can be fun to see - for kids especially. Lido isn't what it used to be anymore - but still great bang for the buck and miles ahead of local asian fastfood which I wouldn't touch with a barge pole. Though one man's meat is another man's poison.

[@TB-no9ir]

Hi Mark. As I mentioned on your other channel, I believe you are related to us via my great-grandmother named Emma Muller (with umlaut). She and her whole family attended Old St. Gertrude, under her married name. She had a sister Alma who changed her name to Vija, I don't know whether that info can help connect the dots.

[@v.lacbergs821]

Liels paldies,

[@evelinaliepina3028]

🇱🇻❤️

[@maritamaizite1408]

♥️💜Loooving Latvia💛💚

[@JohnVKaravitis]

Any info/guidance re the escort scene?

[@BillGreenAZ]

The International Sex Guide says Riga is pretty slow for that sort of thing. It takes a bit of work to find an escort. There are many other cities where you would find a much better scene.

[@Wellch]

What type of Professor are you? History? I may try a historical tour if I had a guide.

[@RolandBizjets]

As you mentioned, I'd definitely recommend getting outside Riga too. E.g. spending a day on a beach in Jurmala, hiking in the valley in Sigulda, seeing Latvian beautiful forests in places like Tērvete Nature Park/Gauja NP, visiting the beautiful boglands of Ķemeri NP, seeing the Europe's widest waterfall in Kuldīga, eating chicken šašliks (Latvian sort of bbq) and most importantly CELEBRATING Jāņi & Līgo with Latvians. The country in general is not expensive. The cuisine is delicious and very healthy in Latvia. Getting to places is easy and cheap. People are nice, though there are some strange boozies in some places Try avoiding speeding when driving. Yes, the roads could be in a better condition, but the situation is improving. Let me know if you got any questions, I am originally Latvian and can help you with your travels. P.S. Thank you Wolters World for every single of your videos!

[@woltersworld]

Jurmala! I forgot to mention that one. I think the turtle picture is from there

[@RolandBizjets]

@@woltersworld Yes, the turtle is from there :) Thank you for the video!

[@dreamthedream8929]

​@@RolandBizjetsfor sure rundales pils should be something worth checking out. Could easily spend the entire day there, huge museum with large garden or park. Perhaps combine that with bauskas pils the next day

[@andyadamovics855]

Cool!

[@andyadamovics855]

It is unfortunate that Riga gets the reputation as a party destination as there is a great deal of culture and history in the city as well. I have however heard this looming modern reputation before involving stag parties and the like, it is unfortunate.

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Riga - a great city - well done.

[@dilanasjonaitis6893]

Do Vilnius!

[@TheWien1]

Absolutely!

[@mbolgov]

I’m from RIGA!!!

[@woltersworld]

Hope the video is ok

[@mbolgov]

Wolters World it’s great, i agree with everything, been a subscriber since like 50k, love your videos!

[@woltersworld]

@@mbolgov That is awesome! Thanks Michael! It's been a long road for sure. thanks for sticking with us

[@joschihh8127]

Damn, first, your videos made me book a trip to Rome and Venice yesterday for Sept and now I want to go to Riga/Vilnius, too (however I don't have the time)! :D Great video once again! Regards from Hamburg, Germany!

[@leonardodavid2842]

I am from Rome and got back yesterday from latvia 😂. Btw interasting choice for trip... september. Usually I would recommend spring, but sepember you might manage to avoid turists Aniway.

[@tammypearson4500]

Is it necessary to have a Visa of some sort to visit from the U.S?

[@wowamy4196]

Tammy Pearson I am pretty sure they are part of the EU so not until 2021 when we will have to have the ETIAS.

[@starvid1310]

No, you don`t need a visa.

[@tlotpwist3417]

They have the best pasta, rigatoni

[@Coutinhofhjhhfjh3]

Muito obrigado! Comprimentos daqui do Brasil 👏👏😉

[@woltersworld]

Obrigado meu amigo!

[@mbolgov]

My house is right on the dome lakums

[@gurmailrajnirajni304]

I love Latvia so nice

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@alonsomontesdeoca3737]

Nice Video. love your content 👌🏻🙌🏻 keep up making amazing content

[@woltersworld]

thanks Alonso

[@rogersexton7857]

Very informative video! I am glad that you especially stressed the point that journeys within Latvia should be made bu bus.

[@woltersworld]

The buses do go all over

[@Rachelschlundt]

My grandparents are from Latvia and I finally got to visit last October! I can't wait to go back again (preferably at a warmer time) and explore more of Riga and the country!

[@Wellch]

Rachel Schlundt I think that Colonal Klink’s 1st sec(the actress) is from there. Can anyone confirm it?

[@jameshumphries5059]

Me and my best friend go to Latvia every year he has family in Latvia. Did you know about the ticks in Latvia my friends family day they can kill in summer?

[@g.o.3262]

James Humphries Ticks cannot kill, they only can spread the infection of encephalitis (which can be prevented by a vaccine) or Lyme disease (which is curable with antibiotics). Ticks aren't something unique to Latvia, they are in many countries. But you can calm down because there is nearly 0% chance to meet a tick in town (unless you step off the pavement or travel with dogs).

[@jameshumphries5059]

GO 74 - Are you from Latvia?

[@g.o.3262]

Yes, I am.

[@jameshumphries5059]

GO 74 - Thank you! How would you describe to culture in Latvia and what Latvian people are like?

[@travelamigosarafat9744]

Thnx buddy, I am always waiting to see new things from u..

[@RunTheAtlas]

I’m so curious about that black alcohol you mentioned 🤔

[@RolandBizjets]

Apparently, it is available in Russian and Polish convenience stores sometimes. Called just Balzams :)

[@CalinFR]

Do low cost airlines fly to Riga or just airbaltic and other expensive legacy carriers?

[@CalinFR]

Ok I got my answer from the video :)) I asked before I saw the ending

[@MaxRamos8]

Never heard of this country

[@TheWien1]

Vilnius and Tallinn are much more impressive.

[@dreamthedream8929]

Vilnius has more amazing baroque architecture but riga has more art nouveau than tallinn and Vilnius

[@eriks5643]

Rīga the fake part of latvia

[@toxicbear8671]

0:45 меня там пиздили ( i got beaten up at steak house) I would highly recommend Riga to visit

[@jacefrancis5559]

Will you ever do a video in Bulgaria?

[@ryantouhey1997]

Hey Mark, I've been a big fan of your videos for a long time, been following you guys for about 6-7 years. You guys are without question, the "go-to," guys for questions or concerns pertaining to certain situations about certain countries, and myself and many others are deeply grateful for that. I have a strong desire to travel around the world too and seeing these videos helps to keep me inspired in order to pursue that goal. Thanks so much!

[@woltersworld]

I am so glad we can help Ryan. That really put a smile on my face.

[@ryantouhey1997]

@@woltersworld Thanks for the response

[@vodo2689]

For a guy living in Riga for over 2 years, I godda say that Riga is too damn boring.. there's nothing exciting to do here..

[@dreamthedream8929]

What is exciting for you?

[@botexgubenrikwoy2757]

Use rikwow not bus

[@RolandBizjets]

Rickshaw drivers are scammers. Don’t use them.

[@botexgubenrikwoy2757]

@@RolandBizjets bull shit . If u want to wach real night life and u have money u need to use them

[@TheTwister117]

Best advice don't go there , very unfriendly people from my experience. Don't seem like they want tourists going there

[@RolandBizjets]

TheTwister117 I have quite opposite experience. Maybe you did something wrong or went to wrong places.

[@TheTwister117]

@@RolandBizjets I went with a stag do and I think they have had loads of trouble before so I think we all got tarred with the same brush

[@dreamthedream8929]

​@@TheTwister117stag dos are really annoying, no surprise