Lithuanians who have fallen in the capital of pleasures will remember their one-day adventures for a long time.

For example, did you know that one of the oldest wooden boats in Latvia can be navigated through the Riga canals and the Daugava River? Or see an impressive collection of vintage cars in the largest automotive museum in the Baltic countries? Or have a romantic dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Riga’s old town on the rooftop overlooking the towers of the city church? In the evening, have a fuss at parties in the trendy harbor district and then sleep in a hotel room with spectacular views of the wide river?

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

Along the river: fabulous views, fancy parties and a trip on the oldest boat on the canals of Riga

After arriving in the center of Riga in the evening, we settle into the Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel with a fabulous view of the Daugava River, where the towers of the city can be seen through the windows, and trains pass from time to time. across the wide riverbed. If you want to feel the spirit of Riga city, but not far from the standards of a nominal hotel, this place will be the ideal place to stay. For example, on a weekend in September, a double room for two nights with a good breakfast here costs around 150 euros. You can also bring your own pet here; the hotel allows pets (11 Novembra krastmala str. 33).

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

In the morning, after a rich breakfast, the acquaintance of the part of the port of Riga began, which is now very popular with young people. Andrejosta Kvartals is located on the waterfront with trendy outdoor cocktail bars and a popular spot for fancy parties (Eksporta St. 1).

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

It is true that we visit this place at noon, so you will definitely have to come back here in the evening and experience the heat of the party.

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

An impressive journey awaited us in the same port, probably the oldest wooden ship in Latvia, the Darling, built in 1907.

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

The Art Nouveau-style ship sailed through Riga’s impressive canals for about an hour; I would not lie saying that you will feel like you are in the Baltic from Venice. The price of the trip is 15 euros for adults and 10 euros for children and students.

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

And during the pleasantly surprised route, we managed to capture charming images, which you can see in the video:

An industrial area that has become a center for contemporary art

In 2020, a private contemporary art center Zuzeum opened its doors on the territory of the former bottle cap factory, the founders of which are art patrons, collectors Dina and Jānis Zuzāns, who have accumulated more than 20 thousand. artworks.

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

The Zuzuem Museum is located between the UNESCO-protected historical center of Riga and the future Rail Baltica railway line, which will connect Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw with European railways.
The approximately 1,100-square-foot space is divided into two galleries, a sculpture garden, an art workshop, a cafe, a rooftop terrace, and an art store.

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

The museum regularly organizes cultural promotion programs, tours, talks, movie nights and DJ parties. Additionally, the museum is installing facilities for art residents who will be able to stay here during creative explorations.

The museum houses exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the Zuzans collection. (Zuzeum, Lāčplēša str. 101, Riga).

Experience the thunder of a racing car engine.

Another noteworthy place in the Latvian capital for history buffs is the Riga Automobile Museum. The three-story museum, which exhibits more than 100 vintage cars, is the largest and most modern museum of its kind in the Baltic States. The main focus here is on the 20th century. the history of the development of the automotive industry.

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

The exhibition also includes a replica of the world’s first Benz Patent Motorwagen, the pioneers of modern European and American car brands, the legendary retro racing and pre-war cars, unique Kremlin limousines, Soviet-era equipment, as well as mopeds, bicycles and others. equipment with wheels. There is also an interactive exhibition of examples from Soviet life, showing the everyday life of people living in an apartment building.

Riga Automobile Museum. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

Although our visit to the museum was short, we managed to experience fun and even uplifting moments here. In the interactive pavilion, you can pose in front of the lens, take a photo and see your image embedded in the background of a vintage car parade, and even receive the photo directly by email.

Riga Automobile Museum. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

Or you can experience what it means to start and hear the roar of the V8-like engine of a race car built in the middle of the last century. All you have to do is sit in a special chair, close your eyes and … the roar of the engine, which causes horror and even sentimental tears, will take you right to the race track.

You can find the museum at Sergeja Jelensteina str. 8, Riga. Ticket price per person – 5 – 10 euros. Discounts are available for families and groups here.

Romantic rooftop dinner

The intense day of adventures in the capital of Latvia ended in idyllic tranquility at the restaurant, in the very center of Riga, on the roof of the old house “Gutenbergs Rooftop Restaurant” (Doma laukums str. 1).

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

The actual views of the Riga cathedral clock tower and bell tower, the roof slopes and the night sky were very romantic.

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

In the high-end restaurant we ordered grilled tuna steak with grilled vegetables (€ 21.50) and fried starfish fillet with fresh potatoes fried in butter (€ 21.50). For the fish dishes, we combined Grüner Veltliner white Austrian grape wine and German Riesling wine (6 euro glasses).

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

Riga. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear

For dessert – homemade ice cream (5 euros) and for the recovery of the heart – espresso macchiato.

Thus ended our wonderful week-long “Discover Latvia” trip. Bravo, brothers, our visit to Riga was like the cherry on a cake, and what we lived here: 10 points.