Language: Latvian  |  Currency: Euros (€)  |  Local time: UTC +02  |  Avg. Flight time: 2.5 hrs

Cultural kicks

As you might expect from the 2014 European Capital of Culture, Riga has bags of cultural clout. The Baltic bombshell boasts one of the largest Art Nouveau neighbourhoods in the world, not to mention an endless array of ancient churches, kooky theatres, art galleries and performance spaces.

Culture junkies could happily while away a weekend break in Riga exploring the city’s impressive line-up of museums, from the recently renovated Latvian National Museum of Art to the sobering Occupation Museum.

Indulge yourself

There’s a reason why Riga stag parties are the stuff of legend, although their easily avoidable if that’s not your cup of tea! Hipster bars, brew pubs and cocktail bars dot the Old Town, with much of the action concentrated around the famous Miera Iela strip. When the pubs close, you can take the party on to one of the city’s many blues dens, rock bars or dance clubs.

Make huge savings on all of your holiday must-haves

If your taste for indulgence runs to food rather than partying, then prepare to have your taste buds thoroughly tickled. Sample pan-European cuisine based on local specialities such as sour cherries and wild catfish at a constellation of fabulous restaurants, dine on traditional Latvian dishes at cosy neighbourhood bistros, or take your pick of regional produce at the vast Central Market.

When to go to Riga

There’s no bad time to take a Riga city break. Latvia’s capital pulses with life year-round, with Christmas card-style snowy winters, golden autumns and sweltering summers.

If you’re counting the pennies, travel in spring or autumn to take advantage of cheap holiday deals. The weather tends to pick up in late April, and an explosion of wild flowers makes late spring the perfect time to explore the surrounding countryside on a weekend break.

Keen to sample the legendary Riga party culture? Book your Riga city break for midsummer, when a combination of steamy weather, beach parties and festivals creates the perfect atmosphere for a hen do or stag party. Cheap holidays are rare in the summer, so book early to enjoy your pick of deals.

Events for your diary

Head to Riga at the end of July and you can experience Latvia’s most important holiday – the two-day Summer solstice. With traditional parades winding through the city and the surrounding countryside brought to life with beer festivals and bonfires, it’s a great time to plan a Riga holiday. Another highlight of the summer is Riga City Festival, which takes over the town centre every August for three days of music, markets, events and parades.

Visit in December for the magical Christmas Market. Held in the cathedral square, it draws festive crowds each year with the promise of music, mulled wine and traditional Latvian craft pieces.

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