A Summer’s Week in Riga
The author of this review is Lelde McCoy,Managing Director of the The Reputation Group, Melbourne, Australia
For anyone interested in the “finer things in life” a few summer days in the Baltic republic of Latvia certainly fits the bill in more ways than one.It’s a high-quality destination full of cultural, scenic and gastronomic surprises, all at an affordable price that is lower than other large cities in Europe.A small country it’s easy to get around and there is much to appeal to the traveler. There are dozens of ancient castles, kilometers of untouched beaches, beautiful manor houses that have been converted into hotels and spas as well as pristine forests and lakes. Outside of Riga, the key towns to visit are Cesis, Liepaja, Kuldiga, Rundale Palace and Bauska and Sigulda and Turaide.
“My visit in June coincided with the Riga Opera Festival, four days of world-class performances in Riga’s classic Opera House – indeed there are a myriad of festivals during the year with appeal to many different interests. For the first time visitor, everywhere is walkable. Start in the Old Town. Key sights there include the Three Brothers houses, the Swedish Gate, St Peter’s Church and the Riga Cathedral. In summer it is a buzz with locals and tourists having a good time at the many outdoor terraced bars situated in the maze of cobblestoned streets and lanes.”
Next visit the Central Market. In summer, its stands are full of the sweetest most pungent strawberries you will ever sample. It is the largest covered market in Europe with each hall devoted to either fish, meat, produce or dairy. There is also a new ‘gastro’ food court where the market’s goods can be sampled.
