A Backpacker’s Guide to Riga - By: Elmo Populous

Riga provides the visitor with a wealth of experiences from its lively nightlife and international cuisine, to its medieval streets and fascinating architecture. The friendly welcoming atmosphere of the city and its affordable accommodation make it a particularly attractive destination to backpackers seeking excitement without a huge price tag attached.

History boffs should descend on Old Riga, which is centred around Cathedral Square and hosts most of the city’s ancient buildings. Navigating through its cobbled streets and secret courtyards feels notalgic. Riga Cathedral is a lofty red-brick construction established in 1211. From Cathedral Square head to Riga Castle which dates from the early sixteenth century and is now home to both the Latvian president and the Latvian History Museum. The museum displays an assortment of iron-age artefacts and peasant life tableaux. The “Three Brothers” are close by; three attractive medieval houses, one of which is said to be the oldest in Latvia. Illustrations of Latvia’s more recent history can be found at Bastion Hill, the park which leads down to the city canal. On January 20 1991, four people were killed by Soviet fire during attempts to repress Latvia’s independence drive. Stones bearing the victims’ names mark where they fell near the park’s entrance.

You are reminded once more of Latvia’s turbulent history as you enter the New Town. The modernist Freedom Monument is everywhere, and holds aloft three stars representing the three regions of Latvia. Astonishingly this monument survived the Soviet era and is now guarded by two soldiers in symbolic protection of Latvia’s independence. The New Town differs sigificantly to Old Riga. It was built during rapid urban expansion between 1857 and 1914 and is marked by wide boulevards, apartment blocks and decadent Jugendstil architecture. Jugendstil motifs of mythological creatures and nymphs decorate the facades of many of the New Town’s apartment buildings. A trip to the Latvian National Museum of Art is a highlight of a visit to the New Town. It is located in a grandiose Neoclassical building and exhibits an impressive collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Latvian works.

The city has an excellent range of eating options for the budget traveller from bar snacks to restaurant blowouts. For good value cheap snacks, head to Šefpavirs Vilhelms, a self-service pancake place near Cathedral Square. For a more substantial meal, Melnie Miki offers a sophisticated global menu at reasonable prices which can be enjoyed in its atmospheric medieval interior.

Riga is a haven for backpackers with its vast range of youth hostels and budget hotels. This means that despite the large amount of accommodation on offer, it is essential to reserve in advance in summer. Try Franks Backpackers Hostel in Old Riga which is clean, bright and extremely welcoming. Before you go, ensure you are covered for all eventualities by investing in Backpackers’ Insurance.

Riga provides the visitor with a wealth of experiences from its lively nightlife and international cuisine, to its medieval streets and fascinating architecture.

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