Neiburgs is a stylish boutique hotel in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building in the historic centre of Riga. Villa Joma is a homely old-fashioned hotel in a traditional wooden house in the seaside resort of Jurmala, a few minutes from the beach. Also check out Hotel Bergs right in the centre.
Europe’s most impressive German Art Nouveau, or Jugenstil, quarter, also recognised by Unesco, lies across Bastejkalns Park in the New Town, the commercial heart of the city, whose broad avenues are as awash these days with chic shops, bustling bars and good restaurants.
A glorious microcosm is Riga Central Market, Europe’s largest market. Once a symbol of the deprivations of the old Soviet Days not only has it become a tourist attraction with its countless stalls, but a new Gastronomy Pavilion has just been added with 300 stalls brimming with fresh produce. This is the place to try the local delicacy of rye bread with herring, traditional grey peas and potatoes. You can pick up a swathe of characterful souvenirs here, with old Soviet memorabilia always popular.
