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Riga is not a main road, but a crossroads. Northern and Eastern Europe come together here to create a very special mix. Inspiration strikes wherever you look. Whether crazy architecture or minimalist design, both can be found in the Latvian capital. The pulse is fast here, but not so fast that you feel dizzy. And if you do, a glass of herbal schnapps is guaranteed to bring you back. Lelde Benke has lived in Riga for 20 years and loves the city not only for its culture, but especially for its good food. She reveals her hotspots on this page.
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Living
Those whose travel budget allows it can book a suite in Neiburg’s Design Hotel. Situated in the heart of Riga’s old town, the hotel offers an ideal starting point for sightseeing tours. The Two Wheels is a bar and hotel in one and is located on the other side of the Daugava River. Cozy, stylish, and as a guest you can even rent motorcycles here for the ultimate Riga adventure!
Neiburgs Design Hotel, Jauniela 25, Centra rajons, neiburgs.com
Two Wheels, Baložu iela 12, 2w.lv
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Food
Muklajs changes its menu daily, but the delicious fish dishes are always the right choice. If you find it difficult to choose from a large menu, you can go to Kasha Gourmet, where you can put together your own dishes under the motto “Mix & Match”. In the afternoon, it’s time for coffee and cake in the lovingly furnished Mu, which also offers gluten-free treats. Burger restaurants are really taking off in Riga at the moment, and the best ones can be found at Burger Story. And: the veggie burgers here are an absolute hit!
Muklajs, Baznīcas iela 37, facebook.com/Muklajs
Kasha Gourmet, Stabu iela 14, kasha-gourmet.com
Mu, Tērbatas iela 66, facebook.com/Mū-cafe
Burger Story, Smilšu iela 14, burgerstory.eu
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Shopping
You can find the full range of Latvian fashion at Paviljons or 8Rooms, while designer Elina Dobele‘s boutique has the shoes to match your new dress. Trend seekers will find what they are looking for at Bang Bang or browse through the second-hand items at Humana Vintage. The prices are so low that it’s okay to leave the store with more than one sweater. By the way: at the end of the month, before the new collections arrive, everything is even cheaper. Design from Latvia and numerous sweet souvenirs are waiting to be discovered at Riija and Pienene. If you like chocolate, you have to visit Nelleulla – expensive, yes, but worth every penny!
Paviljons, Terbatas street 55, paviljons.lv
8Rooms, Dzirnavu iela 67, 8rooms.eu
Elina Dobele, Valnu street 12, elinadobele.com
Bang Bang, 20, Kalēju iela 18/20, bangbangshop.lv
Humana Vintage, Ģertrūdes iela 16, humanalatvia.lv
Riija, Tērbatas iela 6/8, riija.lv
Pienene, Kungu iela 7, studijapienene.lv
Nelleulla, Audeju street 1, nelleulla.com
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Party
The Bruninieku 2 is cool and alternative. The agenda is always packed, and fans of electronic music in particular get their money’s worth here. Also worth a detour: the One One. If you want something a little more exclusive, go to Cita Puse in Riga’s old town. The great location right on the water takes your breath away!
Bruninieku 2, iela 2 Centra rajons, facebook.com/Bruninieku2
One One, Šarlotes iela 18a, facebook.com/oneoneriga
Cita Puse, 11. novembra krastmala 35, citapuse.lv
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Quarters
For shopping, head to Terbatas iela. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and all the tourists, take a stroll through Miera iela or Meža iela (above the river in the old town) – there are numerous small cafés and restaurants here where you can eat well and cheaply and sit for a long time after paying the bill. Chilled bars line Skolas iela or Stabu iela – go there and be surprised. But the hippest spot in Riga at the moment is Rocket Bean Roastery. The coffee here is freshly roasted by hand and you can also enjoy delicious gourmet menus and really good cakes in a super trendy atmosphere.
Rocket Bean Roastery, Miera iela 29/31, facebook.com/Rocket-Bean-Roastery
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Must do
Inexpensive, delicious and better than any kebab are the Latvian dumplings – pelmeni – that you can buy at XL Pelmeni. You can choose from several varieties: the ideal snack after a night of partying! Directly across the street is the Black Magic Bar, where you can sample the famous Riga Black Balsam. But be careful: this herbal schnapps is not for wallflowers!
XL Pelmeni, Vecrīgā, Kalķu 7, xlpelmeni.lv
Black Magic Bar, Kaļķu iela 10, blackmagic.lv
Events
Riga Salsa Festival 11. until 14.6.
You can learn how to really swing your hips at various workshops.
rigasalsafestival.com
Europride 15. until 21.6.
Everyone is welcome at the festival for homosexuals and transsexuals! Colorful, peaceful, friendly – these are the key words for this festival.
europride2015.eu
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Lelde Benke is a marketing expert and blogger. loves shopping at the Riga Central Market. hates pop songs.