Riga's Old Town area (Vecriga) is the most central part of the city and the most convenient part to go everywhere from. In this area, you will find many hotels and hostels, and it's a quick walk to the Central Train Station and the Central Bus Station. It's also a five-minute walk or less to tram or bus stops that can take you throughout the beautiful city. Pro-tip: tram routes are the fastest and even quicker than taking a Bolt (like Uber) or taxi, as they run on dedicated rails and are not affected by road traffic as much. A single journey on public transport is 1,15euro, however, you pay for each transport vehicle/transfer - for example, if you know your route requires two busses or a bus and a tram ride you will need two tickets. There is no such thing as an option to use the same ticket for multiple means of transport within a set time frame. Pro-tip: You can purchase "tap cards" pre-loaded with however many tickets you think you may need at the local Narvesen convenience stores, which works on all Riga transport trams, trolleys, and local busses. From the Central Train Station, you can get tickets to visit places such as Jūrmala, a 32-km long resort-city on the Gulf of Riga. Tickets are a few euros and it takes approximately 30 minutes to arrive from the station via the Riga to Sloka/Tukums line. There is no stop called Jūrmala, instead, you may choose: Majori, or Dubulti or Melluži for quieter beaches. For an even emptier and less touristy spot, head further out to Sloka. There are many things to see in Jūrmala: Dzintari Concert Hall complex (c. 1930s), Dzintari Forest Park, and on the banks of the winding Lielupe River is the Jūrmala City Museum. Some other destinations to explore in Latvia: Sigulda - home of Turaida castle, Gūtmaņala (a small cave with historical inscriptions) and Gauja National Park; Cēsis - famous for an iconic medieval castle, nature trails and a ski-resort; Liepāja - known for its beach, northern forts, cathedral and Soviet Karosta prison; Kuldiga - here you will find waterfalls, caves, castles and gardens; Ventspils - known for its Ostas iela promenade and beautiful beach, as well as its local museum built in a former castle; Daugavpils - the second-largest city in the country after Riga, home of the Mark Rothko museum, a fortress from the 1800s, a lead-shot factory open for guided tours, museums, churches and a synagogue; Jelgava - a beautiful city with palaces, castles, sculpture and parks; Pilsrundāle - a village outside Jelgava with castles, historic manors, with beautiful nature reserves and walking trails; and there are many, many other places to visit in Latvia! Most destinations are best explored via car, as there is so much to see and not everything will be centralized such as in Riga. From the Central Bus terminal, you can purchase tickets to Lithuania or Estonia as well. Otherwise, all travel to/from Riga is done through the International Airport here (the only one in the country). There are many destinations you will not be able to fly direct to and will have to catch connecting flights via Germany or Poland so be sure to plan all trips accordingly!
- Melissa Penney
Riga, Latvia