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With a history stretching back more than 800 years, Riga is a city of stark contrasts. From the magnificent 15 th century Old Town, to the buzzing bars and clubs that have sprung up over recent years, Riga offers visitors an intoxicating blend of old and new. The city was founded by German traders, mercenaries and religious crusaders in the 12 th century, attracted by potential new markets and religious zeal. Riga thrived throughout the following centuries, growing in international prominence and prestige. It was during this period that the magnificent Old Town was constructed. The Old Town is a sublime mix of architectural styles, with the highest concentration of particularly Art Nouveau or Jugend buildings in Europe. This has earned the city comparisons with Vienna and St Petersburg, while many have proclaimed Riga as ‘The Paris of the North’. Indeed, the beauty of the Old Town is such that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Riga has benefited greatly from the post-Soviet economic boom, as well as from Latvia’s entry into the EU in 2004. Investment has poured into the capital in recent years, transforming it from a provincial backwater into one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities in the Baltic States. Visitor attractions have been spruced up, modern shopping and entertainment venues have been opened, and the city has emerged as the de facto business capital of the Baltic States. Strolling around the Old Town visitors will find a wealth of cultural and historical monuments commemorating the tumultuous events of the city’s long history. Among the highlights of the Old Town are Riga Cathedral, St Peter’s Church and the 42-metre high Freedom Monument. The latter of these relates to Riga’s later history, which continues to prove the greatest draw for visitors. Riga became the capital of an independent Latvia in 1918 following the end of World War One. Between the wars Riga basked in its reputation as a vibrant, grand and imposing city, and it was during this time that it became known as the ‘ Paris of the North’. However, this period of rebirth was to be short-lived. Occupation by the Soviets and the Nazis followed, during which one third of the Latvian population was murdered. Soviet occupation lasted from the end of the war until 1991, when Latvia declared its independence. Since the end of the Soviet occupation Riga has thrived, both economically and culturally. An explosion in the number of restaurants, bar, clubs and shopping venues has seen Riga emerge as one of the most vibrant cities in Northern Europe, putting Vilnius and Tallinn in the shade, and ensuring that everyone from hedonists to culture vultures will absolutely love this beautiful and boisterous city.

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