Latvia is a small country. But its geographical location and rich historical and cultural heritage provide an opportunity for a diverse holiday. Would you like to sunbathe and swim? Then there is nothing better than the Riga seaside. Melomanov is attracted to a song contest in Jurmala. The country has many cities with ancient architecture. The capital of a country such as Latvia, Riga, is most interesting for excursions. This is the largest city not only of the country, but of all the Baltic states that were formerly part of the USSR. Its population is more than seven hundred thousand people. In this article we will talk about Riga and its attractions. We will also acquaint you with possible tours to Latvia from Russia.
Official country data
"371" is the phone code of Latvia. Riga adds “2” to these numbers. If you are calling on a mobile phone, you do not need to add the area code. To call a subscriber number in Latvia while in Russia, you need to dial "8", wait for a long beep, "10 371" and the city code. The national currency of the country is the euro. Time here is Eastern European. In the summer, there is no difference with Moscow. In winter, local time is one hour behind Western Russian. Riga Index (Latvia) - from LV-1001 to LV-1084. This Baltic state is part of the Schengen area.
To enter the territory of Latvia, Russians need to open a visa. To do this, you need to contact the country's embassy in Moscow or the consulates that are open in St. Petersburg and Pskov. There are also visa centers that will help you with the preparation of the necessary documents for an entry permit for an additional fee. You need to take care of getting the cherished sticker in the passport in advance. After all, at least a week is required to open a tourist visa. Although for a fee you can speed up this process.
Tours to Latvia
As we already mentioned, this small country with a population of only two million people provides a very diverse holiday. Residents of St. Petersburg, Pskov and Novgorod quite simply (with a visa) to get to this Baltic country. Therefore, travel agencies in these regions of Russia offer weekend bus tours. For more than two days you can explore the sights of the capital, visit the seaside and enjoy the delights of local cuisine.
There is a very interesting sea tour “Latvia (Riga) - Sweden (Stockholm)”. During the night, a handsome liner crosses the Baltic Sea. After an eventful day, the same ship will take you back to Riga. Wellness tours are offered by Latvian sea resorts. SPA treatments include staying in sanatoriums for at least a week. Independent travelers can recommend trips to Latvia with their own car. The driver needs to issue a Green Card, as well as bring his "iron" horse in line with European standards (tinted windows are not allowed). You can get to Riga by train from Moscow (“Latvijas Expressis”) and St. Petersburg (“Baltia”).
Beach holidays and SPA
The coast of the Baltic Sea is not very happy with the warm sea and cloudless sky, but in the summer months tourists still flock to Jurmala. This city with its unique microclimate fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape. It is surrounded by pine forests, and around dozens of kilometers stretch of golden sandy beaches. Not lucky with the weather on the Riga seaside? No problem. It’s so good to wander along the coast and breathe in the healing air filled with iodine and the aroma of pine needles. Or drink healing mineral water from a spring. Jurmala is known as the capital of the song festival. During their conduct, a direct train is sent from Moscow. To get to the golden beaches of Jurmala at another time, you need to make only one change. First you should come by train to a republic like Latvia. Riga and Jurmala are connected by an excellent road. Minibuses will deliver you to your destination. They depart from the main railway station of the capital.
Sights of Latvia
The country can be conditionally divided into four regions, and each of them is unique. Vidzeme in the north-east of Latvia is famous for the medieval city called Sigulda. It is located in the Gauja National Park. Another attraction of the region is the Vidzeme Sea. A large number of country castles and palaces can boast of Latvia (Riga). To the south of it lies the Zemgale region. Among the picturesque landscapes there is a majestic Rundale castle. Kurzeme in western Latvia is famous for its natural attractions. A popular tourist destination is the valleys of the Venta and Abava rivers, as well as waterfalls. Latgale in the east of the country is notable for its monasteries. The most famous is the Aglona Abbey, located between the beautiful lakes of Egles and Tsirish.
Riga Attractions
This city is called the "capital of Art Nouveau." A lot of houses (about 800) are built in this architectural style. Most of the buildings are located in the Old Town. Incidentally, it is fully and completely included in the UNESCO List. That’s how unique Latvia is. Riga, whose streets breathe antiquity, will delay the tourist for a long time. This city is just crowded with museums. It is necessary to walk along Alberta along a number of houses in the “art nouveau style” (as modern is called here). You don’t have to go around much: the Old City is just "packed" with sights. Next to each other are: Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, churches of John, Jacob and Peter, Powder Tower. If you have time, look at a museum, for example, the Occupation of Latvia or the history of Riga.
What to try
When visiting Turaida Castle or basking on the beaches of Jurmala, do not forget to pay tribute to national cuisine. The dishes of Latvians are delicious and satisfying. National dishes are served in the appropriate setting. The small towns are full of restaurants with a cozy homely atmosphere. Embroidered tablecloths, cleanliness and smiling, calm, hospitable people - you will remember such Latvia. Despite the medieval surroundings, Riga can offer guests stylish modern cafes.