Riga, the capital of Latvia is an amazing place for tourism, exciting city breaks and everyday living. Often mentioned as “Paris of the North”, Riga is well known for its architectural and cultural values. Riga is located on the both shores of Daugava River, about 15km (9mi) from its mouth in the south-eastern corner of the Gulf of Riga.

Centuries-old German buildings are strewn throughout the historic quarter of Vecriga (Old Riga), and taking the lift up to the spire of St Peter’s Church for an aerial view of the neighbourhood is one of the highlights of a visit. Riga Castle dates from 1330, when it was built as the headquarters of the Livonian Order. It’s now the home of Latvia’s president. With as much history as Riga has, it is difficult to decide where to begin the exploration of it all.

Today there are 28 museums, 7 professional theatres, 12 cinemas, 4 concert halls as well as the circus and zoo in Riga. Every year many cultural activities take place in the city: Days of Art, the assembly of Vanguard Fashion, ‘Arsenals’ film festival, National Folk Song and Dance Festival. Besides, there are 277 amateur art groups in the city. In 2014 Riga became European Capital of Culture and offered around 200 cultural projects and events, including operas, exhibitions and festivals, and even - one of the biggest celebrations of the summer solstice in Europe.

Reasons to visit Riga:

CULTURE - Riga offers dynamic cultural life. Latvian National Opera gathers world-level artists. Concert halls regularly offer classic and popular music concerts, exhibition halls present works of world-known classical and contemporary artistscultural life of Riga is generous in various manifestations.

HERITAGE - Riga is more than 800 years old. Albert, a German bishop, founded Riga in 1201. Each century has left its marks in the architecture in the Old Town and City Centre here the cultural heritage coexists with the quick pace of modern living.

ARCHITECTURE - Architecture of Riga is beauteous and diverse. Heritage of 800 years old Gothic churches, built by founders of Riga, medieval buildings in the Old Town, exquisite Art Nouveau, as well as wooden buildings make Riga a true pearl of architecture.

GASTRONOMY - Riga’s restaurants offer fusion cuisine, where one can taste Latvian traditional meals, and original meals offering an astonishing combination of tastes and taking you for an exciting gastronomic journey.

BUSINESS - And finally, Riga is perfect for organizing conferences, exhibitions, and team-building activities. The city is very dynamic and can offer not only a professional service, but also good infrastructure.

For more information please visit: www.liveriga.lv

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