Latvia, Riga: recreation opportunities

Latvia is a small country. But its geographical location and rich historical and cultural heritage provide an opportunity for a diversified holiday. Do you want to sunbathe and swim? Then there is nothing better than the Riga Seashore. Melomanov attracts a song contest in Jurmala. There are many cities with ancient architecture in the country. The capital of such a country as Latvia is most interesting for excursion rest - Riga. 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 tell you about Riga and its sights. We will also familiarize you with possible tours to Latvia from Russia.

Official country data

"371" is the telephone code of Latvia. Riga adds "2" to these figures. If you are calling a mobile phone, you do not need to add a city code. To call a subscriber number in Latvia, staying 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. The time here is Eastern European. In the summer, there is no difference with Moscow. In winter, local time lags behind western Russia for an hour. The index of Riga (Latvia) is from LV-1001 to LV-1084. This state of the Baltic states is included in the Schengen zone.

Russians need to open a visa to enter Latvia. 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, which at an additional cost will help you in preparing the necessary documents for permission to enter. You should take care of getting the coveted insert in your passport beforehand. After all, it takes at least a week to open a tourist visa. Although for a fee you can speed up this process.

Tours to Latvia

As we have already mentioned, this small country with a population of only two million people provides a very diverse recreation. Residents of St. Petersburg, Pskov and Novgorod are easy enough (with a visa) to reach this Baltic country. Therefore, travel agencies in these regions of Russia offer weekend bus tours. For two or more days you can see 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)". Overnight, a handsome liner will cross the Baltic Sea. After an eventful day, the same ship will take you back to Riga. Health resorts offer sea resorts in Latvia. SPA-procedures mean staying in sanatoriums for at least a week. Independent travelers can recommend trips to Latvia on their own car. The driver needs to issue a green card, and also bring his "iron" horse in compliance with European standards (not allowed tinted glass). You can get to Riga by train from Moscow ("Latvijas Expresis") and St. Petersburg ("Baltia").

Beach holidays and SPA

The coast of the Baltic Sea is not too happy with the warm sea and cloudless skies, but in the summer months tourists are still rushing to Jurmala. This city with its unique microclimate perfectly blended into the surrounding landscape. It is surrounded by pine forests, and around for tens of kilometers stretched golden sandy beaches. Not lucky with the weather on the Riga seashore? No problem. After all, it's so good to wander along the shore and breathe the healing air, filled with iodine and the scent of pine needles. Or to drink curative mineral water from a source. Jurmala is known as the capital of the song festival. During their conduct a direct train from Moscow is sent. To get to the golden beaches of Jurmala at another time, you need to make only one transfer. First you should arrive by train to a republic like Latvia. Riga and Jurmala are connected by an excellent road. Minibuses will take you to the 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 its 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 suburban castles and palaces can boast of Latvia (Riga). To the south of it extends the region of Zemgale. Among the picturesque landscapes there is the majestic Rundale Castle. Kurzeme in the west of Latvia is famous for its natural attractions. Popular tourist destinations are the valleys of the Venta and Abava rivers, as well as waterfalls. Latgale in the east of the country is remarkable for its monasteries. The most famous is the Aglona Abbey, located between the beautiful lakes of Egles and Ciris.

Sights of Riga

This city is called the "capital of modernity". A lot of houses (about 800) are built in this architectural style. Most of the buildings are located in the Old Town. By the way, it is included in the UNESCO List. Here, what a unique Latvia. Riga, the streets of which breathe the old days, will hold the tourist for a long time. This city is just full of museums. It is necessary to walk along Albert Street along a number of houses in "Art Nouveau" (this is what modernism is called). A lot of walking is not necessary: the Old City is simply "stuffed" with sights. Next to each other are: the Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, the churches of St. John, Jacob and Peter, the Powder Tower. If you have time, look in some museum, for example, the Occupation of Latvia or the history of Riga.

What to try

Visiting the Turaida Castle or basking in the beaches of Jurmala, do not forget to pay tribute to the national cuisine. Dishes from Latvians are delicious and hearty. National dishes are served in the appropriate setting. In small towns is full of restaurants with a cozy home atmosphere. Embroidered tablecloths, cleanliness and smiling, calm, hospitable people - this will be remembered by Latvia. Riga, despite the medieval entourage, can offer guests stylish modern cafes.