One of the most popular types of recreation among Russians is the beach. Turkey and Egypt, as well as Greece, Tunisia and Thailand, occupy leading positions in the list of tour operators. But sooner or later there comes a time when you want something new. A trip to Riga may well help fulfill this need.
So, the exact direction is chosen. Half the work is already done. But don't rush. Before you happily pack your bags, charge your digital camera and look forward to new experiences, you should read important information about Riga.
Tourist city
When it comes to choosing a vacation destination, it's easy enough to get confused. Because the world is so big! And every corner of it offers its own, completely unique flavor. When an even tan and idle pastime on the beach are no longer pleasing, you can go on a trip to Riga.
Riga, capable of captivating and bewitching with medieval beauty, kindly opens its doors to every traveler. This city surprisingly combines the mystery of ancient buildings and irrepressiblethe energy of modernity. Fans of history will certainly be interested in long leisurely walks through the old streets. Where, if not in Riga, you can admire the lush greenery of numerous parks and squares, lovingly maintained in amazing order! And after the promenade, you can have a couple of glasses in one of the cozy bars that you will meet on your way.
However, those who decide that Riga is such a small town stuck somewhere in the past will be mistaken. This is a real metropolis, living a rich life. He is both similar and not like his "brothers" - Tallinn and Vilnius. There is where to have fun in a noisy company, or arrange a shopping trip.
It would seem, how can one harmoniously combine a vibrant nightlife and a perfectly preserved medieval look of the city? However, Riga does it brilliantly.
Such an incredible mix will help not to remain indifferent and gladly meet guests again, many, many times.
What is important to know about Riga
Before visiting Riga, it will not be superfluous to learn a little about its history and features. Riga is the Latvian capital, and concurrently - the recognized cultural capital of Europe. This is the largest B altic city. During the entry of Latvia into the Russian Empire, it occupied an important place both in the industrial, commercial and cultural spheres.
Riga is located on the coast of the B altic Sea. The city has many park areas, squares, ponds, which makes it incredibly beautiful, conducive to walking.travel.
The climate is temperate, the weather will please both winter and summer.
Until 1990, Riga was the most populous city in the B altics. However, after the population has thinned considerably due to emigration.
If you look at the national composition, the majority of the population are Latvians, a little less Russians live in Riga.
Curious places to visit
When you arrive in another country, you want to get acquainted with the most interesting places, look at the unique architecture, monuments. There is a lot to see in Riga. And here is a small list of must-see places to remember your trip to Riga for a long time:
Connoisseurs of beauty will love the Jewelery Museum. This is a kind of private collection of a family of local jewelers who have been collecting national jewelry for 20 years. There are both copies made by the owners of the Museum and real old originals
- To visit Riga and not visit the Town Hall Square is completely unforgivable. The square is the old center of the city. This is a very busy place. Notable Features - Town Hall and House of Blackheads.
- The magnificent Botanical Garden is open to visitors all year round. Not only representatives of the Latvian flora grow in it, but also many species of exotic plants. Nature lovers will love visiting this wonderful place. Entrance fee.
- Once on the Town Hall Square, one cannot fail to notice the mysterious House of the Blackheads. Despite the frightening name, its history is quiteprosaic. Connoisseurs of unique architecture are advised to look at this building. True, you won't be able to get inside. Since 2012, the office of the President of Latvia has been located there.
- If we talk about houses, there are many curious people in Riga. One of these is the Cat House. It is notable for the fact that the spiers of its towers are decorated with figurines of black cats. Hence the name.
- Everyone remembers the cartoon about the Bremen town musicians from childhood. So, in Riga you can look at the monument to the famous four. They also say that if you rub their noses, then the wishes come true.
- No self-respecting traveler will pass by Old Riga. This whole area is the oldest part of Riga. Here you can visit the Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. James and many other attractions.
- By the way, the Dome Cathedral is famous for its organ concerts. And also a very complex architectural style - a mixture of different directions in architecture.
One more point is the Vermanes Garden. Green alleys with fountains are combined here with nightclubs. You can stay until the morning
This is not a complete list of places that will be interesting to visit. Not to list all the parks, small squares, museums and modern art galleries. At every step, you can accidentally come across a wonderful, amazing corner. But, as evidenced by numerous reviews, a trip to Riga will be remembered by every guest for a long time.
What documents are needed
Those who wish to travel to Riga for tourism purposes shouldremember that Latvia is part of the European Union. And this means that a foreigner will need to obtain a Schengen visa in order to easily enter the country.
The question naturally arises: what documents are needed to travel to Riga?
The first step is to clarify that there are several types of visas:
- Schengen visa. Upon receipt of such a visa, the traveler also receives the right to move around the territories of all Schengen countries. Usually, it is considered as a travel visa, which is very convenient.
- Transit visa. Such a visa is designed for the traveler to transfer from one aircraft to another when the flight is not direct. At the same time, the visa does not give the foreigner the right to leave the territory of the airport.
- Long stay visa. A kind of almost alternative to a residence permit. The holder of such a visa receives the right to stay in the territory of a foreign state for a period of more than 90 days and up to 6 months.
If the main goal is to visit the country as a tourist, the Schengen visa is the best choice.
So, to get a visa for a trip to Riga, you will need:
- Fill out the form. If the vacation is planned by the whole family, then you need to fill out for each family member.
- Passport.
- Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation. If a minor receives a visa, then a birth certificate must be provided instead of a passport.
- Insurance policy. It must cover more than 30,000 euros. And acts onterritory of any Schengen country.
- Two color - standard size photo.
- Any confirmation of intentions to visit Riga. For example, it could be flights or hotel reservations.
- Bank statement.
- Receipt of payment of the consular fee.
Additional documents
This list is basic but not exhaustive. Additional documents may be required if a foreigner plans to visit Riga for employment.
How to get from St. Petersburg
There are several ways to get to Riga. For example, some choose to travel to Riga by car. It all depends on which city will serve as the starting point. From St. Petersburg a trip to Riga is offered via Pskov.
The roads are lightly loaded, so the path will be relatively fast. You should refuel before departure, as there are very few refueling after the border.
On the way to Riga, you will have to cross the border with Estonia. The queue must be booked through the online service in advance. The procedure may be lengthy.
How to get from Moscow
If you go on a trip to Riga from Moscow, the recommended route is along the M9 highway. The distance will be about 950 kilometers. And in terms of time, a trip to Riga from Moscow by car will take an average of 12 hours. The road surface is ok. According to reviews, there are not many cafes and gas stations on the highway. Crossing the border takes a long time. With heavy workload up to 8 hours.
There is another optiongo along the M1 highway, through Belarus.
When going to Riga by car, it is important to take into account the rules of Latvia. So, motorists are prohibited from using radar detectors there. And it's better to put a reflective vest in the car.
Railway
You can also travel to Riga by train. It should be noted that not every route can be direct, without transfers. So, for example, a trip from Tallinn to Riga by train is possible with transfers in St. Petersburg or Moscow.
Travel by car
To travel to Riga by car, you need the following:
- The car itself.
- Green card, which will have to be issued in advance. This is an analogue of car insurance, as in Russia OSAGO.
- Without a Schengen visa, Latvia, which is part of the EU, will not be allowed.
- A navigator will be a good helper for moving along unknown routes.
- Cheerful company and good mood!
Trip by bus to Riga
It is not necessary to be torn between the choice - a plane or a train. A trip to Riga by bus will be the most convenient option for many.
For example, a direct bus runs from St. Petersburg several times a day. Such a ticket will cost about 3,000 rubles, and the journey will take about 12 hours. You can take up to three bags with you. Comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging gadgets are offered.
It will be a little more difficult to get from the capital. The bus runs once a day, the ticket price is higher, and the journey will take up to 15 hours.
A few words aboutcellular service
On a trip abroad, you can not do without a cellular connection. In Latvia, you can buy a SIM card with a prepaid card, which is easy to find in every kiosk, train station and even in supermarkets. So calls abroad will be even more profitable.
TELE2 and LMT are the main mobile operators in Riga.
Free and paid Wi-Fi networks are also widespread in Riga. In many public places, you can easily connect and use the Internet.
Gastronomic reference
When you visit another country, it will be interesting to get acquainted with its gastronomic features. There are many different restaurants in Riga, where guests will be happy to treat their guests to their national dishes, which are sometimes quite amazing.
Although the cuisines of Latvian and Russian are somewhat reminiscent of each other, nevertheless, it will be unusual for a Russian traveler to taste beetroot soup. Unlike the usual dish for everyone, in Riga this soup is served cold. It can be found on the menu called auksta zupa.
In general, Latvian cuisine is replete with unusual dishes and food combinations. And yet, after dinner in any restaurant or cafe, satiety is more than guaranteed. What is the Latvian onion bug worth! The unusual dish turns out to be a steak served in Riga with a special onion sauce. And for dessert, treat yourself to a buberté. You should not be afraid, this is an incredibly tasty semolina porridge, which everyone was probably fed in childhood. Only here they like to combine it with whipped cream, sometimesadding a handful of nuts and cranberry sauce. Few people will refuse such porridge!
The most common product in Latvian cuisine is probably fish. It is used here in all possible forms. Here are fish casseroles with vegetables, and fried herring, which is served with the already familiar onion sauce, and the same herring, only already baked on coals. As well as many types of sandwiches, salads. Salmon can be tasted in a variety of ways literally at every turn.
If we talk about drinks, here Riga will also present some surprises. Kissels are very popular here. They are so diverse that you can taste both sweet honey and sour, made from peas or oats with the addition of curdled milk. In addition, bread kvass is very popular.
Among alcoholic beverages, the most famous is Riga Black Balsam. You can't visit Riga and not try it at least once. It is worth paying a little attention to liquors. You can try unusual tomato vodka. Beer in Riga is very excellent and, like all cuisine, has its own original features.
