Latvia is a small country. But its geographical location and rich historical and cultural heritage provide an opportunity for the most diverse recreation. Would you like to sunbathe and swim? Then there is nothing better than the Riga seaside. Music lovers are attracted by the song contest in Jurmala. There are many cities with ancient architecture in the country. The capital of a country like Latvia, Riga, is the most interesting for sightseeing holidays. This is the largest city not only in the country, but also in all the B altic states that were previously part of the USSR. Its population is over seven hundred thousand people. In this article we will talk about Riga and its sights. We will also acquaint you with possible tours to Latvia from Russia.
Official country data
"371" is the dialing code for Latvia. Riga adds "2" to these figures. If you are calling from a mobile phone, you do not need to add the area code. To call a subscriber's number in Latvia while staying in Russia, you need to dial "8",wait for a long beep, "10 371" and the area code. The national currency of the country is the euro. The time here is Eastern European. In summer, there is no difference with Moscow. In winter, local time is one hour behind Western Russian time. Riga index (Latvia) - from LV-1001 to LV-1084. This B altic state is part of the Schengen area.
Russians need to open a visa to enter the territory of Latvia. To do this, you need to contact the country's embassy in Moscow or consulates that are open in St. Petersburg and Pskov. There are also visa centers that, for an additional fee, will help you in obtaining the necessary documents for an entry permit. You need to take care of getting the coveted insert in your passport in advance. 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 of only two million people provides a very diverse holiday. Residents of St. Petersburg, Pskov and Novgorod are quite easy (with a visa) to get to this B altic country. Therefore, travel agencies in these regions of Russia offer weekend bus tours. For more than two 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)". During the night, a handsome liner will cross the B altic Sea. After an eventful day, the same ship will deliveryou back to Riga. He alth tours are offered by Latvian seaside resorts. Spa treatments involve staying in sanatoriums for at least a week. Independent travelers can be recommended to travel to Latvia on 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 Express) and St. Petersburg (B altic).
Beach & SPA
The coast of the B altic 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 golden sandy beaches stretch for tens of kilometers around. Unlucky with the weather on the Riga coast? No problem. After all, it is so good to wander along the shore 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 holding, a direct train is sent from Moscow. To get to the golden beaches of Jurmala at another time, you need to make only one transfer. First you should come by train to a republic like Latvia. Riga and Jurmala are connected by an excellent road. Buses will take 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 northeast 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. Latvia (Riga) can boast of a large number of country castles and palaces. To the south of it lies the region of Zemgala. Among the picturesque landscapes there is the 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 Aglona Abbey, located between the beautiful lakes of Egles and Cirisha.
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 City. By the way, it is fully and completely included in the UNESCO List. This is how unique Latvia is. Riga, whose streets breathe with antiquity, will delay the tourist for a long time. This city is just full of museums. You should definitely walk along Albert Street along a row of Art Nouveau houses (as Art Nouveau is called here). You won't have to walk much: the Old City is simply "stuffed" with sights. Next to each other are located: the Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, the churches of John, Jacob and Peter, the Powder Tower. If it staystime, take a look at some 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 the national cuisine. Latvian dishes are tasty and satisfying. National dishes are served in an appropriate setting. Small towns are full of restaurants with a cozy homely atmosphere. Embroidered tablecloths, cleanliness and smiling, calm, hospitable people - this is how you will remember Latvia. Riga, despite the medieval surroundings, can offer guests stylish modern cafes.
