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Riga, Latvia
Riga is two cities in one. The compact medieval Old Town (Vecriga) clusters around the Dome Cathedral and Church of St. Peter, whose tower offers a panorama of spires and the wide Daugava River. The Three Brothers, a row of medieval houses, and the Swedish Gate are among the atmospheric highlights. But Riga's real architectural treasure lies in the New Town, where over 800 Art Nouveau buildings — the densest concentration anywhere — line streets like Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela with fantastical facades of dragons, screaming faces, and ornate floral motifs. The Central Market, housed in five enormous former Zeppelin hangars, is one of Europe's largest and most vibrant. The Miera iela neighborhood in the Quiet Centre has emerged as Riga's creative hub with independent cafes and boutiques.
explore by interest
Spend at least an hour walking Alberta, Elizabetes, and Strelnieku streets to appreciate the Art Nouveau facades — look up constantly, as the best details are above street level.
June through August offers warm days with nearly 18 hours of daylight, while Riga's Midsummer celebration (Jani) in late June is a magical Latvian tradition.