Riga

Riga, the largest city in the Baltic states, is a stunning architectural showcase where medieval, Art Nouveau, and Soviet-era buildings stand side by side. The city boasts the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world - over 800 buildings, many with fantastically ornate facades of nymphs, demons, and geometric patterns line Alberta Iela and the surrounding streets.

The UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vecrīga) features the iconic Three Brothers houses, a soaring Gothic cathedral, and one of Europe's largest central markets housed in former Zeppelin hangars. Riga's cultural scene includes world-class opera and ballet, a thriving craft beer movement, and a food scene that blends traditional Latvian cuisine with modern Nordic influences.

May to August is warmest (15-22°C) with long days. The Midsummer festival (Jāņi, June 23-24) is Latvia's biggest celebration. Riga has a continental climate - cold winters, warm summers. Christmas markets are beautiful.