Riga

Founded by a German missionary in 1201, Riga was used as a port city to launch Christianity into the native Livonian culture. For much of its history, Riga was an occupied city, first by the Germans, then the Swedish, the Russians and finally, the Soviet Union. Germans were evicted from the city during the 1940s, but much of the city still retains a distinctly German flair in its culture and architecture.
Riga stands as by far the most cosmopolitan part of Latvia, often visited by tourists. Though it looks a little rough owing to its Soviet occupation (there are many ugly Soviet-style buildings, many of which are abandoned now), the city has undergone a restoration of sorts, most notably in the Old Town. The majority of the tourists choose to stay around Old Town and the nearby Freedom Monument, which is the centre of city’s nightlife and shopping venues with plenty of pubs, coffee shops and restaurants to explore. The tourist office inside the House of the Blackheads assists tourists with guided tours, and is worth visiting if you’re wondering where to go.

Popular sites include the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which is a moving experience for those interested in the Nazi and Soviet history of the region. St. Peter’s Church is Riga’s oldest church, dating back to 1209. The church offers a great view of the entire city, so take the elevator up the tower for a panoramic view of Riga. Just over the Stone Bridge, you’ll find the neighbourhoods of Agenskalns and Tornakalns, which usually go unvisited by tourists but are definitely worth a visit. Besides, Riga has a great nightlife and a stroll around the city after dark will lead you to a number of bars, pubs and clubs.