Capital of the northeast European country of Latvia, Riga is a country only few travellers ever get out and see. A cosmopolitan city rich in nightlife, Riga is a place with much to do. Most famous for its historic Old Town, the buildings in Riga are famous for their distinctly Art Nouveau style. A walk through this old city will take you past hundreds of ornate buildings with intricate facades. At night the city is thriving with coffee shops, bars/pubs and clubs for every kind of traveller.

Riga is a particularly interesting city as it has been a part of many different states. Founded in 1201 by a German seeking to conquer the native Livonians and convert them to Christianity, Riga was a hub of trade early on. Since then it has been conquered by Sweden, Germany, Russia and the Soviet Union, and only gained independence in 1991. Since independence, Latvia is a city on the rise. It only recently joined the Euro and officials have been making a huge effort to attract travellers to this old and beautiful country. Riga remains the most cosmopolitan city of Latvia, one well-worth the trip.