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Rīga

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Riga old town at Christmas

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Overview

The Gothic spires that dominate Rīga's cityscape might suggest austerity, but it is the flamboyant art nouveau that forms the flesh and the spirit of this vibrant cosmopolitan city, the largest of all three Baltic capitals. Like all northerners, it is quiet and reserved on the outside, but there is some powerful chemistry going on inside its hip bars, modern art centres and the kitchens of its cool experimental restaurants.

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Best Things to Do

Since re-emerging as the capital of Latvia, Rīga has evolved into a dynamic Baltic hub. From old town tours to nightlife, here are the top things to do.

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