Me and u/Sleinbrein are planning a trip.
In the next 2 weeks we will be travelling to Riga, since we are not familiar with the area we would like to ask a few questions.
First of all, what is the current situation with Covid? I am fully vaccinated including a booster, got it about a month ago.
Is there a chance that a new lockdown will be announced?
When searching for the conflict in Russia and the situation in Latvia we came across the following.
https://www.politico.eu/article/war-russia-ukraine-latvia-mounts-border-watch/
How is the situation in Riga and the rest of Latvia. Would you recommend us to postpone our trip? It looks concerning, but it’s the only article I can find on it.
What is your recommendation for a cheap stay in the area of Riga, and what car rental companies are best to be avoided, could you recommend? Same with restaurants.
Then lastly, any must visit places. We will be there for 4 days and would love to see both city and nature in and around Riga.
Many thanks,
Gilles
Edit: Forgot to mention, we are from Belgium.
12 comments
Exact travel date would be 8-13 February.
Current car rental company we have seen and consider is GreenMotion.
Current Hotel we consider is My Hotel Okay. How easy is it to get into city center from there? Recommend to go with Public transport or by car?
How is public transport in general in and around Riga? Do they drive frequent? Till what time do they drive?
Valmiera, kemeru and Cuba Cafe in old Town. Must visit
Dude, the only reason to postpone your trip would be the weather. It’s currently unbearable. As far as I am concerned Latvia is as safe as other countries are. For now.
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If you have had booster shot in Belgium, then your covid certificate will allow to enter every place that is open – bars, restaurants, stores, museums etc.
Situation with Russia, while obviously scary, isn’t actually that concerning. If Russia actually starts a conflict by the time you visit Latvia, that will not happen here, Putin is cirrently concentrating on Ukraine. At least general public is not concerned that much about possible conflict with Russia.
Public transport in Riga is good, fairly regular. You can get out of Riga by train or by bus, both Central station and bus terminal are pretty much right next to each other, near the Old town.
Outside of Riga I can recommend seeing Sigulda and Cēsis (both serviced by hourly bus rides and multiple trains every day – around 1 hour ride from Riga). Sigulda has beautiful river valley, bobsled track, cable car over the valley, multiple castles and largest cave, though the road down the valley last I checked was being repaired, so getting to those caves might be a little difficult. Cēsis has gorgeuos and compact old town, interesting castle with nice park behind it. The only thing is, I don’t know how explorable those places will be in winter. Both towns have ski slopes, so if there is snow, there will be quite a lot of skiers.
In Riga, obviously Old town is a must see, but if you wander out of old town a little bit you might find some awesome Art Nouveau architecture. Central market is also popular among tourists, but I wouldn’t recommend going any further than it into the neighbourhood. Basically speaking, stay on the front side of the big Stalinist tower.
Did you also book the ridiculous inexpensive tickets at Ryanair?
Weather is not that bad, but take good boots, because it’s wet and snowy.
In Sigulda there starts light show Alice in Wonderland every weekend for a month.
It was written as one of the best in Northern countries, soo…. https://ticket.pakruojo-dvaras.lt/en/
If you want to rent car, would suggest City Bee. They have an app. For taxi, as you are foreighner, would suggest as well apps, so you can see the price. Bolt or Yandex Taxi.
Folkclub Ala is a must where to go for a beer, Latvian music and some food.
Lido will be more like expensive cafeteria with Latvian foods.
Cesis is beautiful, but if you have 4 days only, don’t go. It will be similar to old town in Riga and that’s it. Nothing to do really.
In Riga there is some nice museums, but it depends on ehat you like. Some allow pets too. Riga Zoo will be sad in winter, don’t go. We have war museum and medicine museum, they are nice.
Guess im a bit late to leave any suggestions but i wish you a happy trip
It’s perfect time of the year if weather is not an obstacle. Accommodation is cheaper than during summer. Flights as well. There’s a lot to do, but it depends on your preferences.
There’s quite a bit of nature to see. Like Kemeri bog and Kanieris nature trails. You can go for a day hike in Sigulda. The scenery is not even as close as in Yosemite, but I hope you will enjoy it anyway 😄 You can have an early morning hike on Jurmala beach and finish your hike with tasty breakfast from a bakery on Jomas street in Jurmala. There’s also a lot to see in Riga, such as museums, architecture, restaurants, historic objects, takeaways, bakeries. Don’t go to touristy places to eat. Better to be like local. Go to Double Coffee (they actually have good food and cocktails), Fountaine Delisnack, Lido (a must), London Grill. Go to GanBei, because although it’s an Asian restaurant, it’s hella cheap. We have reasonably priced shops in shopping centres like Akropole and Alfa. They have food courts as well. Also, locals may seem too shy or quiet. It’s a cold-northern-country thing. Once you start a conversation and get to know people a little better, they are just like anyone else. Guys, please, don’t just stay in old town. Then you’ll miss quite a lot. Let me know if there are any particular types of places you are interested in. I will do my best to help you.
If it’s not too late, there are plenty of car sharing companies here like Fiqsy, CarGuru and CityBee. If you have an EU driving license, they will approve your account within an hour.
You don’t have to worry about anything…if you’re vaccinated then good…no lockdowns…everythings safe…only downside is the weather right now…buy a ticket in the summer
Russia is massing troops along border of Ukraine, including in Belarus. Belarus the country, which has artificially created refugee crisis on our borders. They’re also planing a joint military exercise, apparently, they like to exercise how to invade Baltics periodically. So obviously the border guard is concerned due to all of this. But it is also pretty unlikely that Russia will attack NATO, especially it plans to attack Ukraine at the same time.