Things You'll Need:
- A map of Riga, Latvia
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Step 1
Make a trip to Riga's Old Town, a priority while you're visiting the city. This busy neighborhood is filled with bars, restaurants, quaint outdoor cafes where you can people watch, plenty of fun shops to pop into and loads of character. Architecture buffs will love the dramatic Art Nouveau style building that can be seen in the Old Town.
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Step 2
Walk by Riga Castle. Much of the home of the Latvia's current president is not open to visitors, however you might enjoy seeing this beautiful, magnificent structure from the outside.
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Step 3
Shop where the locals do. The Central Market is not the sterile environment of your local grocery superstore, but a great place to find fantastic sausage, cheese and tons of local color.
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Step 1
Go to the National History Museum of Latvia, where you can see items that tell the story of Latvia's past. The museum's collection includes jewelry, tools, folk costumes, art, maps, household items and more.
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Step 2
View the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum for a unique glimpse into Latvia's past. Homes, barns, churches and other buildings from throughout the country's history have been reassembled there for visitors to get a peek at how Latvians once lived.
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Step 3
See the Riga Motormuseum, where you'll learn about cars, motorcycles and other vehicles dating back to the early twentieth century.
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Step 1
Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. This stirring museum documents that hardships suffered by Latvians during the twentieth century as their country was occupied by the Soviets, then the Nazis, then the Soviets once more.
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Step 2
Head to see the Brothers' Cemetery after visiting the Museum of the Occupation. This is a section of the city cemetery where the Latvian patriots who fought the occupation of their country are buried.
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Step 3
See the Freedom Monument to round out your knowledge of Riga's occupation experiences. The monument is a testament to Latvian struggles to free themselves from outside rule and is a sacred symbol to Latvians. Be sure to be there on the hour, as every hour there is a changing of the guard, a ceremony worth seeing.
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Step 1
Take in Saint Peter's Church, which has graced the Riga skyline since the year 1209. In that time it has been hit by lightning several times and even set on fire, but still it stands tall. You can take an elevator up to the observation deck for magnificent views of the city.
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Step 2
Make your way over to Riga's Zoo for a few hours observing the lions, bears, meerkats and pink flamingoes. If you like zoos, this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
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Step 3
Visit the Dome Cathedral, another fine church, located in Riga's Old Town. The Dome Cathedral was built in the thritheenth century and is known for its magnificent organ, which has over 6700 pipes.
