Latgale, Latvia is a part of the Baltic region that many travelers miss. Well off the beaten path that links Riga with Vilnius and Tallinn, Latvia’s southeastern corner is a mysterious land of lakes, castle ruins, and onion domes. Lithuania, Belarus, and Russia share borders with Latgale, which was first settled by the Latgalians in the 10th […]
Latvia
A Weekend Guide to Daugavpils, Latvia
Daugavpils is Latvia’s second-largest city with a population around 90,000, fully half comprised of ethnic Russian speakers. During Soviet times, factories were set up in Daugavpils thanks to its strategic location near the borders of Belarus and Lithuania, and workers from other Soviet republics were brought in. Some factories closed with the collapse of the Soviet Union, […]
Unique Things to Do in Riga in Autumn
Autumn is a glorious time to visit Riga, Latvia. Golden leaves bedazzle the old city, which by this time has shed some of the flag-wielding tour groups and stag parties that clog the narrow alleys in summer. Early in the season, the weather is still fine enough to sip cider on sidewalk patios, albeit with a […]
Best Souvenirs from Riga, Latvia
When I lived in Riga, I was very fortunate to host friends and family who were eager to find the perfect souvenirs of their trip. This gave me plenty of opportunities to check out the local shopping scene. As we quickly discovered, Latvians are skilled craftspeople who turn out unique and high-quality products. These range from pottery […]
Even More of the Best Restaurants in Riga
Riga has so many fabulous dining options that it can be hard to choose between them. My original list of the city’s top restaurants – which you can find here – skews towards the higher end. But good food doesn’t always have to be expensive! This post ranks many more restaurants in Riga, including some […]