Riga is a fabulous city and I recommend spending as much time as possible exploring all it has to offer. But for many travelers, this is one stop in a larger Baltic tour. Or maybe you have a long layover and want to escape the airport and check out the highlights. If you find yourself […]
Latvia
Dobele, Latvia and the Largest Lilac Garden in Europe
The Dobele lilac garden is the largest of its kind in Europe. When I mentioned this fact to a Riga taxi driver, he didn’t believe me. But it’s true – the Peteris Upitis Garden in Dobele, Latvia boasts more than 200 lilac trees! The garden was started in 1956 by Peteris Upitis, an avid horticulturist and head […]
The Best Bakeries in Riga
Riga boasts one of the most outstanding cafe scenes in all of Europe, with a dedication to craft coffee and locally-sourced, high-quality food. In my opinion, the Latvian attention to detail rivals that of the Japanese. So it should be no surprise that the capital is also flush with expert patissiers. After much taste-testing, I’ve […]
Terrific Talsi, Another Jewel in Latvia’s Crown
Last year I visited medieval Kuldiga and proclaimed it the cutest town in all the land. But little did I know that Latvia’s Kurzeme region is brimming with fetching towns and villages. My latest crush is Talsi, a picturesque hamlet of about 9,000 nestled among nine hills and two lakes. Comfortably reached via a two-hour bus […]
50 Incredible Photos of Riga in Winter
I never liked winter until I moved to Riga, Latvia. Sure, playing in the snow was fun as a kid, but digging out my car and commuting to work was another matter entirely. Teeth chattering behind the steering wheel, I dreamed of warmth and sunshine and planned my vacations accordingly. To say that I was […]