Riga, versatile pearl of the Baltic States
Some time ago I, Louise Altena, Business Travel Consultant, visited the beautiful, surprising Riga. This beautiful, Scandinavian-looking, city is the capital of Latvia and the middle of the three Baltic States. Latvia is about 1.5 times larger than the Netherlands, but with just over 2 million inhabitants, it is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Latvia belongs to one of the world's greenest countries, you might not have thought! Until 1991 Latvia was part of the Soviet Union, since 2004 they are members of the European Union. So you can also pay in Riga simply with the euro. Meanwhile, this region is also interesting for business travelers among other things due to the developments in digitalization and the construction of a major project to better connect the railroads to the European railroad network. In this blog, therefore, some tips for your next business trip to Riga!
Traveling to Riga from the Netherlands
There is currently a daily flight between Amsterdam and Riga with Air Baltic. In just over 2 hours you will already set foot on Latvian soil. From the airport it is about a 20-minute journey to the old city center.
I have been to many European cities myself, but Riga, in my opinion, has one of the most beautiful inner cities. The old colorful city center is on the Unesco World Heritage List and you will understand that immediately when you walk around here. You will find many attractive squares, surprising restaurants and cozy cafes. Because of the many cultural influences, you sometimes have the feeling that you are in a completely different world. This makes that you constantly taste a different atmosphere in different places and that is exactly what makes Riga so charming!
Culinary hotspots to discover during your business trip in Riga
Latvians greatly appreciate receiving an invitation to a business lunch or dinner. Here are some culinary hotspots worth visiting:
- Neiburgs. In the middle of Riga's old town, located in an Art Nouveau building, you will find this popular restaurant where you can have lunch as well as dinner. Neiburgs restaurant's success is based on a mix of historical and stylish elements, both in the interior and on the menu. Both international and traditional dishes are served. The chef uses local ingredients from Riga's Central Market and Latvian farmers. Imported products are carefully selected. Be surprised in this spacious and bright restaurant, where you will find the perfect blend of the traditional and the contemporary.
- Domini Canes. Delicious food, friendly staff and a perfect location just a few minutes' walk from St. Peter's Church: Domini Canes has it all. It is no wonder that this restaurant is consistently in the top five best restaurants in Riga on travelers' and locals' lists. The scallops in particular are worth discovering. Moreover, all products are locally produced and the menu is seasonal. Would you like to grab a bite to eat at this restaurant during your business trip? Then reservations are recommended.
- Restaurant 3. Or "3 vāru restorāns" is, as the name suggests, the creation of three well-known local chefs: Mārtiņš Sirmais, Artūrs Trinkuns and Ēriks Dreibants. Located in historic Jacob's Barracks, it offers bright and hip interiors in an 18-century building. Guests can watch as their food is prepared in the open kitchen in the middle of the dining room. There are two levels in the restaurant: "Earth" on the second floor, featuring an à-la-carte menu and daily specials. And "Sky" on the second floor, with gourmet menus consisting of 5- or 7-courses. On weekends, you can take Latvian brunch until 4 p.m. Try something different and go for the rye bread with a sliced egg and a sprat - an absolute classic!
Priekā (Cheers in Latvian)
Also try the Black Balsam! This is the drink of Riga. You might want to try this drink on a full stomach, as it contains a whopping 45% of alcohol. This traditional Latvian herbal bitters contains 24 kinds of natural juices, berries, buds, roots and oils from plants and flowers. According to stories, Catherine the Great was once cured of an illness after drinking this drink. Therefore, the recipe has also been the same for 250 years. Priekā!
Stay comfortable during your business trip in Riga
When staying for business in Riga, comfort and location are obviously good pillars for finding a good hotel.
- The Radisson Hotel Old Town offers modern rooms in neutral color schemes. The hotel is located in the old town, within walking distance of famous attractions. All rooms have a seating area, a mini bar and a flat-screen TV. Riga Airport is 20 km away, Riga's main train station can be reached in a 15-minute walk.
- The Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town is also located in the middle of the old town and offers private parking, a restaurant, bar and fitness center. The rooms are luxuriously and comfortably furnished with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a modern bathroom.
- A little closer to the airport is the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga. In addition to a restaurant, this luxury hotel also owns a spa, sauna and indoor pool. The spacious rooms are equipped with every convenience, including your own bathrobe and slippers. This hotel is well worth its 5 stars!
- The AC Hotel by Marriott Riga (formerly the Albert Hotel) has a beautiful Skyline Bar on the top floor. Having a drink with a view of the sunset is, of course, priceless!
Time to spare during your business trip? Explore Riga with these tips!
Should there be some time left over in addition to all the business obligations, we have some tips for you:
- Book a Free Walking Tour through the historic center. This way you can see most of the sights in a relatively short time. In fact, the historic center is not too large, making the walk manageable for everyone.
- Visit one of the many "Ruin Bars". These new, hip joints are very popular in Riga because they are mostly located in old buildings, such as empty schools or warehouses. Vest is the hipster bar of the moment. Everything here is retro, you can play table football, get a tattoo or touch up your beard.
- Stimulate your senses during your business trip in the Central Market of Riga. Located near the city's central train station, it is the largest indoor market hall in Europe. The complex consists of 5 large halls housed in former Zeppelin hangars. Each hall has its own theme. You can find vegetables, meat, fish and bread products, among others. Outside the halls is also an open-air market where fruit, clothing and souvenirs are sold.
- Take a look at the former KGB headquarters, also known as "the Corner House. In this modest building, the KGB once had its headquarters. Once a symbol of oppression, occupation and terror, it now houses a number of exhibitions on the brutal Soviet state apparatus. Visitors can tour the prison cells in the basement to see where opponents of the regime were incarcerated, interrogated and executed. Although it can leave quite an impression, a visit to the KGB building is a must because of the invaluable insight it offers into Latvia's complicated past.
- Admire the Art Nouveau architecture downtown. In several places there are many stately houses richly decorated with sphinxes, masks and lions. The Art Nouveau Museum is also in this area and is worth a visit: the immense spiral staircase alone is a picture to behold!
Want more information about business travel and accommodation options in Riga? Please visit contact with your Business Travel Consultant.
Travel Well!
Louise Altena,
Business Travel Consultant
