Riga's Art Nouveau architecture leaves a unique and lasting impression. Decorated with cats, angels and monsters, the houses built in the 19th century are full of detail and it takes more than one glance to take them all in. The Riga Cathedral is an impressive mix of different styles, and the 123 metre-high tower of the gothic St. Peter’s Church offers sweeping views over the city.

Other landmarks include the freedom monument depicting the goddess of freedom Milda and the Riga Radio and TV Tower, which is the tallest free-standing structure in the European Union. The Museum of Occupation of Latvia, which exhibits Latvian history during the Nazi and Soviet occupation, is well worth a visit. The market place, built into old Zeppelin hangars, is a fascinating setting for some grocery shopping. The many restaurants of the city offer local delicacies as well as ethnic dishes and Riga’s famous nightlife keeps going until the early hours of the morning.