Riga is known for its vast swathes of parkland to the east of the city, which deserves a day of exploration for its well-kept 19th-century gardens. In the city, however, Forest Park is a favourite among picnickers and architecture lovers alike for its grassy patches and pre-war elite abodes respectively. For the active, Riga is just a short hop from the Baltic coast, where diving, swimming and sunbathing can be pursued in the warmer months.

Diving
Near to Riga is one of Latvia’s largest diving clubs, Jurais Vejs, which was established in 2000. Today the club takes divers on diving tours of the Baltic coast from its base in Kipsala, an island connected to Riga by bridge. The club offers not only tours, but diving courses and equipment rentals. Diving is only possible in the summer season (June to August). 
Phone: +371 7614619

Baltic Coast
As Riga rests on the Baltic coast, most visitors make a daytrip to nearby beaches during their stay. It is possible to reach the coast by rail from Riga, getting off at Majori Station. The coast is beautiful to visit at any time of year though swimming and water sports are only available in the summer months (June through August). To the west of Riga is the Latvian summer resort of Jurmala.

Forest Park (Mezaparks)
A great place for adults and kids alike to relax, this pretty park on the edge of Riga houses impressive summer homes that formerly belonged to the city’s pre-war elite. Although most of these homes fell into disrepair after WWII, many have now been renovated to their former state. Aside from admiring these residential abodes, visitors to the park can pursue any number of outdoor activities.

Riga Ethnographic Open Air Museum (Brīvdabas Muzejs)
This interesting open-air museum is an ideal outing for kids. Featuring a collection of centuries-old Latvian houses, inside of which interesting exhibits demonstrate traditional Latvian life, the museum delights children with its costumed staff. 
Phone: +371 7994510

Riga Zoo
An ideal daytrip for families, Riga Zoo lies on the banks of a lake in Mezaparks. Home to about 3,000 animals, including 500 different species, the zoo conducts several interesting conservation programs, such as a vulture breeding project. Having been open since 1912, the zoo has striven to develop its facilities through hard times and today boasts several modern enclosures. 
Phone: +371 6751 8409

Riga’s medieval heritage is on show in the city’s outstanding Old Town, where the 13th-century Riga Cathedral and the lofty St Peter’s Church rest on the banks of the Daugava. The city’s modern history can be learned of at the informative Occupation Museum of Latvia while a more gruesome side to the turbulence the city experienced during WWII can be discovered at nearby Salaspils, formerly the site of a Nazi work camp.

Freedom Monument (Brivibas Piemineklis)
Erected during Soviet rule to honour those soldiers who fell during the Latvian War of Independence, Riga’s huge Freedom Monument is a striking reminder of the city’s freedom. The monument features a woman holding three stars, which represent Latvia’s three regions, while the base features bas relief depicting Latvian culture.

Occupation Museum of Latvia (Latvijas Okupacijas Muzeja)
To get a grip on Latvia’s turbulent modern history, don’t miss a visit to this informative museum. Welcoming visitors with a statue depicting the Riga Red (Soviet) Riflemen and tracing the country’s struggle for independence from 1940 to 1991, the museum has exhibits spanning WWII occupation to independence. 
Phone: +371 7 212 715; www.occupationmuseum.lv

Old Town (Vecriga)
Riga’s UNESCO-protected Old Town is a major highlight and a focus of the city. Resting on the bank of the Daugava River, this World Heritage site is bursting with well-preserved squares and cobbled streets, many of which are lined with outstanding Germanic Art Nouveau architecture. At night, the Vecriga comes alive as its bars and cafés fill. The best way to take in this part of the city is on foot, allowing yourself to get lost in its maze of history.

Riga Cathedral (Riga Doms)
The well-photographed Riga Cathedral is a must-visit on every tour itinerary of the city. Its interesting combination of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, much of which dates to the 13th-century, is a major draw while its woodcarvings and its late 1800s organ are also worth taking in on a visit. Situated close to the river, the cathedral ranks as the biggest medieval church in the Baltic states. 
Phone: +371 6722 7573

Salaspils
Formerly the site of a Nazi work camp that was dissolved in 1944, Salaspils is where up to 100,000 Jews were executed during WWII, about 55,000 of whom were allegedly from Riga. The town is situated 18 kilometres southeast of the city, on the right bank of the Daugava River, and is accessible by train. A highlight of a trip here is visiting the Salaspils Memorial Ensemble, a striking sculpture erected as a memorial to those who perished in the camp.

St Peter’s Church (Petera Baznica)
Dating to the early 1200s, the church was expanded in the 1400s and offers unrivalled views across Riga from its lofty spire. Fortunately, with the introduction of a lift, visitors no longer need to make the gruelling climb to the 70-metre-high observation point to enjoy the views. The spire has collapsed two times in its history, once in 1666 and again in 1721.

The dining scene in Riga is among the best in the Baltic states, with both authentic and international fare on offer. The local cuisine is largely based on cabbage and potato, along with meats such as pork and beef, as well as fish. As the local fare can be hearty, you may like to try one of Riga’s Japanese, Irish, Italian or Armenian restaurants for a chance of scene during your stay.

The Old Town is the most popular place to dine among tourists but it is worth exploring farther afield for reasonably priced local fare. In the historic centre you will find both restaurants and cafés, many of which stay open until midnight. Latvian taverns are another excellent place to pick up a hearty meal, with most serving large portions of meat and vegetables, and award-winning ales.

While you won’t find Riga shopping on par with the offerings in the likes of Rome and Paris, this Baltic capital has plenty to keep shoppers happy. The Old Town’s Audej shopping street is a good place to start and where the city’s most upmarket retailers peddle their wares. There are also plenty of souvenir shops throughout the medieval centre selling amber and woollen goods, but these same items can be found at the city’s markets at a discount.

For a more down to earth shopping experience, Central Market is a great place not just for shopping, but watching Latvian daily life in action. Here you will find mostly fresh produce sheltered across five 1930s zeppelin hangers. Another popular market is situated next to the city’s main bus terminal. This market offers a wider array of unusual knickknacks, including second-hand clothing and furniture. Next the main rail station is an outlet of Stockmann, a Latvian department store that stocks most goods.