Arguably the most interesting Baltic capital, Riga has emerged from a turbulent modern history with much of its medieval heritage intact. Today the Latvian capital is home to a UNESCO-protected Old Town featuring outstanding churches while its proximity to the Baltic coast makes it a great beach getaway in the warmer months.

Traces of the city’s communist days are still evident, but the hip cafés and upmarket shopping that have appeared since independence have quickly made Riga a European hotspot on the tourist circuit. Nestled at the mouth of the River Daugava, the city is an architecture lover’s dream, with more than 800 Art Nouveau buildings in the Central District waiting to be admired.

But Riga has more than just old buildings to lure visitors. It has a lively pub and club scene as well as interesting market shopping, where inexpensive amber and woollen items can be had at bargain prices. The city’s museums are another reason to visit, with the Riga Ethnographic Open-Air Museum and the Occupation Museum of Latvia among the best.

Accommodation in the city is varied and largely affordable though inevitably prices are higher when staying in a premium location like the Old Town. There are well-situated bed and breakfasts in the Old Town offering convenient access to the city’s highlights while attractive mid-range hotels can be found along the riverbanks and on Kipsala Island, connected to Riga by bridge. Luxury accommodation can be found on Art Nouveau street, Elizabetes.

Getting to Riga from major European capitals is straightforward with Riga International Airport accepting flights from across the region. There is also a convenient ferry line running between the city and Stockholm while limited rail connections link Riga with Russian cities, such as Moscow and St Petersburg.

Riga is damp and cool for most of the year, thanks to its proximity to the Baltic Sea. The summer months (June through August) are the warmest and most popular times to visit, with temperatures reaching up to 20°C, but rainy days can spoil sightseeing and beach endeavours at this time. Summertime visitors may experience a few rain showers but they have the advantage of long daylight hours of up to 19 hours.

Winter is the least popular time to visit for sightseeing but a good time to experience Latvia’s handful of ski resorts. January sees lows of below 0°C and snow can last from December until March. The waters in the gulf can freeze over during particularly chilly winters. If you do decide to visit Riga during the cold months, come well prepared with warm clothing.