Somewhere among its historic old quarter, sprawling parks, and funky art nouveau architecture, you realize what this beautiful city is all about. As you step off your flight to Riga, attempting to truly comprehend its nature in the first breath is impossible.
In all its modesty, Riga is best experienced little by little, alleyway by alleyway, encountering one piece at a time, and acquiring an understanding as you go. Settled along the Daugava River this quaint little city is filled to the brim with bumpy cobble stone streets, tall steeples, and winding turrets. But don’t let its cute appearance fool you – when the sun sets, this place knows how to do nightlife the right way.
Glamorous restaurants and bars line the streets and welcome locals and travelers to enjoy the atmosphere and take in the environment. Once called the Paris of the East, Riga boasts newer establishments now, that bring a chic and distinctive flavor to the people. Book flights to Riga to experience this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. A breathtaking mixture of elegance, old, and new, and creates a whirling place of adventure that bridges Russian and Latvian influences into one pretty place.
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Summer in Riga brings heat and humidity without reserve. With temperatures resting in the 70’s most of the season, sunny days are supplemented almost constantly by rainy ones. The best time to book a flight to Riga is in the spring, before the humidity sets in, but while temperatures are still pleasant in the 60’s. Cold temperatures move in during the winter months of December – February, but this is also the driest time of year, so rain and snow are much less common. The fall makes for a dreary segue into winter, with plummeting temperatures in the 50’s, and quite a bit of rain.
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If you’re looking for tempting temperatures without the rain, then the pleasant shoulder season of spring is the most convenient time to book flights to Riga.
Peak Season:
When you book flights to Riga in the summer time, you get a mixed batch of weather. With the wonderful warm weather also comes quite a bit of rainfall. Planning a Riga flight in the springtime is another popular season, since temperatures are still comfortable, and rainfall is at a minimum.
Off-peak Season:
Although the winter months of December, January, and February bring on a massive cold front here, precipitation is surprisingly at its lowest during this chilly period. While it may not be raining, the temperatures still call for warm clothing and outerwear, so if you book a cheap flight to Riga during it’s off season, remember to think before you pack.
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There are plenty of ways to get around the city when you travel to Riga. An easily navigable system operates eight bus lines and 23 trolley routes that run from 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. daily. A ticket punching system keeps each method of transportation on its own unique ticketing arrangement, and they are available either onboard or at newsstands.
If you choose to take a taxi, be a wise tourist and insist that the meter run as soon as you get in the car. You can catch one outside most train stations, hotels, and airports, but they can also be hailed on most busy streets.
Bikes are available for rent on an hourly rate.
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Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum: If you’re booking flights to Riga in pursuit of seeing the rural countryside, then the Latvian Ethnography Open Air Museum is the perfect place to start. Here, dozens of farmhouses, churches, and windmills are scattered along a beautiful rolling green landscape that depicts the gorgeous countryside of Latvia. The best time to come is in June, when the National Fair of Applied Arts happens every year, but if you can’t make it for that one, there are plenty of other festivals here all year round. The handmade pottery, arts, and crafts sold here make perfect souvenirs.
New Town: If you are a music buff or an instrumentalist booking flights to Riga, you’re in for a treat. Make your way into New Town, where the Latvian rock scene makes its biggest impact on the surrounding area. Tiny clubs and concert halls infuse the streets here, welcoming new and old fans to experience different music and take advantage of the many influences found here. Also nearby is the traditional Latvian Fold Instrument shop, where you can find antique instruments on sale, as well as old albums that are still in great shape.
National Opera Theatre: Mikhail Baryshnikov, among others, made his start at the National Opera Theatre. The National Opera Theatre is a powerful venue that has brought many robust and commanding voices to the stage for all to enjoy. Located in New Town, this beautiful building is a sight not to be missed. Whether you’re in the mood for a fanciful night of opera, or to see the Riga Ballet Company, this is the place to spend your evening. If you’re booking flights to Riga with the desire to expand your cultural horizons, then experiencing the beauty and elegance that occurs within these four walls should be a high priority on your Riga travel agenda.
Lido Atputas Centrs: Bringing the kids on any vacation can be a fun, but harrowing adventure. If they’re restless from the long flight to Riga, then look no further than the Lido Atputas Centrs, the perfect place for families to roam and explore the amusing opportunities around every corner. Skip from food stall to buffets as you experience the flavors and aromas of traditional Latvian food like pork knuckle, potato pancakes, and fried cabbage. And if you find a cheap flight to Riga during the winter off season, then the ice skating rink in the middle of the park will be open and primed for figure-eights.
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Your cheap flight to Riga arrives at Riga International Airport (RIX)
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