Latvia’s capitol of Riga was once an important port city, and today is still popular to travelers. On the Baltic, it is a spot that is as rich in culture and history as any other great city, and as such, free exhibits and experiences there are overlooked due to the excitement of a capitol city. If research hasn’t been done, A young traveler without funds might wonder whether there are things to do in Riga when young and broke. As a matter of fact, anyone can still find sights worth seeing and feel that Riga has been properly experienced.

Photo: Street in Riga.

The words “For the Fatherland and Freedom” can be found on the Freedom Monument at Riga, and was put there by the help of donations from the public. An important part of the Latvian people, it was built between 1930 and 1935. Each day, a sight worth watching would be the changing of the guard every hour between nine in the morning, and six in the evening, a display of respect and loyalty to the heart of the Latvian culture.

The Esplanade in Riga is an open park that offers the space and peace for a stroll through the trees. The casual walker will find a bevy of flowers and many different types of birds along the way. Benches line the way for a quiet rest or to sit and contemplate the various statues found throughout the park.

Latvia’s Museum of Occupation is a historically rich free look at the fifty-one years that Latvia was occupied by two different regimes between 1940 and 1991. It includes clothing, weaponry, books, pictures and even meticulously carved chess sets and hair that gives the visitor a sense of what that time was like in the history of Latvia.

There are restaurants in Riga that have reasonable prices and authentic Latvian cuisine, such as Double Coffee in Old Town, and LIDO Recreation Centre, Krasta, that offer breakfasts of porriage or pancakes, and buffets including traditional gray peas. Charleston’s in City Centre serves affordable lunches, and K/I/D in the Art Nouveau district offers meat, fish and pasta, giving a basket of rye and herb butter to a table after everyone has ordered. But for little snacks and healthy freshness, the Central Market at Latgale. This market was opened in 1930 and is housed inside old zeppelin hangars. Entering the market, smells and colors envelop the visitor until the foods can almost be tasted in the air. As an open market, buying one apple or bun would be cheaper than a meal at a restaurant. The Central Market is open Tuesday through Friday from eight in the morning to five in the evening, and on Sunday and Monday from eight until four.

For the night owl who loves the social scene, there are places available like Mad House in the city center. This eclectic bar has a retro 60’s and 70’s look as well as dancing opportunities in back all week open until four in the morning, Friday and Saturday until six. Bon Vivant is a busy Belgian bar where the beer-lover can have their pick of thirty available beers. It is open all week until one in the morning. Skyline Bar lets the visitor enjoy beautiful views from its twenty-sixth-floor setting. Even from the restrooms.

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