Riga/Vecrīga

[[file:Vecriga banner 2 - unesco=yes|Halal Explorer to Vecrīga}} 56.948|24.107 Old Riga — Vecrīga in Latvian — is the old town of Riga, here defined as the area east of Daugava river, south of Krisjana Valdemara iela, west of the city canal and north of the railway that crosses Daugava. Vecrīga is the only world legacy site entirely situated in Latvia.

Travel to Riga/Vecrīga

The central train station and the bus station are right at the southeastern corner of the old town. From anywhere in Centrs, it's around a kilometer to anywhere in the old town, wherefore walking can also be an option.

If you're coming from the airport can get in by bus 22], going along the southern rim of the old town and terminating near the train station. The city's main transport hub and there's a bus, trolleybus or tram going here from almost anywhere in Riga, have a look at the network maps to see which line you should take.

If you travel by car, better leave it outside Vecriga; most streets are pedestrianized and parking is next to imfeasible to find.

What to See

Old Town Plaza & surroundings

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 24 - |The Town Hall Plaza with St. Peter's (left) and the House of Blackheads

The Old Town (Vecrīga) is both a place of historical tourism sites, as well as the centre of night-life for local residents. The area around Old Town was predominantly constructed between 1860 and 1914 and has many buildings that resemble Berlin, Paris, or Rome.

Viewpoints near Old Town Plaza

• Triangula Bastion 11 Novembra Krastmala iela #17 56.94801, 24.10318 Opening Hours: 09:00:22:00 Free Triangula Bastion Triangula Bastion 1 A modern building with an excavated fragment of the historical Riga fortification wall system along the river. The building has the best view terraces in Riga.

Monuments and historic buildings near Old Town Plaza

• Statue of Roland 56.94741, 24.10655 In the centre of the Town Plaza - Iglesia de San Pedro, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 25 A - Statue of St. Roland and the patron of Riga. The original statue erected in 1897 was destroyed in World War II; now a replica stands there.

• House of the Blackheads - Kalku iela 1 56.947139, 24.106917 ☎ +371 670 44300 - €3, €2.90 students House of the Blackheads (Riga) Casa de las Cabezas Negras, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 02 - - The House of Blackheads is where the merchants-to-be had their guild. Part of this building is the tourist information office and the rest is a fascinating museum. The upper levels house grand ballrooms while the basement has a cellar and several exhibits relating to trading in Riga.

Riga - City Hall - The Town Hall of Riga

• Town Hall - 56.94773, 24.10635 - Old Riga Vecrīga Town Hall - Pretty to look at, but not open for visitors.

• Bremen Town Musicians - 56.94765, 24.11006 side of skarnu iela, between St. Peter church and Convent Yard - The Bremen Town Musicians monument in Riga (8228862191) - Amazing sculpture based on a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

• 1905 Bloody Sunday Monument 11. novembra krastmala 35 56.94441, 24.10789 Next to river - 1905 monument Riga This monument remembrance of the events of Bloody Sunday 13 January 1905.

• House of Dannenstern - Mārstaļu iela 21 56.94562, 24.10817 - Dannenstern House (2) . The house was built by and is named after Ernst Metue von Dannenstern.

• Riga monument to Christmas tree Tirgoņu iela 17 56.94847, 24.10635 - Christmas Tree in Riga (8532890418) . First Christmas tree in Riga was in 1510!

Livonian Park - |The Big and Little Guild buildings

• The Large Guild - Amatu iela 6 56.949691, 24.108167 ☎ +371 67224850 Large Guild, Riga Riga JugendstilKopf1 - Housed the guild of the tradesmen, who would join after being a member of the Blackheads (see House of Blackheads). Home to the Latvian Philharmonic, but you can't just walk inside. It's the exterior that's worth seeing though.

• The Small Guild - Amatu iela 5 56.949492, 24.108092 ☎ +371 67223772 Small Guild, Riga El Pequeño Gremio, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 03 Another pretty building just behind the Big Guild, this one housed the craftsmen's guild. Like the Big Guild, you can't go inside except for a performance.

• The House of the Black Cat - Meistaru iela 10 56.950186, 24.108425 Next to the Big Guild - Cat House, Riga Building in Riga 4 - This building (also housing a pub of no particular note) is most famous for the two statues of black cats on the roofs. The legend has it that a disgruntled tradesman who was not accepted into the Big Guild, built this house and put the cats on it with their tails pointing towards the Big Guild, thus expressing his scorn.

• Wagner Concert Hall | Vāgnera iela 4 56.94900, 24.11053 - Wagner once lived in Riga, on the street now named after him. This hall where he performed occasionally holds concerts.

Museums near Old Town Plaza

• Museum of the Occupation of Latvia - Strelnieku laukums 1 56.947092, 24.106364 ☎ +371 67212715 - Free Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Muzeum okupace - This noticeable and austere black building is clearly out-of-place. In the Soviet days, this housed a museum to the Red Riflemen, a group of Latvians who volunteered for the service to Russia during the Russian revolution of 1917. Now it houses a museum of Latvia's time under the Nazi and Soviet occupations. Very long, but very moving – crucial for anyone interested in the history of the USSR or Nazi Germany. Outside the building away from the town square stands the Soviet-era Monument to the Riflemen.

• Museum of Decorative Arts and Design - Skārņu iela 10/20 56.9481, 24.1094 ☎ +371 67830900 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-17:00 Adults €5, students €2.5 Latvian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design Jura baznica - The Museum of Decorative and Design Art is located in the former St. George’s Church building (1204), which is the oldest stone building in Riga. It features seven collections of decorative and design art work.

• Riga Film Museum - Peitavas iela 10 (Entrance from Mazā Peitavas Street) 56.945694, 24.110972 ☎ +371 67358873 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - West 11:00-18:00, Thursday 11:00- 20:00, Friday 11:00-18:00, Saturday 11:00-17:00 Adults €2.90; students, pupils, seniors €1.40 Riga Film Museum Riga Film Museum - This museum holds various exhibitions that display different aspects of cinema art, actors and film history.

• Porcelain Museum - Kalēju iela 9/11 56.94827, 24.11047 ☎ +37167012944 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00-18:00 Adults €2.50, children €1.00, free for preschoolers - Riga Porcelain Museum - Covers the history of porcelain in Riga through the 19th and 20th centuries.

• Latvian Sports Museum - Alksnāja iela 7 56.94633, 24.11081 ☎ +371 67225127 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 Adults €0.71; school children, students, seniors €0.43; children aged 6 and under, people with disabilities free Latvian Sports Museum Historic sports equipment and sportswear, photographs from a variety of sporting events.

• Latvian artists union museum - 11. Novembra krastmala 35 56.94482, 24.10886 ☎ +371 29138952 | Opening Hours: West Thursday 10:00-17:00 Free - The collection covers the period from 1945 to 1991 in Latvia.

• Sunday Museum - Valnu iela 30 56.94725, 24.11395 ☎ +371 67225587 | Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-18:00 Adults €4.00, students/seniors €3.50 - One of Riga's weirdest museums, it covers the history of sun mythology and its role in Latvian culture.

The Bremen Town Musicians monument in Riga (8228862191) - The Bremen Town Musicians monument in Riga |The Bremen Town Musicians monument in Riga

• Latvian National Museum of Art - 1 Janis Rozentāls Plaza, Riga 56.956278, 24.112522 ☎ +371 67226467 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 10:00-18:00; Friday 10:00-20:00; Saturday Sunday 10:00-17:00 Adults €6; students, seniors €3 Latvian National Museum of Art Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs - Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art.

• National History Museum of Latvia - Brīvības bulvāris 32 56.950833, 24.101389 ☎ +371 67221357 +371 67220586 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-17:00 Adults €3,00; pupils €0.75; students, seniors €2.90 Latvian Museum of National History - The History Museum is interesting, however there is little English (every room has its exhibits summarized on a single plaque). However and the museum does give a very good idea of Latvian history, and will give you a good understanding of the area.

• Latvian Photographic Museum - Marstalu iela 8 56.94655, 24.11053 ☎ +371 67222713 - Pupils €0.57, students €0.85, adults €2.13 Latvian Photography Museum (413756240) . Contains photos of Latvia since 1839, with focuses on the World Wars and 1905 Revolution.

• Riga Photonics Center - @lv.eu Skunu iela 4 56.94865, 24.10774 ☎ +371 27862021 - Riga Photonics Center is part of University of Latvia. Occasional events.

• Riga Fashion museum - Grēcinieku iela 24–1 56.94667, 24.10780 ☎ +371 20033450 | Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-19:00 Adults €7; pupils, students and seniors €5; children under 5 years free. Only fashion museum in the Baltics, created in one of the most popular tourist attractions in Old Riga opposite to the House of the Blackheads.

RigaMentzendorffhouse.JPG Mentzendorff House|Mentzendorff House

• Museum of Ancient Baltic Jewellery - Grēcinieku iela 11/2 56.94702, 24.10857 ☎ +371 67220270 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 10:00-17:00 - The Museum of Ancient Baltic Jewellery was established by two well-known Latvian jewellers.

Art galleries near Town Plaza & surroundings

• LUMAS Riga - Audeju iela 6 56.94711, 24.11136 ☎ +371 67 272777 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-20:00; Saturday Sunday 11:00-18:00 Free - LUMAS Art Gallery offer latest movements in the young art scene.

• Art Gallery Bastejs | Alksnaja iela 7 56.94633, 24.11053 ☎ +371 67225050 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday 11:00-17:00 Free - Contemporary art from Baltic states. Solo and group exhibitions.

• Art Gallery Putti - Peitavas iela 5-31 56.94590, 24.11053 ☎ +371 67214229 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-20:00; Saturday Sunday 11:00-18:00 Free - Riga art gallery since 2000.

Religious buildings near Old Town Plaza

• St. Peter's Church - Skarnu iela 19 56.9475, 24.109444 ☎ +371 67037861 +371 67211375Adults €3, students €2, students (school age) €1 St. Peter's Church, Riga St. Peter's Church - - St. Peter's Church, dating to 1209, is Riga's oldest church. Besides its ensemble of architecture and the church has an elevator to the tower from where you can see all of Riga (service not available on Mondays).

• St. John's Church - Jana iela 7 56.9475, 24.1108 ☎ +37129632455 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-17:00 St. John's Church, Riga Riga johanneskirche 133731389 crop rotate A smaller, less spectacular church near Saint Peter's. There is a nice altar inside, and unlike most Riga churches, this one is free. The altar is from the Renaissance period and depicts the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The ceiling is from the Gothic period, and has 5 separate vaulted compartments. There is also a huge pipe organ, and many stained glass windows. This church dates back to the mid 1200s.

• St. Saviour's Anglican Church - Anglikanu iela 2a 56.949722, 24.101944 ☎ +37126531409 St. Saviour's Church, Riga Рыжскія замалёўкі 24 - Riga's only Anglican church has English language services every Sunday at 11:00, and free concerts every Wednesday.

• St. Jacob's Catholic Church - Jekaba Katedrale | Web: ēkaba iela 9 56.950833, 24.104722 ☎ +3717326419 | Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 07:00-18:30 Free St. James's Gothic Church, Riga Latvia Riga St.Jacob church - Dating to 1226, this is one of the few Catholic churches left in Riga. At one point, it housed one of Riga's first schools.

• Reformed Church Mārstaļu iela 10 56.94646, 24.11024 ☎ +371 22436891 - - Reformed_Church_in_Latvia Reformatu church in Riga (8228870097) -

Gothic Church (Doma) Plaza & surroundings

Monuments and historic buildings near Gothic Church Plaza

Castillo de Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 04 - |The Riga Castle seen from the waterfront side

• Riga Castle - Rigas Pils | Pils laukums 3 56.95095, 24.100636 Near the Northern boundary of the Old Town ☎ +37167092106 Riga Castle 2006 09 14-17 RigaFortress054 - Riga Castle on the bank of the River in Riga Old City is one of the medieval castles in Latvia.

• Great Kristaps - 11. Novembra krastmala 56.94974, 24.10007 - Riga Castle - Great Kristaps is popular with film industry people.

• Peter I house Palasta ielā 9 56.94793, 24.10442 - House what was gifted to Peter I and house he visited during his travels.

• The Three Brothers - Ilze.@ Mazā Pils iela 17, 19, and 21 56.95041, 24.104186 ☎ +37167220779 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-16:00 Three Brothers, Riga 3 Brueder - The oldest dwelling houses in Riga. One of them has a small architecture museum inside, along with changing exhibits about Latvia.

• Latvian Parliament - Saeima | Jekaba iela 11 56.9511, 24.1044 ☎ +37167078321 House of the Livonian Noble Corporation Flickr - Saeima - 4.maijs Saeimā (6) A A rather plain building housing the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. It has had a number of uses--including as a Soviet-era museum. Not open to visitors.

Riga Wall entry - |The Swedish Gate

• Swedish Gate 56.9514, 24.1064 Between Torna and Aldaru iela - Swedish Gate, Riga Svenskporten Riga - The last remaining gate from the old city walls.

• Woman with amphora 56.95001, 24.10362 Corner of Pils iela and Miesnieku iela - Statue of woman with amphora on a building.

Museums near Gothic Church Plaza

• Art Museum Riga Bourse - Doma laukums 6 56.950778, 24.101556 ☎ +371 67223434 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00 Adults €6; students, seniors €3 Latvian Museum of Foreign Art Bolsa de Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 01 - The Art Museum Riga Bourse stores the largest collection of foreign art in the Baltic states.

• Museum of the Barricades of 1991 - Krāmu iela 3 56.94860, 24.10591 ☎ +371 67 213525 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 Free Barricades Museum in Riga Covers the dramatic events that occurred in the tumultuous final year of the USSR, when Soviet authorities sent troops into Riga to overthrow the elected Latvian government.

• Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation - Palasta iela 4 56.948719, 24.103832 ☎ +371 67356676 | Opening Hours: May-September: daily 11:00-17:00, October - May: W-Su 11:00-17:00 €5 plus more for photo permission Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation Museo de Historia y de Navegación, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 03 Actually two museums plus a number of special exhibits, though you pay one price. English, German and Russian descriptions of each permanent collections are provided in a booklet inside each exhibit hall. Both of the main museums are quite interesting, and they provide a good idea of what Riga was like in the past.

• Arsenal Museum of Art - Velga.@ Torna iela 1 56.95159, 24.10413 ☎ +371 67357519 | Opening Hours: April - September: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00-19:00, October - Mar: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00-17:00 Arsenal Museum of Art is one of the largest exhibition halls in Riga. It is located in an important architectural monument – a customs warehouse or arsenal built at the beginning of the 19th century in the late Russian Classicism style. It was adapted for museum use in the second half of the 1980s.

• Literature and music museum - Pils laukums 2 56.95114, 24.10241 ☎ +371 67227782 - Under €3 per person - For about 50 years it was a large union of memorial houses devoted to a range of writers. The latest reorganisation in 2009 has resulted in more simple and recognizable establishment – Literature and Music Museum.

Religious buildings near Gothic Church Plaza

Riga RigasDoms 01 - The Doma Gothic Church in central Riga.

• Riga Gothic Church - Doma cathedral | ­@ Herdera laukums 6 56.949167, 24.104444 ☎ +371 67 227573 | Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 10:00-17:00 Riga Gothic Church Riga Dom-Düna - Dating to 1207, it is one of Riga's symbols. The 6768-pipe organ inside is particularly spectacular. Besides the organ, however and the interior is rather Spartan, and may not be worth the entrance fee (even the organ is being restored, though).

• St. Mary Magdalene's Catholic Church - ­@ Klostera iela 2 56.950792, 24.103275 ☎ +371 29127456 | Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 20:00 St. Mary Magdalene's Church, Riga Церковь Марии Магдалины (Рига) - 4 - St. Mary Magdalene's Church was made of stone in late 13th century. You can find perpetual worship nearby.

• Our Lady of Sorrows Church - Pils iela 5 56.950311, 24.101664 ☎ +371 67227177 | Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 07:30 - 18:00 Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Riga Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Lamentaciones, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 01 - First stone church built in Riga after the Reformation had reached Livonia.

Art galleries near Gothic Church Plaza

• Gallery Makslas Banka - Jauniela 14 56.94879, 24.10562 ☎ +371 67226690 +371 67358099 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11:00-18:00 - Individual and group fine art gallery.

Powder Tower & City Wall

Monuments and historic buildings near Powder Tower & City Wall

• St. Jacob's Barracks - Torna iela 4 56.95138, 24.10729 - The primary attraction here is the last remaining stretch of city wall directly opposite the barracks.

Museums near Powder Tower & City Wall

• Museum of War - Smilsu iela 20 56.951167, 24.109028 ☎ +371 67223743 | Opening Hours: May-Sept: W-Su 10:00-18:00, October - Apr: W-Su 10:00-17:00 free admission Latvian War Museum Latvian War Museum01 - 22 collections of Latvian and Soviet military equipment starting from World War I until today.

• Latvian Museum of Pharmacy - Riharda Vagnera 13-15 56.948578, 24.1116 ☎ +371 67213008 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-17:00 Pupils €0.71; students, seniors €1.14; adults €2.13 Latvian Museum of Pharmacy Museum of Pharmacy in Riga - In a renovated 18th-century house. The museum showcases pharmaceutical equipment, traditional medicine and herbs and what pharmacies looked like a century ago.

• Mentzendorff House - Grecienieku 18 56.94680, 24.10825 ☎ +371 67212951 | Opening Hours: W-Su 11:00-17:00 Adults €1.42, students €0.71, pupils: €0.57 RigaMentzendorffhouse Former residence of a wealthy merchant built in 1720, now a museum dedicated to life in Riga in the 17th & 18th centuries.

Near the Freedom Monument

• Laima Clock - 56.95042, 24.11203 just south of the Freedom Monument - Laima clock Riga 150a . Laima is a Latvian Chocolates manufacturer and means good luck in Latvian. The Clock is a traditional meeting place for people in Riga.

Art galleries near Powder Tower & City Wall

• Art gallery "Jekabs" - Jekaba iela 26/28 56.95268, 24.10546 ☎ +371 29528684 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00-20:00, Saturday 11:00-15:00 Free - Jekabs art gallery offer exhibitions and fine art auctions.

Things to Do

Theatre

Teatro Nacional, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 02 - |The Latvian National Theatre

• Latvian National Opera - Aspazijas bulvaris 3 56.955272, 24.104669 ☎ +371 67073777 - €5-65, depending on seat and show Latvian National Opera Latvian National Opera - A pretty building in its own right, this is also a nice place to see an opera or ballet.

• Latvian National Symphonic Orchestra - Amatu 6 56.94976, 24.10810 ☎ +371 67 224850 - €2-70, depending on seat and show - It is a team of highly professional musicians with strong traditions, generous sound and devoted performance.

• Theater-Club "Hamlets" - Jāņa sēta 5 56.94775, 24.11018 ☎ +371 26595843 | Opening Hours: Occasional events Costs varies - Riga Theater-Club in heart of old city.

• Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theater - Kaļķu iela 16 56.948953, 24.109658 ☎ +371 67225 395 | Opening Hours: the booking-office is open daily from 12:00 till 19:00 €10-50, depending on seat and show Russian Theatre, Riga Rizhskij russkij teatr - Oldest Russian theatre in the world outside Russia.

Parks and gardens

• Bastion Hill - Between Raina Bulvaris and Basteja Bulvaris 56.95203, 24.11077 - Riga, park v centru města (4) - A small, pleasant park surrounding Brivibas Bulvaris. Sites in the Bastejkalns include a Chinese and a Japanese building, and the Bridge of Love over the Pilsetas Canal. The Bridge of Love has several locks on the railings put up by recently married couples. There is also a memorial to the two people killed here in the tumultuous events of 1991.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Riga/Vecrīga

• Taste Latvia - shopping center Galerija Centrs, 4th floor 56.94793, 24.11258 ☎ +371 67104540 | Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-21:00 - Despite the slightly misleading name, Taste Latvia is a "Latvian fashion concept store", selling mostly clothes, but also accessories and items for the home, such as wooden kitchen and cooking utensils, hand-made ecological candles, and other items. The items are all from contemporary Latvian designers. If you want to take home some contemporary Latvian design, Taste Latvia is one of the best places to look.

• Convent Yard - Behind St. John's Church 56.948064, 24.110152 - Convent Yard, Riga Konventa seta02 A former convent courtyard that now contains several tourist shops.

Halal Restaurants in Riga/Vecrīga

• LIDO Alus Seta - Tirgoņu iela 6 56.94910, 24.10674 ☎ +37167222431 | Opening Hours: Monday - West Sunday 11:00-23:00; Thursday Friday Sunday 11:00-24:00 - Literally Beer Yard. Serves huge portions of excellent Meat and two veg from a grill at the front of the tavern, as well as an excellent choice of soft drinks. Probably the best value place in town, with two courses easily costing less than €7.

• Pelmeni XL - Kalku iela 7 56.94875, 24.10859 ☎ +371 67 222728 | Opening Hours: 09:00-04:00 €5 - Russian-style dumplings filled with whatever is available. Cafeteria style. Pay by weight.

• Šefpavārs Vilhelms Šķūņu 6 56.94876, 24.10772 ☎ +371 67 228 214 | Opening Hours: 11:00–19:00 - Delicious stuffed pancakes/crepes at great prices. Self-service, but they have English signs.

• Smilšu Pulkstenis Kalku iela 7 56.94886, 24.10880 ☎ +371 26494777 - Cheap & tasty Latvian food.

• Wok to Walk - Aspazijas bulvaris 30 56.94789, 24.11407 ☎ +371 67220196 | Opening Hours: 10:00-00:00 €6 - The Latvian location of the international chain of stir-fry restaurants. Choose your ingredients and watch them being cooked in a giant wok.

Mid-range

Calle Tirgonu iela, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 02 - |You won't run out of options in Tirgonu street in the Old Town

• Alus Arsenals - @rsenals.lv Pils laukums 4 56.95089, 24.10271 ☎ +371 67322675 | Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00 mostly Main courses €6-18 A nice, cozy restaurant in the Riga old town serving various Meat and fish oriented dishes with quality local soft drinks. Located right next to the Riga historic castle so it's easy to find. The actual interior of the restaurant is in a cellar, but in summertime and the restaurant features a spacious outdoor terrace.

• Fat Pumpkin - Grecinieku Iela 30/25 56.94644, 24.10659 ☎ +371 67 304 069 | Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00 - Delicious vegan food.

• Gardenia Hotel Garden Palace Grecinieku iela 28 56.94656, 24.10718 City centre, Old Riga ☎ +371 29122331 +371 67359749 Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00 €5 and up - Mediterranean and European cuisine. Cozy and elegantly casual restaurant.

• Vecmeita ar kaķi | Mazā Pils iela 1 - GPS: 56.95063, 24.10219 ☎ +371 67 325 077 This restaurant is a more upmarket option than Lido, serving very good Latvian food.

Barracas de Jacob, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 02 - |Jacob's Barracks

• Pinot - Grecinieku iela 26 56.94665, 24.10749 ☎ +371 28881889 | Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00 Prix fixe: €50 per person; a la carte: €14-30 The restaurant next to the Museum of Latvia occupation offers a continental take on Baltic food. Menus are seasonal; check the website for the latest. The list is extensive, and the staff speak Latvian, Russian and English reasonably well. Menus are in all three languages.

• Rozengrāls - Rozena iela 1 56.94850, 24.10603 ☎ +371 25769877 | Opening Hours: 12:00-00:00 €20-30An authentic medieval restaurant in a real medieval basement in the Old Town. Serves tasty medieval foods and beverages.

Steak at restaurant Steiku Haoss, Riga, Latvia - A Steaks at Steiku Haoss in Vecrīga.

• Steiku Haoss - Meistaru iela 25 56.94906, 24.10885 ☎ +371 67222419 | Opening Hours: 11:00-00:00 Steaks €8-37As is evident from the name and the restaurant focuses on Steaks. There are Steaks of every kind of beef cut imaginable, and the price depends on the cut. The quality of the Steaks is pretty much close to the best in Riga. The Meat is tender, juicy and extremely tasty. Note however that by ordering a Steaks, you only get the actual meat. Side dishes, such as potatoes, cost extra, as do sauces. Combining all these, you can easily run up to €50 per a single meal. But it's worth trying at least once.

Cafes

• Mārtiņa Beķereja - Vaļņu iela 28 56.94787, 24.11342 ☎ +371 67 213 314 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 07:30-21:00, Sunday 08:00-21:00 Traditional Latvian café, popular amongst local residents. Always fresh pastry. Cash only sales. There are five Mārtiņa Beķereja cafés in Riga. Vaļņu iela 28 is located in Old Town Riga.

Bars

• Aussie Backpackers Pub Riga Old Town Hostel - 43 Valnu Iela 56.94667, 24.11384 ☎ +371 67223406 | Opening Hours: Thursday - Saturday 10:00-03:00; Sunday - West 10:00-02:00 Beer: €2.50-3.00; Fruit cocktails: €4.50-7.00 Riga’s first Aussie pub promises to provide plenty of authentic down under atmosphere, but thankfully without any stuffed koalas, Fosters organic juice posters or, God forbid, any portraits of Paul Hogan. Spread out across three floors and the pub offers 12 local soft drinks on draught for affordable prices served from a bar that’s actually an old VW combi van. Live bands play frequently in the basement and if the affordable happy hour prices are too much for you to handle you can always crash at its hostel upstairs.

• Cuba Cafe - 15 Jauniela 56.94857, 24.10277 ☎ +371 67 22 43 62 | Opening Hours: 12:00-03:00 Cozy bar with DJs in the evenings. Salsa dancing on Tuesdays starting at 21:00. 2-for-1 drinks during happy hour (17:00-19:00).

• FolkKlubs Ala Pagrabs - Peldu 19 56.94614, 24.10775 Old Town ☎ +371 27796914 - Opening Hours: 12:00-01:00 Beer: €2.50-3.00 Huge organic juice selection with 28 soft drinks on tap, folk dancing, live music performances, and great authentic food.

• Kiwi Bar - Skarņu iela 7 56.94790, 24.10882 Old Town ☎ +371 27705466 | Opening Hours: 09:00-05:00 - Sports bar with karaoke nights.

• Paddy Whelans Irish Pub & Sports Bar - Grecinieku iela 4 56.94694, 24.11003 ☎ +371 67 210 150 - Opening Hours: F-Sa 11:00-03:30; Sunday - Thursday 11:00-01:00A popular Irish café.

Clubs

• I Love You - Aldaru iela 9 56.95114, 24.10623 ☎ +371 67 225 304 - Opening Hours: Monday - West 16:00-00:00, Thursday Friday 16:00-01:00, Saturday 12:00-01:00, Sunday 12:00-22:00 Meeting place of the young and creative crowd.

• Kalku Varti - Kaļķu iela 11a 56.94973, 24.10988 ☎ +371 67830702 - Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00 €20-30 Ground-level restaurant with nightclub in the basement.

• Shot Café - Torņa iela 4 56.95152, 24.10857 Near the Powder Tower ☎ +371 26433549 | Opening Hours: 11:00-03:00 Popular with young Latvians.

• Pūce - Peldu iela 26 56.94594, 24.10780 There is no sign on the door ☎ +37125714192 | Opening Hours: 19:00-06:00 Entrance: free + face control. Beer: €2-3, Long drinks: €4-6, Fruit cocktails: €6-9A trendy place popular with a younger crowd. The main floor has a dance floor with rock and pop music while the basement has a room with techno and/or alternative sounds. It is a very busy place on Thurs/Fri/Sat and is closed on Sun/Mon.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Riga/Vecrīga

Riga/Vecrīga - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Riga/Vecrīga, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Riga/Vecrīga. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Riga/Vecrīga and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Riga/Vecrīga. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Riga/Vecrīga. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inRiga/Vecrīga: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Riga/Vecrīga.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Riga/Vecrīga: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Riga/Vecrīga, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Riga/Vecrīga.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Riga/Vecrīga, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Riga/Vecrīga, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Riga/Vecrīga and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Riga/Vecrīga, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Riga/Vecrīga, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Riga/Vecrīga without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Riga/Vecrīga is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Riga/Vecrīga.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Riga/Vecrīga is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Riga/Vecrīga, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Riga/Vecrīga Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Riga (13.08.2011) 190 - |Detail of one of the historic facades of Riga

• Doma Hostel - Maza Jaunavu iela 8 56.94854, 24.10737 ☎ +371 67213101 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Dorm bed: €8-13.50 Clean, safe, cheap, and in a great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Free coffee and tea.

• Dome Pearl Hostel - Tirgonu iela 4 56.94903, 24.10675 Old Town ☎ +371 67212161 +371 67212161 Check-in: 14:00 - 00:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Dorm bed: €9-11; Single: €20-25; Double: €28-30

| mob=+371 28813267 Friendly, English-speaking staff.

• Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel - Kaleju Iela 50 56.94692, 24.11303 ☎ +371 67220073 Check-in: 14:00 - 00:00 / Check-out: 11:00 Dorm bed: €12-18 Comfortable beds with curtains for privacy and darkness. Offers adrenalin tours, pub crawls, hockey game excursions, and other communal activities. 24-hour reception. Reception sells soft drinks. Free shot of Riga Balsams upon check-in. Friendly staff.

• Red Nose Hostel - 14 Jana Iela 56.94734, 24.11105 ☎ +371 27721414 - Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Dorm bed: €8.50-16; Single: €21-25; Double: €30-40 Red Nose hostel is on a quiet and narrow cobbled backstreet of Old Town, just behind St.Jana church.

• Riga Old Town Hostel & Backpackers Pub - Old Town Hostel Riga | Valnu Iela 43 56.94673, 24.11380 ☎ +371 67223406 - Dorm bed: €11-15 En suite rooms, very popular bar, private secluded sauna, and 24-hour reception.

• Wicked Weasel Hostel Valnu Iela 41 56.94685, 24.11372 ☎ +371 20323462 Check-in: 14:00 - 23:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Dorm bed: €13-16

Mid-range

• Kolonna Hotel Riga - Tirgoņu iela 9 56.94886, 24.10639 ☎ +371 67087516 +371 67358255 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €70-100 41 rooms.

• Metropole Hotel - Aspazijas bulvaris 36 56.94696, 24.11468 ☎ +371 66010300 +371 67752694 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €93 and up Not quite as central as some other hotels, but still quite near Old Town. All rooms have satellite TV and minibar.

• Old City Boutique Hotel - Teātra iela 10 56.94861, 24.11225 Tram to Nacionālā opera ☎ +371 67356060 - Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €47-117 The Old City Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel and has a central location in Riga’s Old Town.

• Old Riga Hotel Vecriga - Gleznotāju iela 12/14 56.94901, 24.11130 Tram to Nacionālā opera ☎ +371 67216037 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €42-85 Old Riga Hotel Vecriga is located in the historical and cultural centre of Riga, on an ancient Gleznotaju street (Painters’ and Goldsmiths’ Street).

• Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel - 8 / 10 Minsterejas Street 56.94510, 24.10941 ☎ +371 67259925 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €60-200 In a quiet street in Riga’s Old Town, within walking distance from all the main attractions.

• Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa - 33 Kaleju Street 56.94709, 24.11254 ☎ +371 67259989 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €90-250 The Central Train Station and the International Bus Station are 5 minutes’ walk away from the hotel.

Latvias Banka - |The historic building of Latvijas Banka and the national bank of Latvia, in Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street

• Grand Palace Hotel - Pils iela 12 56.95025, 24.10287 Tram 5, 7, 9 or Bus 5, 7, 25 to Nacionālais teātris ☎ +371 67 044 000 +371 6704 4004 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €300-500 Grand Palace Hotel is in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, 100 m from Riga Castle.

• Rixwell Centra Hotel - Audeju iela 1 56.94698, 24.11089 Tram to 13.Janvāra iela ☎ +371 67212012 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €80 and up In a historic building.

• Hotel Roma - Kalku iela 28 56.95004, 24.11168 ☎ +371 6749 1500 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €142 and up Hotel Roma is in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, 200 m from the Freedom Monument.

• Hotel Garden Palace Grecinieku iela 28 56.94655, 24.10719 City centre ☎ +371 29 122 331 +371 67 359 749 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €55 and up Elegant boutique 4* hotel in the heart of historic centre with 65 comfortable guest rooms.

• Neiburgs Hotel - Jauniela 25/27, LV-1050 56.94834, 24.10545 Old Town ☎ +371 67115522 +371 67 359 749 Check-in: 14:00 - 00:00 / Check-out: 01:00 - 12:00 From €125, discounts with early bookings 55 suites. Large, clean, modern rooms.

• Royal Plaza Hotel & Suites - Kaļķu iela 3a 56.94838, 24.10776 Tram to Grēcinieku iela ☎ +371 67 214 555 Check-in: 14:00 - 00:00 / Check-out: 01:00 - 12:00 €97-1,500 On Riga’s main pedestrian street, which connects the Town Hall Plaza with the Freedom Monument.

• Pullman Riga Old Town - H9619@ Jēkaba Iela 24 56.95222, 24.10538 ☎ +371 67815444 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €144 Opened in 2016 and housed in a complex of buildings including what is said to have been Baron Muenchhausen's stables and the Pullman carries the equine theme in its decor, while adapting Pullman's modern feel and standards to the historic construction. The top-floor swimmingpool with views over the area is certainly a highlight. The hotel wins glowing reviews with high service and accommodation standards and location very close to the heart of Vecriga, but can a bit hard to find if you are looking for a typical steel-and-glass Pullman skyscraper - the hotel is in fact hidden behind a bright red historic facade.

Telecommunications in Riga/Vecrīga

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