Riga holds a distinction that surprises most first-time visitors: it is home to the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. More than a third of the buildings in its city center carry the style’s signature ornate facades and sweeping decorative details, making even a casual stroll feel like a walk through a open-air museum.

As the primary transport hub of the Baltic region, Riga is exceptionally well-connected. Its international airport serves a wide range of European routes, and onward travel to Tallinn or Vilnius by bus or train is straightforward and affordable. Within the city, trams, trolleybuses, and buses cover the main areas at very reasonable fares, though the Old Town itself is compact enough to explore entirely on foot.

Staying in the Old Town puts you close to everything, with a solid mix of hostels and boutique hotels at prices that won’t strain your travel budget. When it comes to food and drink, make time for Riga Central Market, the largest covered market in Europe, where local produce and street food make for an authentic taste of everyday Latvian life. And do not leave without trying Riga Black Balsam, Latvia’s storied herbal spirit that locals have been drinking for centuries.