Latvia’s fairy tale style capital has been rapidly growing in popularity in recent years. A combination of a thriving modern lively population and a culture steeped in medieval history results in Riga having the edge and culture to deserve its acclaim.

Riga’s old town gives it its fairy tale appeal, unsurprising as it contains the highest number of medieval gargoyles in the world. An archetypal demonstration of this comes from Riga enormous 13^th century cathedral, within houses impressive relics including a 19^th century 6768 pipe organ. For a true experience of taste of Riga head to its central market. Housed in a series of WW1 Zeppelin hangars up to 1250 stalls sell everything from local food to clothing. A further testament to Riga’s legacy and a truly spectacular building is Blackheads House. The original building was destroyed in 1941, but as the original blue prints survived Riga’s 800^th birthday was marked with its reconstruction.

Riga’s history is long and complicated, but its modern flair is just getting going. Let yourself get lost in this beautiful corner of the city: narrow streets, charming houses dating back to the 16th-18th centuries. Visit beautiful squares of the Old Town: Dome square with impressive Dome cathedral and Livu square with wide range of open air restaurants. The center of Riga is situated in the ring of city canals and the river Daugava. Enjoy a relaxing ride on the tourist boat that will take you around the Old Town or hire a little pedal boat to explore city canals by your own.

The buzzing central market place will give you an opportunity to taste some of the best local food and buy some tasty souvenirs to bring back home. The must-taste top 5 includes Latvian rye bread, birch tree juice (available only in March-April), Latvian eel, sauerkraut made by local farmers, local dairy products which are known for being the best in the whole region.

Head to one of the places with best panorama of the city: St.Peter’s church’s tower in the Old Town, Skyline bar at the 26th floor of the hotel Radisson Blu Latvia or enjoy a cocktail and great views siting on the Terrace Riga in the shopping moll Galleria Riga. A multitude of clubs run throughout Riga, “studio 69” is a large and busy traditional club, “bite blues club specialised in live local music and “Bar.Ber.Room” combines eccentric design with a friendly atmosphere for a unorthodox yet fun experience.

The nearby seaside resort Jurmala lies only half an hour drive from the city center and offer wide long sandy beaches, gourmet restaurants and lively atmosphere of a seaside resort. It is called Latvian Summer Capital and is known by its beautiful historic wooden architecture.

Riga and surrounding Latvia is a bubbling, emerging modern state with a complex and deep history. Green Motion are on hand to provide the perfect car to explore it, we recommend the Toyota Yaris for chic style and a nippy ride.