Latvia People & Culture

Biggest city of the Baltic states with a population of about 2 million people. A platora of old churches and medieval walls and streets to stroll around in. Can be used as a base to vist Estonia and Lithuania as well as Russia and Finland. Quite cheap, as toe local income is very low. It has been discribed as an 'undiscovered Prague' for its medieval character.

Kraslava was granted the rights of a town in 1923. The population in 2007 - 10854. The area - 8.6 sq km Kraslava lies in the picturesque Daugava valley surroundel by dark pine and fir tree forest. Kraslava was mentioned for the first time in documents in 1558, but the town started developing in 1729, when Count Ludvig Plater bought this place. For nearly two centuries the Plater family determined Kraslava economical and cultural life. Craftmen from Poland and Germany in co-operation with local people organized the production of carpets, velvet, silk and cotton material, weapons, jewellery and other goods. The goods were in demand at the four Kraslava fairs and also in Kurzeme, Poland and Germany. Kraslava cannot be imagined without the Kraslava Roman Catholic Church, Kraslava Palace(Kraslava manor building of the Von Plater residence), the library and the water-mill built during the Platres time. People in Kraslava are very proud that in the 18 - 19th century a Ctholic Seminarium functioned here. It was the first establishment in Latgale. The most famous people of Kraslava are the sculptor Naums Aronsons, the writer and philosopher Konstantins Raudive, the writer Cecilija Dinere, the poet Valdis Kraslavieties and the painter Pavils Glaudans.

Take the train out to the beach. There are some very lovely little villages with friendly people and a beautiful sandy beach! (but don´t forget, the water is freakin cold!)

kip stay out off it,people are ignorant and ry rip ya off

Absolutely stunning city, having been to both Prague and Riga... I choose Riga! And the whole of Latvia is just gorgeous. The countryside is breathtaking, the food is delicious, and the people are both warm and welcoming, and freaking gorgeous! I will visit time and time again.

Good Azerbaijiani restuarant on the pedestrian strip in Jurmala, and the nude beach is a bit frightening ;) When we were there visiting from Finland it was the festival of FInnish culture... Just what we did NOT need to see....

Kraslava was granted the rights of a town in 1923. The population in 2007 - 10854. The area - 8.6 sq km Kraslava lies in the picturesque Daugava valley surroundel by dark pine and fir tree forest. Kraslava was mentioned for the first time in documents in 1558, but the town started developing in 1729, when Count Ludvig Plater bought this place. For nearly two centuries the Plater family determined Kraslava economical and cultural life. Craftmen from Poland and Germany in co-operation with local people organized the production of carpets, velvet, silk and cotton material, weapons, jewellery and other goods. The goods were in demand at the four Kraslava fairs and also in Kurzeme, Poland and Germany. Kraslava cannot be imagined without the Kraslava Roman Catholic Church, Kraslava Palace(Kraslava manor building of the Von Plater residence), the library and the water-mill built during the Platres time. People in Kraslava are very proud that in the 18 - 19th century a Ctholic Seminarium functioned here. It was the first establishment in Latgale. The most famous people of Kraslava are the sculptor Naums Aronsons, the writer and philosopher Konstantins Raudive, the writer Cecilija Dinere, the poet Valdis Kraslavieties and the painter Pavils Glaudans.

A lovely culture to this city. The place itself is stuck between a developing wetern (american) style of building in the CBD and more traditional housing in the poorer suberbs.... make sure you see this as well ~ or you wont get a true picture of the country or city!

Riga's Art Nouveau District

Situated a little down the main Elizabeth Street are fantastic places to catch a snapshot of Riga’s kaleidoscopic culture. The street is filled with innumerable illustrations of Riga’s rendezvous with art nouveau. Art students and connoisseurs from all over Europe frequent this place for its lively artistic buzz and an inspirational aura.

If you plan to visit Riga, take three full days. For the accomodation, I recommend KONVENTA SETA, a hotel***(*) in an old convent in the very centre of the city, tidy, convenient... It has no own restaurant, but you don't need one at that place.... there are so many in the vicinity. Close to the hoterl in WAGNER STREET, you will find the SKONTO fish restaurant, one of the best sea food restaurants in the world. I also advise to take advantage of your stay in RIGA to enjoy the rich and high quality musical life : GREAT GUILD CONCERT HALL, OPERA, RIGA DOM ORGAN concerts. RIGA DOM has one of the biggest organs in the world. If there is a concert while you are in RIGA, don't miss it!. Also visit ALBERTA STREET to see an entire street ART NOUVEAU ARCHITECTURE

Ventspils is an extra-ordinary town in Latvia - very neat and well-kept at the coast of Baltic Sea, situated 290 km from Riga at the NW corner of Latvia. It's perfect place for those who enjoy outdoor and sport activities. The population is about 44,000 and everything can be found in a walking distance.

If you plan to visit Riga, take three full days. For the accomodation, I recommend KONVENTA SETA, a hotel***(*) in an old convent in the very centre of the city, tidy, convenient... It has no own restaurant, but you don't need one at that place.... there are so many in the vicinity. Close to the hoterl in WAGNER STREET, you will find the SKONTO fish restaurant, one of the best sea food restaurants in the world. I also advise to take advantage of your stay in RIGA to enjoy the rich and high quality musical life : GREAT GUILD CONCERT HALL, OPERA, RIGA DOM ORGAN concerts. RIGA DOM has one of the biggest organs in the world. If there is a concert while you are in RIGA, don't miss it!. Also visit ALBERTA STREET to see an entire street ART NOUVEAU ARCHITECTURE

Sigulda is a small and quite town. The visit to the castel, a walk or a bike tour around Sigulda (without missing the the Gauja river, the forests and the caves) are highly recomended. The bobsleight track can be great for those who like sports and strong experiences! ;) It can be good even in the summer but the best experience you'll able to get during the winter. Sigulda a specially beautiful place to visit during the autumn.

My favourite city in Latvia. The mayor's name is A. Lembergs. It is truly the city of sport. :)

The market in Riga is fantastic! It is located right next to the main Bus terminal in some huge Zeppelin garages! The unique atmosphere and the good Fish are especially worth a look! Try the smoked eel!!!

Biggest city of the Baltic states with a population of about 2 million people. A platora of old churches and medieval walls and streets to stroll around in. Can be used as a base to vist Estonia and Lithuania as well as Russia and Finland. Quite cheap, as toe local income is very low. It has been discribed as an 'undiscovered Prague' for its medieval character.

On the first day I'd recommend going up the tower of St Peter's Church as you can get a good idea of your bearings so you won't be wandering aimlessly trying to find somewhere! The old town's pedestrian streets can be confusing as there are a few squares there!

Latvian riviera near Baltic sea

Check the exchange rate before you visit.

Excellent to go during winter, or just before Christmas. wonderful atmosphere, really charming city

WARNING! AWARE OF GOING TO RIGA ! British embassy has warned them citizens through the bbc. More than 800 visitors have been victims (have been beaten up and robbed ) as the official information says and this is just a part of that what the government cant hide and that what is being published which includes email addresses, phone numbers, names of the bars and nightclubs, its all commercials written by local people themselves and it is just hidden organized criminality what they have share from. And if u turn to them, its just a waste of ur time. And what I have experienced myself and my other friends, we can say easy racism and criminality is not only in this uncivilized society, it is even in government, that every smart journalist can investigate easily. And anybody who dont believe, go and find it out urself (should this country be the member of EU and therefore allowed to this citizens to come to ur country? Decision is up to u