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!

Check the exchange rate before you visit.

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

And some really cheap beer to be had. But don't drink the tap water. There is a cool restaurant that has an ice rink with it and a lot of ice sculptures. It served buffet style traditional food and was excellent. Go in winter if you can stand the cold.

do not buy shampagne in the strip bars :)

Great service in the bars, cheap booze and cigarettes.

If you wana save money - take hotel far from center and eat in city hall canteen

Visit the Black Magic Bar in Riga. The moment you step in there you feel like you've been transported back in time. It's so much fun, everything looks gorgeous and their foods and drinks are very good.

argonauts hostel is simply the best. when it comes to nightlife: bar orange and a bar called "no one speaks to the colonel" are worthwhile.