Riga

[crodonilson]

I am once again asking the great and good of NSC for its help.

The better half is on about treating me to a long weekend to Riga for my big birthday at the end of May.

So, is it worth going, recommendations of things to see and do while we're there and anywhere within distance for a day out (is Tallin too far to go for a day?)

Any recoomendations greatfully received, you guys have never let me down before!

 

[Wilko]

Riga is great, quite small so you can do it all on foot. 2 days is enough there. It does seem to rain a lot though I seem to remember!

 

[Grizz]

Aye two days is about all it takes. Some lovely architecture, though i have to admit i much preferred Tallinn, much more inviting city, people were a lot friendlier, but smaller than Riga. I doubt you could do Tallinn and back in a day, need an overnight stay.

 

[Les Biehn]

Had 2 days in Riga and thought it was really nice. Some of the churches and parks are really nice and I was lucky as it was nice and sunny the whole time I was there.

Tallinn is definately too far for the day, takes about 6 hours one way I believe (did do it but can't remember exactly).

 

[Wilko]

Aye two days is about all it takes. Some lovely architecture, though i have to admit i much preferred Tallinn, much more inviting city, people were a lot friendlier, but smaller than Riga. I doubt you could do Tallinn and back in a day, need an overnight stay.

Agreed, if Tallinn and Riga are about the same price to go (assuming you have not been to Tallin) then go there instead

 

[Les Biehn]

Plus Estonian women are much fitter than Latvian women.

 

[crodonilson]

Am off to Riga next week for a long bank holiday weekend.

Was looking at the Skonto Riga website and it seems they're at home next Saturday.

Skonto - Liepājas metalurgs

Anyone been to their stadium, is it safe and somewhere I can take the better half??

Any other recommendations/advice gratefully appreciated.

 

[Estonian Seagull]

Skonto isn't a great stadium, but its better than Withdean. It's about a 15 minute walk from the centre of the city. It's pretty safe, just watch out for any pickpocketing. Don't expect too much in terms of footballing standards, though. The weather's fantastic at the moment (about 25 degrees) and the Old Town was heaving with people and Daisy Duke shorts when I was there last weekend - plenty of bars and restaurants have their outdoor terraces open and the beer is flowing. Enjoy...

 

[Estonian Seagull]

A few tips if you are interested. Head to Fabrikas restaurant which is on Kipsala island in the middle of the river. The food is pretty good and there is a terrace right on the water if the weather holds out. Balzams Bar is a cool place to hang out in the evening. Drinks and reasonable food, and it's bang in the centre, just off of the Dome Sqaure. Tallinn is a 4 1/2 hour bus ride (air fare is bloody expensive), so probably too far for a day trip. Your better bet is to get a boat to Jurmala (I think they leave at around 11am). it's a seaside resort not too far away (about 20-30 minutes by car) with a fantastic sandy beach and some serious summer houses to be impressed by. Hope it helps.

btw, use the yellow Air Baltic taxis at the airport. they have fixed rates so you won't get screwed.

 

[crodonilson]

A few tips if you are interested. Head to Fabrikas restaurant which is on Kipsala island in the middle of the river. The food is pretty good and there is a terrace right on the water if the weather holds out. Balzams Bar is a cool place to hang out in the evening. Drinks and reasonable food, and it's bang in the centre, just off of the Dome Sqaure. Tallinn is a 4 1/2 hour bus ride (air fare is bloody expensive), so probably too far for a day trip. Your better bet is to get a boat to Jurmala (I think they leave at around 11am). it's a seaside resort not too far away (about 20-30 minutes by car) with a fantastic sandy beach and some serious summer houses to be impressed by. Hope it helps.

btw, use the yellow Air Baltic taxis at the airport. they have fixed rates so you won't get screwed.

Many thanks ES, I will certainly check the places you've recommended out.