Winter is not just about Christmas, although that’s what we all think starting from November till first weeks of December. Till the middle of December majority of us is already tired of Christmas on every corner. For those, coming to catch Christmas mood in Riga, see previous post about Christmas Markets and the Nutcracker.But!
What about other winter activities in Riga? Ok, it’s cold here, so you walk around get into some cafe to warm up, walk again and get again in some random cafe. Nope, it doesn’t have to be like this. Here are some options for you to enjoy winter in Riga:
Day of Museums! The best time to visit museums is winter, for sure! Art lovers, you have a lot to see here – huge collection of Latvian Art history in a permanent exposition you will find at the Latvian National Museum of Art (K.Valdemāra Street 10a) and walking through the Old Town, you will find a lot of small art galleries. History lovers, check the Occupation Museum at the Town Hall square and War Museum at Torņa street with impressive medieval Powder Tower or huge Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation at Palasta street 4 (Old Town). The sunniest place in Riga is Sun Museum at the Old Town – different Sun items from different places in the world, the most playful place – Doll Museum, the hottest museum (just opened in Riga) – Museum of Erotic. Maybe Art Nouveau museum?
Skating! (Skating rinks are not opened yet, but will surely be there as soon as real winter is here). It’s a great option to warm up in winter! You will find one skating-rink at the Old Town, one in the last stop of the Tram nr. 11 – Mežaparks (with natural ice) and many more. The most pompous shopping centre in Riga - Galleria Riga - invites to the skating-rink on the top of the building! On the 7th floor above the roofs of Riga city center you can skate while enjoying panorama of Riga! /I’ll let you know as soon as winter is here and open-air skating-rinks open/
Some other winter sports? Take a day trip out of Riga - to Sigulda (around 1 hour drive from Riga) and get to know bobsleigh! Get to know it closer – not just watching, but also putting yourself into the place of a bobsleigh sportsman! Bobsleigh season has already started! You can go there on your own, with your friends or join organized tours – almost all travel agencies are oranizing tours to Sigulda, or ask at your hotel or hostel – a lot of them are really keen on it and glad to take Riga’s visitors to bobsleigh in Sigulda. By the way, Sigulda is also famous with its' beautiful nature and castles.
Nightlife in Riga? No changes there: Riga’s nightlife in winter is as active as in summer. Some cozy places for dancing and getting to know local people see here: Where Locals Have Fun I, Where Locals Have Fun II
Picture: The Entrance of the Latvian National Museum of Art
Museum of Erotic huh? I guess I'll be visiting Riga again next soon :P
ReplyDeleteYap, it was opened just this autumn.As I heard this museum moved from Lithuania to Latvia.
ReplyDeleteWe did the Husky dog sledding with Red fox tours and it was great. We were lucky cause the weather was just right. I liked that there were no rush and we were not pushed so we took time with dogs and made a lot of great pictures.
ReplyDeleteHi, Great Blog Post. The best thing to do in winter in Riga is to drink Riga Balsam. A herbal liqueur made with many different natural ingredients mixed with pure vodka. You can get it in bottles of 30%, 40%, and 45%. It’s served in “every” restaurants and bar around the city. For more information visit: Riga Travel Tips
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