24 HOURS IN RIGA
counsellor of economic and commercial affairs, head of the representative office in Singapore, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
» 8AM Stroll through Vecriga, the historical centre of Riga. The UNESCO World Heritage site has over 800 years of history and is teeming with influences from the many nations that wandered through. Remember to pop by architectural gems like the House of Blackheads for a photo opportunity. Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia. » 10AM Saunter over to Riga Central Market, an enormous complex of five zeppelin hangars that’s filled with Latvian specialities. Opened in 1930, the variety of smoked fish, black bread and birch sap juice make for a authentic breakfast. Bring cash. Negu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilseta, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia. Tel: +371 67 229 985
» 12PM Head chefs Juris Dukalskis and Erisk Breibants use only locally and ethically sourced produce and meats to create a stunning menu of contemporary Latvian fare at Restorans 3. Leave it to them and opt for the degustation menus. Kaleju iela 3, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia. Tel: +371 26 660 060
» 3PM Alberta Street is a living gallery of the Art Nouveau-style buildings, particularly by Russian architect Mikhail Eisenstein. Other notable figures include teacher-and-student duo Konstantins Pekšens and Eižens Laube who designed the former apartment that’s been refurbished into the Riga Art Nouveau Museum. Take note of the ornamental reliefs featuring stylised local flora and fauna. Central District, Riga.
» 5PM Bring home a piece of Riga’ artistic innovation from designer Artis Nimanis at an&angel. Using crystal, glass and titanium, he creates a bevy of elegant tableware, ranging from bowls to vases. The latest collection, SILK, features a series of subtle silhouettes in matte finishes. 24 Antonijas street, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia. Tel: +371 27 726 955
» 6PM Settle souvenir shopping at RIIJA. The design and lifestyle concept store showcases products from local designers, including ZIEMELNIEKS’ collection of carpets and pillows handmade using a Northern weaving technique. Terbatas iela 6/8, Centra rajons, Rigas pilseta, LV-1050, Latvia. Tel: +371 67 284 828
» 8PM Head chef Ainars Volodka works closely with local farmers for his seasonal menu of Baltic and Latvian cuisine. Set within the picturesque park and near the Latvian National Opera and Laima Clock, it has one of the best views in the city. Check out their international list of wines. Brivibas bulvaris 26, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia. Tel: +371 26 608 882
» 10PM Cap off the night with a glass of boutique bubbly at Modernists. Expect lesser known names such as Emmanuel Brochet and Paul Dethune. Krišjana Barona iela 31, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1011, Latvia.
Tel: +371 67 229 967