Riga is really an interesting European capital. But besides the usual beauty, squares and old houses, there are many places unknown to tourists: two peninsulas, a market, a courtyard, the best casino in Riga.
Mangalsala Peninsula
The place where the waters of the Daugava River meet the sands of the Baltic Sea, and the light pine forest turns into soft narrow beaches. The main attraction of the peninsula is the Mangalsala dam or the Eastern pier, built back in 1861 under the patronage of the Russian Tsar Alexander II. In addition, here you can find the catacombs of the Russian-Swedish war, protected by the state. Mangalsala is recommended to visit by scenic sunsets and thrills lovers.
District Mezapark
The most prestigious green area of the city, where you can walk for hours, gazing at the old and new mansions. Until 1923 it was called the Tsar’s Forest, where peasants lived, vegetables and fruits were growing for the citizens. But everything changed dramatically at the end of the XIX century. With the filing of the chief architect of Riga, rich and creative people began to build their villas here. Now it is a favorite place for walking among the residents of Riga. The most delicious eclairs are prepared in the Gustav Adolf cafe, named after the Swedish king of the 17th century. It is also good to combine a visit to Mezhapark with a visit to the oldest zoo in Northern Europe, grandiose concerts on the singing stage and services in Russian in the chamber Lutheran church.
Miera street
Locals call it the Miera Republic: there is a workshop for processing glass containers in modern design items “Butelon”, a tea room “Illozeum”, where you can buy tea from all over the world and admire the psychedelic interior, a hairdresser’s library, a hotel for flowers, clothes rental XX century, the salon of antique furniture and many, many other interesting places.
Casino in the historic hotel building
Almost in the center of the capital is the unique Grand Hotel Kempinski — this is the historic Hotel Rome, which 150 years ago hosted bohemians from all over Europe. Today the building has been restored and receives guests. Here is the Shangri La of Michael Boettcher, a unique VIP casino with luxury interiors and a great atmosphere. The entrance to the casino is free. The unit is owned by Storm International, Darren Keane is the managing director, that is why this place is so magnificent. Institution created for a luxurious comfortable stay. Here, the eyes and soul rest.
Andrejsala Peninsula
Andreevsky Peninsula is not only yachts, sailboats and ferries, but also a lot of good establishments for every budget. Starting with the old democratic bus with burgers and french fries, ending with the glamorous Aqua Luna restaurant with roasted foie gras and elements of Japanese cuisine or snobing Koja, where Latvian dishes are opened in a new way. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, the place was not on the map of Riga, but already in the 20th, a port with industrial buildings expanded right in front of the historical center. Young artists, designers and hopeful restaurateurs began to make their homes from a zero. Now admirers of seascapes, gourmets and party-goers spend time here.
Introduction to Moscow Forstadt
Moscow Suburb in Riga begins with the Central Market — a tourist attraction and a favorite place for farm products fans. The market lives in the former hangars for airships built during the First World War — there are only nine such structures in Europe, and five of them are in Riga. It is better to pass pavilions with rich fish, fragrant green and delicious meat.
Immediately behind the meat pavilion, you can turn right along Gogol Street. Here begins the Moscow Suburb — the most international area of the city. To the left is the church of All Saints, in which Fyodor Shalyapin sang. To the right is the Stalinist high-rise of the Academy of Sciences with the best view of Old Riga. Right — the walls burned in 1941, together with the people of the Great Choral Synagogue. And also — a flea market, exhibition hall and youth theater. The atmosphere has hardly changed in the last 100 years.
