Sun-soaked city in Europe with beaches and £2 pints not mobbed with tourists
If you're a sun-lover on the hunt for a city boasting beautiful beaches, distinctive architecture and vibrant nightlife, you might think Barcelona is your only option, but that's not so.
Riga in Latvia may not be as renowned as its Mediterranean counterpart, but it's equally deserving of a visit. Plus, it's closer to the UK and significantly cheaper than Barcelona.
Dining at budget-friendly restaurants will cost you around €11 on average, and you can enjoy a half litre of beer in a bar for a mere €2.50, according to top cost of living database Numbeo. It's all within easy reach - you can jet off directly to Riga from Aberdeen airport with airBaltic for a quick two hour and 20 minute flight.
The architecture in Riga is truly unparalleled, home to an array of stunning Art Nouveau buildings.
These unique (and highly Instagrammable) structures hail from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Local architects like Mikhail Eisenstein, Konstantīns Pēkšēns, and Eižens Laube designed facades adorned with unusual floral motifs, mythological figures, and other elaborate and intricate patterns, reports the Daily Record. The Art Nouveau district is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Riga is a paradise for shopaholics and food lovers alike. The colossal central market, nestled in former zeppelin hangars along the River Daugava, offers an array of goods that will leave you spoilt for choice.
From gastronomic delights to keepsakes and traditional goods, it's easy to while away an entire day exploring.
For those with a sweet tooth, the enchanting Black Magic Bar is a must-visit. This popular haunt specialises in a local treat known as black balsam: a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur. You can savour it neat or mixed into a cocktail. They also offer a selection of handmade chocolates, cakes, truffles and ice creams.
Riga is blessed with splendid summer weather, with temperatures often reaching the mid-twenties in July and August. If you're looking to beat the heat, the city's location on the stunning Bay of Riga provides ample beach options.
The three nearest beaches are Vakarbuļļi, Daugavgrīva and Vecāķi. Each one features a café, street vendors, benches, changing cabins, volleyball areas and much more.
Additionally, there are three swimming spots within Riga itself, near the city centre - Lucavsala, Lucavsalas līcis and Kipsala - all equipped with lifeguards and changing cabins.
For those willing to explore a bit further, the stunning Jūrmala beach awaits as Latvia's coastal gem. A mere stone's throw from Riga by train, it's conveniently close to the station.
A beachgoer who was charmed by Jūrmala said in a review: "Changing pods are available on the beach and the sand is soft and flat. We paid €5 each for a sun lounger for the day, although in the afternoon people could help themselves to ones that were left or that people had finished with. Well worth the journey from Riga which is about 25 mins by train from central Riga and very cheap. We booked the day before online and it cost us about €6 return for both of us - amazing value."
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