Riga: My Art Nouveau Capital
We walked off into Vecrīga and the cobblestones immediately started singing – every building a different pastel color, church spires competing for attention. Alberta iela at 9 a.m. was pure Art Nouveau porn – facades covered in screaming faces, naked ladies, and mythical beasts. The Central Market inside five zeppelin hangars was sensory overload – black balsamic vinegar aged 25 years, smoked sprats, and hemp butter that tastes like nostalgia.
We had lunch at a milk bar – Soviet-era canteen serving cold beet soup and piragi bacon buns for pocket change. House of the Blackheads rebuilt perfectly after WWII – the detail is insane. The pros: beautiful, affordable, and genuinely friendly. The cons: some Soviet concrete on the outskirts, but the old town is perfect.
Getting Around Riga
Ship docks 15-minute walk or quick tram to old town.
Positively Worded Word of Warning
The market halls are enormous – comfortable shoes make hunting for black balsam and amber even more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Riga worth it?
A: The most beautiful and underrated Baltic capital.
Q: Best thing?
A: Art Nouveau district + Central Market.
Q: How long for Art Nouveau?
A: 2–3 hours of pure joy.
Q: Walk from port?
A: Easy 15-minute stroll.