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Liveliest of the Baltic cities, Riga is becoming increasingly popular for both city-breaks and longer visits amongst those exploring the new Europe. Bradt's handy new city guide states, "Though Latvia was under Soviet occupation as recently as 1991, visitors to Riga today will see almost nothing to remind them of these links." Emphasised by its EU membership, confirmed in May 2004, Riga now looks energetically to the West. The city centre, populated by spectacular art nouveau buildings, is filled with cafés and bars. A largely restored Old Town has attracted World Heritage status whilst elsewhere there is a wealth of museums together with new shopping, entertainment and business centres.
Riga puts the city in historical context, from early German-dominated times, through socialist revolution, WWII, liberation and independence. Sections focus on international and domestic travel, accommodation for all budgets, cafés and restaurants together with suggested self-guided city walking tours. Visitors are directed towards the city's market occupying disused Zeppelin hangars as well as to purveyors of characteristic amber jewellery and artefacts - the guide offers a test for the real McCoy. Elsewhere bakeries turn out many varieties of fresh Latvian bread and for those needing a unique pick-me-up, a snort of Rigas Melnais Balzāms (Black Balsam) is suggested. The recipe for the bitter, thick, black drink is a closely guarded secret. Bradt's Riga is a handy-size ticket entitling the bearer to discover one of the Baltic's brightest new stars. Stephen Baister and Chris Patrick are authors of Latvia: The Bradt Travel Guide and co-authors of Baltic Capitals. Stephen Baister has a background in legal representation for clients with interests in eastern Europe. Chris Patrick works in international research and consultancy; she has assisted a number of organisations from eastern Europe. |
