The Baltic states in midwinter might not be at the top of everyone’s destination list, especially when average temperatures are often below zero, but a little cold weather never put me off going anywhere. But when the opportunity arose to spend 48 hours in Riga, Latvia and the following 48 in Vilnius, Lithuania I jumped at the chance.
Getting There
Getting to Riga from the UK is pretty easy with flights from most London and regional airports. I flew with budget airline Wizz Air from Luton and the flight was as painless as flying out of Luton Airport can ever be. I don’t know if it’s the people themselves going through security or security itself which is the issue but it’s never a pleasant experience. I’ve talked before about Wizz Air and you can find more information here.
Once through security at Riga it’s easy to get into town by public transport on the city bus. It leaves from opposite the airport ans at €2 (from the driver) for a ticket (or €1.50 from the ticket machine in the bus stop if someone else isn’t taking sooo long to fathom it out when your bus arrives) it’s a bargain. It only takes about 30 minutes to get to the edge of the old town and the bus screens tells you the name of each stop so you know where to get off.
I stayed at the Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa, right in the Old Town within walking distance of all the sites. The buffet breakfast is extensive, the rooms comfortable and the price very reasonable for a 4-star hotel. Once checked in the priority, as ever, was cake and a drink. Double Coffee hit the mark. Right next to the imposing St Peter’s church it offered an amazing warm wild berry pie. Just what was needed.
Riga Old Town
Riga old town centre is compact and easy to wander around. It may have been the snow keeping people in but there were very few people out and the traffic was non-existent. It is a great place to potter. Each corner you turn brings you to another gorgeous street,
Facade in Royal Square
