Relaxing

Ostas Skati is a restaurant at the end of Ķīpsala, so… a nice place where to end your tour around Ķīpsala. I haven’t been there during the winter, but in summer it is a beautiful place to have dinner or just a drink with your friends. First of all Ķīpsala itself is a nice island. The location with with a view of Riga is great. And this restaurant improves the view with a good atmosphere, service, music and good food.

I like that this is not a crowded place, at least it wasn’t the times I was here. It’s a good place if you want to have a conversation with your friends but not in the city center and still… not far from it. And the atmosphere is improved by the water – a little wind, boats, waves and sun.

Ostas Skati has indoor seating, and two summer terraces. You can see one of them in picture. The other terrace is a tent on the water – perfect to hide from the wind, while still being outside.

Daugavgrīvas fortress is a historical complex of buildings in Riga. Its story begins back in year 1608. Swedes started the construction then, till the fortress was overtaken by the Russians. Who finally destroyed it in 1917. while the Red army was forced to leave our lands. That’s a bit of interpretation from history books.

At the moment place is with no actual military life in it. Only the shadows and ghosts from its glorious past now can be seen there but still the spot gives me a shivers every time.

Best if visited in spring or summer but the fortress can offer some excitement in other parts of a year too. It is possible to walk all over the ruins although with extra caution as some dangerous places has no delimitation.

Only a few kilometers away totally free and easy reachable lays the Baltic sea. I like to give her a visit too. Afterwards.

Daugavgrīvas fortress is completely different spot on the well known Riga’s face. Located in a remote corner of the city it has managed to keep the innocent and some kind of a wilderness. A nice place to visit if you are tired of crowded streets and touristic attractions.

Bergs Bazaar is definitely one of my must-experience tips in Riga. It can be easily called the spot of the spots as within it you can find many attractions but each of those deserves a separate post but I will try to describe the place as a whole.

Bergs Bazaar lies in the very center of Riga, not far from old town, the central railway station and my place. The thing I love about it the most is that when you enter calmness surrounds you, even though there are public places almost in every doorway.

No cars are allowed here so I can let my little son run freely without a worry. It is always clean and a very romantic place for an evening walk when the lights are turned on.

Not to scare you with quietness of this beautiful place, many happenings are held here constantly. For example, you can visit the Slow Food Farmer’s market and the antique market on every second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 09:00 to 15:00.

Many locals including me come here to purchase some quality food or just to spend an enjoyable morning. Summertime encourages every cafe to bring out some tables for guests to chill and enjoy this beautiful bazaar at it’s best.

Mangaļsala is out of the city centre. To go there from the city center by bus will take around 1 hour 30 min, because from the bus stop to the Pier you will have to walk, but it is worth it. I am not sure if tourists even know about this Pier when coming to visit Riga, even many local people haven’t been there. If you want to see something out of the city centre this is one of the places. On the way to Mangaļsala are different areas-transit ports, living areas and even woods.

I recommend going there in the evening to see sunset, feel the wind, listen and watch the birds in the water and talk to fisherman. Ask them how the fishing is today! I usually go there with friends for a walk and talk after busy day in the crowded city center.  

The pier of Mangaļsala is located in the northern part of Rīga, where the river Daugava flows into the sea. It was built from 1850-1861 and the pier is 2240 meters long.

On the way to this pier you will see hills around, they are not really hills under each hill is bunker. I have walked around there but haven’t entered any of them yet.

To get there you can either go by car, bike or by bus number 24 and get out at “Mangalsala”.

Latvian Academy of Sciences (Latvijas Zinātņu Akadēmija) is located in the first skyscrape here in Latvia. It was opened in year 1961 and it was built on a cemetery. Maybe that is why some folks call it Stalin’s birthday cake!?

The 107 meters high building has 21 storeys and a very interesting history but let’s get to the main attraction: the viewing platform.

The viewing platform of the Latvian Academy of Sciences is located on the 17th floor and that is like 65 meters above the ground. It’s offers a fascinating view over the Old Town, Pardaugava district and other parts of a city. Here is a little peak what you will be able to admire.

This adventure has a great value as no reservation in advance is necessary, no time limit for your visit, basically you can do anything up there, as long as you behave reasonable and well.