Are you making plans to organize an incentive trip this year but you don’t know where? Then we might have the perfect destination for you: Riga. Latvia’s capital city used to be called the Paris of the North and was the European Capital of Culture in 2014, so there is a lot to see and to discover. These are our personal highlights.
Historical architecture and traces of communism
Riga is a
real gem when it comes to historical architecture. The magnificent Dome, the
Saint Jacob’s Church, the Monument of Freedom are all must-see’s, as are the
many Art Nouveau buildings. Communism and the Cold War have also left their
marks on the city. Major streets are still named after Communist leaders like
Lenin and Marx and you can even visit the Soviet Bunker that used to be the
most strategic bunker in Soviet Latvia. In case of a nuclear attack, this is where
the local Soviet Government would hide. It only lost its confidential character
in 2003, when it became accessible to the public.
From a soviet car rally to a floating spa
You can't
leave Riga before you've driven in of those good old Soviet cars you see in the
movies. Or even better: until you've tried racing in a Soviet racing car on a
special racing track. Also perfect if you like a challenge, is the off-road jeep
adventure which takes you to Sigulda and its surroundings. On your way there,
you will have to carry out a number of assignments, including self-driving and
off-road challenges. Our favourite activity might be the bobsled, though. It’s
called “vuchko” here, and it generally reaches a speed up to 100 km/h. When
you’ve had enough of the action, you should definitely pay a visit to Latvia’s
floating spa complex, right in the middle of a beautiful lake. Enjoy a beauty
treatment with pure beer or relax in the sauna or the outdoor hot tub with a
stunning view on the lake.
Drinking, eating and sleeping in Soviet style
A shot of
vodka on Stalin’s tower, with a panoramic view, is a great way to start your
evening in Riga in Soviet style. Afterwards, you can discover the Latvian
cuisine at Bibliotēka
№1, which is located in Riga’s most beautiful park. Chef Maris Jansons serves
classic Latvian dishes with an innovative touch in this spacious and light
interior. A hotel we would highly recommend is Hotel Bergs, a sleek designer retreat that is hidden in Riga's cultural quarter. This
five-star designer boutique hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the
World and is nestled behind a 19th-century brick facade in Bergs Bazaar. It is
decorated with Latvian Grandmasters' family portraits and contemporary art, serves
haute cuisine inspired by local fare, and provides cutting-edge conference
rooms and relaxing lounges.
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