Exploring Europe 2018: Riga, Latvia

I am actually on exchange in Lithuania, but bus tickets were so cheap especially to neighbouring countries, so Donovan booked a trip for us to Latvia via LUX Express. There is a 50% promotion now for International Women's Day with the promo code "LADY".

Coincidentally, it was Desmond's spring break, so he visited Donovan in Vilnius, and they decided to take some time to travel to Riga, Latvia and Tallinn, Estonia (my next post) together. I was super lucky to be able to tag along wew.

We spent about 1.5 days in Riga, and my total expenditure (transport, accommodation, and all other expenses) was about 75 Euros.

Okay enough of the grandmother story; the bus ride was about 4+ hours and we arrived just on time to check in to our hostel at Dreams Hostel. 

Dreams Hostel

Merķeļa iela 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvija

We had a little bit of trouble locating it because we couldn't find the sign indicating that it was somewhere in the block, but a really kind MacDonald's staff told us that we can enter from the staircase just right between the two entrances of Macs and we did so... to find that the lift broke down and we had to climb six storeys every day.

It was super cool, like, 32 (or 42) Euros for a night for a three-bed private room but with shared toilet. The showering cubicle was the coolest thing ever - you can play music from the radio while showering, so I showered with EDM for two nights. It was super clean too! And not forgetting about the free breakfast. 

Special mention to the two receptionists who were always there for us and super friendly and accommodating to our requests! 10/10 would recommend for Dreams Hostel. Okay maybe 9.5/10 because Desmond was sleeping on an almost-broken bed.

Dropped our luggages at Dreams Hostel and we headed out for lunch. While walking, we chanced upon this park right beside the iconic Freedom Monument.

Bastion Hill Park

Subačiaus g. 18, Vilnius 01301

We climbed up a little hill to observe the wonderful view from above as well. I felt that this place will definitely be more vibrant in summer as seen from the Google pictures.

There are actually many parks which are all connected by a small lake so I am not really sure if these pictures are representative of Bastion Hill Park. Nevertheless, it was amazing (for the guys, not me) to step on and walk across the frozen lake. 

Freedom Monument

Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

Was craving for some Asian food and Desmond suggested Wok to Walk - I ordered Egg Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce. And it tastes a little like Pad Thai. Woohoo. Spent about 4.95 Euros on this with the ISIC card discount.

Wok To Walk
Aspazijas bulvāris 30, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

We continued to roam around and saw so many beautiful streets and alleys; I love those pastel coloured buildings soooo much!

Us being typical Asians taking photo of each and everything hahahah.

We checked out many many many many churches and cathedrals as well. I guess it's a must if you are in Europe...

St. Peter's Church

Skārņu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

This is one of the most iconic church in Riga - you can go all the way up but you have to pay for entrance unfortunately. So we didn't. 

Entrance to the following churches are free, so we checked them out. If I didn't remember wrongly, photography is not allowed in  Nativity Cathedral, however the interior was so grand and the wall art was so intricate.

 Nativity Cathedral

Brīvības bulvāris 23, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Our Lady of Sorrows Church

Pils iela 5, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

More colourful buildings!

We stopped by for tea at Ze Donats... AND GUESS WHAT? They sell peach flavoured donuts HOLY MOLY. If you look close enough at the following picture, you can spot the peach emoji on the shelf. I was deciding which flavour should I get and then the peach emoji caught my eye straight away. 一见钟情.

Ze Donats
Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 18, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia

There was queue and there were only two peach donuts left; I WAS PRAYING SO HARD that nobody takes my peach donut AND LUCKILY nobody but right after me, the last peach donut was gone. 

My prayers were answered indeed.

Afterwards we strolled along the walkway linking the Railway Bridge and the Vanšu Bridge. It was about -16 degrees, so the lake was frozen and you can see footsteps of people walking across it to the other side. Well, we tried walking a little just for the pictures and we don't want to die so we did not walk all the way to the other side.

Railway Bridge

Railway Bridge, Riga, Latvia

Vanšu Bridge

Vanšu Bridge, Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

So we decided to have some Latvian food for dinner and we found this place which sells super nice and affordable Latvian food. It's best if you reach at around 6PM without reservation because the tables are usually reserved at 7PM onwards and by the time it'll be full house. Our beer was only 2 Euros because it was a Thursday night.

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs

Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Meatballs cooked with Grandma's Recipe, Beef Shank, Grilled Chicken.

Walked along Albert St which is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. Unfortunately most of them was under renovation so it was a little underwhelming...

Albert St

Albert St, Central District, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia

Riga Bourse Art Museum

Pils laukums 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Riga Town Hall (Riga Dome)

Kalku iela, Riga, Latvia

We also checked out the House of the Blackheads which is located just opposite the Riga Town Hall.

House of the Blackheads

Rātslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

We walked past these two as well, didn't go in because it wasn't free of charge HAHAHA.

Latvian National Opera

Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Latvian National Museum of Art

Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia

Checked out the one of the most iconic cathedral in Riga.

Riga Cathedral

Herdera laukums 6, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Finally found an interesting museum that is FOC.

Latvian War Museum

Smilšu iela 20, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Not forgetting other monuments as well: Prince Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly Statue, Latvian Red Riflemen

Had our last meal in Riga at an affordable Thai Restaurant (YES TO ASIAN FOOD AGAIN) and my Pad Thai was 5 Euros only!

Garden Thai Restaurant (Garden Restaurant)

Kungu iela 2, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Riga was wonderful, except that I got approached by a beggar and some creepy old granny who held my hand, looked me in the eye and spoke something in Latvian. But it was a really lovely place and you guys should check it out if you are in Europe!

Here's my vlog by the way!