Riga Essentials
Riga Essentials & Tourist Information
Riga Tourist Attractions
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Currency
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Latvian Lat (LVL)
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Flight Time
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UK 3 Hours approx |
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Time Zone
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GMT +2 Hours |
| Language | Latvian |
| Voltage | 220 V AC (two-pin plugs) |
Riga Tourist Attractions
No short break in Riga would ever be complete without a visit to the Freedom Monument - the soul of the city and a place that is revered by the Latvian people. Having survived four decades of Soviet occupation it is an inspiring sight and is the highest monument of its kind in Europe. Combine this with a visit to the unique St Peter's Church, a 15th century place of worship that offers superb panoramic views of the city from the top of its 400 feet spire. It is open from Tuesday - Sunday until 5pm and costs LVL1.50 for the ascent to the top.
Riga Opening Hours
Post offices and banks are open from 9am - 6pm weekdays and until 1pm on Saturdays. Normal shop opening hours are similar with a few open on Sundays and in the tourist areas especially, staying open until around 9pm daily.
Riga Food & Drink
Traditional Latvian food is a hearty affair using a lot of potato, cabbage, beef, pork and fish and portions can be huge. Local pancakes are very popular with a myriad of savoury fillings ranging from caviar to cream cheese. There is a good selection of international cuisine with sushi and pizza restaurants especially abundant. Riga produces many award-winning beers including Aldaris and Tervetes and of course vodka drinking is a national pastime. Latvia is Europe's northernmost wine producing nation and both dry whites and sparkling wines are available at very low prices.
Tipping & Etiquette In Riga
Tipping after a meal is not obligatory but it is common to leave around 5% of the total cost as a tip. Taxi drivers and hotel staff will also expect a small payment for services rendered. Always check prices of drinks and meals in bars in the main tourist areas as many hostelries have been known to overly inflate prices for foreign visitors.
Latvian Phrases For Tourists
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Hello
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Sveiky
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Goodbye |
Uz redzešanos
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Pleased to meet you
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Priecajos ar Jums iepazities | Sorry | Piedodiet | |
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Good morning
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Labrit
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I don't understand
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Es nesaprotu
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Good afternoon
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Labdien
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Please speak more slowly |
Ludzu runajiet lenak
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| Good evening | Labvakar |
How much is this?
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Cik tas maksa?
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| Good night | Ar labunakti | Have a nice day | Lai jums laba diena |
Riga Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Riga – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire – 112
Disabled Access In Riga
When disembarking at Riga airport, disabled passengers are well looked after with wheelchair friendly access throughout with lifts, ramps and dedicated shuttle services into the city. The city centre itself however is more of an ordeal due to its layout and age with many uneven surfaces and lack of adaptable transportation. There are some private carriers who operate minibus services and there are a surprising number of attractions that offer some disabled facilities. Several mid range hotels are conveniently located that have wheelchair friendly accommodation and adapted bathrooms.
Latvian Embassies
• British Embassy 5, J. Alunana Street Riga LV-1010. Telephone: (371) 6777 4700
• Embassy of Republic of Latvia 45 Nottingham Place London W1U 5LY Telephone: 020 731 200 40
 Riga City Breaks Getting Around Riga |
Things To Do In Riga Riga Weather |
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