Riga is always nice, but in summer the Latvian capital is particularly attractive. We spent a week-end in Riga at the Radisson Blu, a nice and stylish business hotel near the famous Art Nouveau district.
The research plan was to catch the spirit of Jāņi, which can be experienced in Riga. A few days before the big holiday the city organises a Grass Market – wild medicinal plants, oak leaves and flower crowns, Jāņi grasses, Jāņi cheese with caraway seeds, beer, traditional crafts and Līgo songs – you can find everything that helps create the Līgo holiday feeling. The day before the holiday Riga is flocked by folk ensembles from around Latvia. Everyone is invited to participate in crown and wreath plaiting, Jāņi games and singing (if anything, at least with the “Līgo” refrain). These types of pre-holiday events are usually most widespread in Riga, on the banks of the canal not far from the Monument of Freedom. A large Līgo celebration also takes place in Riga at the Ethnographic Open-air Museum, several events dedicated to men with the name Jānis take place in each yard with each family. It is a funny thing that can be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone. Really good fun.
We checked in at the bank of the serene Daugava River it overlooks the famous Old City and offers first-class accommodations. Easy to get there only 15 minutes from the airport and within walking distance of the events place, embassies and prime sightseeing.
The Radisson Blu has 256 rooms boast breathtaking views and the nice “Panorama Restaurant” serves great food. Riga and the hotel has its own special character, it featured e.g. “The Dogs of Riga”, a Swedish detective mystery by Henning Mankell, set in Riga.
We started our trip with a cocktail on the 26th floor of our hotel. The Skyline Bar has great cocktails and a spectacular view of the Old Town.
A nice “Gin tonic” start. Then we moved on to the “Vina Studija” where we had Russian snacks. Everything was quite delicious.
Later on we went to the “Kaļķu vārti”, a centrally located fine dining restaurant. Here we had typical basic local food: Borsch, Vodka and meat. Just great!
In the morning we explored the Central Food Market, a true paradise for gourmets.
Everywhere you can try what you like and the quality is excellent.
After this I had to give a short presentation on the topic hotels & ecoluxury on a Baltic startup conference. Later on back to the Radisson and in the evening we went to the “Vincent”. Probably the best restaurant in town. In front of you are confronted with a futuristic interior, sitting in an elegant and timeless atmosphere. Latvian TV chef, Martins Rītiņš cooking was fantastic. Elton John, Chris de Burgh and a few other celbrities were already there.
The chef de Cuisine surprised us with fusion cuisine and slow food on a high culinary level.
The hotel is not necessarily the first address in Riga for pampered luxury travel journalists,
but we felt comfortable and good. In the morning there was an international hotel buffet. Riga on Sunday especially when the weather is great is really nice, the next time we will go to the beach which is only a few kilometrs outside.
Everywhere in the Baltic region you find great architecture and houses.
Its worth it.
Radisson Blu
