Experiences

Riga in Summer: a Feast for the Senses

Summer is a wonderful time to visit Riga – a northern European city of splendid parks, stunning architecture from across the ages, and Michelin-starred cuisine. Choose the centrally located Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel as your base, and you'll find many of the city's best attractions right on its doorstep and within walking distance.

The group-friendly 571-room hotel has three inviting restaurants and bars of its own, but if you do choose to venture outside, many foodie adventures await along with insightful cultural walks and museum visits.

13 Jun 2024 5 min to read

Indulge in Michelin-Starred Cuisine

2023 was a big year for Latvia's culinary scene as Max Cekot Kitchen nabbed the country's first Michelin star. The striking restaurant – housed in a former wood processing plant far off the tourist trail – presents an exciting 10-course tasting menu with several ingredients grown on site.

Along with the star winner, three establishments received the Bib Gourmand award for their good quality, good value cooking. Snatch, which shares a street with the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, serves contemporary Italian dishes in a trendy urban setting, the perfect summer dish. Milda in the old town specializes in humble Latvian and Lithuanian cuisine, and Shōyu is a tiny neighborhood ramen shop.

The Michelin guide acknowledged a total of 26 restaurants in Latvia, catering to all tastes. For those keen to eat local, several among them, such as 3 Chefs and Ferma, serve nouveau Latvian cuisine, which spotlights seasonal ingredients like birch sap, rhubarb and wild garlic. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing glass of sparkling rhubarb wine by Latvia's creative winemakers!

Blog images - 2024 - Riga in Summer a Feast for the Senses Experiences Restaurant Esplanade

Blog images - 2024 - Riga in Summer a Feast for the Senses Experiences Lobby Bar Terrace

Admire Astonishing Art Nouveau Architecture

While Riga boasts a fine collection of buildings in an array of styles representing its tumultuous history, the Baltic capital is world-renowned for its Art Nouveau.

Many will point you toward the so-called Quiet Center – the epicenter of Riga's Art Nouveau – to enjoy an architectural walk. While it is known for a particularly high concentration of the intricate early 20th century buildings, you will find striking examples throughout the city in all directions from the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, including the old town. Just keep peering up at all times!

The style can be recognized by the highly decorative facades adorned with animal figures, botanical elements and mythical creatures. Across Riga, you can find around 800 stunning examples, which speak of a prosperous time in this historical center of trade.

Blog images - 2024 - Riga in Summer a Feast for the Senses Experiences GettyImages

Experience the Compelling Museums and Galleries of Riga

Get to know this Baltic gem through its art! Two minutes from the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel lies the remarkable Latvian National Museum of Art. The grand purpose-built museum houses several permanent exhibitions, including Dismantling the Wall. Latvian Art 1985-1991, which addresses a time of great socio-political change.

Beyond the city center, in a formerly industrial area is the captivating Zuzeum art center – home of the world's most extensive private collection of Latvian art. Housed in a former cork factory from 1910, the state-of-the-art center also boasts an on-site cafe and design shop.

Make Time for Quality Coffee and Cake

In need of an energy boost? From no-frills neighborhood bakeries to high-end patisseries straight from the pages of a design magazine, Riga has no shortage of excellent choices for a spot of afternoon tea. Find the trendy Kūkotava, Mīkla and Mulberry cake shops at walking distance from the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel.

Also, look out for coffee from the acclaimed local roasters Kalve and Rocket Bean Roastery whose latest outpost boasts a fantastic view of Riga's revered Freedom Monument. This is also just a stone's throw from the hotel!

In summer, there's nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing coffee break or indulging in a slice of light, fruity cake in one of Riga's charming outdoor cafes. The city comes alive with vibrant energy, and the outdoor seating areas provide the perfect setting to soak up the sun while savoring delicious treats. Whether you're taking a break from exploring or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon, Riga's culture offers a delightful way to experience the city's summer charm.

Unwind with Delectable Cocktails in the Sky

At the end of a long summer day full of new impressions and experiences, what greater way to celebrate than sipping on a cocktail? Conveniently, Riga's highest cocktail bar – Skyline Bar – is on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, providing an unrivaled opportunity to watch the sun set over the colorful roofs of Riga. Surprise your taste buds with exotic flavors from the bar’s menu - delightful dishes, such as homemade shredded duck spring rolls, beef tataki, seared tuna tataki, poke bowls, crunchy tempura-fried vegetables and others.

Blog images - 2024 - Riga in Summer a Feast for the Senses Experiences Skyline Bar Lounge

Blog images - 2024 - Riga in Summer a Feast for the Senses Experiences Radisson Skyline

Relax and Rejuvenate at ESPA Riga

After enjoying a cocktail and taking in the breathtaking views, indulge in the serene atmosphere of our sophisticated spa experience ESPA Riga. Perfect for unwinding after a sun-filled day in the city, ESPA Riga offers award-winning facilities, including heat and water experiences, private relaxation suites, luxurious face and body treatments, and a modern fitness studio.

Finally,once ready to retreat to the comfort of your room at Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga, know that it comes equipped with air conditioning, high-speed wifi and a mini bar to round off an enjoyable summer day in Riga.

Blog images - 2024 - Riga in Summer a Feast for the Senses Experiences ESPA Riga Outdoor Pool

Related tags: Europe & CIS , Latvia , Riga , Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga

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