Riga in Latvia was another port on the Baltic cruise that is in Northern Europe. How did I spend a day in Riga, Latvia?
It was my first time there and this was a surprising little gem. Riga was a cute, small town with little markets, nice restaurants and quirky shops.
Eating in Riga
We went to a restaurant called the Key to Riga that was set back into the middle ages. It was fantastic and the waiters were dressed in medieval outfits and the menu was so funny!
All the dishes had names, my favourite was ‘Chop ’em off!’ which was bull’s testicles in cream sauce, I didn’t order that though!
I had a starter of hearings which was in the shape of a heart and then we had a selection of pork served on a shield and sword plate. The presentation of the food was well thought out. I recommend this restaurant if you ever go to Riga.
Whilst we were there the weather was cloudy with a little rain, but 19*C, so quite pleasant compared to some of the other Baltic ports.
My packing tips for Riga are to bring comfortable walking shoes as there are cobbled streets in the town centre, a rain jacket, wear layers and of course an umbrella!
Essential Info
- Weather: Summer months between 15*C – 21*C
- Language: Latvian and some English spoken
- Currency: Euro
- Top Tips: Wear layers as the weather changes a lot in one day!
Lithuania | Estonia | St. Petersburg
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Have you been to Riga? What would you recommend doing?
Happy Travels
Love Lucy x
Super interesting truck with the paisley print! 🔮🙏
Author
Thank you so much Kyle! They had lots of painted trucks and walls
Looks like a fun port of call. Bull testicles in white sauce reminds me of a joke. I’m not sure how it goes but the punch line is the bull doesn’t always loose.
Author
So funny 😂
Riga has long been on my list of places to visit, having made it to Vilnius in Lithuania a few years back and Tallinn in Estonia much longer ago, I had always thought of the cities as a trio in my mind for some reason. The restaurant you visited sounds great, I think I’d have enjoyed it too.
Author
You must make a trip there 😀
Confession: Every time I see/hear Latvia, I think Kristaps Porzingis. That might be a bit of a cultural faux pas, but he’s awesome! Anyhoo…would love to visit this place…I’ve been dared to have bull testicles before, maybe I’ll cave!
Author
Love it!
Riga seems like such a great city to visit! And Key to Riga seems like a must-do. I love themed-restaurants like that. I might even get into the spirit so much as to try the bull testicles 😛
Author
It is a lovely city to visit! You are brave!
Riga is my second home and is a fantastic city to explore. But did you do more than just having food in the restaurant? 😀 If doing a day stop off a cruise (which I hate the cruises coming in as they pollute the river Daugava a lot but we need the tourism right now), Riga Old Town which is next to the port can easily be done in a day, all the sights, a couple of bars, a restaurant (or a themed restaurant where there seems to be a new one popping up every week 😀 ) and there are some quirky shops there.
By the way, Bulls testicles are fantastic, juicy and chewy 😉
Author
We walked all over the city, we had a great day 😀
I’ve been seeing more and more about beautiful Riga and it makes me really want to go! I’ve had bull’s testicles before. They creeped me out because they were so chewy. I’ve never wanted to try that again! I’ll definitely be sure to wear layers here! Thanks for the great tips!
Author
Well done for trying them! I couldn’t do it! Lol 😂
Lol, chop em off sounds like quite the dish!! Key to Riga would be a fun spot to check out but I think I’d avoid that dish, too! 🙂 Love the pastel colored buildings as well!
Author
So funny! Lovely city 🌃
The menu is hilarious! A day in a place is never complete when you do not try the food. It seems like a day well spent in Latvia!
Author
It was so much fun!
Riga looks amazing! And I’m not much for hot weather so 15 to 21 degrees in the summer sounds perfect for me!
Author
It is perfect place for cooler vacations 💙
This place Riga looks so interesting. I love the architecture. I would love to visit one day 😉
Author
It is a beautiful city 🌃