Riga City

Riga City is the capital of Latvia and the biggest city in the Baltic States. Latvia gained independence with Riga City as its capital city in November 18, 1918. The city is described as a vibrant, grand and imposing city and earned the title of "Paris of the North". It is a home to many academic institutions, including the University of Latvia. The Latvia Parliament also sits in Riga City. All-important financial institutions are located in Riga City, including the Bank of Latvia. After the country's accession to European Union in 2004, foreign trade through Riga City increased. The city serves as a gateway to trade with the Baltic tribes and with Russia.

Area & Location: Riga City lies on the Baltic Sea coast on the mouth of the River Daugava. The city is located at the site of an ancient settlement of the Livs, at the junction of the Daugava and Ridzeneat with 56°58' Latitude North and 24°8' Longitude East. Its total area covers 307.17 sq. km with 15.8% of water. Around 727,578 people reside in the city.

Tourist Attractions: As the capital city of Latvia having many monuments, the city attracts tourists from every nook and corner of the world.

Transportation: Riga City as a city-port is the major transportation hub. It is also the center of the local road and railway system. Most of the tourists visit the place through air and reach the Riga City International Airport, the largest airport in Baltic States.

Baltic sea ferries connect Riga City to Stockholm, Kiel and Lubeck. Buses and trains are other means of the transportation in the city.

Hotels: As a city that has celebrated its 800th anniversary, Riga City has developed much financially by providing more comfort to the tourists and thereby increasing its tourism sector. The hotels in the city offer all facilities to the tourists. Grand Palace Hotel, Hotel De Rome, Radisson SAS and Reval Hotel Ridzene are some of them that host thousands of tourists from far and wide.

Places of Attraction:Riga City's museums that preserve historically important articles attract worldwide attention. The Latvian Museum of History, the Latvian War Museum, the Latvian History and Maritime Museum, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum and the Latvian Occupation Museum are some of them. Riga City Castle that houses the Museum of Latvian History and the Museum of Foreign Art is also a point of attraction. The city often known as the city of parks lures the visitors to spend some time and enjoy themselves and experience the feelings and emotions that come about once in lifetime. Riga City Dome Cathedral is the major landmark of the city. St. Peter's Church, with its 123 m high tower, St. John's Church, a small 13th-century chapel and The Powder Tower, the only tower that remains from the city wall are also interesting spots in the city.