devopsdays Riga - What to do in Riga
These are just some of the ideas on what to see, what to do, and where to grab some tasty food in Riga. If you are interested in anything else, feel free to reach out to organizers, and ask for help.
Alternatively, if you feel that we have left something out, or your experience was not as pleasant in any of these places, again, dont hesitate to reach out to us, and we will try to improve this list.
Museums you should see
Latvian National Museum of Art @ Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1
How to get there: from stop Valsts arhīvs take a trolley 5, 12 or 25 go till stop Mākslas muzejs. Check out directions in Google Maps
Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art.
The National Art Museum’s exposition is a comprehensive expose on Latvian art in both the 19th and 20th centuries, with emphasis on the various stylistic periods and the artists who were instrumental. Complete information is presented that clearly shows the development of Latvian art, focusing on the various periods, those who made it all happen, the highlights of the time.
Riga Motor Museum @ S. Eizenšteina Street 8
How to get there: from stop Valsts arhīvs take a trolley 25 go till stop Brīvības iela, find a bus 21, it is on the other side of Brīvības street, stop Tallinas street and go till stop Sociālās aprūpes centrs “Mežciems”, walk 6 min, and you will find museum. Check out directions in Google Maps
The Riga Motor Museum hosts the largest and the most modern antique vehicle collection in the Baltics. The museum exhibition is organized in a form of an exciting interactive story about unique vehicles, notable persons and the most significant events in the history of the automotive industry, complemented by modern multimedia technologies.
The museum’s collection is located on three floors and covers more than 4000 square meters, and currently it exhibits the largest and most diverse antique vehicle collection in the Baltics including more than 100 unique cars, motorcycles and bicycles. The exhibition tells a story about unique vehicles, notable persons and the most significant events in the history of the automotive industry.
Visitors shall explore the story using modern and diverse multimedia and design features, as well as participating in several interactivities. Historical vehicles displayed in a modern way make a visit to Riga Motor Museum an exciting way to spend a day exploring these truly unique vehicles.
Latvian Ethnographic Open-air Museum @ Brīvdabas street 21
How to get there: from stop Valsts arhīvs take a trolley 25 go till stop Brīvības iela, find a bus 1, it is on the other side of Brīvības street, stop Tallinas street and go till stop Brīvdabas muzejs, walk around 8 min till museum. Check out directions in Google Maps
The Latvian Ethnographic Open-air Museum is one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe. Now its territory covers 87.66 hectares of forest on the banks of Lake Jugla. The museum displays 118 historic buildings from all Latvian regions - Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale dating from the 17th century to the beginning of 1930s.
The museum features the homes of Latvian farmers, craftsmen and fishermen, with permanent exhibitions of household and work equipment that are characterised by the specific time period, region and the owners' occupation. Visitors can also learn more about Kurzeme Liv fishermen and Latgale old-believers' houses here.
Pauls Stradins Museum for history of medicine @ Antonijas iela 1
How to get there: from stop Valsts arhīvs take a trolley 5, 12 or 25 go till stop Mākslas muzejs, walk till museum 4 min. Check out directions in Google Maps
The visitors can see the development of medical history from the times of ethno medicine till the mid 20th century in thematic or overview excursions, as well as enjoy a unique exhibition concerning outer biology and medicine.
The Pauls Stradins Museum for history of medicine is one of the three biggest museums for history of medicine in the world. The story begins in the basement of the museum building, where the placed exhibits and dioramas show the first steps of the evolution of medicine. Dealing with trauma wounds, bandaging wounds, the healing methods of traditional medicine – all this was already known to man in the ancient times. A crucial part at that time was mythical medicine – amulets, lucky charms and witchcraft, which was performed by a hex, shaman and mages.
The journey continues in the medieval floor of the museum showing the reconstructed medieval cloister hospital and pharmacy. Walk through the medieval town designed by Pauls Stradins and learn of the illnesses of that time as well as treatment methods.
Latvian Railway History Museum @ Uzvaras bulvāris 2A
How to get there: it is in walking distance, check out directions in Google Maps
The Latvian Railway History Museum is a railway museum in Riga, Latvia. It was established on August 30, 1994 and contains more than a thousand items, documents and photographs related to railway communications and signalling equipment, tools and instruments, uniforms and badges.
Railway is the forerunner of civilisation and a life artery, as well as a friend to adventurers, offering people a way to attain their dreams. The importance of railway is inestimable, and the smell of railway is unmistakable. The Latvian Railway history Museum invites you to explore the world of railways. An interesting feature of the museum is that it is situated near a functioning railway line.
Running routes near the venue
Routes are for walking, running and cycling circuits for venue guests to follow that start and end at hotel. They are planned by hotel team members to help all fitness enthusiasts, from amateur joggers to keen runners and cyclists, keep up their fitness routine when they are traveling. Along the way, you will experience the best running and cycling routes the local area has to offer while discovering the surroundings. Simply choose one (or all) from below and start running.
Very special things for those who love to run, one of our Kubernetes workshop trainers, Antons Kranga, will be our running ambassador and will be happy to make some runs together
2km route
This short route will give you an understanding about the surroundings of the hotel and you will cross Kalnciema Street Quarter, which is very popular place in Riga with its beautifully restored wooden houses. Check out route in Google Maps
5km route
This route will let you discover the both sides of the beautiful Daugava River with amazing views. You will move directly to Kipsala Island, which is a part of the protected zone of Riga's historic center, which is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Center. Then you will cross the Vansu Bridge. From there, run along the beautiful Daugava River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. After you cross the Akmens Bridge, you will see the Latvian National Library on your left side with its unique architecture. You will be back in your hotel in 10 minutes to have a refreshing and healthy drink at Bocca Buona Restaurant. Check out route in Google Maps
10km route
This track is long, but you can always go back earlier and shorten the route. Cross the Akmens Bridge and look at the Swedbank Headquarter Building in Riga, which also known as “Stone of the sun”. Then continue jogging near the Pilsetas Canal at Bastejkalns Park. This route is great for people who loves doing sports in nature. You can stop at the popular Vermenes Park and sit on a bench while watching the live city. After this short stop, you can continue your route by going through the Esplanade Park and the Kronvalda Park before crossing the Vansu Bridge. Do not forget to discover the Kipsala Island before coming back to Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara. Check out route in Google Maps
Recreational activities
THE BEACH AT ĶĪPSALA
On the left bank of the Daugava, a wonderful view of Old Town's panorama awaits you at Ķipsala Municipal Beeach. Swim, sunbathe, get active with volleyball or football, or try one of the bistros. Here you can gaze at the busy city while relaxing.
KAYAKING IN RIGA
Laivnieks.lv, located just a few minutes away from the hotel, is offering guided, night and day kayak cruises. Check out their website for details.
SIXT RENT A BICYCLE IN RIGA
Sixt "rent a bicycle" is a self-service bike rental system in Riga and Jurmala, available for both residents and guests for everyday rides or holiday leisure. Bikers can use more than 250 bicycles available at 28 rental stations in Riga center, Old Town, and other Riga districts - Mežaparks, Pārdaugava, and Teika, as well as in Jurmala - Majori, Dzintari, Bulduri and at Lielupes Bridge.
Using Sixt rent-a-bike system you can take a bike at any Sixt rental station and return it to any other station 24/7. For example, rent a bike in Pardaugava and return it in the city center. Sixt operates within the international bicycle-sharing system Nextbike.
It's easy to register either via Sixt website www.sixt.lv/velo, or via phone call +371 6767 6780, or using Nextbike application
Closest Rental stations in Riga:
- Crossing of Kalnciema and Slokas streets
- Āgenskalna market, 64 Nometņu St.
MIKELIS DAY FAIR IN OLD TOWN RIGA
29th of September. Mikelis Day is celebrated during the autumn solstice, when the sun turns towards winter - this is the time when daytime and nighttime is the same length and the astronomical autumn sets in. This is an important time of the year for farmers, when the most important jobs have been completed before winter and it is time to celebrate the harvest. Market squares will be full of Latvian grown pumpkins, apples, pears, cranberries, cowberries and much more. The ladies of the house will be offering homemade jams, cheeses, traditional pastries and home-basked bread. Everyone will be able to enjoy and purchase fresh honey, as well as smoked meats and fish. Meanwhile, local craftsmen will also be on hand offering traditional and contemporary linens, ceramics, jewelry, wooden items and much, much more.
How to find there: Dome Square - you can walk from hotel,or take a public transport and go till stop Zikfīda Anna meierovica Bulvāris or 11 Novembra krastmala, then take a few min. walk.
RIVER CRUISE
River boat “VECRĪGA” and Canal boats “ANNABELLA” and “ARABELLA” – 11.Novembra krastmala, between Akmens and Vanšu bridges (next to Akmens bridge, opposite The Town Hall Square).
Canal boats “AMBER RĪGA” and “AURORA” – Riga canal, Radio Street 1 (opposite the Tea house “APSARA” ) and 100 meters from the Latvian National Opera.
Wooden rowing boats – Riga canal, Radio Street 1 (opposite the Tea house “APSARA” ) and 100 meters from the Latvian National Opera.
More information and prices on website: RiverCruises.lv
RIGA WATER TAXI
The charm of Kronvalda Park, magnificent Opera building, authentic Riga Central Market area, enjoy these and other Riga treasures from a different angle hidden by the everyday rush!
More information and prices on website: RigaWaterTaxi.lv
Other ideas on what to do
7 things to do in Kipsala neighbourhood in Riga
DevOpsDays Riga 2018 venue is located in Ķīpsala area, and The Sane Travel has made a great list of what to see in this particular neighborhood. Check out the list here: https://thesanetravel.com/travels/latvia/kipsala-riga-things-to-do and try to tick down as much of it as possible.
Where and what to eat
StreetBurgers @ Meža street 4a
StreetBurgers is one of the best Burger restaurants in Riga, and it is located just a few minutes away from the venue, on Meža street 4a. If you are a burger fan, this is defeinetley a place to check out.
P.S. There are other great restaurants located on the Meža street, so if you are not in the mood for a burger, you can try Cepiens or Japanese Grillbar Ze Sukin San.
Fazenda Bazārs @ Nometņu street 7
Fazenda is a great and cozy restaurant, that tries to offer seasonal foods and dishes, utilizing local products. Located about 700m from the hotel, and is little bit more expensive than other entries on our list, however, it is worth it, and especially, try their amazing marzipan or carrot cake.
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs @ Peldu street 19, Basement, Old town
Folkklubs Ala, although technically this is a folk club, and hosts performers almost every night, is also a great restaurant. Located in the Old Riga, about few kilometers away from the hotel, however, if you like beer, and want to try out some traditional and modern Latvian dishes, and listen to some folk music, this is the place to go, especially for the beer part - they have the largest choice in Riga – 28 different beers on tap.
Lido Leisure Centre @ Krasta iela 76
Lido is almost the same as McDonalds is in the US - it is one of the most popular choices for locals where to get something to eat. Great, inexpensive and traditional Latvian food, that is available without any wait. There are many Lido restaurants around the city, but the one to visit, is the one on Krasta street, that has one of the biggest choices of foods, suitable for almost anyone.
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