With a population of 750,000, Latvia's capital is the largest city in the Baltic states and the country's political, financial and cultural centre. The Hanseatic city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and for the preservation of its old town centre which was recognised by UNESCO and added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

Riga inner city

Definitely worth visiting: Albert Street, the cathedral, the Three Brothers, Radio and Television Tower, the Freedom Monument, the Great and Small Guilds, numerous examples of Art Nouveau architecture, the National Opera, St. Peter's Church, the Powder Tower, the town hall, Riga Castle, the House of the Blackheads, the university.

Riga Castle

Founded in 1330, the castle has undergone various occupations and expansions over the centuries. Currently the Latvian President's Chancery, it also has 3 museums located in its southern section:

1. Museum of International Art
2. Museum of Art and Literature
3. Museum of History

Radio and Television Tower

At an impressive 368.5 m high, the tower is the tallest structure in Latvia and the 3rd tallest in all of Europe. The futuristic communications tower rises from the small island of Zakusala and architects and engineers say it will withstand an earthquake up to 8.5 on the Richter scale.

Jurmala

The seaside resort of Jurmala is around 25 km west of Riga and affords visitors kilometre long, tree-lined sandy beaches. A stroll along the avenues reveals the area's many impressive villas.

Sigulda

Sigulda is sometimes called the "Switzerland of Vidzeme" due to the reddish sandstone cliffs on both banks of the river. Other similarities are winter sports and the town is a popular destination for skiing, bobsledding and luge fans. The view over the Gauja Valley from the Krimulda Castle ruins is breathtaking and the Gauja National Park is not far away. Guided tours can be taken and are a must for nature lovers. Sigulda and its surrounding areas are rich in history as the many castles and fortresses can attest. The Turaida Castle is a prime example of Brick Gothic architecture and particularly popular with tourists.

Zemgale

The advantageous geographical factors of Zemgale have been recognised for millennia and the resulting agriculture made it one of the country's richest areas. Historic landmarks in the region include the magnificent baroque Rundale Palace. Built in the 18th century for the Dukes of Courland, it is the centrepiece of manicured gardens, tree-lined avenues, pavilions, fountains and box hedges. The extravagant interior includes crystal chandeliers, silk tapestries and marble stucco. Not to be missed is the Gold Hall. This once served as the throne room and was used for royal audiences. Ceiling murals, ornamental mirrors and enough gold leaf to rival the Versailles. Also definitely worth seeing is the White Hall with its extensive stuccowork. The palace has a museum dedicated to its history and that of the Dukes of Courland. It also houses an impressive collection of historical furniture and art.

Jelgava

The country's industrial centre, Jelgava's historical heyday was during the 18th century and the city was both the former capital of the Duchy of Courland and the capital of the Courland region until 1919. Of particular interest for many visitors is the baroque Jelgava Palace. Designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace has over 300 rooms and now houses the Latvian Academy of Agriculture.

Liepaja

Latvia's third largest city and one of its most industrialised, Liepaja occupies an idyllic spot on the Baltic coast. The fact that the harbour is ice-free makes it a strategically important centre of trade. The beaches and sand dunes are popular with amber hunters and the city itself is home to many cultural highlights. Definitely worth seeing: the old warehouse district, Holy Trinity Church (houses Europe's largest pipe organ which has 131 ranks, 4 manuals and more than 7,000 pipes. It was the largest in the world up until 1912), numerous examples of Art Nouveau architecture, St. Anna's Church and the St. Joseph's Cathedral.