Riga: Baltic Grandeur with a Modern Twist
Latvia’s capital is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—a city where medieval charm meets modern elegance, and Art Nouveau façades stand proudly beside contemporary culture. Riga is more than a postcard-perfect destination. For the refined traveler, it offers an immersive experience where gastronomy, architecture, and the arts converge, especially when paired with an intimate stay at the impeccably curated A22 Hotel.
Riga is a place where the old and the new live side by side in perfect balance. Start your day in the Old Town (Vecrīga), where medieval spires rise above cobbled lanes and each square seems to hold a story from centuries past. Early mornings are especially magical—the Daugava River casts a soft golden glow across the rooftops, and the city feels calm and yours to explore.
Not far from there, the Art Nouveau district offers a completely different kind of beauty. It’s one of the largest collections in Europe, with over 800 buildings covered in whimsical details and mythological carvings.
Exclusive Experiences in Riga
Riga’s luxury is subtle, often discovered through curated experiences. Consider:
A private canal cruise aboard a vintage mahogany boat, complete with champagne and a personal guide sharing Riga’s stories from a local’s point of view.
A behind-the-scenes opera evening at the Latvian National Opera. Arrange a tailored package that includes a meeting with the performers and a pre-show dinner in the marble-clad White Hall.
Amber masterclass with one of Riga’s premier artisans, crafting a bespoke piece from this treasured Baltic gold, with insights into its geological and cultural history.
Chef’s table tasting at a Michelin-recognized restaurant like Max Cekot Kitchen, housed in a former woodworking shop, where seasonal Latvian ingredients become culinary works of art.
VERTU’s insider tip: Ask our Travel Design team to arrange a private tour that opens doors to places usually closed to the public—former embassies, elegant staircases, and grand apartments that haven’t lost their old-world charm.
Seasonal Highlights: When to Go to Riga
Each season in Riga has a distinct personality—and elite experiences to match.
Spring (April–June): The parks bloom, and the city hosts the Riga Opera Festival. Stroll through Bastejkalna Park or visit the Botanical Garden by private appointment.
Summer (July–August): Open-air concerts, white nights, and yacht escapes to nearby Jūrmala define the high season. Charter a boat for a sunset dinner on the Gulf of Riga.
Autumn (September–October): Golden foliage transforms the city’s many gardens. A perfect time for wine tastings and gallery previews as Riga’s art scene begins its season.
Winter (November–December): Riga glows with understated festive charm. Explore the Christmas market in Doma Square with a guide who can lead you to the best glogg, and return to A22 for mulled wine by the fire.
Where to Stay in Riga: A22 Hotel
Tucked away in the diplomatic district, A22 Hotel is a study in refined discretion. Its heritage as the American Embassy during the Cold War adds gravitas, while its recent transformation has brought warmth, elegance, and contemporary design. Suites are intimate sanctuaries, layered in textures and subtle luxury—think oak floors, moody lighting, and curated artworks.
What sets A22 apart is its effortless blend of privacy and bespoke hospitality. From the moment you arrive, the staff feels more like a private team than a hotel crew—anticipating needs with grace and care. Enjoy a signature cocktail in the Lounge Bar before dining at JOHN, the hotel’s celebrated restaurant where modern Nordic cuisine meets Mediterranean flair. Private dining can also be arranged, either in-room or in one of the hotel’s hidden spaces.
Guests at A22 often use it as a base to explore not just Riga but the surrounding region—Limbaži, Sigulda, and the wine-producing Abava Valley are all within a day’s reach, and staff can organize excursions via luxury vehicle or helicopter charter.
A22 Hotel, a member of the VERTU Collection