Area: 307,17 km2;

Population: 698 529;

Ethnicity: Latvians (45,9%), Russians (38%), Belarusians (3,9%), Ukrainians (3,5%);

Calling code: + 371;

Emergency: 112;

Riga's historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site;

Riga has a unique Art Nouveau/Jugendstil architecture;

Riga was the European Capital of Culture during 2014;

Every five years in Riga is held The Latvian Song and Dance Festival;

Public holidays: New Year’s Day (01.01)

                            Easter (between 22.03. and 25.04)

                            Restoration of Independence day (04.05)

                            Midsummer (23.06 – 24.06)

                            Republic Day (18.11)

                            Christmas (24.12 – 26.12)

                            New Year’s Eve (31.12)

Events: White Night – modern culture forum (September)

             Staro Rīga – light festival (November)

             Night of Museums (May)

             Riga Festival (August)

The 24-hour tourist hotline: (+371) 1188;

No smoking is allowed in public areas such as– cafes, bars, restaurants, bus, stops, etc. If you want to smoke, you need to walk away at least 10 meters from these places;

Drinking alcohol is strongly prohibited in public areas, even possessing an open bottle is against the law; 

Shops stop selling alcohol after 10 PM;

Public transport: There are buses, trolleybuses, trams and minibuses in Riga. You can purchase a ticket at any kiosk called “Narvesen”. Price for one trip – 1,15 EUR. It is also possible to buy a time ticket for 24 hours, 3 or 5 days. If you buy a ticket from the driver, it will be more expensive – 2,00 EUR. Remember that you need to validate the ticket when you enter the transport, by letting the machine read it. IMPORTANT:  each e-talon card/ticket is for one person and cannot be used for several people, even if there are several trips on the card.

Taxi: The cheapest taxi in Riga – Panda taxi (67 000 000)

         The most comfortable taxi in Riga – Baltic taxi (8500 or 20008500);

Please be careful choosing a taxi. Sometimes they are cheating with the prices. Before you start to drive, it is better to ask how much approximately the drive will cost.