Your go-to guide to Latvia
Stretching along the coast of the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a country located in the heart of north-eastern Europe, nestled between its neighboring Baltic states – Lithuania and Estonia. Latvia’s capital, Riga, which is often referred to as the “little Paris of the North”, is a vibrant city with a thrilling history, dynamic arts scene, and unparalleled architecture gems. Rich in cultural heritage and gorgeous natural beauty, Latvia is truly a gem well worth exploring.
In terms of economy, Latvia is a small and open economy that heavily relies on exports to stimulate economic growth. Its fundamental export sectors include wood, machinery and equipment, electronics, food products, and pharmaceuticals. With a relatively low unemployment rate of around 6% and a highly skilled workforce, Latvia has, during recent years, become exceedingly desirable among foreign investors, contributing to a surge in the country’s economic growth.
A part of the European Union (EU) and the eurozone, engaging in real estate transactions in Latvia is viable and comprehensible. Along with the assistance of a skilled professional, buying, selling, renting, or investing in property is guaranteed to be a seamless process.
The vibrant capital – Riga
Situated on the banks of the Daugava River, Latvia’s capital is nothing short of a lively, creative, and fascinating metropolis, thriving in culture and visual appeal. As you stroll through the narrow streets of Riga’s Old Town, you will take a stunning journey into the city’s past, observing buildings of different time periods and architectural styles – old churches, museums, and quaint squares, some of which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Offering a glimpse of the past during the day, the district comes alive in the nighttime, offering a range of bars and restaurants that make the perfect night out.
One-of-a-kind architecture in the Quiet Center
Abounding in fascinating buildings and sights, Riga is a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts. The capital city, which is home to almost half of the country’s population, features over 800 Art Nouveau buildings – the largest collection of this particular style of extravagant construction in the World. A reflection of the city’s artistic innovation in the late 19th and early 20th century, Art Nouveau is characterized by its elegant intricate details, ornamentation, as well as the use of curves and organic lines.
An absolutely enchanting experience to roam through, the Quiet Center of Riga is the hub of Art Nouveau, abundant not only in breathtaking historical buildings but also landscaped parks and quiet cobblestone streets. Right beside the city center, the Quiet Center, the tranquil district, brimming with local cafes and welcoming boutiques, is located in the heart of the city, yet simultaneously secluded from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Characterized by prestige and luxury, the buildings in the distinguished Quiet center are generally spacious, classy, and exceedingly elegant -truly a feast for the eyes. If you are an architecture fanatic, a history buff, or an adorer of buildings that resemble works of art, a home in the Quiet Center might just be what you’re looking for.
The city center: the perfect fit for spirited urbanites
The dynamics of Riga certainly do not end with the Old Town or the Quiet Center. As a capital with over 600,000 inhabitants, the various regions of Riga expand on both sides of the Daugava River, offering a diverse tapestry of cultures, history, and lifestyles. Just outside the old town, you’ll find yourself in the historical city center – the home to numerous shopping centers, homey cafes, as well as Riga’s most prominent creative scene. Outside the myriad of entertainment venues, museums, and alternative bars, the center is additionally a display of gorgeous apartment buildings, constructed during the Riga architecture boom in the late 19th and early 20th century. Currently, the center is a balance between modernity and history – innovation and fresh infrastructure coexist harmoniously with the grandeur of the antique buildings, thus creating a remarkable sense of contrast and continuity.
Pārdaugava, a safe haven outside the bustle
Right across the river, on the left bank, you’ll find yourself in the absolute coziest part of town – Pārdaugava. Āgenskalns, Ķīpsala, Mārupe, and Atgāzene embody an atmosphere of quaintness and serenity, allowing for quick access to the bustling city center, yet ensuring a charming, peaceful oasis, sheltered away from the streets that never sleep. Āgenskalns, which directly faces the old town, is undoubtedly a district like no other. It maintains the picturesque historical aura of the center, yet radiates warmth, comfort, and pleasant stillness. Districts such as Mārupe and Atgāzene, situated on the outer borders of Riga, are the definition of a peaceful retreat in green, quiet, well-kept areas of suburbia. With parks and forests nearby, the outskirt areas of Riga are popular with families that carry out their professional duties in the city, yet seek to relax and rewind within an undisturbed neighborhood in the nighttime.
Mežaparks: nature and luxury without leaving the city
The eastern side of the Daugava River features additional gems worthy of their own spotlight. Taking a 15-minute drive from the city center, you’ll find yourself in a verdant oasis, characterized by plenty of green spaces, tree-lined streets, and its most fundamental feature – the serene Ķīžezers lake. The gentle attributes of the region are graciously enhanced by the region’s exceptional architectural styles – Art-Nouveau, neoclassicism, functionalism, and other variations. As the dawn of the 20th century marked the first construction phases of Mežaparks, the area adapted a constant, uniform look, with the homes forming a harmonious, gorgeously complementary ensemble. The balanced appearance is maintained even today, as modern, contemporary homes arrive in the area. The historical homes are an absolute delight to observe and walk through, as the private homes feature curvaceous lines and impressive embellished facades. Encircled by lush greenery, the Art-Nouveau style manifests as a playful synergy between luxury and nature, marking the drastic difference from how the architectural design is expressed within the city – the Quiet Center. Home to the Riga Zoo, the grandiose Mežaparks Open-Air Stage, picturesque parks, and numerous leisure opportunities, Mežaparks is the embodiment of elegant living within green surroundings.
Pierīga: the idyllic neighboring areas
Just when you think you have exited the city, you enter yet another charming residential area, Pierīga, which refers to multiple districts just outside the border of the capital – Berģi, Baltezers, Ādaži, Upesciems, and others. The highly sought-after neighboring areas offer a picturesque and comfortable everyday environment, as the streets are lined with spacious private houses, neatly landscaped yards, and colorful flower beds. With tidy, well-maintained territories, and the proximity of forests and bodies of water, the bordering districts of Riga are ideal for those who love to explore the great outdoors along with their families. Furthermore, the Pierīga region offers a wide range of opulent living options, such as superior quality homes and villas by the lake, thus guaranteeing elevated living standards in charming scenery.
The famous beach town Jūrmala
Stretching along the coast of the breathtaking Baltic Sea, the famed seaside town Jūrmala is widely known for its sunny beaches, rejuvenating pine tree forests, thrilling leisure activities, and stunning architecture – both historical and cutting-edge. In short, Jūrmala, which can be reached by taking a 30-minute drive from the Riga city center, truly has it all.
When meandering the streets of the beach town, you’ll notice a clear contrast between the architectural styles, which can generally be branched into two: intricately wooden or state-of-the-art. The antique wooden homes of Jūrmala, which nearly emulate the perception of observing magnificent monuments, serve as a podium where classicism, historicism, Art-Nouveau, as well as other styles seamlessly intertwine. Classic columns and arches interlace with the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, while historicist touches add depth and character. The antiquity of the city is enhanced by luxurious modern buildings offering the highest standards of living, thus creating an environment where the past and the present coexist in a harmonious blend. Adding the refreshing seaside to the mix, Jūrmala is for those who expect no less than the finest quality of life.
Retreat within endless nature
When exiting Riga and its suburbs, you might be surprised as to how suddenly the urban buzz is replaced by tranquil sights and sounds of the natural world. With over 500 kilometers of coastline and 50% of land covered by forest, Latvia offers to immerse yourself within stunning landscapes – sparkling lakes, alluring caves, and cliffs, as well as deep, enchanting woods. The Latvian countryside, the root of hundreds of years’ worth of sacred tradition, maintains the magic of antiquity, reflecting cultural values through local cuisine, craftsmanship, and activities, such as the famous sauna and bathhouse practice.
As a visitor or an inhabitant of the Latvian countryside, you will be granted the chance to encounter and participate in the traditions yourself, whether it’s savoring the hearty and delicious dishes such as black bread and grey peas with bacon or delighting in a sauna ritual. If you are an avid explorer of nature, you will find great thrill in hiking in the rolling hills or canoeing in the rivers of the Gauja National Park, or taking a dip in the deep waters of the region of Latgale. Regardless of your preferred ways of exploration, the Latvian nature is guaranteed to provide unprecedented excitement and relaxation for everyone.
With properties available all over the country, experience the Latvian countryside charm by looking into luxury real estate within nature – where elegance meets magnificent scenery and tradition.
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