Baltic Region Special

pagrindinis — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:03:02 +0000

Three Baltic sisters – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania – are very different, but all three are very hospitable and have much to offer. Discover Lithuania team is from Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, but every time we go to Latvia and Estonia, we find something new and very special.

Latvia and Estonia

After visiting Latvia and Estonia this winter we admitted words of most experienced travelers, that some of the best museums, and not only in the Baltics, but in the whole word, especially for family holidays, are in Estonia – Estonian Maritime Museum and PROTO Invention Factory (Jules Verne theme park) in Tallinn, and AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu. And better to plan to spend one day in each of these. They are worth it.

Also, hard to believe, but Discover Lithuania recently visited all Latvian towns, even quite small ones, and most of them deserve your special attention. Not to mention such jewels like Sigulda, which can easily be called the best Christmas time destination in the world.

Lithuania

In 2023 Vilnius celebrated its 700th birthday and now, for the first time, Vilnius has been named one of the 100 TOP Cities in the world by Euromonitor International! It is a reason to celebrate for the whole Baltic region. Every year, market research company Euromonitor International compiles a list of the best cities for tourism. The index is measured on 55 different indicators that track aspects such as foreign and domestic tourist arrivals, infrastructure development, security, sustainability etc.

One of the riches that the Baltic region is known for is its Jewish cultural heritage. For this year Discover Lithuania has prepared an up to 12-day tour about the Jewish heritage in Lithuania, including very special places and stories that have never been shown and told in any tour before.

Discover Lithuania wishes You 2024 to become truly a year full of beautiful and meaningful discoveries. See you in the Baltics!

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Best of Riga: sightseeing recommendations from Discover Lithuania

pagrindinis — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:46:33 +0000

Beginning of December marks the start of the Christmas season, with lots events, one of which is the Christmas light trail in Riga, the biggest in Latvia, lit up along the canalside along the Latvian National Opera, Bastejkalns and Kronvalda Park. In case you are on the other – the left bank – of Daugava river, there you can visit the Christmas market in Kalnciema quarter, where homemakers, artisans and farmers meet every Saturday (in December) at one of the most historic and favorite Christmas markets. Latvia is also famous for it bobsleigh team and winter time is perfect to visit the bobsleigh and luge track in Sigulda, about one hour drive from Riga and open all year round with ice track, “Summer Bob” in summer and “Soft-Bob” for the whole family.

While visiting Riga for sure it’s worth exploring the charming and well-preserved historical center of Riga. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the medieval architecture, and visit notable landmarks like the Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads. Riga is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Take a walk along Elizabetes Street and Alberta Street to see the stunning facades adorned with intricate details and sculptures. Visit one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets. Located in unique Zeppelin hangars, the market offers a wide range of fresh produce, local delicacies, crafts, and souvenirs. If you’re interested in automobiles, head to the Riga Motor Museum. It houses an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, including Soviet-era automobiles. Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum provides insights into the history of the Jewish community in Riga and the atrocities committed during World War II. It is a solemn and educational experience.

While technically not in Riga, Jurmala is a popular nearby resort town with beautiful sandy beaches and charming wooden architecture. It’s easily accessible by train from the Capital of Latvia and makes for a great day trip. Within one hour reach from Riga is a cosy old Bauska town, where the two rivers (Memele and Mūsa) merge into a third one (Lielupe), and where the old Bauska castle stands, with a recently renewed exposition inside. 12 km from Bauska and we reach Rundale palace, the Versailles of Latvia, the jewel of Baroque and Rococo architecture. Riga and its surroundings have much to offer all year round.

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Baltic Region Special

Best of Riga: sightseeing recommendations from Discover Lithuania