Riga restaurants. We celebrate the New Year
Outside the window, the snow is spinning in a slow dance. Winter wraps the city in a white blanket and lights Christmas lights in the houses. At such a time, every person dreams of a New Year's miracle that will take him to a magical land. Now you can fulfill your dream and celebrate the New Year 2017 in Riga - a fabulous city from children's dreams! The capital of Latvia knows how to charm the traveler - it is enough just to step into the narrow winding street of the Old Town. And in order to plunge headlong into a fairy tale, take a walk through the streets of old Riga. On the eve of the New Year, a special magical atmosphere reigns here, which erases all facets of reality ...
Riga will give a New Year's fairy tale to all its guests
New Year's events in Riga
By tradition, not one, but several main ones are installed in Riga at once: near the House of the Blackheads on the Town Hall Square, near the Esplanade, on Domskaya and Railway Station Squares, on Brivibas Boulevard ... A whole rabbit town unfolded on the Esplanade, where real animals live! And local Christmas markets are open from early December to mid-January.
They are located on Dome Square and Bastion Hill, Livu Square and Esplanade. Souvenirs from amber, dishes, clothes are sold in wooden New Year's houses. The custom of organizing Christmas markets has existed for many years. In the shops of craftsmen it was always possible to purchase a variety of different goods. Here you can also try the famous Riga bread, Latvian beer and various sweets.
For younger visitors, there are entertainment events and rides. Most of the Rigans and guests of the city celebrate the New Year at the Freedom Monument and on the Daugava River Embankment. Here they set up a stage with screens and entertain people with songs and dances. Exactly at midnight, fireworks rumble over the river. This is the only day of the year when it is officially allowed to drink alcohol on the street.
Entertainment venues in the capital of Latvia will welcome visitors New Year in Riga restaurants
You can have a bright New Year's Eve at the Rozengrals establishment. The restaurant is located in the basement of wine cellars on Rosena Street, not far from the Dome Square, and is stylized as the Middle Ages. The menu includes dishes from the 13th century, and musicians play ancient instruments.
The elite restaurant "Le Dome" on Mnesnieku will appeal to connoisseurs of gourmet cuisine. Guests of the establishment are offered lobster tails in a special sauce, duck leg confit, foie gras with Savoy cabbage. And gourmets are waiting for pineapple with coconut ice cream, as well as mint panna cotta and alcoholic rum jelly. Not all restaurants in Riga are open on New Year's Eve. Therefore, it is better to book a table in one of them in advance.
Romance of the ancient city
Old Riga is the most visited tourist place in Latvia. Here are ancient castles, houses and cathedrals. You will spend one or two days sightseeing, occasionally stopping at tiny local cafes to warm up. Be sure to visit the observation deck of St. Peter's Basilica. From there, a wonderful panorama of the city opens.
The secluded streets of Riga hide a lot of interesting and unusual things. On the Catholic and, as well as on New Year's Eve, organ music concerts are traditionally held in the Dome Cathedral. Those who are interested in the history of the Baltics can visit the ethnographic museum. Exhibitions of applied art are held in its halls. And the Academy of Arts presents works that can be purchased.
In Old Riga, the Christmas mood is especially strongly felt. It's so great to walk along the snow-covered streets and go to a secluded coffee shop, where candles flicker in the dusk and the aroma of coffee with Riga balsam hovers! And the bells of the Riga City Hall, beating festive melodies, will take you to a New Year's fairy tale.
Excursions in Riga and surroundings
If the weather permits, go to admire the Rundale and Cēsis castles, as well as breathe the sea air of Jurmala. The resort has a wonderful water park "Livu", which is open on holidays. Go there if you have a couple of free days in Latvia. The weather here period is unpredictable. Freshly fallen snow can be replaced by rain and positive temperatures. Most often it is snowy and cool in Riga in January: -1…-4 degrees.
Mysterious Cēsis Castle will show you another side of Latvia Due to the strong humidity and wind, the feeling of cold intensifies, and you need to dress warmly. It is advisable to use clothing that does not get wet and is not blown by the wind. If you can’t walk, you can book a sightseeing tour on a tourist bus. It lasts one and a half to two hours. Tour buses depart from the National Opera House.
Accommodation in Riga
Getting to Riga is easy and inexpensive. There are also many options for accommodation - these are hotels located in ancient buildings a five-minute walk from the historical part of the city, and modern hotels that are located a little further from the center. All establishments offer a good level of service, comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast. For a fee, you can join the gala dinner.
Take the opportunity to taste the national cuisine in Latvia. As a rule, the banquet is accompanied by an entertaining show program, lottery and competitions. In any case, New Year's Riga will definitely amaze you with its medieval charm, a rich selection of entertainment and the hospitality of the locals!
Olivier is also prepared here, jelly is poured, herring is put under a fur coat and tangerines are bought ... And you can clink glasses of champagne on New Year's Eve twice - during the New Year according to Russian time, and an hour later - according to Latvian! And listen to the presidents - also two ...
New Year holidays 2018 in Latvia and Russia
Holidays for Christmas and New Year in Latvia and Russia are few, but they overlap. Christmas weekend in Latvia in 2017 - from 23 to 26 December, New Year holidays - only 3 days - from December 30 to January 1, 2018.
In Russia New Year's weekend will last traditional 10 days - from 30 to 8 January 2018.
Why go to Riga, Latvia for the New Year?
- Latvia is near. From Moscow or St. Petersburg - one night by train or 1.5-2 hours by plane, from 10 hours by comfortable bus or by car (from 12 hours).
- In Latvia, Riga they speak Russian! You will be understood everywhere (restaurants / cafes, hotels, museums, theaters ...) and will be happy to prompt and tell you everything that interests you.
- Comfortable weather. In Latvia, Christmas and New Year are relatively warm. And if you're lucky, it'll snow!
- It's delicious here! Coffee with a bun or a gourmet dinner - in restaurants and cafes in Riga - is always delicious. And don't forget to schedule a visit to the Central Riga Market. Here you should definitely try smoked chicken, fish of different varieties and types of preparation, cheese with cumin, real rye bread, fresh home-made beer, smoked meats ...
- Vibrant cultural life. The organ at the Dome Cathedral, the ballet at the Latvian Opera, the Riga Russian Theatre… But it’s better to book tickets for performances during the New Year holidays in advance – at least a month in advance!
- Riga does not sleep even at night, especially at Christmas and New Year! Take a walk along the streets of the Old Town, visit a pub, listen to live music in a restaurant… At midnight, another life begins in Riga!
Why go to Riga for the New Year - more options!
Riga is the birthplace of the Christmas tree!
The Christmas tree - maybe not the main one, but a very strong argument, why go to Riga for the New Year!
The world's first Christmas tree was installed in Riga in 1510.
Be sure to find in Old Riga - near the house of the Blackheads - the place where the world's first city tree flaunted. The place is marked by a memorial - a plate on which it is written that it was here, on this very place, in 1510 that the world's first Christmas tree was installed.
And in honor of the 500th anniversary of the first city New Year tree in the Old Town - at the corner of st. Kalkyu and Tirgonyu, in the Egle recreation park - installed a large mirror spruce in Art Nouveau style with the Riga cockerel, of course. Now the mirror spruce is one of the main symbols of modern Riga and an indispensable place for a photo as a keepsake.
The choice of the main firs for the holidays in Riga is still reverent. Usually he is accompanied by children's groups of the city and other important officials ...
The most important spruce stands every year in Old Riga on the Dome Square. In total, every year around 20 live Christmas trees are installed throughout Riga - large and not very large.
How is New Year celebrated in Riga?
New Year in Riga, Latvia is celebrated more modestly than Catholic Christmas. And if they prefer to quietly celebrate Christmas at home with family and friends, then on New Year's Eve the inhabitants of Latvia themselves either visit guests or take to the streets and squares of cities. To sing, dance, and of course, watch fireworks!
On New Year's Eve in Riga, residents and guests of Latvia meet on the embankment on November 11 (11.novembra krastmala). Here every year there is a special cultural program with performances by musicians, popular bands, DJs. At midnight (local time) - festive fireworks! Cafes and shops traditionally work on the Embankment, and you can warm yourself here around real fires (they are safely equipped).
And by the way, on New Year’s Eve in Riga and throughout the country you can…
bitternsomething strongeron the street. And you won't get anything for it! Therefore, many people come to the Embankment "with their own", or you can buy alcohol right there in the cafe. The police of self-management on holidays works in the strengthened format. So you don't have to worry about safety.
New Year in Riga - where to go and where to celebrate?
New Year's fairs and bazaars in Riga
From the beginning of December, Christmas markets and markets open in Riga. A brisk trade in souvenirs and gifts unfolds on them and traditional winter dishes of Latvian cuisine are prepared - gray peas with speck (lard), sausages, sauerkraut is stewed ...
Saturdays and Sundays on Domskaya Square And in Egle Park a rich cultural program awaits guests - folk groups, popular groups, DJs perform ... Children usually also have a place to turn around here (master classes, sports, performances, pony rides ...)
Christmas markets in Riga are open:
- the most important fair is open in Old Riga - on the Dome Square (Doma laukums). December 31 is open from 10:00 to 18:00.
- in Egle Park(open-air recreation park "Yelka" on Kalku street),
- on Livov Square (Līvu laukums),
- on the Esplanade. Fair in the park between Elizabetes streets, Kr. Valdemara, boulevards Brivibas and Kalpaka) - known for its whole rabbit city. Here, real rabbits live in real houses in miniature!
- Christmas Fair at the Latvian Academy of Arts - relatively new tradition in Riga . Here you can see and buy original designer hand-made, artwork, creative souvenirs and gifts. December 27, 28, 29, 30the fair is openfrom 11:00 to 20:00.
You can also go to the farmers market in quarter of Kalnciema. . Throughout December, the market is open on Saturdays and Sundays.(December 31 is a short day here!).
And of course, for everything you need for the festive table Rigans and guests of the city go to the Central Market of Riga and Vidzeme Market(located on the corner of Brivibas and Matisa streets). Riga Central Market has the largest selection of products from all over Latvia! Here you should definitely choose fragrant smoked chicken and fish, buy sauerkraut, local honey, organic jam and pickles…New Year's fairs complete Riga's vibrant festive kaleidoscope aromas of mulled wine, roasted almonds, and gingerbread cookies ... Here you can see and buy scented candles, woolen socks, hats and scarves with a traditional pattern, wooden toys and rag dolls, amber jewelry and silverware ...
Father Frost's New Year's post office in Old Riga
When you are at the Dome Square - be sure to find Santa Claus Mail. The real one is the festive branch of the Latvian Post. Finding this house will not be difficult by the sign Latvian pasts and a mailbox at the entrance. Here you can write and send a letter to Father Frost in Veliky Ustyug, Santa Claus in Finland or Latvian Ziemassvētku vecītis in Rutupe. Kiosk workers will tell you the address. Also from here you can send holiday cards, letters, parcels and parcels to friends and family! Imagine how cool it is - they will receive news from the very heart of Riga, from the Old or New Year!
New Year performances, concerts and festivals in Riga
New Year's performances for children in Russian are traditionally held in the House of Moscow from December 24 to 29. The main Santa Claus of Russia also comes - performances with him take place only one day! You understand - full house!
Winter, New Year's performances are presented at the Mikhail Chekhov Russian Theater in Riga ("The Snow Queen", "Winter" by E. Grishkovets, for example). Well-known Russian theaters also come with their productions. In 2017, for example, tickets for the ballet The Nutcracker by Moscow City ballet quickly sold out. In order for the production to be watched by everyone, an additional performance of the ballet was organized.Traditionally, on Christmas and New Year's Eve, the festival "The Way of the Christmas Trees" is held in Riga. Every year, around 40 Christmas trees are set up throughout Riga in early December - brick, glass, wooden, in general - different, different. The authors of unusual urban installations are professional artists, students of the Latvian Academy of Arts, representatives of creative professions. Of course, Christmas trees look best in the evening. The Christmas tree map can be downloaded/viewed on the festival website.
If you stay longer for the New Year holidays - you can visit the birthday of Sherlock Holmes! A very stylish holiday - with competitions for the best image of your favorite series, retro cars, an old photo salon, etc. And oatmeal, sir, they serve here too!
You can buy tickets for concerts, performances online- on the websites of the organizers or specialized online posters.
New Year in Riga - festive programs in restaurants and hotels
Traditionally, almost all large and well-known hotels and restaurants in Riga, Jurmala, Sigulda prepare special programs for New Year's Eve. Already at the end of November, you can choose and reserve a table for the New Year's party. And it’s better not to delay with this - on the 10th of December, many parties no longer have empty seats!
How much do New Year's parties cost in hotels and restaurants in Riga, Latvia?
From 145 to 180 euros per person, children of different ages — discounts from 10% to 50%.
Room rates are charged separately. BUT! For New Year's Eve guests, as a rule, there are special prices for booking rooms and late check-out.Guests arriving by car are provided with secure parking. New Year's events are usually held in Russian (with partial translation into Latvian and English).
What is included in the cost of New Year's Eve in Riga, Jurmala:
- Welcome drink
- Festive buffet with appetizers and hot dishes;
- A glass of sparkling wine for dinner;
- Entertainment program (with host, DJ);
- Thematic performances, competitions and entertainment;
- Fireworks at midnight;
- Disco until 4:00 or 5:00 am January 1st
- Children are usually offered the services of a children's room or a children's corner.
How do shops, museums and institutions in Riga, Latvia work on New Year's Eve?
This means that all state, municipal and other institutions and organizations, museums and banks are not working (with the exception of bank branches in large shopping centers). There is no reception of visitors in Embassies, Consulates (but duty phones usually work here).
How do shops, shopping centers and markets work in Riga on New Year's Eve?
On December 31 and January 1, shops and markets in Riga and throughout Latvia are open on a reduced schedule.
December 30th all shops work according to the usual schedule - after all, it is a pre-holiday day. And if you don’t like the shopping rush, it’s better to avoid supermarkets on this day.
31th of December, as a rule, supermarkets and hypermarkets work 1-2 hours less - from 8:00 to 20:00, maximum until 21:00. There may be excitement - but already less!
1st of January shops start working later - from 10:00, and some from 11:00. But in the evening, as a rule - according to the usual regime. Supermarkets in Latvia are most often open until 22:00, hypermarkets - until 23:00.
Do not forget that alcohol in Riga, Latvia is sold only until 22:00!
Shopping centers in Riga also change their schedule for Christmas:
1st of January shopping centers prefer to relax. Only grocery supermarkets are open in shopping centers - but they start working from 11:00 or 12:00 and work less - until 20:00.
Riga Central Market December 30 and 31 usually open from 8:00 to 17:00. Christmas markets in Old Riga and in the city center on New Year's holidays are open until 18:00 maximum. On January 1, the pavilions at the Central Market are closed, trading takes place only in the open area. Farmers' markets and Christmas markets are generally closed.
Pharmacies in Riga, Latvia are usually located in large shopping malls. centers or supermarkets networks Rimi, Maxima, ELVI, MEGO. Therefore, they usually work on the same schedule as the shops or shopping centers themselves. If the pharmacy is already closed, then on holidays and weekends there should always be information on the doors - where the nearest round-the-clock pharmacy is located.
Opening hours of shops, pharmacies, markets during the New Year holidays usually hung out in advance at the entrance and published on sites. Therefore, when planning shopping for these days, choose a time that is convenient for you in advance!
How cafes and restaurants work in Riga for the New Year
Restaurants and cafes in Riga for the New Year (as well as for Christmas) work hard. BUT! If you are planning to celebrate the New Year in a restaurant or in hotels, choose and book a table in advance. Otherwise, there is a chance not to get where you really wanted. About the cost and programs for the New Year - read above!
By the way, in restaurants in Riga it is customary to leave a tip - at least 10% of the order amount!
Cafes, bars, pubs and other catering establishments in Riga they also work all New Year's Eve. Various holiday programs are also held here - it is also better to read about them and additional conditions in advance on the sites.
Favorite place for the whole family to relax on New Year's Eve in Riga —
Riga is beautiful at any time of the year, but decorated with festive lights for Christmas and New Year, it becomes simply fabulously beautiful. A Christmas market unfolds on Dumskaya Square, where you can taste traditional Latvian treats - delicious smoked meats, hot mulled wine, piparkukas cookies, fried almonds. Musicians perform on the square every day.
Restaurants in Riga offer different festive programs to make New Year's Eve unforgettable.
I offer several interesting options. New Year's Eve 2013 in restaurants in Riga:
Zila Govs
The Blue Cow is an elegant tavern-style restaurant serving national Latvian cuisine. Located in one of the charming medieval buildings of Old Riga. The pride and principle of the restaurant is ecologically clean Latvian products.
The spacious restaurant for 80 seats is decorated in a historical style with an original interior. Specializes in cooking steaks. 20 types of steaks are cooked on hot stones, and you will also be offered to taste traditional Latvian dishes.
The Blue Cow is not a metaphor or a fictional brand, it is an old Latvian cow breed that actually exists. Some legends claim that local cows got such an unusual color because of the Baltic Sea, the water of which they drink from year to year. Others believe that this is a truly aristocratic animal, in whose veins blue blood flows. In any case, wonderful steaks are guaranteed to you!
New Year's Eve: Special New Year's menu. Live music and folklore ensemble "RIJA".
The beginning of the evening on December 31, 2012 at 21.00. Cost - 21 LVL (30€) per person (the price includes: entertainment program and welcome drink).
Table reservation: +371 67223307 E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Livu Square, Meistaru 21, Riga
Ciro's Pomodoro
An Italian restaurant located on the 7th floor of the Galleria Riga shopping center, which offers excellent views of the Christmas Old Riga. On New Year's Eve, the chef will delight guests with the most delicious dishes of Italian and European cuisine.
NEW YEAR'S BALL PROGRAM
Exquisite gala dinner a la carte.
World-famous melodies performed live by the winner of the international song contest "Eurovision" Maria Naumova.
Incendiary dance rhythms from the Keksy jazz group.
A bright masquerade, during which each guest of the evening will be able to transform into their favorite Russian or Hollywood actor.
Numerous surprises and fun contests.
The culmination of the ball will be the most colorful fireworks at midnight from the best panoramic terrace in the city.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM on New Year's Eve
Special children's holiday menu.
Children on New Year's Eve are waiting for fairy-tale characters - Lisa Patrikeevna, Grandmother-Zabavushka and, of course, Santa Claus with the Snow Maiden.
Masquerade costumes, funny games, funny pranks, competitions, a wonderful workshop, numbers with trained animals, magic tricks and the opportunity to make bright face painting.
Each child has an individual approach!
The restaurant promises the most delicious cuisine, an unforgettable experience of New Year's Eve and the most beautiful fireworks in the city!
Address: st. Dzirnavu 67, t/c Gallery Riga, 7th floor
PRICE: 149 LVL (212 €) per person (price includes: New Year's program, gala dinner, 3 glasses of champagne)
- Children 3-12 years old - 65% discount,
- up to 2 years - free of charge (without occupying a separate seat, but including the children's menu and program)
More information on the website www.cirospomodoro.lv
PIRAMĪDA
Radisson Blu Hotel Ridzene invites you to celebrate the New Year at the Pyramid Restaurant on December 31, 2012, starting at 20:00.
You will find a special New Year's menu and live music.
The restaurant is located next to the American Embassy on a quiet street in Reimers. The highest level of service, a chic menu, an original interior and a beautiful view of the old Esplanade park in Riga make this place incredibly attractive and sincere.
The chef of the restaurant, Ilze Melne, owns the secrets of Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisine. You can't go wrong with dishes like the turbot filet baked in parchment and served with vegetables or a rack of grilled lamb in a spicy crust with eggplant caviar and rosemary sauce. And the view of the twinkling starry sky to the soft sounds of live music will make the festive evening unforgettable.
Price: 41 LVL (59 €) per person
Reservation phone: +371 6709 3333
Address: st. Reimersa iela 1, Riga
Rozengrāls
The medieval restaurant Rozengrals is located in the very center of Old Riga, on Rozena Street. Also inIn 1293, here was the oldest wine cellar and the venue for festivals and festivities of the Riga City Council!
In the largest hall of the restaurant with high arches, you can see the only medieval well in Riga and a fragment of the fortress wall built in 1201.
The restaurant is known for its delicious dishes prepared according to old recipes! Try for example
Jacques de Molay's favorite salad -
Salad for the Grand Master of the Knights Templar Jacques de Molay was prepared from roast beef, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, flavored with vinegar infused with herbs. Or
Braised hare with prunes and pine nuts. This dish was served at the wedding table of Isabella of Bavaria in the 14th century.
For the New Year, the restaurant offers an interesting New Year's program accompanied by medieval music performed by the group "Medieval musicians Rozengrals"
Address: Rozena 1, Riga
Table reservations on the website http://www.rozengrals.lv (in Russian)
Pinot
An elegant French restaurant with excellent cuisine. Located on the Town Hall Square.
The beginning of the New Year's party on December 31, 2012 at 20.00 ends at 02.00 at night
The program includes live music and a show by the chefs of the Pinot restaurant.
Menu of 3 courses. Price: 70 LVL (100€) per person
5 course menu Price: 90 LVL (128€) per person
A glass of Taittinger Brut champagne,
French toast with octopus slices and shrimp ice cream,
Gingerbread with duck jam,
Fillet of stone flounder with vegetable stew,
Lightly seared venison with Jerusalem artichoke, cranberries and rowan marmalade,
Layered chocolate truffle cake with cherry marmalade and pistachio ice cream.
Address: st. Grēcienieku iela 26, Riga.
booking by phone: +371 6722 5616
Happy holiday!
Hello everybody! The first Christmas trees have already been installed in Riga. Start decorating this weekend! New Year is coming! But readers still have questions.
Tried to get off topic. Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year (no personal experience). I didn't get anything!!! The people demand!!! :))) By popular demand of workers, I open a page for your comments, suggestions, advice and feedback on the topic:
Christmas market on the Dome Square. December 3, 2012. Dome Cathedral before the New Year 2013. Dinner is cooked right on the street, on Dome Square.
Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
— Where to celebrate the New Year in RIGA (cafes, restaurants) with reasonable prices? (up to 50 euros/person). Thank you.
- Good afternoon! I am also planning to celebrate the New Year in Riga with my friends! Please advise a restaurant where you can have a great meal and keep within 50 euros per person!
Almost an answer, reader comment:
- A general observation on numerous trips - it is useless to ask local residents about restaurants and hotels - they eat and live HOME! Well, the local analogue of LIDO, at best, will be indicated, if any. Sometimes information can be obtained at the hotel, from the owners of the apartments. But here they can send them not to where it is better and cheaper, but to a biased place. In Kuldiga, for example, at 10-00 pm the receptionist said that everything was already closed and the only place where they work until 23 is some bar with American fast food on a pedestrian street not far from the hotel. Where I had to have dinner with extremely healthy deep fats. And in the morning we found a wonderful old-fashioned cellar restaurant with a Latvian-Russian menu, open until 12-00, right under the building of the information center. Konstantin.
Answer: Julianna and Natalia! Welcome to the blog!
From personal experience, I'm not at all an adviser on this issue. I have never had to book a table for the New Year in a cafe or restaurant. We first celebrate at home, in the family circle. And at night we eat in Old Riga. Transport on this night is free. Last year, everyone celebrated on the Embankment! On New Year's Eve in the center of Riga - a general festivities! Christmas trees, fireworks, disco, kiosks with food and drinks! We meet friends there. We take with us approximately: pies, sweets, “baskets”, tangerines, champagne and plastic glasses. Meeting fireworks on the Embankment, then Domskaya Square, Livu Square, Bastion Hill, etc. to the Esplanade. Funny! There are a lot of people. Noisy. You can masks, "noses", "ears", costumes, New Year's decorations!
A few personal observations on the topic Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
* On New Year's Eve in many cafes and restaurants SPECIAL SERVICE. For visitors from the street - CLOSED. Firms, companies, organizations rent restaurants to celebrate the New Year entirely. The cafe is open, but you will NOT be allowed in.
* Of course, it is better to book in advance.
* Prices. New Year!!! At least double the price. The markup will be great!
* All the same, everyone goes to celebrate the New Year on the street, and does not sit at the tables.
I personally don’t know cafes and restaurants on New Year’s Eve for 50 Euros ... maybe there are ... we don’t use it.
I'll try to put it on the agenda for general discussion. Can anyone give us some advice? So, take a look!
It hasn't even been a week...
Ladies and Gentlemen! Feedback on the blog works well! This time the information was kindly shared by Konstantin.
Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
- Good afternoon!
A report on how I searched for a "food establishment" for a meeting in 2014 and what I ended up with.
The task was not to sit through the whole evening trying to “eat an elephant”, but to have dinner at 9 pm and go meet NG on the streets of Riga. If we freeze, we have a hotel in the very center.
1. Hotel restaurant - http://www.ambiente.lv/
The very center, the Convent Yard. The restaurant did not answer, but the hotel unexpectedly answered:
» Good afternoon, Mr. *****
Thanks for your letter!
Attached is information about our New Year's offer at the Ambiente restaurant.
Free cancellation or payment before 01.12.2013. After this date, the money is not returned.
Please contact us if you decide to make a reservation or if you have any questions!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Konventa Seta Hotel!”
Attached is a standard program with musicians, presidential hymns and all sorts of food without alcohol (1 glass of wine) for 65Lv/93EU per person from 21:00 to 2:00
That is, almost 400 euros for a meal! Rejected with indignation! Not our format!
2. Medieval restaurant in an old basement. Famous place.
I will be glad if it is useful to someone.
Konstantin.
For which Konstantin many thanks and gratitude from me personally!
By the way, Konstantin went the right way. Set a specific goal! Compiled a text with numbers and wishes. Sent letters to several addresses. Got answers. Compared. Chose. Booked the best! Great job! :)))
Everyone noticed that the proposals are enormously different! 🙁
Act and you, if you have not yet booked a table in the Restaurant for the New Year in Old Riga. Search! Choose! Write to them! Compare answers! If it's not difficult, send us your results! Let's put together our list: Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
Now I'll see where these "Melnie muki" are. It's in Yan Seta. A small medieval courtyard on the site of a former Dominican monastery. Very close to the Church of St. Peter. Perhaps other readers of the blog will decide to celebrate the New Year there as well.
It is difficult to argue with the charm of the New Year holidays in European cities. If you have not been to the Baltic countries, you should plan a trip to Riga for the New Year 2020.
The city is imbued with a festive atmosphere, and guests will always find something to do on a trip. In addition, the majority of residents are friendly towards Russian tourists, and there are no problems with the language barrier in Riga.
Latvia is a Catholic country, the holidays here begin earlier than in Russia. Riga is decorated for the New Year at the end of November, and the main New Year tree in the city is set up on Dome Square. On holidays, there is a New Year's fair, sales are organized in shops, and mulled wine is sold on the central streets of the city.
If you want to catch the Christmas fun and celebration, it is better to come to Riga for the Catholic Christmas. The matter is that inhabitants of Latvia do not have New Year holidays as in Russia, and on January, 2nd many go to work. It is worth going to Riga on New Year's Eve to celebrate the holidays several times. Rigans celebrate Catholic Christmas on December 24, then twice New Year's Eve: Russian and Latvian time. And then the Russian part of the population celebrates Christmas on January 7th. Travelers often meet the New Year in the institutions of the city or in the restaurants of the hotel. And by midnight, local residents gather on the embankment on November 11, launch fireworks, sing songs, dance and congratulate each other on the upcoming holiday.
It is worth considering in advance that in Riga on December 31, a shortened working day at supermarkets, markets and museums. And if you want to buy alcohol for the holiday, you need to do it before 22.00.
Weather in New Year's Riga
When choosing clothes to take with you, consider the changeable weather. The average temperature for the holidays is -3⁰С. But in winter, strong winds from the bay are possible. Because of this, the temperature drops to -15⁰С and, combined with the wind, complicates long walks. Snow in Riga falls every year, but due to frequent thaws it melts quickly. Traveling with you is worth taking warm clothes for those who plan to walk on New Year's Eve - the temperature drops even lower, and the wind only intensifies.
How to get to Riga - cheap tickets for the new year
To visit Riga, you need an open Schengen visa, which is issued at visa centers in all major cities. Of the possible ways, this is: air travel, train, car. If you choose the flight or train option, then keep in mind that there is a direct connection to Riga only from St. Petersburg or Moscow. Flying by plane will be the fastest way, but airfare always goes up around the holidays.
But train tickets usually run out long before the holidays. You can check availability using the form below.
On New Year's Eve you can go to Riga by car. There are two routes: through Belarus or along the M-9 highway to the border with Latvia. You must have documents for all travelers, documents for a car, a green card and medical insurance with you. The road to Latvia is easy, has a good surface, besides, in winter there are few cars and no traffic jams.
How the New Year is celebrated in Riga Restaurants
It is not customary for residents of Riga to celebrate the New Year in restaurants and cafes. On New Year's Eve, they first have dinner at home with their family, and by midnight they arrive in the Old Town. That is why not all restaurants work at night on December 31, and in those that do, it is better to book a table in advance.
One of the most famous restaurants where you can celebrate the holiday is Rozengrals. The interior of the institution is made in a medieval style, musicians play, and chefs will prepare delicious European dishes. Near the house of the Blackheads there is a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and local cuisine Salve.
When choosing where to celebrate the New Year in the Old Town, you should pay attention to other restaurants serving Latvian cuisine. These can be Zviedru varti, Milda and Neiburgs Restaurant. And not far from the Old Town is the Bellevue Park restaurant. The holiday starts at 21.00, and the guests are waiting for competitions, entertainment, fireworks. And all this with a panoramic view of the city.
Where to stay in Riga for the New Year holidays
All major hotels in Riga hold a New Year's banquet. The festive banquet is held in Russian, and in addition to the entertainment program of events, a photographer works all evening. Guests of the hotel can use the services of a steam bath, visit a massage or a fitness center.
There is a hotel in the center of the Old Town in a 15th century building. To all the main attractions from it 5-10 minutes. The bedrooms in the hotel are furnished with modern furniture, but the restaurant, corridors and other rooms are furnished in the spirit of Old Riga. New Year's Eve can be celebrated in the restaurant at the hotel and taste national cuisine.
Another option in the Old Town is. Hotel guests will live in a quiet street close to museums, Town Hall Square and theatres. In the building itself, in addition to cozy rooms, there is a spa center, a gym, and a beauty treatment room. A New Year's program for guests is arranged in a small restaurant at the hotel.
If you want to live in an old building, but the Old Town is not suitable, take a look at the hotel. It is located near the old center, but there is no such hype and crowds around. In addition, the entire interior of the hotel is decorated in a traditional style with wooden furniture and soft carpets. And you can celebrate the New Year in the restaurant at the Benjamins hotel.
If you already know where to go for the New Year, then consider staying in an apartment (). There are options for spacious and bright apartments in the narrow streets of Riga. It can be a small Scandinavian-style apartment, or maybe a spacious apartment for a large company. You don't have to live in the Old City. On New Year's Eve, transport is free, which means that after walking around the city, you can easily get to your apartment and continue your festive dinner.
Tours for New Year 2020 to Riga
Not everyone likes to plan a trip in detail, study the poster of events for the holidays, and choose hotels. In this case, you should contact the professionals and buy a ready-made New Year's tour to Riga. The tour includes a sightseeing tour of the city and, if desired, a trip to the suburbs of Riga. It can be Jurmala, Turaida Castle or Rundai Palace. Tasting tours or trips to the theater or to a concert are organized around the city. Some programs include trips to Tallinn or Vilnius.
The cost of vouchers does not include a gala dinner; in some cases, the tourist must pay for the flight or relocation on his own, as well as independently prepare a visa.
Prices for holidays in Riga for the New Year
Latvia belongs to the countries of the European Union, but the prices here are much lower than in the countries of Central Europe. The average check in institutions for dinner is no more than 35 euros. For greater savings, you can dine in small canteens. The taste and quality of the dishes there is not inferior, and the prices will be lower. Choosing a place to stay, you do not have to compromise on price and location.
The cost of hotels and apartments is approximately the same in all areas of the city. A tangible difference in price will be only on the outskirts of the city. At the same time, in comparison with Russia, gasoline is much more expensive in Riga and parking is paid. Car enthusiasts should choose hotels with free private parking or leave the car outside the center.
What else to see in Riga and what to do on your free days.
There are many friendly citizens in Riga who are happy to conduct an individual tour of the city or its environs. For a greater immersion in the history of the city, walks with the study of architectural trends in the city are suitable.
A third of the buildings standing in the city were built in Art Nouveau style. This is a separate branch in the Art Nouveau style, which for a long time caused controversy due to excessive decorativeness, smooth lines and unusualness. It is worth going on excursions to hear the legends of the city, look at the houses that were in the shots of famous Soviet films.
Excursions in Riga for the New Year
There are many objects in Riga that attract tourists. And, of course, it is interesting to see them with a guide who will not only show you non-standard sights, but also tell amazing stories.
Things to do during the New Year holidays in Riga with children
Riga is suitable for traveling with a child. Children love the atmosphere of the holiday, and here it will be enough. Perhaps, during walks, you will have to go to the cafe more often to warm up, but this will not overshadow the trip. Competitions, competitions, games are organized for children in the Old Town.
If you plan to celebrate the New Year in a restaurant, then check in advance about a separate room for children. Some establishments for children provide separate entertainment on New Year's Eve. New Year's performances for children are held here in the House of Moscow and in the Riga Chekhov Theater.
