Europe's Famous Hostel
Riga
Riga is the most eastern outpost on the EFH circuit and it's a city that is often overlooked when it comes to backpacking good times. To remedy this here is a swift and sharp fact file about the Latvian capital and all there is to see and do in this great city.
Flights: You arrive into Riga International Airport (RIX). This is served by Ryanair, the flight time from London is just over two hours and an advanced, return flight will cost approximately €50.
Accommodation: Fun friendly Frank's is approximately thirty minutes from the airport on the N22 bus. A ticket will cost about 60 cents and the hostel entrance is one street back from the drop off point.
Shooting and Bob Sleighing: At the hostel you can organise a forty minute shooting session at a former KGB range - in an underground bunker. It costs €50 and you get to fire a Glock 17 pistol, an AK47 and a Benelli M3 Shotgun. If you are in Riga between November and March you can also organise bob sleighing at a circuit one hour outside of the city.
Currency: In November 2008 one British Pound was worth 0.90 Latvian Lati and one Euro was worth 0.70 Latvian Lati. The Lati is a strong currency because Latvia has a strong industrial sector.
Public Transport: Trams and electric buses are the cheapest and most efficient way to get around Riga. Buy your ticket onboard. You will pay one Lati to most destinations within the city.
Where to take Photos: To get shots of the entire city go to St Peter's Church on Kungu iela. It will cost you two Lati (€3) to ascend the bell tower and it's definately worth it.
Food: To sample real Latvian food go east from the city centre and find a café in the Central Market complex. Potato pies known as Zeppelins - are a good first choice. Two of these will cost you one Lati (€1.40).
Drink: Sky Bar offers great views but slow service. For city centre drinks go to basement bar – Belle Époque
Museums: There are dozens of museums in Riga but if you only have time for one - make it the museum of Occupation near the Blackheads House and the riflemen monument. It's free, incredibly moving and multilingual.
Short Breaks Outside of Riga: The coast is very close to the city and you can reach it in forty minutes. Catch a train from the station on MARIJAS SATEKLES IELA and get off at Majori or Dzintari. The final destination on the train you need is Sloka.
- Rob Savage
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