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Although we’re in the middle of summer, many of us will be booking our Christmas holidays to get the cheapest deal. There will be many deciding factors as to what constitutes a good Christmas holiday, including where the best value Chrimbo market is.
Fortunately, the Post Office has sorted it for us, revealing that Latvia’s capital of Riga as the best value market break last year. The win is due to low-cost flights and competitively priced accommodation.
But of course, there is much more to the Baltic city than just a festive market. It has great foods, places to drink, and things to see.
READ MORE: The pretty beach walk less than 2 hours from London with white cliffs, sandy beaches and cosy pubs
(Image: Getty)
What to do
One of the first places to visit is Old City Riga, or Vecrīga as it’s locally known. It’s a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and is filled with a mixture of architectural styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque.
The KGB building – otherwise known as The Corner House – is another must-visit spot while you’re there. It was known as the headquarters of the Soviet KGB in Latvia from 1940 to 1941 and from 1944 to 1991. Despite being a building of grandeur and looking slightly ominous, it’s very much no longer used by an sinister intelligence services.
It’s open from 10.30am until 5.30pm everyday, and at the time of writing ticket prices are £12.65, £4.20 for students, while the disabled go in for free.
And of course, depending on the time of year you go, the Christmas markets are another great attraction. The main markets are concentrated in Dome Square and are filled with festive aromas such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
(Image: Getty)
Best restaurants, bars and pubs in Riga
Whilst you’re there you will inevitably work up an appetite, in which case Bella Napoli is for you. With a whopping five star review on TripAdvisor, it serves delicious delights such as antipasti, gnocchi, and an array of mouthwatering pizzas.
In fact, it’s so delicious that people raved about it in the reviews section. One shopper said: “Bella Napoli is hands down the best Italian pizza restaurant I’ve ever visited. The crust is perfectly thin and crispy, the toppings are fresh and authentic, and the ambiance transports you straight to Naples. Their Margherita pizza is a must-try! Exceptional service and an impressive wine selection make it a standout dining experience. Highly recommend!”
And if it’s not food you want – but a few beverages instead – then Black Magic Bar is for you. Selling all kinds of spirits at shockingly cheap rates, it has the aesthetic of a police that’d be brilliant to responsibly sink a few.
How to get there from London
The flight there from London takes two-and-a-half hours. Better yet, at the time of writing there’s a 8.40pm flight there from Gatwick Airport on Thursday, August 29 for just £23.
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