Latvia
Profiled in Riga · Northern Europe
Riga is a handsome Art Nouveau capital where cobbled medieval lanes, a buzzing central market and long summer riverfront evenings sit an easy tram ride from pine forests and the sea.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Riga is one of the cheaper EU capitals. A one bedroom in the centre runs higher than the quiet suburbs, and heating bills climb hard in the long winter.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Riga
- Riga Old TownUNESCO listed medieval core of cobbled streets, squares and church spires.
- House of the BlackheadsOrnate gabled guildhall rebuilt on Town Hall Square, a signature Riga image.
- Riga CathedralLarge medieval Dom cathedral with a famous organ, anchoring Cathedral Square.
- St Peter's ChurchGothic church whose tower has a lift up to the best Old Town viewing platform.
- Art Nouveau DistrictAlberta iela and nearby streets packed with Eisenstein designed jugendstil facades.
- Riga Central MarketVast market set in old Zeppelin hangars, ideal for produce, fish and cheap eats.
- Freedom MonumentCentral Milda column and gathering point, guarded through the day.
- Three BrothersTrio of the oldest surviving dwelling houses in the city, side by side.
- Latvian National Museum of ArtThe country's main art collection, housed in a grand building by the Esplanade park.
- Bastejkalns ParkLeafy park along the city canal, lovely for a walk between the Old and quiet centre.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- JurmalaWooden villa beach resort on the Gulf of Riga, about 30 minutes by train through pine forest.
- SiguldaGateway to Gauja National Park with castles, a cable car and river valley hiking, roughly an hour east.
- CesisMedieval castle town in the Gauja valley, great for a slow historic day out.
- Kemeri National ParkFamous raised bog boardwalk and mineral springs, easy to pair with Jurmala.
- Rundale PalaceGrand baroque palace and formal gardens near Bauska, about 90 minutes south.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Rocket Bean RoasteryBig specialty roaster and all day cafe, a Riga coffee benchmark.
- Kalve CoffeeWell regarded local roaster with a bright minimalist cafe.
- MiiT CoffeeLong running relaxed cafe on Lacplesa iela, popular with the creative crowd.
- Black MagicAtmospheric cafe and bar off the Old Town serving the famous Riga Black Balsam.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- VincentsRiga's best known fine dining room, a long standing special occasion choice.
- Biblioteka No1Elegant restaurant overlooking Vermanes Garden with modern European cooking.
- MildaCosy spot for updated Latvian home cooking near the Old Town.
- Valtera RestoransFarm to table Latvian cuisine championing regional produce.
- Lido Alus SetaCheerful Old Town beer hall and self service buffet of classic Latvian dishes.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Rocket Bean RoasteryReliable brunch, eggs and strong coffee that draws a weekend crowd.
- MiiT CoffeeEasy morning stop for coffee, pastries and light plates.
- Big Bad BagelsPopular bagel joint for a quick filling breakfast in the centre.
- Cadets de GascogneFrench bakery chain in Riga for croissants, tarts and morning bread.
Residency
Latvia is an EU and Schengen member, so a residence permit here opens the wider bloc. Routes include employment, company formation and an investment based permit, though the old real estate golden visa has been steadily tightened.
Tax
Latvia uses progressive personal income tax with rates that rise across income bands. Its headline draw is a corporate system that defers tax until profits are distributed, which suits reinvesting business owners.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Latvia residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Latvia tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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