Mežaparks in your pocket

When Riga's high society had enough of the hustle, bustle, noise and grime of the city in the early 20th century, they decided to build a garden city north of the centre where they could relax in the bosom of mother nature. Kaiser's Park, as it was then known, became the ideal place to live for anyone who needed a patch of green and had the needed cash to spend. Today, not much has changed and the beautiful buildings erected during that period, although many are still in need of renovation after years of Soviet neglect, still fetch some the highest real estate prices in the country.

But to view architecture and to see how the rich live aren't the only reasons to visit Mežaparks. Riga's most illustrious park is also home to the song festival grounds or estrade, a zoo, water sports and a haven for in-line skaters. Visit some wildlife, go parasailing, enjoy the scenery or just have a beer at a local café.



Where to Eat

Sašliki Mangaļos
Mores 22, tel. (+371) 67 39 52 57. Open 09:00 - 21:00.
If you ever wanted to know what a Soviet restaurant was like, but with fresh, good quality food, than look no further than Mangali. Order a chicken or pork shashlik, spoon your ketchup from a giant communal bowl into a plastic cup and then pick a side order - either chopped tomatoes, gherkins, marinated onions or chives. We suggest you take a seat out on the terrace as there is no interior design to speak of inside. Beer and vodka are also available by the bottle. Walk northwest on Ostas prospekts from the song festival grounds to Mores.

What to See & Do

Aktīvās atpūtas centrs
Pāvu iela, on the shore of Lake Ķīšezers, tel. (+371) 29 55 41 55, www.aac.lv. In the summer rent jet skis, pedal boats and row boats.