Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays, if you can call it that, that most people seem to love or hate. While some might extol the virtues of a day dedicated to love, others believe it to be a scam perpetrated by jewellers, restaurateurs and the Hallmark card corporation. Whatever your opinion, if you’re a man with a girlfriend, significant other, wife, soul mate, whatever, you’re going to have to do something on February 14 or risk sleeping on the couch until the spring. Although we at Riga In Your Pocket belong to the latter group and not the former, we do believe in helping our fellow man (male), so we’ve put together a selection of things you can do to impress your lover and avoid exile in the doghouse. Bear in mind that Valentine’s Day is also reluctantly celebrated by locals, so you might want to make a reservation at most of the following places.

Activities: enjoy a day at the spa with swimming pools, saunas, massages and beauty treatments at the six-storey ESPA Riga connected to the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija or the Kolonna Spa on the top floor of the Galerija Centrs shopping centre. The cinema is an oldie, but a goodie for a date and you can choose the ultra-modern Forum Cinemas near the train station or the completely renovated Splendid Palace cinema at Elizabetes 61 that includes beautiful interior décor from the 1920s.

Gifts: for authentic Latvian gifts from cosmetics, jewellery and fashion to art and home design, we recommend a visit to Art Nouveau Riga near Alberta iela or Pienene next to Town Hall Square in Old Riga. If your lady is into purses, try Una Vita that sells handmade bags produced with fur from animals legally hunted or raised in Latvia.

Drinks: Vīna Studija on Elizabetes or Stabu is one of the most romantic venues to begin your evening out. It serves a unique selection of international wines by the glass, carafe or bottle, offers great Mediterranean tapas and has a hip, lively atmosphere. For cocktails in the sky try the Skyline Bar on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija or Star Lounge on the 11th floor of the Albert Hotel. But let’s face it. Beer connoisseurs might want a little romance too. Head over to Bon Vivant for a cosy, yet refined atmosphere and delicious Belgian brews served in their proper glasses.

Dinner: for a fantastic culinary experience where no expense is spared we can’t recommend the restaurant of Hotel Bergs strongly enough. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable with lots of atmosphere and candle light go next door to Garage. Located behind the Blackheads House, Pinot is one of the city’s best restaurants serving up excellent cuisine and a stylish interior. But if you enjoy your fine dining with a view, then Bilbliotēka No 1 in the Vērmanes Park is your best bet. For incredible food and cutting-edge décor try the restaurant on the ground floor of the Neiburgs design hotel in Old Riga. If you’re on a budget or have spent way too much on jewellery already then candlelit Osīriss on the corner of Barona and Lāčplēša is a great option.

Photo courtesy of Vīna Studija