Neigbourhoods of Riga: Honest tour through most beautiful and most unusual areas

Riga's UNESCO World Heritage listed Art Noveau area is one of a kind and this is where story of the modern Riga starts. We'll see some of the most decorative buildings, some less ornate, but highly artistic, and some of our very own - fusion of Latvian folk motives and Art Noveau the rest of the world knows.
This area is very descriptive of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Riga.

Mežaparks (literally - Forest park) is one of the world's first garden cities - a turn of centuries concept of capturing benefits from both cities and countryside while avoiding the disadvantages of both. Early 20th century saw upper class citizens of Riga building their Art Noveau and Eclectic villas there, which was later joined by the Song festival Bandstand and a Zoo. Mežaparks is still one of the wealthiest areas of Riga today, but thanks to the lakeside and possibility for various sporting activities it's also one of the most popular summer destinations of regular Rigans as well.

This is one of the very few main bazaars of European towns that still functions as an actual grocery market instead of being converted to a tourist trap selling souvenirs. Here you can have a peek in what local people actually shop for. You'll explore the world of Latvian cuisine by tasting a few traditional things depending on the season and - if you like them - shop for items to bring back home with you. You'll hear the stories of how and why the largest market of Europe at the time (and still) was built, and how it has managed to survive the otherwise victorious march of supermarket chains.

The Observation Deck of Latvian Academy of sciences is located in the Moscow Suburb which is to the south of the old city of Riga along the road historically connecting Riga to Moscow, from which its name is derived. Here we'll see some remnants of the wood-only architecture from centuries ago spiced up by some "Stalin's Baroque" - post war Soviet monumentalism. The 65m high observation deck itself is quite different from the rest of the viewpoints of the city, since besides the old town and the river Daugava you can also see the central market along with less developed areas of Riga.

A visit to one of Riga's islands, part of which is covered in small gardens. Those little green refuges are enjoyed by the old and young alike, having a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some people use them just for relaxing and having a bbq, while others go at the idea almost professionally - growing vegetables and herbs not only for own use, but for selling in the market as well. This is an old tradition of Rigans, which can be traced back to centuries ago. And the whole thing is right in the middle of the city!

Ziepniekkalns is one of the best examples of soviet urban planning, rows and rows of impersonal concerete panel apartment blocks. The longest building in Riga is found here - half a kilometer long, almost 400 identical apartments in one grey structure. If you have never seen any USSR residential areas, this place is a must. Here we'll talk about the times of Soviet occupation of Riga, the industry, the living conditions, daily life, etc.
Also, this is where you'll have your lunch served. Authentic soviet food in an authentic soviet setting obviously :)

Āgenskalns is one of the oldest suburbs of Riga, but also one of the most hip today. We'll see the grand Latvian National Library building, stroll the streets of nice wooden houses and little cafes. This is where the tour ends, so you will have had experienced the full circle of Rigas history during the last hundred years or so. The guide will take you back to the starting point or whichever other location in Riga by your choosing.