The works of Mikhail Eisenstein (1867-1920) — probably the best-known Latvian architect of the Art Nouveau style — features exotic influences, stretching perspectives with bold ideas such as empty terraces to make a statement and curvilinear lines that look futuristic even today.

Riga Cathedral is the most prominent building in the city. Little local touches lend Old Town its character, such as the small family-run ice cream stall in the shade of a linden tree outside the cathedral. Look out for confectionary shops selling Latvian-made Laima chocolates and for something more exotic, there is Riga Black Balsam, a liqueur made from a secret recipe of 24 natural ingredients dating back to the 18th century. German businesses — in particular the powerful confederation of merchants’ guilds, the Hanseatic League — dominated the economy of early Riga, as it did in most of northern Europe during that period. The large Guild Hall was the exclusive club for the business elite and much of the city was shaped by the business community. Directly opposite is a building that is intriguing because of the cat statues on the spires. The cats have arched backs and raised tails, as if about to take a poop. The story is that a wealthy merchant, disgruntled at being refused membership of the guild, built The Cat House and had the cats’ backsides facing the Guild Hall. After the merchant was added to the guild’s membership roll, the cats were turned around! Old Town is the best-known aspect of Riga, but the city’s Unesco World Heritage status also extends to the nearby Central Market, which is the largest in Europe. The 72,000 sq m repurposed hangars, originally built for German Zeppelin airships, houses five large pavilions today. The bustling market offers stalls selling seafood, vegetables, meat and dairy products, with other small businesses on the first floor and cafés and specialty shops on the periphery. A tented outdoor section is a hubbub of activity with shoppers and stalls selling in-season fruits and vegetables.
Lee Yu Kit is a contributor to The Edge Malaysia