I visited Riga in December 2023. It was a magical place. When I was there it was snowing and an absolute joy to wander the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town popping in and out of the many atmospheric bars and cafes as a break from the cold, snowy weather.
My wife and I both had the same thoughts about Riga, it reminded us of Bruges, minus the canals of course, maybe it was the volume of cosy bars, cobbled streets or the maze of interconnecting alleyways, I don't know, I just know it did.
I'm not sure why everyone makes comparisons between the three Baltic capitals, they are all different and all have there own unique qualities, but of the three, Riga is my personal favourite.
The main square in Riga is the jewel of this city and the House of the Blackheads is the most interesting building in the square. The original building dates from the 14th century but was sadly destroyed as a result of the war. It speaks volumes for the Latvians that they rebuilt it exactly as it was, all credit to them for that.
There's an impressive brick built cathedral but I think that the Church of St Peter is a more interesting building and the views over the old town from the bell tower are worth the modest entrance fee.
A 20 minute walk from the old town takes you to the Jugendstil area when the city underwent rapid expansion in the late 19th - early 20th century and new apartment blocks were built. It's not the art nouveau of Brussels or the Modernisme of Barcelona but it's worth the jaunt out of the old town to see it, I think it comes under the general heading, eclectic art nouveau.
Finally a word about the people, Riga was certainly one of the friendliest cities I've been to and the people go out of their way to be helpful, I can't really say a single negative thing about Riga, I loved it and would return again.