Riga is located approximately 270–311 kilometers (roughly 168–193 miles) from the Latvian-Russian border. The drive, typically towards the eastern border checkpoints like Terehova or Grebņeva, generally takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
The distance between Riga and Latvia–Russia border is 284 km. The road distance is 274.6 km. How long does it take to get from Riga to Latvia–Russia border? It takes approximately 4h 28m to get from Riga to Latvia–Russia border, including transfers.
Can I drive from Russia to Latvia? Yes, the driving distance between Russia to Latvia is 912 km. It takes approximately 12h 3m to drive from Russia to Latvia.
Russian is the mother tongue of 53.5% of the population of the capital city Riga. The share of native Russian speakers is the highest in Latgale region (55.5%), followed by Zemgale (23.8%) and Pieriga (22.4%). Source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, 2019.
London-Riga-Moscow Interrogated at the Russian border by the KGB
What is Riga famous for?
The city is famous for its Central Market, housed in giant former zeppelin hangars, its thriving café culture, and its role as the cultural hub of Latvia with theatres, museums, and festivals throughout the year.
Latvians are friendly. If you need assistance, Latvians will gladly assist you. Hospitality is ingrained in their culture, and they will welcome you with open arms. You don't require a visa to visit Latvia.
Among EU members Latvia stands out as a country with one of the lowest income levels, with the greatest inequality and poverty, and one of the highest emigration rates.
After several years of work, the construction of a 280-kilometre-long border fence between Latvia and Russia has been completed, Latgale Regional Television reported on 30th December.
Russians. Russians are the Latvia's largest, most vocal and most controversial minority. In many cities Russians form ~40% of population, in Daugavpils even the majority. In villages there are few Russians, except for Latgale (Eastern Latvia).
The prettiest towns of Latvia are Kuldīga, Cēsis, Bauska, Talsi, Kandava. Sigulda, Gulbene, Alūksne and Jēkabpils, Koknese have a few pretty locations each, mainly castles, palaces and churches. Skrunda-2 is a unique abandoned Soviet military town.
Latvia has an embassy in Moscow, and Russia has an embassy in Riga. Both Russia and Latvia are members of the UN and OSCE. After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Latvia downgraded diplomatic relations and expelled the Russian ambassador in January 2023.
Latvia is an extremely safe destination for solo females, especially within the confines of the Old Town in Riga. Men are generally very respectful, meaning women rarely encounter any catcalling or pestering in the streets.
In mid-June 1941, on the eve of Hitler's attack on the Soviet Union, 14,000 citizens of Latvia, including several thousand Jews, were deported by the Soviet authorities to Siberia and other parts of Soviet Asia as politically undesirable elements.
Since January 1st, 2014, the official currency of Latvia is the Euro. The price levels in Latvia for many groups, including restaurant and hotel services, are lower than the average for European countries, though price levels may vary in the capital and regions of Latvia.
Some citizens speak both languages, some speak both plus English, and some only speak one or the other. Getting along with English depends on where you are. In the center of Riga, most of the youth can speak at least a little English.
You should avoid being careless with belongings in crowded tourist spots like the Old Town, Central Market, and train/bus stations, where pickpicking is common; also, be wary of scams (like petition-signing, inflated taxi fares, card fraud) and drink spiking in bars, especially late at night or in unlit areas, and take Bolt taxis over hailing cabs for safety.
Latvian culture is deeply rooted in ancient customs, modern influences, and respect for nature. When it comes to social etiquette, the locals are reserved and do not express their emotions freely. They do not like small talk and do not speak loudly in public. Latvians consider speaking loudly in public to be rude.
Rye, wheat, buckwheat, oats, peas, beets, cabbage, pork products, and potatoes are the staples. Latvian cuisine offers plenty of varieties of bread and dairy products, with dark rye bread (rupjmaize) considered to be a Latvian specialty.
Hey, but it is a drink with a view. The typical price of a pint in Riga at a bar hovers around €3.50-6.00€. Local staples like Aldaris, Cēsu, and Lāćplēsis are most commonly served. But happy hours are common and can knock the price down by 30%–50%.
