Student Snapshot: Winter Survival Guide

Even though the winter solstice has passed, which means the days are getting lighter and longer here in the North, there are still two more months of winter left! If this is your first winter in Riga, or if you've been here for a while and have fallen into a rut, here is a list of activities that show you that there is still plenty to see and do around the city.

Discover a new corner of Riga and get some fresh air and exercise. Even in the snow and dark! As the saying goes:

There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!

• RoadGames scavenger hunt! This app is available for several cities in Latvia and even for several different neighbourhoods in Riga. Pick a team, choose your pace, and discover all the hidden, exciting places off the beaten track!
• Download the Isle of Sirens app and take a walk through magical sound clouds making your own musical composition on the AB Dam on the river Daugava while enjoying the beautiful Riga panorama. NB: The website is only available in Latvian, but scroll to the bottom for a link to download the app. 
• Skiing – Riga is great for skiers in the winter! There are several tracks (some also use artificial snow!) and renting equipment is affordable: the Biķernieki Forest track, Victory Park (Uzvaras parks), Lucavsala.
• Riga Free Tours – browse the website for a variety of tours all over Riga and discover a neighbourhood you've never been to before.

Discover the neighbourhood of Maskačka, on the other side of the tracks:

• Latgalīte flea market - you know what they say: One man's trash is another man's treasure!
• Freeshop on 13 Turgeņeva iela - everything here is for free! Literally. Open on Thursdays and Fridays between 12:00-19:00. 
• Round the day off with coffee and a sandwich (or even a whole loaf of sourdough bread!) at Katkevich cafe (114 Lāčplēša iela).
• Walk down to the river and along the Spīķeri Promenade for an alternative view of the river and the Riga Radio and TV Tower, one of the tallest towers in Europe! 

If you're tired of skiing and know Maskačka like the back of your hand, here are some other sites you can visit for inspiration:

• LIVERiga
• Riga Guide
• Spotted By Locals