Fun and Games in Riga
Here's just a few of the many ways to have a good time in Riga. See The Big Five Sights and Weird and Wonderful for less physical attractions.
ice
If you live in a cold climate, you might as well embrace it. That's the philosophy of the ice swimmers who dip every Sunday in winter at 11:00 at Lake Bābelīte (Bābelītes ezers) on Riga's eastern outskirts. All welcome. To go deeper into the freeze, check into a breathing class based on the wisdom of Ice Man Wim Hoff.
More info or call Māris on +371 27750180.
DANCING
To get hot and sweaty like a local, dive into the all-in folk dancing at Ala and other places organised by the Danču klubs folk dance outfit. For everything from Capoeira to African dance to contemporary jazz, take a class at I-dejas māja in the city centre.
Address: I-dejas māja: Lācplēša iela 60
More info: Dačū klubs and I-dejas māja
skiing
Riga is blessed with a couple of surreal cross country tracks. Swish around the Liberators' Monument in Āgenskalns or go for a round at Viesturi golf club. If you need help from gravity, head to the slopes at Sigulda.
More info: Soviet skiing and Viesturi.
steam
Latvians have loved the pirts or steam bath for millenia, and its still the perfect way to destress. To enjoy a fantastic pirts ritual in Riga, book a session with masseur Anna Želtkovska in her cozy studio near the city centre. And after the pirts, try her chocolate or honey massages...
Address: Katrīnas iela 2
More info or call Anna on +371 27022886.
GUNS
Get it out of your system at Walters shooting range, where Glocks, AKs and other big boy's toys are locked and loaded in Cobra, Rambo and Bond packages. Make sure you're over 18, sober and have ID with you.
Address: Meža iela 1a (Pārdaugava)
skating
When the chill sets in, the liveliest skating rink is at the Lido Recreation Centre. If that 's too hard, go to Arena Riga to watch Riga Dinamo compete in the KHL.
Address: Arena Riga: Skanstes iela 21 (Riga city centre)