Mežaparks

One of Europe's first garden suburbs, elegant "Forest Park" sprang up in the early 1900's as Riga's rich used the new tram line to escape the hoi polloi. Today, this neighbourhood of beautiful homes nestling amongst abundant trees by picturesque Lake Ķīšezers is like an ageing Hollywood diva (think Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard) - a bit wrinkled but still oozing class. Stroll the leafy avenues and dream of living in the Art Nouveau and Bauhaus mansions, talk to the residents of delightful Riga Zoo, and take in the Song Festival Arena, where choirs with 15,000 singers perform at the five-yearly Song Festivals - see the video below.

Food & drink: Beer, burgers and windsurfing at lakeside Cabo Cafe  (Roberta Feldmaņa iela 8a), or meat at no-frills grill bar Šašliki Mangaļos (Mores iela 22).

Transport: Take tram number 11 from Krišjāņa Barona iela to the stop "Mežaparks" (second last stop on the line) and wander off from there.

Safety: Look out for trams.