48 Hours in Riga For Architecture Lovers

48 Hours in Riga, Latvia

On the banks of the Daugava River lies a huge surprise for architecture lovers: Riga, Latvia’s time-tested capital whose old soul bears the traces of long-gone European empires and alliances. Whether hunting down Riga’s Germanic architectural roots or uncovering its Russian sensibilities, a walk through Riga’s Old Town and New Town will reveal the Baltics’ most interesting blend of urban architectural styles.

Užupis Republic: How This Cheeky Micronation Will Never Fail to Make You Smile

Forget all of Europe’s other pint-sized countries—San Marino, Vatican City, Monaco, and Lichtenstein all pale in swagger to Vilnius’s artistic micronation: the Republic of Užupis. And if there’s any district in Lithuania’s capital that will paint a smile on your face, it’s right here in Vilnius’s bohemian quarter where weird is no longer optional.