Riga is by far the most exciting and cosmopolitan of the Baltic states’ capitals and rarely fails to amaze and surprise new visitors. At the turn of the 20th century it underwent a major economic boom that bequeathed it a legacy of the finest and most impressive concentration of art nouveau architecture in Europe. Fifty years of Soviet occupation did little more than cloak the city in a thick coat of grime but it moved quickly to regain its former glory after independence. The Old Town has been fully renovated and always charms with its quirky, colourful architecture, while the city centre is a breathtakingly elegant parade of art nouveau buildings. The city snugly fits into the EU scheme of things with a buzzing nightlife, a cutting edge cultural scene and a thriving economy. The somewhat bizarre divide between the Russian and Latvian speaking population only adds to the city’s eclectic charm.