The Latvian capital of Riga has some of the best-looking Art Nouveau buildings

A stunning view of the Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk from the observation deck. — Photos: KOO WEE HON

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the largest city in the Baltic states in Europe, and the most vibrant and cosmopolitan.

Legend has it that Riga was built by a tall strong man carrying people across the Daugava River which flows through the city. One day, he carried a small child across the river, but the child got so heavy that when he reached the other side, he was totally exhausted and fell asleep with the child.