Real estate prices have been rising for some time and since budget airlines started flying here from Western Europe in 2004, the Latvian Tourism Development Agency estimates visitor numbers have increased about 25 per cent each year.
As a result, the city has been described by European newspapers as "the new Prague", "the rising star of European destinations", "the hottest real estate market in Eastern Europe", even as "the latest sex-tourism destination".
Among the historic buildings of the Old Town are some of the hippest bars you're likely to see. Nestled between dark stone walls are globular lights swinging over red sofas in minimalist interiors, techno music pumping as dapper bartenders serve sushi.
