Inside Riga: History, Culture and Hidden Gems with Lelde Benke-Lungevica
Every place has a story. Sometimes it's hidden. Other times it's right there in the architecture, the statues, the streets — you can even feel it in the air.
Riga was one of those places for me. I visited in 2020 during a brief break in the lockdowns, and the city stayed with me — shaped by empires, conflict, and culture, with history sitting just beneath the surface. It eventually became the setting for my novel Riga Rising.
But today we're going beyond first impressions, and exploring the city through the eyes of someone who actually lives it.
"No matter the things that the city goes through — the wars, the fires — it manages to find a way to rebuild itself back stronger and better. That's the word I'd use: resilient."
Lelde Benke-Lungevica is an Australian-born Latvian writer and tour guide based in Riga. She first moved to the city at seven, left at 18, spent years studying and working in Scotland, Belgium and Canada, then returned home in her mid-20s. Through her blog LifeinRiga.com, she explores the city's history, culture and hidden corners — not as a visitor, but as someone constantly navigating belonging and identity.
My book, Riga Rising, which was inspired by my time in Riga is available now in ebook, paperback, and audiobook wherever books are sold.
In this episode
- What makes Riga feel different — its DIY spirit, resilience, and grassroots energy
- The city's architectural layers, from 13th-century old town to Art Nouveau to Soviet-era buildings
- The hidden gems visitors miss — Pārdaugava, the National Library, and Agenskalns Market
- Day trips beyond the city: Sigulda, the "Switzerland of Latvia", and forests that go on forever
- Truly Latvian food — grey peas with bacon, and the surprising German and Slavic influences on local cuisine
- What it felt like to return home after years abroad — and the "reverse culture shock" that came with it
- Why Riga's still-developing status is an opportunity, not a drawback
- The books that first sparked Lelde's imagination: Enid Blyton's Famous Five and Secret Island
Links & resources
Got a Story Idea?
If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Join the Adventure Society!
Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:
LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety
Get a Free Adventure Thriller!
A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!
When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.
Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:
LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris
Love Adventure Stories?
If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.
Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com
Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Story Podcast. 🏆🎙
