Guidebook for Rīga
Food Scene
Indian food is not so popular in Riga; Latvians can't handle the heat. But if you need a taste India, this is the best curry in Riga. Warning: it's not the cheapest place.
16 locals recommend
Singh's
32 Ģertrūdes ielaIndian food is not so popular in Riga; Latvians can't handle the heat. But if you need a taste India, this is the best curry in Riga. Warning: it's not the cheapest place.
There are a lot of Sushi places in Riga, too many, yet this one is not a chain and it's the real deal.
Restorāns Fudzijama
15 Krišjāņa Valdemāra ielaThere are a lot of Sushi places in Riga, too many, yet this one is not a chain and it's the real deal.
There are a lot of pizza places in Riga, but in my opinion this place is the best. And its close!!
10 locals recommend
Picas meistars
24 Baznīcas ielaThere are a lot of pizza places in Riga, but in my opinion this place is the best. And its close!!
This is the best, and most expensive, restaurant in Riga. Not for those who are trying to save money, but the food will knock your socks off.
50 locals recommend
Vincents Restaurant
19 Elizabetes ielaThis is the best, and most expensive, restaurant in Riga. Not for those who are trying to save money, but the food will knock your socks off.
All the Latvian food you could want. This is not the only place, you can find even more Lido restaurants around Riga. Here, you can sample all the stuff us Latvians enjoy eating..... and drinking.
104 locals recommend
Lido Vērmanītis
65 Elizabetes ielaAll the Latvian food you could want. This is not the only place, you can find even more Lido restaurants around Riga. Here, you can sample all the stuff us Latvians enjoy eating..... and drinking.
Delisnack Rīga, Vecrīga
2 Teātra ielaDrunk food 24/7 (hamburgers, pizza, fried stuff)
Delisnack Rīga, Briāna
9a Aristida Briāna ielaDrunk food 24/7 (hamburgers, pizza, fried stuff)
If you want a Kebab, then there is only one place in Riga. Run by Latvians from the Latgale region, their's is possibly the only quality Kebab in Riga. If you eat Kebab anywhere else, do it at your own risk.
26 locals recommend
Ausmeņa Kebabs
12 Skolas ielaIf you want a Kebab, then there is only one place in Riga. Run by Latvians from the Latgale region, their's is possibly the only quality Kebab in Riga. If you eat Kebab anywhere else, do it at your own risk.
This is the largest market and bazaar in Europe, I didn't believe it myself until I googled it. A bit rough around the edges, this place is amazing for people watching and to learn about the food culture of Latvia. Take a look at the large pavilions, they are demilitarized German zeppelin hangers that Latvia got in the treaty of Versailles.
192 locals recommend
Riga Central Market
This is the largest market and bazaar in Europe, I didn't believe it myself until I googled it. A bit rough around the edges, this place is amazing for people watching and to learn about the food culture of Latvia. Take a look at the large pavilions, they are demilitarized German zeppelin hangers that Latvia got in the treaty of Versailles.
Drinks & Nightlife
"13", the bar, is very expensive, but the cocktails are the best you'll have in Riga. This very trendy place is the hangout of local celebrities.
Strēlnieku iela 1
1 Strēlnieku iela"13", the bar, is very expensive, but the cocktails are the best you'll have in Riga. This very trendy place is the hangout of local celebrities.
This area is an old harbor area that is now host to some nightclubs and restaurants. This place makes for an interesting walk; you can go out on the pier, where you'll be surrounded by the city harbor.
Andrejostas iela
Andrejostas ielaThis area is an old harbor area that is now host to some nightclubs and restaurants. This place makes for an interesting walk; you can go out on the pier, where you'll be surrounded by the city harbor.
Olympic Voodoo Casino
55 Elizabetes ielaIf your a gambler, then this is for you.
OK. The drinks are expensive, but just get one; the view of Riga from the Skyline bar is worth it.
91 locals recommend
Skyline bar
55 Elizabetes ielaOK. The drinks are expensive, but just get one; the view of Riga from the Skyline bar is worth it.
Check out this place for a full immersion into Latvianess. It usually has live folk music, 1 litter beers, and schnitzels and big as your face. Loved by tourists and locals alike.
90 locals recommend
Folkklubs ALA pagrabs
19 Peldu ielaCheck out this place for a full immersion into Latvianess. It usually has live folk music, 1 litter beers, and schnitzels and big as your face. Loved by tourists and locals alike.
If you cant get into Coyote Fly and you still want to dance and feel glamorous, go here!
29 locals recommend
Just Bar, bārs atpūtai un izklaidei
17 11. novembra krastmalaIf you cant get into Coyote Fly and you still want to dance and feel glamorous, go here!
This place (Rockcafe) is good if you wanna dance with other tourists. Don't let the outside fool you, the basement has a large dance hall.
34 locals recommend
Reiterna nams
2 Mārstaļu ielaThis place (Rockcafe) is good if you wanna dance with other tourists. Don't let the outside fool you, the basement has a large dance hall.
Be well dressed and ready to stand in line, if you want to go here. And don't come before midnight. Yet, of all the clubs in Riga, I would have to say this one is the best.
53 locals recommend
Coyote Fly
2 Tērbatas ielaBe well dressed and ready to stand in line, if you want to go here. And don't come before midnight. Yet, of all the clubs in Riga, I would have to say this one is the best.
Labietis
9a Aristida Briāna ielaTry the beer at this brewery.
Something between a night club and a bar. If you are in Riga on a Wednesday, then this is the place to go.
63 locals recommend
Kafejnīca "Piens"
9a Aristida Briāna ielaSomething between a night club and a bar. If you are in Riga on a Wednesday, then this is the place to go.
This maybe the center for artsy hipsters in Riga. The bar often hosts gallerias and performances.
78 locals recommend
Kanepes Kulturas Centrs
15 Skolas ielaThis maybe the center for artsy hipsters in Riga. The bar often hosts gallerias and performances.
There is a place hidden in the courtyard, in a parking lot. In this area there are about 5 bars. Its so underground its almost underground, but on a good weekend you can see hundreds of people there!
Tallinas iela 10
10 Tallinas ielaThere is a place hidden in the courtyard, in a parking lot. In this area there are about 5 bars. Its so underground its almost underground, but on a good weekend you can see hundreds of people there!
This area is famous for its street food and crafts market on the weekends.
104 locals recommend
Kalnciema Quarter
35 Kalnciema IelaThis area is famous for its street food and crafts market on the weekends.
This little book shop is tucked away in a courtyard; most locals don't even know it's there. Besides the fact that the bookshop is all in English, it is host to some great jazz concerts from time to time.
8 locals recommend
Roberts books
51 Dzirnavu ielaThis little book shop is tucked away in a courtyard; most locals don't even know it's there. Besides the fact that the bookshop is all in English, it is host to some great jazz concerts from time to time.
Sightseeing
This large Soviet monument was built in the late 80s for the "liberation" of Latvia. This is a sore spot in the heart of Riga. The park was once intended, by the interwar government of Latvia, as a "victory park" for the War of Independence and, specifically, the battle of Riga. Donations were gathered for the project, yet the WWII came. Today, it is a monument for "liberation" that reminds many Latvians of the occupation. In 1997, individuals tried to blowup the monument, but instead blew up themselves (two died). Yet, if we put the politics aside, this monument is a great example of the Soviet style and is worth a gander.
Victory Monument
This large Soviet monument was built in the late 80s for the "liberation" of Latvia. This is a sore spot in the heart of Riga. The park was once intended, by the interwar government of Latvia, as a "victory park" for the War of Independence and, specifically, the battle of Riga. Donations were gathered for the project, yet the WWII came. Today, it is a monument for "liberation" that reminds many Latvians of the occupation. In 1997, individuals tried to blowup the monument, but instead blew up themselves (two died). Yet, if we put the politics aside, this monument is a great example of the Soviet style and is worth a gander.
This memorial is in the place where once the Great Coral Synagogue was located. In 1941, the Nazis locked local Jews in the Synagogue and then burned it down. Today the ruins of this synagogue stand as a memorial to the Holocaust.
Gogoļa iela 25
25 Emīlijas Benjamiņas ielaThis memorial is in the place where once the Great Coral Synagogue was located. In 1941, the Nazis locked local Jews in the Synagogue and then burned it down. Today the ruins of this synagogue stand as a memorial to the Holocaust.
This soviet high-rise was built at the end of Stalin's life. Yes, like Warsaw, Latvia also got one of these "Stalin birthday cakes." This building is the pinnacle of socialist realism expressed in architecture; the building is meant to represent the stages of development to communism. Each step in the building symbolizes developmental stages, such as feudalism and socialism, until you reach the shining red star (a symbol for communism.) With independence, we Latvians quickly removed the star. P.S. there is a viewing platform at the top!
8 locals recommend
Building of Latvian Academy of Sciences
This soviet high-rise was built at the end of Stalin's life. Yes, like Warsaw, Latvia also got one of these "Stalin birthday cakes." This building is the pinnacle of socialist realism expressed in architecture; the building is meant to represent the stages of development to communism. Each step in the building symbolizes developmental stages, such as feudalism and socialism, until you reach the shining red star (a symbol for communism.) With independence, we Latvians quickly removed the star. P.S. there is a viewing platform at the top!
This is the Latvian Freedom Monument and the most important monument for Latvians. It was unveiled on Nov. 18 1935, as a memorial for Latvia's Independence. It's construction was funded entirely by donations. It's symbolism and artistic value saved it from proposed destruction, during the Soviet occupation. During the National Awakening, it was the focal point for peaceful manifestation, that amounted to the independence movement against the Soviet regime.
109 locals recommend
The Freedom Monument
This is the Latvian Freedom Monument and the most important monument for Latvians. It was unveiled on Nov. 18 1935, as a memorial for Latvia's Independence. It's construction was funded entirely by donations. It's symbolism and artistic value saved it from proposed destruction, during the Soviet occupation. During the National Awakening, it was the focal point for peaceful manifestation, that amounted to the independence movement against the Soviet regime.
The National Theater is an architectural gem. It's worth buying a ticket just to see the stage hall! Also, this hall is of significance to Latvian history, as this is where on Nov 18th 1918 Latvia declared its independence. So, as you can get cheap tickets for under $10 and many of the plays have English subtitles, why not take a peek.
39 locals recommend
Latvian National Theater
2 Kronvalda bulvārisThe National Theater is an architectural gem. It's worth buying a ticket just to see the stage hall! Also, this hall is of significance to Latvian history, as this is where on Nov 18th 1918 Latvia declared its independence. So, as you can get cheap tickets for under $10 and many of the plays have English subtitles, why not take a peek.
This building is home to the Latvian National Opera. If you're in the mood for an opera of ballet, check out the ticket offices in the main hall. Throughout history Latvia has been the home to many famous ballet dancers and opera musicians. Compared to many places in Europe, the tickets are inexpensive and many performances have English subtitles. So, go on, treat yourself.
137 locals recommend
Latvian National Opera
3 Aspazijas bulvārisThis building is home to the Latvian National Opera. If you're in the mood for an opera of ballet, check out the ticket offices in the main hall. Throughout history Latvia has been the home to many famous ballet dancers and opera musicians. Compared to many places in Europe, the tickets are inexpensive and many performances have English subtitles. So, go on, treat yourself.
This beautiful building once housed the HQ of the KGB in Latvia. The lower floors are now home to a museum of the KGB in Latvia. The permanent exhibition is free, but a guided tour costs around $10. Well worth it, if you want to see the cells and torture chambers the building hides in its basements.
48 locals recommend
The Left Door Bar
12 Antonijas ielaThis beautiful building once housed the HQ of the KGB in Latvia. The lower floors are now home to a museum of the KGB in Latvia. The permanent exhibition is free, but a guided tour costs around $10. Well worth it, if you want to see the cells and torture chambers the building hides in its basements.
This street is famous as the epicenter of Art Nouveau buildings in Riga.
86 locals recommend
Albert Street
10 Alberta ielaThis street is famous as the epicenter of Art Nouveau buildings in Riga.
This is where the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is currently located. Later, the museum will be in the old town (in strēlnieku laukums). The modern history of Latvia is difficult and dark, but knowing it will help you better understand Latvia today. The museum is free of charge (it works on donations) and focuses on the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia. It's good to remind ourselves of the past, so that it will never be repeated.
Raiņa bulvāris 7
7 Raiņa bulvārisThis is where the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is currently located. Later, the museum will be in the old town (in strēlnieku laukums). The modern history of Latvia is difficult and dark, but knowing it will help you better understand Latvia today. The museum is free of charge (it works on donations) and focuses on the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia. It's good to remind ourselves of the past, so that it will never be repeated.
The renaissance building in this square was the headquarters of the BlackHeads Guild, a fraternity of German trades men in the middle ages. The original building, which was from the 1400s, was completely destroyed during WWII. With Latvia's ind., the building was recreated from photographs and documents. The knight statue, in the middle of the square, is called Rolands. This statue was a symbol that the city of Riga abides by Saxon Laws. Such statues were common in cities of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire and the Hansa League; they were an expression of the privileges given to the city. The black Soviet cube was built for Lenin's 100th birthday and will soon house the new Occupation Museum.
11 locals recommend
Rātslaukums
1A Kaļķu ielaThe renaissance building in this square was the headquarters of the BlackHeads Guild, a fraternity of German trades men in the middle ages. The original building, which was from the 1400s, was completely destroyed during WWII. With Latvia's ind., the building was recreated from photographs and documents. The knight statue, in the middle of the square, is called Rolands. This statue was a symbol that the city of Riga abides by Saxon Laws. Such statues were common in cities of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire and the Hansa League; they were an expression of the privileges given to the city. The black Soviet cube was built for Lenin's 100th birthday and will soon house the new Occupation Museum.
The first mention of St. Peters church can be found in the chronicles of the Livonian order from 1209. Yet, the church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The structure of the church today is from 1600, when the church tower was considered the tallest standing wooden structure in the world. Yet the tower we see today is a reconstruction, as the original burned down in 1941, when the Nazis broke their pact and attacked the USSR. As communism was devoutly atheist, this church did not hold service thought the Soviet occupation and the building stood without a tower until 1973. In 1973, ideas of tourism prevailed and the tower was reconstruct with an elevator. Go up, nice view!!!!
147 locals recommend
St. Peter's Church
1 Reformācijas LaukumsThe first mention of St. Peters church can be found in the chronicles of the Livonian order from 1209. Yet, the church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The structure of the church today is from 1600, when the church tower was considered the tallest standing wooden structure in the world. Yet the tower we see today is a reconstruction, as the original burned down in 1941, when the Nazis broke their pact and attacked the USSR. As communism was devoutly atheist, this church did not hold service thought the Soviet occupation and the building stood without a tower until 1973. In 1973, ideas of tourism prevailed and the tower was reconstruct with an elevator. Go up, nice view!!!!
This gateway is the only remaining gate of the Riga city wall. Walking down this street you will also see the only remaining section of the city wall. The buildings, opposite this section of the wall, were originally housing for the city garrison. By the 1850s, the city wall was militarily outdated and the decision to take down changed the city. The little river running around the oldtown is where the original city mote was located. Also you will find that the oldtown is more-or-less surrounded by a park, where the city wall once stood. The bricks and debris of the old city wall were pilled in one place creating the "Bastejkalns" hill in the park.
11 locals recommend
The Swedish Gate
4 Atgriežu ielaThis gateway is the only remaining gate of the Riga city wall. Walking down this street you will also see the only remaining section of the city wall. The buildings, opposite this section of the wall, were originally housing for the city garrison. By the 1850s, the city wall was militarily outdated and the decision to take down changed the city. The little river running around the oldtown is where the original city mote was located. Also you will find that the oldtown is more-or-less surrounded by a park, where the city wall once stood. The bricks and debris of the old city wall were pilled in one place creating the "Bastejkalns" hill in the park.
These three houses constitute the oldest remaining housing complex in Latvia. The one on the right, with the step-like shape of the roof, is the oldest and dates to the 1400s. The one next to that, dates from the 1600s and the one of the very left is dated from the 1600s but was reconstructed in the 1800s (including the style of the time. So in essence these three buildings serve as a cross-section of the architectural history of Riga form 1400-1800.
25 locals recommend
Three Brothers
19 Mazā Pils ielaThese three houses constitute the oldest remaining housing complex in Latvia. The one on the right, with the step-like shape of the roof, is the oldest and dates to the 1400s. The one next to that, dates from the 1600s and the one of the very left is dated from the 1600s but was reconstructed in the 1800s (including the style of the time. So in essence these three buildings serve as a cross-section of the architectural history of Riga form 1400-1800.
This is the Riga city castle. The oldest parts of the castle were founded in 1330, by the Livonian order of Knights. This castle was founded after the previous fortification of the Livonian order was destroyed in the 13th century. While since then the castle has been destroyed, rebuilt and remodeled over the ages it has historically served as the head of administration for Latvian territories for Livonian order, the Polish-Lithuanian Empire and the Swedish Empire. After the Great Northern War (1700–1721), when Russia defeated Sweden and annexed LV, it housed Riga city gov. During the interwar years (as today), it was home to the President. During the Soviet times it was HQ for the Pioneers.
24 locals recommend
Riga Castle
3 Pils laukumsThis is the Riga city castle. The oldest parts of the castle were founded in 1330, by the Livonian order of Knights. This castle was founded after the previous fortification of the Livonian order was destroyed in the 13th century. While since then the castle has been destroyed, rebuilt and remodeled over the ages it has historically served as the head of administration for Latvian territories for Livonian order, the Polish-Lithuanian Empire and the Swedish Empire. After the Great Northern War (1700–1721), when Russia defeated Sweden and annexed LV, it housed Riga city gov. During the interwar years (as today), it was home to the President. During the Soviet times it was HQ for the Pioneers.
This is the main square of Riga. The large church is called the Dome Church. It stands on the sight where Bishop Albert, a warrior priest of the Livonian order of the Teutonic Knights, founded the first church in 1211. This first church was destroyed in one of the many rebellions of Latvians against the Knights. After many fires and remodeling works, the present church has not been altered in appearance since 1710. During the Soviet occupation, this church was not open for service and was, instead, used as a concert hall. Today, it again functions as a church.
15 locals recommend
Dome Square
Doma laukumsThis is the main square of Riga. The large church is called the Dome Church. It stands on the sight where Bishop Albert, a warrior priest of the Livonian order of the Teutonic Knights, founded the first church in 1211. This first church was destroyed in one of the many rebellions of Latvians against the Knights. After many fires and remodeling works, the present church has not been altered in appearance since 1710. During the Soviet occupation, this church was not open for service and was, instead, used as a concert hall. Today, it again functions as a church.
This is the only remaining tower of the Riga city wall. Here you will find the War Museum which is free of charge for guests.
17 locals recommend
Powder Tower
20 Smilšu ielaThis is the only remaining tower of the Riga city wall. Here you will find the War Museum which is free of charge for guests.
Entertainment & Activities
Dailes Theatre
75 Brīvības ielaWhy not go to the theater?
Here you can take a boat tour of Riga. The little boat goes through the city canal, out into the river Daugava and back into the canal the other way; making a circle. It's not so cheap, but a lovely way to spend the time.
Riga by Canal
Here you can take a boat tour of Riga. The little boat goes through the city canal, out into the river Daugava and back into the canal the other way; making a circle. It's not so cheap, but a lovely way to spend the time.
Maybe it's a nice day for the zoo? The neighborhood called Mežparks (the forest park) is also home to some beautiful turn of the century wooden houses. Great for a bike ride!
6 locals recommend
Zoologiska darza atbalsta biedriba
1 Meža prospektsMaybe it's a nice day for the zoo? The neighborhood called Mežparks (the forest park) is also home to some beautiful turn of the century wooden houses. Great for a bike ride!
I don't know what you're doing at a movie theater during you're trip, but OK
112 locals recommend
Forum Cinemas
8 13. janvāra ielaI don't know what you're doing at a movie theater during you're trip, but OK
Parks & Nature
This is a great place for a stroll. The park is home to a collection of objects gifted to the Latvian state over the years and the old city moat runs through it.
87 locals recommend
Kronvalda Park
12 Kalpaka bulvārisThis is a great place for a stroll. The park is home to a collection of objects gifted to the Latvian state over the years and the old city moat runs through it.
This open-air museum is host to 19th century and older houses from the Latvian country side. The park was formed during the interwar period to show the history and regional differences of Latvia's farming communities. The large forested area also hosts many open-air events, including gada tirgus (the yearly market where craftsmen from all of Latvia sell their goods).
57 locals recommend
The Ethinographic Open Air Museum Lativa
21 Brīvdabas ielaThis open-air museum is host to 19th century and older houses from the Latvian country side. The park was formed during the interwar period to show the history and regional differences of Latvia's farming communities. The large forested area also hosts many open-air events, including gada tirgus (the yearly market where craftsmen from all of Latvia sell their goods).
The neighborhood called Mežparks (the forest park) is also home to some beautiful turn of the century wooden houses. Great for a bike ride!
105 locals recommend
Mežaparks
The neighborhood called Mežparks (the forest park) is also home to some beautiful turn of the century wooden houses. Great for a bike ride!
Arts & Culture
Latvian National Museum Of Art
1 Jaņa Rozentāla laukumsNational art museum of Latvia :)
This area has been named the hipster capital of the world. It's home to a lot of handcraft shops, as well as to some cozy bars.
Miera iela
Miera ielaThis area has been named the hipster capital of the world. It's home to a lot of handcraft shops, as well as to some cozy bars.
Essentials
Rimi
46 Krišjāņa Barona ielaThis the closest supermarket with a wide selection
Elvi
70 Lāčplēša ielaNot the best but deff the closest supermarket.
Riga 1st hospital
5 Bruņinieku ielaI really hope you don't need it, but here is the hospital. And get well!
This fresh and local produce market is practically outside your door!
26 locals recommend
Vidzeme Farmers' Market
90 Brīvības ielaThis fresh and local produce market is practically outside your door!