Why Riga Should Be on Your Travel Radar
Riga, Latvia’s capital, is the kind of city that sneaks up on you. One minute, you think you’re visiting a charming European town with cobbled streets and medieval towers, and the next, you’re sipping craft cocktails in a hipster bar that looks straight out of Brooklyn. Riga is a fascinating mix of old and new—stunning Art Nouveau architecture, traditional Latvian dishes, and a buzzing nightlife scene that keeps the city alive well past midnight.
If you’ve never thought about visiting Riga, this blog is here to change your mind. Get ready for an inside look at the city’s culture, food, and must-try experiences. Spoiler: it involves a lot of smoked fish, a medieval market, and maybe even a dip in a freezing cold spa.
Riga’s Rich Culture: Where History Meets Modern Cool
Art Nouveau Wonderland
Riga has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world—yes, even more than Paris. The city’s Alberta iela (Albert Street) is a jaw-dropping display of intricate facades, dreamy balconies, and statues that look like they might come alive at night. Take a guided tour or just wander around with your camera ready—this street is an Instagram dream.
Medieval Vibes in Old Town
Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Think medieval guild houses, cobblestone streets, and churches that have stood the test of time. Check out the House of the Blackheads, a stunning Gothic building that once hosted banquets for foreign merchants. And don’t miss St. Peter’s Church—climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
The Coolest Central Market You’ll Ever Visit
Forget fancy shopping malls—Riga’s Central Market is where the real action is. Housed in five repurposed Zeppelin hangars (yes, really), this is the best place to sample Latvian delicacies, buy fresh produce, and soak up the local culture. Here’s what to eat:
Smoked eel – A local favorite, salty and rich with flavor.
Pickled veggies – Latvians love their pickles, and you’ll find everything from cucumbers to garlic.
Rye bread – Thick, dark, and slightly sweet, this bread is a staple in every Latvian household.
Piragi – Small, crescent-shaped pastries filled with bacon and onions. Think of them as Latvia’s answer to a croissant (but way heartier).
Riga’s Food Scene: A Delicious Mix of Tradition and Trendy Eats
Latvian cuisine is hearty, fresh, and heavily influenced by the seasons. If you love comfort food with a touch of the unexpected, you’re in the right place.
Traditional Latvian Dishes You HAVE to Try
Grey Peas and Bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) – The national dish! Think of it as Latvian baked beans, but with more bacon (which automatically makes it better).
Rupjmaize – The dark rye bread that Latvians take VERY seriously. Eat it plain, with butter, or as a dessert with honey and whipped cream.
Sklandrausis – A sweet and savory carrot and potato tart. Weird? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.
Jāņu siers – A soft cheese with caraway seeds, traditionally eaten during the Midsummer festival.
Where to Eat in Riga
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs – A cozy underground tavern serving classic Latvian dishes with live folk music. Bonus: they have an excellent local beer selection.
Milda – A modern restaurant that puts a fresh spin on Latvian and Baltic cuisine.
Lido – A local chain where you can try traditional dishes buffet-style—great if you want to sample everything.
Street Burgers – When you need a break from rye bread and smoked fish, this place serves up some of the best burgers in the city.
Unforgettable Experiences in Riga
Banya Time: The Latvian Sauna Experience
If you really want to experience Latvia like a local, you need to try a pirts—a traditional Latvian sauna. Expect steaming hot rooms, birch branch whippings (it’s for circulation, promise), and ice-cold plunges into a nearby river or lake. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely an experience you’ll never forget.
A Day Trip to Jūrmala: Beachside Bliss
Just 30 minutes from Riga, Jūrmala is Latvia’s most famous beach town. With miles of white sand, pine forests, and old-school wooden villas, it’s the perfect place to escape the city for a day. Even in winter, the fresh sea air and cozy seaside cafés make it worth a visit.
Craft Beer and Cocktail Adventures
Riga has a booming craft beer scene, and you’ll find plenty of local brews that rival anything from Belgium or Germany. Head to Labietis, a microbrewery known for its experimental beers, or Zobens un Lemess for some Viking-inspired drinking.
If cocktails are more your style, Riga’s speakeasy-style bars won’t disappoint. Try Herbārijs, a rooftop cocktail bar with views over the city, or B Bārs, famous for its award-winning cocktails and cozy vibes.
Exploring Riga by Night
Riga’s nightlife is legendary. Whether you’re into chill jazz bars, underground clubs, or just people-watching in a lively square, there’s something for everyone. Some top spots include:
One One – A hip, industrial-style club playing electronic beats.
Pulkvedis – A Riga institution for a mix of dance and chill vibes.
Kaļķu Vārti – For a classier night out with live music.
Why Riga Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
Riga is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—a city where medieval charm meets modern cool, where you can feast on traditional food one minute and sip on craft cocktails the next. It’s affordable, easy to explore, and packed with hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
So if you’re looking for a destination that’s a little off the beaten path but still full of adventure, Riga should be at the top of your list. Just don’t forget to bring your appetite, your camera, and a willingness to try something new—like, say, a medieval sauna followed by smoked eel.
Trust us, you won’t regret it.
