Guidebook for Riga
Food Scene
Kalnciema kvartals is a small court-yard surrounded by wooden buildings where local people meet to drink wine, eat street food, listen to live music. During summer period on Wednesdays a Street food events are happening, on Thursdays - live music performances and movie nights, but all year round on weekends - 10:00-16:00 local food and craft markets (with lots of variety of stalls - food, drink, produce, crafts). This is a great place to celebrate holidays — to roll eggs at Easter or mark Jāņi traditions in mid-summer. Territory contains wine bar, restaurant Maja and art gallery as well. Find out more at http://www.kalnciemaiela.lv/lv/
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Kalnciema Quarter
35 Kalnciema IelaKalnciema kvartals is a small court-yard surrounded by wooden buildings where local people meet to drink wine, eat street food, listen to live music. During summer period on Wednesdays a Street food events are happening, on Thursdays - live music performances and movie nights, but all year round on weekends - 10:00-16:00 local food and craft markets (with lots of variety of stalls - food, drink, produce, crafts). This is a great place to celebrate holidays — to roll eggs at Easter or mark Jāņi traditions in mid-summer. Territory contains wine bar, restaurant Maja and art gallery as well. Find out more at http://www.kalnciemaiela.lv/lv/
The location - the heart of the city, often referred to as the ‘belly of the city’ :) The Market will welcome you with several pavillions for Meat, Milk, Fish, Fruits and vegetables.
The best of the Market:
fresh and ecological products from Latvian farms;
widest variety of products in Latvia;
affordable prices;
bargaining option;
assortment of souvenirs.
To try:
hemp butter;
draft kvass;
smoked fish and meat;
eco-bread (rye);
lightly salted pickle;
freshly made cheese.
192 personas locales recomiendan
Riga Central Market
The location - the heart of the city, often referred to as the ‘belly of the city’ :) The Market will welcome you with several pavillions for Meat, Milk, Fish, Fruits and vegetables.
The best of the Market:
fresh and ecological products from Latvian farms;
widest variety of products in Latvia;
affordable prices;
bargaining option;
assortment of souvenirs.
To try:
hemp butter;
draft kvass;
smoked fish and meat;
eco-bread (rye);
lightly salted pickle;
freshly made cheese.
Explore small boutiques offering both local and international items, dine at one of the popular restaurants or cafes — both casual and up-market, or simply stroll about stopping to rest on one of the many benches.
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Bergs Bazaar
83 Elizabetes ielaExplore small boutiques offering both local and international items, dine at one of the popular restaurants or cafes — both casual and up-market, or simply stroll about stopping to rest on one of the many benches.
Agenskalns market is considered to be the oldest market of Pardaugava market. The building is an important architectural monument of Art Nouveau of the 20th century, which is quite a rarity in Pardaugava. You can find a fresh everyday products from Latvian farmers or enjoy cozy cup of coffee and cake at food zone.
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Agenskalns Market
64 Nometņu ielaAgenskalns market is considered to be the oldest market of Pardaugava market. The building is an important architectural monument of Art Nouveau of the 20th century, which is quite a rarity in Pardaugava. You can find a fresh everyday products from Latvian farmers or enjoy cozy cup of coffee and cake at food zone.
Address - Ieriķu iela 5a, Riga.
Let's celebrate Wednesday evening with good dishes, drinks, friends reunion, conversations and music on fresh air in the territory of the VEF quarter!
The most awesome restaurants, cafes and bars in Riga have their own views on street dishes, drinks, your task - to come to appreciate and enjoy!
VEF Kvartāla promenāde
8 k-7 Ūnijas ielaAddress - Ieriķu iela 5a, Riga.
Let's celebrate Wednesday evening with good dishes, drinks, friends reunion, conversations and music on fresh air in the territory of the VEF quarter!
The most awesome restaurants, cafes and bars in Riga have their own views on street dishes, drinks, your task - to come to appreciate and enjoy!
This is the right place in the city, where beer lovers (and not only!) can find the widest range of Valmiermuizas Brewery breeds and the best local cider (Tālavas cider). This is complemented by both the Valmiermuizas chefs catered to and the delicacies for a holiday table found in Latvian forests and countryside. Here you will also be able to buy other Latvian beers and wines, as well as various stronger drinks. Cozy time spend guaranteed!
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Valmiermuižas alus vēstniecība Rīgā
9a Aristida Briāna ielaThis is the right place in the city, where beer lovers (and not only!) can find the widest range of Valmiermuizas Brewery breeds and the best local cider (Tālavas cider). This is complemented by both the Valmiermuizas chefs catered to and the delicacies for a holiday table found in Latvian forests and countryside. Here you will also be able to buy other Latvian beers and wines, as well as various stronger drinks. Cozy time spend guaranteed!
Near the National Theater of the Latvia, you can find a modern and stylish restaurant called Pagalms (in Latvian - Yard) where you can enjoy a very tasty food and feel the blend of modern and vintage style in the very center of Riga.
Black wooden interior, vintage American-style leather chairs, an impressive bar and excellent indie music playline. Weekend Breakfast/Brunch available. In summertime you can sit outside on the terrace or take a drink and spend time at the side of channel.
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Pagalms
2B Kronvalda bulvārisNear the National Theater of the Latvia, you can find a modern and stylish restaurant called Pagalms (in Latvian - Yard) where you can enjoy a very tasty food and feel the blend of modern and vintage style in the very center of Riga.
Black wooden interior, vintage American-style leather chairs, an impressive bar and excellent indie music playline. Weekend Breakfast/Brunch available. In summertime you can sit outside on the terrace or take a drink and spend time at the side of channel.
One of my favourite rooftop restaurants in Riga. Bit fancy and pricy, but the view (above the rooftops and right beside to church tower) is totally worth it while combine it with very friendly service and tasty food.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Gutenbergs Rooftop Restaurant
1 Doma laukumsOne of my favourite rooftop restaurants in Riga. Bit fancy and pricy, but the view (above the rooftops and right beside to church tower) is totally worth it while combine it with very friendly service and tasty food.
On the left bank of the Daugava, a wonderful view of Old Town's panorama awaits you at Ķipsala Municipal Beeach. Swim, sunbathe, get active with volleyball or football, or try one of the bistros. Here you can gaze at the busy city while relaxing.
Pludmale, Café
12 Balasta dambisOn the left bank of the Daugava, a wonderful view of Old Town's panorama awaits you at Ķipsala Municipal Beeach. Swim, sunbathe, get active with volleyball or football, or try one of the bistros. Here you can gaze at the busy city while relaxing.
Arts & Culture
The National Art Museum’s new permanent exposition, marking the fully renovated building’s reopening, is a comprehensive expose on Latvian art in both the 19th and 20th centuries, with emphasis on the various stylistic periods and the artists who were instrumental.
Apparently visitors flocking to the museum since its opening, are the most interested in the modernized building itself, finding the time spent here well worthwhile.
Use the app on your cell phone titled /in Latvian/ "Mākslas muzejs" for an interactive guide while visiting the museum. The app is free of charge, and available in Latvian, Russian and English at GooglePlay un AppStore.
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Latvian National Museum Of Art
1 Jaņa Rozentāla laukumsThe National Art Museum’s new permanent exposition, marking the fully renovated building’s reopening, is a comprehensive expose on Latvian art in both the 19th and 20th centuries, with emphasis on the various stylistic periods and the artists who were instrumental.
Apparently visitors flocking to the museum since its opening, are the most interested in the modernized building itself, finding the time spent here well worthwhile.
Use the app on your cell phone titled /in Latvian/ "Mākslas muzejs" for an interactive guide while visiting the museum. The app is free of charge, and available in Latvian, Russian and English at GooglePlay un AppStore.
The Castle of Light - the new National Library. The new library building is a modern information centre and ample space for cultural and social events.
***
Informative guided tours for groups Monday to Saturday; prior reservation on workdays /Mon-Fri/ from 9:00 to 17:00; 22022920, or at ekskursijas@lnb.lv. Foreign visitors please note a EUR 2 fee for a tour; groups of 15 - EUR 20. Guides conduct tours in Latvian, Russian, German and English.
No entrance fee for individual, non-tour, visitors on floors 1-8.
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National Library of Latvia
3 Mūkusalas ielaThe Castle of Light - the new National Library. The new library building is a modern information centre and ample space for cultural and social events.
***
Informative guided tours for groups Monday to Saturday; prior reservation on workdays /Mon-Fri/ from 9:00 to 17:00; 22022920, or at ekskursijas@lnb.lv. Foreign visitors please note a EUR 2 fee for a tour; groups of 15 - EUR 20. Guides conduct tours in Latvian, Russian, German and English.
No entrance fee for individual, non-tour, visitors on floors 1-8.
Sightseeing
The Old Town of the Riga. It has diverse architecture, and the majority of buildings have the status of a cultural monument. The city's architecture represents various periods - Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Modernism. And if you get lost in the beautiful streets of old town, be sure you will find a lot of nice cafes, restaurants and places to enjoy.
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Vecrīga
The Old Town of the Riga. It has diverse architecture, and the majority of buildings have the status of a cultural monument. The city's architecture represents various periods - Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Modernism. And if you get lost in the beautiful streets of old town, be sure you will find a lot of nice cafes, restaurants and places to enjoy.
Riga's St.Peter's Church dominates the cityscape as the tallest spire. You can enjoy live concerts and exhibitions there, and a spectacular view from the bellfry platform of Old Town, the river, port and beyond if you take the elevator till the same top of the tower.
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St. Peter's Church
1 Reformācijas LaukumsRiga's St.Peter's Church dominates the cityscape as the tallest spire. You can enjoy live concerts and exhibitions there, and a spectacular view from the bellfry platform of Old Town, the river, port and beyond if you take the elevator till the same top of the tower.
Town Hall Square is the place where 500 years ago the city Christmas-tree was lit :) This is one of the must sees of Old Town because of architecture, live music performances during the summer and very merry atmosphere during the Christmas holidays.
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Rātslaukums
1A Kaļķu ielaTown Hall Square is the place where 500 years ago the city Christmas-tree was lit :) This is one of the must sees of Old Town because of architecture, live music performances during the summer and very merry atmosphere during the Christmas holidays.
Dome Square is the largest square in the Old Town. It just gathers people together and you can feel that your are at the heart of old town. Busy and touristy during the summer and exceptionally beautiful during Christmas time with markets, hot wine and gingerbread aromas.
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Dome Square
Doma laukumsDome Square is the largest square in the Old Town. It just gathers people together and you can feel that your are at the heart of old town. Busy and touristy during the summer and exceptionally beautiful during Christmas time with markets, hot wine and gingerbread aromas.
This 42.7 m tall work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation's striving for freedom and independence. The woman on top of the monument is holding up three golden stars, which represent Latvia's historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale.
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The Freedom Monument
This 42.7 m tall work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation's striving for freedom and independence. The woman on top of the monument is holding up three golden stars, which represent Latvia's historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale.
Parks & Nature
Located between Vanšu and Akmens bridges, this dam is a quite popular place to be at warm evening or sunny days. Grab a book, take a bike and spend there some calm hours or enjoy old town panorama with friends and pizza from some Agenskalns pizzerias.
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AB Dambis
Located between Vanšu and Akmens bridges, this dam is a quite popular place to be at warm evening or sunny days. Grab a book, take a bike and spend there some calm hours or enjoy old town panorama with friends and pizza from some Agenskalns pizzerias.
Vērmanes Garden Park is Riga's second oldest public park; the numerous benches are always occupied by Rigans and visitors to the city, the historic open-air stage features various concerts, and children have fun on the park's playground.
Vērmanes Garden Park is situated in the very centre of the city and contains several small cafes, lot of benches and calm atmosphere.
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Vermanes Garden
2D Tērbatas ielaVērmanes Garden Park is Riga's second oldest public park; the numerous benches are always occupied by Rigans and visitors to the city, the historic open-air stage features various concerts, and children have fun on the park's playground.
Vērmanes Garden Park is situated in the very centre of the city and contains several small cafes, lot of benches and calm atmosphere.
The promenade on the right side of the Daugava River stretches from Old Town all the way to the Ķengarags suburb of Riga. An excellent place where you can be near the water and enjoy a stroll. This is also an excellent place to relax on a bench and enjoy the view of the river.
Kengaraga Promenade
The promenade on the right side of the Daugava River stretches from Old Town all the way to the Ķengarags suburb of Riga. An excellent place where you can be near the water and enjoy a stroll. This is also an excellent place to relax on a bench and enjoy the view of the river.
An island on the Daugava river. The park has a swimming area It is located right across from Zaķusala island, granting a view that will make you forget you are in the centre of the city.
As well playground, wakepark, grilling areas, cafe and chilling zones available. Nice place to be if you would like to spend some time out of the city by setting up a picnic or just going to swim.
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Lucavsala
An island on the Daugava river. The park has a swimming area It is located right across from Zaķusala island, granting a view that will make you forget you are in the centre of the city.
As well playground, wakepark, grilling areas, cafe and chilling zones available. Nice place to be if you would like to spend some time out of the city by setting up a picnic or just going to swim.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is one of the famous hipster-kind-of-type places in Riga and both - locals and visitors - love it! Go there if you enjoy being with friends, enjoying local drinks or listening some open air performance.
78 personas locales recomiendan
Kanepes Kulturas Centrs
15 Skolas ielaThis is one of the famous hipster-kind-of-type places in Riga and both - locals and visitors - love it! Go there if you enjoy being with friends, enjoying local drinks or listening some open air performance.
Entertainment & Activities
Bike rental close to the apartment and Kalnciema kvartals.
The Gandrs bicycle rental outlet offers top-quality Merida mountain bikes and city cruisers for trips nearby, or further off. Gandrs offers bicycles for all sizes and ages, as well as for various cycling terrains.
Daily rental prices:
Bicycles - EUR 9-15
Helmets - EUR 1.50
Baby seats - EUR 3
Ortlieb cycling bags - EUR 1.50
Address : Kalnciema iela 28, Pārdaugava suburb (work day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and weekend from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Shop "Gandrs" - Kalnciema street
28 Kalnciema IelaBike rental close to the apartment and Kalnciema kvartals.
The Gandrs bicycle rental outlet offers top-quality Merida mountain bikes and city cruisers for trips nearby, or further off. Gandrs offers bicycles for all sizes and ages, as well as for various cycling terrains.
Daily rental prices:
Bicycles - EUR 9-15
Helmets - EUR 1.50
Baby seats - EUR 3
Ortlieb cycling bags - EUR 1.50
Address : Kalnciema iela 28, Pārdaugava suburb (work day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and weekend from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)