Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, on the Daugava river near the Gulf of Riga. Known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Europe's greatest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, the vast Central Market and a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene, it blends Hanseatic, Swedish, Russian and Soviet layers into one of the Baltics' most walkable capitals.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais balzams)
Dark herbal liqueur, about 45% alcohol, sold in ceramic and glass bottles; also in currant and cherry flavours. Check airline liquid limits before packing.
Price: EUR 12-18 (~$14-21) per 0.5 litre bottle
Where: Old Town souvenir shops, Stockmann food hall, Origo and Galleria Riga supermarkets
Baltic amber
Polished and raw amber set in silver as rings, pendants and bracelets. Ask for a certificate for higher-priced pieces, because pressed or plastic imitations are sold in tourist areas.
Price: EUR 10-200 (~$12-230)
Where: Old Town amber shops on Kaļķu, Mārstaļu and Šķūņu streets, Kalnciema Quarter market
Laima chocolate and Latvian sweets
Laima chocolates, Gotiņa fudge candies and rye-bread sweets are the typical edible gifts.
Price: EUR 3-12 (~$3.50-14)
Where: Supermarkets, Stockmann, Old Town confectionery shops
Honey, smoked fish and caraway cheese
Latvian honey, Jāņu siers (caraway cheese) and smoked fish are sold at the Central Market and Kalnciema farmers' market.
Price: EUR 4-12 (~$5-14)
Where: Riga Central Market, Kalnciema Quarter market
Knitted mittens and woollen socks
Hand-knitted mittens with traditional Latvian patterns, a classic gift.
Price: EUR 15-40 (~$17-46)
Where: Old Town craft shops, Kalnciema Quarter market
Linen textiles
Linen tablecloths, towels and clothing made in Latvia.
Price: EUR 20-80 (~$23-92)
Where: Old Town boutiques, Berga Bazārs shops, Kalnciema Quarter market
Ceramics and wooden kitchenware
Handmade ceramics, wooden spoons and boards from Latvian artisans.
Price: EUR 10-40 (~$12-46)
Where: Kalnciema Quarter market, Berga Bazārs shops
Riga Art Nouveau prints and books
Illustrated books and prints of Riga's Art Nouveau architecture.
Price: EUR 8-35 (~$9-40)
Where: Old Town bookshops and museum shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Riga Central Market (Rīgas Centrāltirgus)
One of the largest markets in Europe, housed in five former Zeppelin hangars. Separate pavilions for meat, dairy, fish and gastronomy, plus an open-air section. Cash is accepted everywhere; card payment varies by stall.
Where: Moscow Suburb, beside the railway station and the Daugava
Hours: Pavilions about 7:30-18:00, outdoor area from 7:00; pavilions closed the first Monday of the month (confirm on centraltirgus.lv)
Origo
Shopping centre integrated with the railway station, bus station and the tram and bus stops, useful for a quick purchase on arrival or departure. Stockmann is next door.
Where: Centrs, attached to the Riga Central Railway Station
Hours: Daily, typically 9:00-21:00 or later (confirm on origo.lv)
Galleria Riga
Modern shopping centre in the Centre district with fashion stores, a food hall and fitness club, about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
Where: Centrs
Hours: Daily, typically 10:00-21:00 (confirm on galleriariga.lv)
Stockmann Riga
Finnish department store with a supermarket and delicatessen in the basement and a cafe on the top floor. A convenient source of Latvian food gifts such as Black Balsam and chocolate.
Where: Centrs, next to the railway station
Hours: Daily, typically 9:00-21:00 (confirm with the store)
Berga Bazārs
Historic shopping arcade with small boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and weekly outdoor jazz concerts in summer.
Where: Centrs, Art Nouveau district
Hours: Daily about 9:00-22:00; individual shops set their own hours
Kalnciema Quarter Market (Kalnciema kvartāls)
Saturday farmers' and artisans' market in restored wooden houses, a popular place for local food, crafts and gifts. Reached by tram from the centre.
Where: Āgenskalns, left bank of the Daugava
Hours: Saturdays about 10:00-16:00 year-round
Old Town Amber Shops (Kaļķu iela area)
Many small shops in the Old Town sell amber jewellery, linen, knitwear and Black Balsam. Prices and quality differ widely, so compare several shops.
Where: Old Town (Vecrīga)
Hours: Typically 10:00-19:00 daily (varies by shop)
Spīķeri Quarter
Former warehouse district beside the Central Market, used for design markets, galleries and street-food events. A good stop to combine with the market.
Where: Moscow Suburb, beside the Central Market
Hours: Varies by venue and event; confirm locally