Shopping in Riga

Shopping is an integral part of any voyage abroad, as well as a wonderful way to acquaint oneself with the place that one is visiting. Riga has a wealth of small, distinctive shops that offer first-rate souvenirs and gifts, many of them made right here in Latvia by local artists, who often use locally obtained materials, such as amber and linen, in their crafts. Look out for tastefully designed clothing and accessories, stylish jewellery, naturally made eco-cosmetics and contemporary, interior design items such as light fixtures and decorative objects.  

The Berga Bazārs is a great place to shop, a city within a city in the very centre of Riga. Here you will find various, fine boutiques, galleries, arcades, cafés and restaurants – each with its own, special character. A colourful farmers’ market, where only naturally grown, ecological food products are sold, takes place here on the second and fourth Sunday of each month and is becoming an increasingly popular event. 

Book lovers can easily spend hours browsing through the city’s charming bookstores and are likely to find some real gems, from antique rarities to more contemporary publications on the arts, design and architecture. Many old and new publications are available in English and other foreign languages. 

Riga’s vintage stores and antique shops offer a treasure trove of items from a bygone age, including religious icons and Soviet-era relics dating from the 1950s to the 1980s. 

One of the best ways to get a feel for the place that you are visiting is by taking a trip to the local market. While a trip to the legendary Central Market is an experience in itself, there are also other, smaller markets in the city where you can take in the lively atmosphere. The Night Market next to the Spīķeri creative quarter, where farmers offer their own, freshly picked produce, operates from evening until dawn. The markets are among the best places to obtain such local, gastronomic souvenirs as dark, rye bread, hemp butter, homemade cottage cheese, smoked fish, natural honey and various herbal teas, whose healing properties are held in high regard by the local population.

As a leading, European metropolis, Riga has a large number of boutiques that offer a wide selection of clothing and accessories to suit all tastes and price ranges – from the most popular, low- and mid-range designer brands to higher end, luxury brands. During the past few years, factory outlet stores have also opened their doors, offering French and Italian fashion brand clothing and accessories, as well as more alternative brands for discriminate consumers, at very affordable prices. The city’s largest shopping centres carry a wide choice of wares for those in search of clothing, household or interior design items.  

Whatever your needs, your shopping experience is Riga is sure to be rewarding and you are likely to return home satisfied and content.