European best destinations 2025 - Riga

Guide for UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 visitors

This guide is created especially for UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 visitors – fans who want to experience Riga beyond the arena stands. Inside, you’ll find recommendations on where to eat before and after the matches, how to relax in wintertime Riga, what to see and do in the city, and where to celebrate victories or simply enjoy the football festival atmosphere.

Important Information for Fans

The UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 will be the 13th edition of this prestigious tournament, bringing together the best national futsal teams in Europe to compete for the title. The championship will take place from 21 January to 7 February 2026 and, for the first time in history, will be co-hosted by three countries – Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia.

For Latvia, this will be the largest football event in the country’s history, offering fans a unique opportunity to watch Europe’s top futsal teams live at home. UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 is not only a major sporting competition, but also a celebration for football fans, helping to boost the popularity and development of futsal across the region.

Latvia group stage matches at Arena Riga:

21 January, 20:00 – Latvia vs Georgia (tournament opening match)

25 January, 17:00 – Latvia vs France

28 January, 17:30 – Latvia vs Croatia

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased HERE. On each matchday, the same ticket also grants access to the earlier game of the day at no additional cost.

Special conditions:
Children, school pupils, students, seniors, and persons with disabilities are eligible for 50% discounted tickets. A valid ID must be presented at the venue entrance.

Celebrate!

Whether you’re toasting a win, dissecting a tough loss, debating the referees’ decisions, or discussing another team’s game – enjoying a pint of beer or a cocktail in one of Riga’s bars or pubs is the perfect way to do it!

The best fan atmosphere can be found in Riga’s Old Town (Vecrīga)! Its wide variety of bars and clubs has something for every fan – whether you’re after a laid-back drink or a night to remember. From the Old Town bar scene, be sure to check out ArmouryThirsty BulldogDistillers RepublicClayton McNamaras Drinking Emporium2 more beers, and Piana Vyshnia.
If you're in the mood to party, head to Cuba CafeFolkklubs Ala pagrabs, or B Bārs.

Prefer exploring the city center with a good beer in hand? Visit Alus MuižaAlus Celle, or KwakInn!
Craft beer lovers should make their way to Labietis or Nurme breweries – and for even more great suggestions, don’t miss our Craft Beer Guide.

Cocktail fans will feel right at home in bars like GimletB BārsSNOBHerbary, or Zefīrs. Looking for more cocktail gems? Our Time for a Cocktail Guide has you covered!

And don’t forget – Riga’s nightlife is full of surprises, color, and hidden gems worth exploring. Discover them all in our Riga Nightlife Guide!

Where to eat and have some coffee

It is more than clear that in between a busy schedule, you need to eat well. Riga's restaurants and cafes offer a wide selection for different tastes.

If you want to experience what Riga's Michelin restaurants offer, then you should go to John Chef's Hall or Max Cekot Kitchen, which has been awarded a prestigious star, or to the excellent Michelin Guide restaurants: Tauro3 chefs restaurantWhitehouseJohnCODLe DomeChef`s CornerBarents cocktail and seafood barBarentsAqua LunaEntresolFermaNeiburgsRivieraLowineSeasonsBaboB7Stage22Māsa.

To taste traditional Latvian cuisine, visit Baltā kazaMilda RozengrālsLIDOForest, Mama BistroJuusu or the folk club Ala Pagrabs. If you enjoy vegan and vegetarian culinary delights, be sure to check out our Vegan-Friendly Riga Guide.

Of course, don’t forget your energy boost in the form of coffee and a proper breakfast, available at Rocket Bean roasteryKalve Espresso RoomKuureMulberryZvaigzne CAFEBig Bad BagelsKatkevichChambaoMils or This Place Doesn't need a name.
You can find more breakfast spots HERE.

Unwind and Relax

Good relaxation or even active strength recovery is what you need after intense support during futsal games!

Unwind in the pools and saunas in one of Riga's SPA places, such ESPA Riga, Joker Club, or Kempinski The SPA.

Choose one of the Hiking routes or Running routes if you wish to explore the city while walking or running and get to know Riga's streets. By visiting the street art masterpieces, you will be able to witness a more unusual side of Riga.

What to see in Riga?

Take the opportunity to get to know the history, culture and traditions of Riga and Latvia by visiting one of these interesting museums.

Riga Motor Museum is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in cars and motorcycles. The largest and most diverse collection of old vehicles in the Baltics can be viewed here. The museum exposition is designed as an exciting and interactive story about events, people and vehicles.

In the RSU Anatomy Museum, you can see and learn about the structure, functions and various diseases of the human body. The museum is based on the first collection of anatomy lessons in Latvia, which was created in the Anatomikums in the 20s-30s of the 20th century. In the Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine, you can see the hospital and pharmacy of the medieval monastery, visit the medieval city created according to the idea of Professor Pauls Stradiņš, as well as familiarize yourself with the most common diseases of that time and their treatment methods.

One of the best ways to discover Riga is to walk through Old Town and the Quiet Center. Old Riga is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the main attractions of the city. Here you will be able to get to know the buildings and structures of different architectural styles - Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism and Modernism. In the Quiet center you will find Alberta street, which is Art Nouveau pearl in Riga. In this area, there are impressive buildings, as well as quite a few places to have a meal or enjoy a coffee after a walk.

If you want to experience a more gastronomic adventure, it is definitely worth visiting the Āgenskalns market. In 2022, the market opened after a large-scale reconstruction and now local farmers, homemakers and craftsmen gather there every day. On the second floor of the market there are several cafes and bars, where visitors are invited to taste countless foods and drinks.

Where to find authentic Latvian souvenirs?

Riga’s concept stores are a great place to find authentic Latvian souvenirs while discovering the country’s creative scene and the modern rhythm of city life. From fashion and interior design to natural cosmetics, sustainable accessories, and thoughtfully designed gifts, Riga’s concept stores offer an authentic insight into local culture and aesthetics.

SVINAM! Store & Studio - a concept store focused on interior accessories and design-led gifts, bringing together Latvian design, craftsmanship and items created for both everyday moments and special occasions.

Riija - a contemporary Latvian fashion and lifestyle store showcasing clothing, accessories and design objects created by Latvian designers and artisans with a strong, distinctive identity.

Mūsmāja - a concept store offering a modern interpretation of Latvian traditions, craftsmanship and design for everyday living and celebrations.

M50 - one of the most well-known Latvian fashion concept stores, featuring clothing, jewellery and accessories by local designers. The store also offers souvenirs inspired by the Oscar-winning animated film Flow.

Diplomats Riga - a unique concept store created by Latvian fish cannery brand Diplomats, combining gourmet products for every taste, souvenirs, design items and Nordic humour.

Tuta un Saldējums - a family-friendly Latvian concept inspired by the children’s TV series Tutas lietas. The space is built around Tuta’s world, where play, stories and illustrations create a safe and creative environment for young visitors, while offering locally made ice cream and enjoyment for the whole family.

ETMO - a Latvian fashion brand and store with a focus on sustainability, clean design and contemporary elegance.

Hobbywool - a cozy concept store for craft and knitting enthusiasts, offering ready-made accessories, high-quality yarns, tools and inspiration for creative projects.

Manilla - an elegant lifestyle concept store with a strong focus on paper goods, gift wrapping, design items, interior objects, accessories and thoughtfully curated gifts.

Studio Pienene - a place where Latvian-made products meet a welcoming social space. The cozy setting combines a Latvian design store and café, creating a warm and inviting environment for visitors.

Baltic Gifts - a store offering carefully selected gifts and design items created in Latvia and across the Baltic region, ideal for finding authentic souvenirs.

Designers 5 - a concept store created by five Latvian designers, bringing together jewellery, clothing and accessories in a shared creative space. The store features bold jewellery designs, exclusive garments, minimalist bags and other unique design pieces reflecting contemporary Latvian design.

Butterman Studio - a niche Latvian design studio known for bold, playful design objects and a strong visual identity.

RO Studio - a Latvian design studio and store specialising in handcrafted minimalist jewellery. The aesthetic is refined and understated - like the “little black dress” of the jewellery world - created to be long-lasting, versatile and suitable for many moments in life.

Ziemeļmeita - a gift store creating and curating natural, sustainable and handmade products. The brand is rooted in care for nature, respect for craft heritage and the fusion of traditional skills with modern lifestyles. Linen products, buckwheat pillows, Latvian ethnographic patterns and zero-waste solutions play a central role in the assortment.

Northern Grip - a vintage clothing store offering carefully curated, high-quality garments from the USA, France, Germany, Japan and beyond. The store provides a sustainable alternative to fast fashion by selecting, restoring and preserving unique clothing pieces that fit seamlessly into a modern wardrobe.

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