What to do in Riga when you have less than 48 hours? 10 Pure! Food & Travel tips to find all local, organic hotspots that make Riga even more fun to explore!
1. Central Market
Visit the Central Market. Riga’s Central Market was built in the 1920’s-1930’s and for its building materials they used old German zeppelin hangars.
It is one of the oldest and largest markets in Europe with five food pavilions where they sell fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Wild picked fruit, veggies, and mushrooms like berries and chanterelles are tasty souvenirs to take with you.
2. Panoramic view
Get a panoramic view of Riga from the St. Peter’s Church. A lift takes you to a platform which offers you a fantastic view over Riga’s Old Town and across the Daugava river.
3. Eat delicious veggie food
Drink good coffee (or cider) and taste delicious veggie and vegan food at Miit.
4. Art Nouveau walk
Have a walk through the city and be amazed by Riga’s beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. One third of Riga’s city centre was built in this gorgeous architectural style, making it the Art Nouveau capital of Europe. Alberta street is a must-visit.
5. Taste the Latvian cuisine
Have dinner at restaurant Kalku varti. The dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients from organic farms.
Latvian ingredients are used on a culinary level by Raimond Zommers and his team.
6. Enjoy lunch at Valter’s restaurant
The ingredients for Valter’s restaurant are grown by small scale farmers near Riga. They do not carry an organic label, but all the animals are free range and can go outside. The owners visit the farms themselves to guarantee the quality they wish for.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere.
7. Go to the old city
Walk around and explore Riga’s rich history. A history that is heavily influenced by Russia, Germany, and Sweden. Famous architecture includes ‘The House of Blackheads’. It was built in the 14th century, severely damaged during World War II, and rebuilt in 1999.
Livu square is a very photogenic spot to visit. It’s near restaurant Kalku varti.
‘Three brothers’ dates back to the 15th century and was built by men from only one family.
Riga’s nativity of Christ cathedral is the biggest Orthodox church in Riga.
8. Organic shop
Zala Govs, which means Green Cow in Latvian, is an organic food store. Unfortunately we were too late to pop in.
9. Canal cruise
Take a look at Riga from a different perspective: Join a canal cruise and explore the green side of Riga!
10. Minka cat cafe
Are you a cat lover? Minka cat cafe is a must-visit! It’s situated outside Riga’s old town. It’s best to rent a bike or take a taxi to get there.
