Riga isn't a city you rush through. It's a city of hidden courtyards, creative neighbourhoods, remarkable food and conversations that continue long after the conference ends. Since you're already here, we've put together a few of our favourite places.
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Photos: LiveRiga
TASTE RIGA
From morning coffee to long dinners, Riga has a food scene that is much more interesting than you might expect.
Breakfest & coffee
KALVE Coffee
Rightly considered one of Riga’s prime coffee spots, it’s a place of the local roasters Kalve coffee. Due to its compact size, it’s not the kind of place you’d stay for hours, but if you need one thing, that is, an outstanding cup coffee, this is the place to find it. There’s also a small selection of sandwiches and pastries to accompany your cup.
Mon to Fri 8.00 - 19.00
Sat & Sun 9.00 - 19.00
Rocket Bean
Native coffee roasters have two outposts in the city. The café-cum-roastery on Miera street is refreshingly spacious, with plenty of hardwood tables to settle down. The smaller café on Dzirnavu street and Raiņa boulevard, also dressed in wood and warm lighting is equally cosy. All places make sandwiches, breakfast and lunch, but coffee, of course, takes centre stage.
Mon to Fri 8:00 – 20:00
Sat & Sun 10:00 – 20:00
Yolkhaüs
Yolkhaüs is a place where breakfast never ends and the day starts whenever you decide. This café blends a calm urban rhythm with comforting breakfast food that satisfies both hungry souls and stomachs, and music played from vinyl records - warm, slightly raw, and genuinely authentic.
At the heart of Yolkhaüs are eggs, served in a variety of creative and classic interpretations.
Mon 8:00 – 16:00
Tue 8:00 - 21:00
Wed & Thu 8:00 - 16:00
Fri 8:00 - 23:00
Sat 9:00 - 23:00
Sun 9:00 – 20:00
MĪKLA bakery
If you go to MĪKLA bakery, then you are in a fabulous kingdom of puff pastry and sourdough bread! The heavenly aroma that fills the bakery will make you linger longer and taste not only the cardamom and cinnamon buns, but also the croissant, a bread with crunchy herbs and a stretchy cheese or apple mousse.
Mon to Fri 7:30 – 20:00
Sat & Sun 9:00 - 20:00
Mon to Fri 8:30 – 19:00
Sat & Sun 9:00 - 19:00
Bazaar Bakery
Bazaaar Bakery, where every bite is like a warm hug from home. Here on the shelves are freshly baked delicacies, each of them prepared with love and passion - starting with traditional pastries and butter croissants, ending with delicious and special bakery products, such as limoncello croissants and rolls with apricots and blue cheese! Here every day is a celebration of taste and togetherness!
Mon to Fri 8:00 – 19:00
Sat 09:00 - 17:00
Sun 10:00 – 17:00
Mon to Sun 10:00 – 21:00
Mon to Fri 8:00 – 19:00
Sat 09:00 - 18:00
Sun 09:30 – 17:00
Source: LiveRiga
Lunch & dinner
The 3 Chefs
The Three Chefs restaurant "Tam Labam Būs Augt" is an open-kitchen restaurant that is beloved by both locals and visitors of Riga alike. Here, you can experience the best of modern Latvian cuisine, accompanied by a selection of carefully curated drinks. But it's not just the food that makes this restaurant so special - it's the unforgettable experience that comes with it.
Mon to Sun 17:00 - 23:00
B7
B7 is a small brasserie-style restaurant on a quiet street in the center of Riga. The restaurant serves a modern selection of classic flavors and seasonal dishes, which are praised by visitors. B7 takes pride in its specially curated and refined wine menu.
Sun & Mon CLOSED
Tue to Sat 17:00 - 23:00
Entresol
At expert chef's Raimonds Zommers' Entresol, classical style remains the heart and soul with the latest trends at the forefront.
Here your taste buds will have a jolly holiday. 11 appetizers of wide variety along with the standard menu greet you - to get you rolling on this flavor-sensation carousel.
Sun to Tue CLOSED
Wed to Sat 17:00 - 23:00
Iesmi bistro
Bistro Iesmi is the contemporary shashlik spot in Riga, led by beloved Latvian chef Mārtiņš Sirmais. Here, you can enjoy a variety of meat dishes, served with an array of delicious sides – pita bread, fresh salads, miso broth, and special sauces. It’s a place where traditional shashlik meets a modern twist and incredible flavors.
Mon & Tue 12:00 - 21:00
Wed to Sat 12:00 - 22:00
Sun 12:00 - 20:00
Shōyu
At Shōyu, a renowned restaurant in Riga, you'll experience the authentic way of enjoying ramen. Inspired by the Japanese tradition, here, it's all about savoring the moment and the flavors. Just like the legendary chef Sano-san, also known as "Oni" or "demon" in Japan, who expected his guests to fully immerse themselves in the broth, you will be savoring every bite and slurping for maximum flavor.
Sun to Tue 12:00 - 21:00
Wed to Sat 12:00 - 22:00
Stūris
Stūris is a contemporary restaurant in Riga, offering a modern take on European cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations. With its warm, stylish atmosphere and carefully crafted dishes, Stūris is a welcoming destination for those looking to explore Riga’s evolving dining scene.
Mon to Thu 12:00 - 22:00
Fri to Sun 12:00 - 23:00
SMOR Bistro
SMOR is a place where simplicity meets quality. A modern bistro inspired by Nordic flavors, using seasonal, high-quality ingredients in thoughtful, honest dishes. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed. SMOR is not about luxury – it is about taste, feeling, and story. Everyday life here becomes a pleasure.
Mon to Thu 12:00 - 22:00
Fri to Sun 12:00 - 23:00
Source: LiveRiga
AFTER HOURS
From quiet cocktail spots to lively late-night bars, Riga has a drinking scene that is far more diverse than you might expect.
Truff le Pig
Truff le Pig - a champagne bar where sophistication and elegance are celebrated with every drink. Located away in the Quiet center, this stylish location provides a selection of fine champagnes carefully chosen to please the senses in an atmosphere of classic elegance and good company.
Mon to Thu 17:00 - 23:00
Fri & Sat 17:00 - 1:00
Sun 17:00 - 22:00
VIETA
VIETA is a wine-focused destination with an import program operating since the 2010 vintage. Its wine portfolio features gems of the world’s great classics from Burgundy and Champagne, complemented by contemporary avant-garde selections from Austria, Germany and other renowned winemaking regions.
Mon CLOSED
Tue 16:00 - 20:00
Wed & Thu 16:00 - 22:00
Fri & Sat 16:00 - 23:00
Sun 12:00 - 18:00
Wine Collectors
Wine Collectors is a refined wine bar in Riga dedicated to discovering exceptional wines from both renowned and emerging producers. With a carefully curated selection and an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, it is a destination for wine enthusiasts looking to explore distinctive bottles and new flavors.
Mon to Wed 11:00–20:00
Thu to Sat 11:00–22:00
Sun CLOSED
Gimlet Cocktail bar
The Gimlet Bar uses only natural ingredients - wild herbs, berries, and fruits - to create sophisticated drinks that celebrate northern and Latvian characteristics. Beets, pines, wild cherries, carrots, chokeberries, and fermented radishes - it's hard to believe that such components may create an unforgettable flavor in the realm of cocktails.
Sun & Mon CLOSED
Tue to Thu 18:00 – 00:00
Fri to Sat 18:00 – 2:00
Gastrobar Herbārijs
Gastrobar Herbārijs is an ecosystem of hospitality, taste and plants, which is located in a great place - on the terrace of the shopping center Galleria Riga, with a beautiful view over the roofs of the center of Riga. Herbārijs cocktails use a variety of herbs, fruits, berries, plant, peppers and tea. The menu is local and seasonal.
Sun & Tue 12:00 - 21:00
Thu & Wed 12:00 - 22:00
Fri & Sat 12:00 - 23:00
Labietis
Bar Labietis has won the hearts of the citizens of Riga for numerous years now and has established itself as a classic value where you can experience craft beer of varied strengths and flavors.
Mon to Thu 15:00 - 00:00
Fri & Sat 13:00 - 02:00
Sun 13:00 - 00:00
Saloon MyBeer
MyBeer has become a favorite among Riga’s beer lovers, offering a diverse selection of craft beers from Latvia and beyond. With a focus on quality, variety, and discovering new flavors, it is a welcoming spot for those who appreciate good beer and a relaxed city atmosphere.
Sun & Mon 14:00 - 22:00
Tue to Thu 14:00 - 23:00
Fri & Sat 14:00 - 1:00
Source: LiveRiga
EXPERIENCE RIGA
From slow afternoons to spontaneous adventures, Riga offers plenty of ways to experience the city beyond the usual tourist routine.
01 - Walk along Daugava at sunset
Watch Riga slow down as the sun sets over the Daugava. The riverfront offers some of the city's best views — and a perfect way to end a busy day.
02 - Visit a contemporary art space
Step into Riga's contemporary art scene and discover exhibitions, ideas and artists shaping the city's creative landscape. Look beyond the obvious - some of the most interesting spaces are tucked away from the main tourist routes.
Our suggestions:
Zuzeum Art Centre - a contemporary art centre with a dynamic exhibition programme focusing on Latvian modern and contemporary art.
Kim? Contemporary Art Centre - one of the most important contemporary art institutions in the Baltic region, presenting an international exhibition programme.
Galerija Alma - a contemporary art gallery representing established Latvian and Baltic artists.
Riga Contemporary Art Space - a contemporary art venue in Riga showcasing Latvian and international contemporary art while fostering dialogue around culture, society, and the role of art today.
Latvian National Museum of Art - as the country’s most important art museum, it houses the largest collection of artworks from the 18th century to the end of the 20th century created in Latvia.
03 - Go to a local market
Head to a local market, for example Riga Central Market, Kalnciema quarter on Saturdays or Āgenskalna Market and others, to see a more everyday side of Riga. Pick up seasonal produce, local flavours and something to snack on while exploring the city.
04 - Go on a walk in a park
Riga being one of the greenest capitals in Europe, we recommend taking some time to explore the city beyond its streets and architecture. From the spacious Victory Park (Uzvaras parks) and peaceful Kronvalda Park to smaller gardens and leafy corners like Arkādijas Garden Park tucked throughout the city, Riga offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature. Whether you are looking for a relaxing walk, a quiet place to sit, or simply a different perspective of the city, Riga’s parks are well worth discovering.
Source: LiveRiga
EXPLORE RIGA
Riga is a city made for looking up.
Medieval rooftops, elaborate Art Nouveau facades, wooden houses, brutalist landmarks and the wide Daugava river all sit within a surprisingly compact city centre.
If it’s your first time here, start with these neighbourhoods to understand the diversity of our city.
Miera iela
Coffee, creative energy & a slower side of Riga.
Just a 20-minute walk from Old Town, and 10 minutes by tram, away from the hustle bustle of the inner city and its congested streets - it's the so-called Miera ielas Republic - the arts quarter that evolved quite naturally.
In this creative, open and lively environment, cafés, bars, independent shops and cultural spaces have found a home. Along Miera iela, you’ll come across local design at M50 which is one of the most well-known Latvian fashion concept stores, featuring clothing, jewellery and accessories by local designers, stop for coffee at KALVE or Rocket Bean, discover the Laima Chocolate Museum, grab a pizza at Buono Buono, where the sunny spirit of southern Italy meets the calm rhythm of Riga or wander further towards Tallinas kvartāls and its lively mix of food, drinks and events. With its independent spirit, creative energy and relaxed pace, Miera iela is a neighbourhood made for exploring, discovering and simply taking your time.
Quiet Centre
Art Nouveau, restaurants, bars & an evening well spent.
Riga is one of Europe’s great Art Nouveau cities, with an extraordinary concentration of early-20th-century architecture in the centre. The best place to start is around Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, then continue through the quieter streets of Vīlandes, Rūpniecības and Strēlnieku iela. Along the way, you can step inside the Art Nouveau Museum, visit the Latvian National Museum of Art, or slow down with a walk through Kronvalda Park or Esplanāde.
The fun part is not just finding the famous buildings — it’s noticing the details: faces, animals, masks, flowers, dramatic entrances and slightly eccentric balconies.
Old Town - Vecrīga
Cobblestone sidewalks, historical buildings & essential attractions.
The historic heart of Riga is a maze of cobblestone streets, church towers, hidden courtyards and centuries-old buildings. It’s the postcard version of Riga - and, actually, it’s worth the hype.
Walk without too much of a plan, and let the Old Town reveal itself as you go. Don’t miss St. Peter’s Church, Dome Square, the Three Brothers or Town Hall Square. Peek into hidden courtyards, wander down the narrowest streets and stop for a coffee at the charmingly romantic Parunāsim - or simply whenever you feel like taking a break.
Āgenskalns
Wooden houses, hidden courtyards & local charm.
Just across the Daugava, Āgenskalns feels a world away from the bustle of the Old Town. Wander through quiet streets lined with colourful wooden houses, small gardens and hidden corners. It’s one of Riga’s most charming neighbourhoods — local, relaxed and full of character.
Take your time exploring the streets around Āgenskalns Market, pop inside for a look around and grab something to eat from a local producer or see what Victory Park (Uzvaras parks) has to offer. Follow the tram tracks, peek into the courtyards and stop for a coffee at one of the neighbourhood’s cosy cafés. No itinerary needed — just wander, slow down and see where the afternoon takes you. And if the day is too gloomy for you and you want to spend it indoors National Library of Latvia is just the place for you.
Source: LiveRiga
AFTER THE FORUM
Celebrities’ Outfits Exhibition at The Fashion Museum
24 Apr - 5 Nov
The Fashion Museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary by rolling out the red carpet—the museum’s spring/summer exhibition features celebrity outfits from the museum’s collection.
Acquired at specialized auctions, these outfits offer a closer look at influential figures, show business stars, and screen and stage legends—from Elizabeth Taylor to Nicole Kidman, from Cher to Madonna, and from Margaret Thatcher to Kim Kardashian. Many of the outfits were created by famous fashion houses or designed by renowned costume artists—they also tell the story of the fashion trends of their time.
Learn more HERE
"Krāminieks" flea market at Āgenskalns market
Oct 30th & Nov 1st
08:00 - 15:00
If you love treasure hunting or simply enjoy browsing through history, the Krāminieks flea market is a must-see when visiting Riga. Held every weekend in the outdoor courtyard of Āgenskalns Market, it offers a rich mix of antiques, vintage items, household goods, old tools, vinyl records, postcards, clocks, and quirky collectibles. It’s a place where you might find a unique souvenir and also enjoy a cozy atmosphere among locals, collectors, and families. Whether you’re browsing, bargain-hunting or just people-watching, Krāminieks can give you a glimpse into both Riga’s past and everyday life.
Learn more HERE
Riga Restaurant week
2 Nov - 15 Nov
Along with the burst of colours in parks and gardens, Riga Restaurant Week returns to delight gourmets in the autumn evenings with exquisite meals and a warm atmosphere! Once again, the virtuoso chefs will create splendid works of art in the kitchen from the freshest local products the colourful harvest offers. The Riga Restaurant Week will take place in November, and more than 50 city restaurants will offer special three-course menus.
Information about the participating restaurants and their special offers will be available in the second half of October.
To enjoy the meal at your desired time, you must make a table reservation in advance.
Learn more HERE
Riga Music Week 2026
4 Nov - 11 Nov
If you love discovering new music or simply enjoy experiencing Riga at its most lively, Riga Music Week is a must-see. Taking place across the city, the festival brings together a diverse mix of emerging and established artists from Latvia and beyond, with concerts spanning different genres and venues. It’s a great chance to discover new sounds, meet music lovers and experience Riga’s creative atmosphere. Whether you come for a favourite artist, to explore something new or simply enjoy the city after dark, Riga Music Week offers a unique glimpse into Riga’s vibrant contemporary music scene.
Learn more HERE
Source: Riga Music Week / Facebook
Drawing exhibition - Embodied Thought
18 Jul - 8 Nov
The exhibition taking place at The National Museum of Art will reveal the diversity of drawing and its historical development in Latvia from the 18th to the 21st century, highlighting artists in whose practice drawing plays a significant role.
The concept of the exhibition is based on the relationship between drawing and thinking, emphasizing drawing’s ability to create an empathetic experience and allowing the viewer to approach the artist’s thought process.
The exhibition will feature 97 artists from different generations — beginning with Johann Christoph Brotze and representatives of classical art, continuing with leading figures of contemporary art, and concluding with artists born in the 1990s. This broad historical survey will allow visitors to trace the development of Latvian art up to the present day through the personal and fragile medium of drawing, revealing its ability to connect both generations and eras.
Learn more HERE
Exhibition - Book in Latvia
1 Jun - 30 Jan
The National Library of Latvia permanent exhibition Book in Latvia is a story of the history of Latvian book in a global context, inspired by the new image of the library. At the center of the permanent exhibition is the book – both as a material object and as a social and spiritual phenomenon that has changed and is still changing society at large as well as individual lives and minds.
The connection between historical contents and the present day, contemporary design and interactive solutions are among the reasons why Book in Latvia will be of interest to different audiences. The permanent exhibition is located on the first floor of the National Library, and can be viewed during regular working hours free of charge.
Learn more HERE
