Riga Central Market

Latvian food tour by Rigatrips is a tour of local gastronomy in the largest open-air market in Europe, that will give you an understanding of the local Latvian food traditions and provide a wide selection of traditional local food samples – meat, bread, cheese, fish, local fermented vegetables, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, and sweets.

2 hour guided private tour around one of the largest marketplaces in Europe with tasting of many different local goods. Located in the heart of Riga, in just a few minute walk distance from Old Town, Riga Central market is one the largest marketplaces in Europe. It was built in the 1920s, inside several large hangars from World War I originally used for military airships, now serving as food pavilions. During the tour you will have degustation at five different sections: Fish: rye bread with sprats, lightly salted herring, local beer or soft drink. Vegetables: different kinds of salted cucumber (1 day, 1 week, 1 month), marinated cabbage (with beets, cranberry, curry), sauerkraut, marinated wild garlic, spicy carrot. Hemp: rye bread with hemp butter. Cheese: different kinds of Latvian cheese – smoked, with cumin, with cranberries. Meat: ham, different kinds of sausages (smoked, with berries, from turkey, pork, chicken), smoked chicken.  

Embark on a flavorful journey through Riga Central Market, the largest in the Baltic States and a true gem of Europe. Housed in historic German Zeppelin hangars, this vibrant market has been a city landmark since the 1930s. Discover Latvia’s rich culinary heritage as you sample fresh and smoked fish, artisanal meats, creamy dairy, pickled delights, berries, and authentic rye bread. Please note that traditional Latvian cuisine is meat, fish, and dairy-focused, making it less suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Our expert guide will immerse you in the stories behind these local flavors, making this tour not just a tasting experience, but a deep dive into Latvia’s culture and traditions.

Walk along the narrow streets of the Medieval Old Town with our knowledgeable guides. The tour starts from the Town Hall Square- the central square of the city from 13th to 19th century. You will find out why Riga is called the capital of the decorated Christmas tree, where the key of Riga is being kept and much more.

Experience the best that Riga can offer on this cultural and food tasting tour! Explore and discover Old Riga, Art Nouveau and Central Market – three "must see" districts in Riga during one tour. Together with a lovely local guide you will be able to immerse in the local culture, try real Latvian food, learn more about history and rich cultural heritage of Latvia, explore the best sights and enjoy stories about what makes Riga so unique and special. It will be a small-group tour where each tourist would be treated like a dear guest. You will be very warmly welcomed!

Book a Canal Boat Tour to enjoy an exclusive sightseeing experience in Riga, visiting Freedom Monument, Riga Central Market (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the National Opera building. As you cruise past these cultural and historical landmarks, you'll gain a unique perspective on Riga, unlike most tourists. This tour offers numerous photo opportunities from the water, capturing the city's iconic sites from a fresh viewpoint. Ideal for adventure seekers, families with children, and cultural enthusiasts, this tour provides immersive experiences, insider knowledge, and memorable encounters with local traditions. Discover Riga's charm and heritage from the tranquil setting of a canal boat, making your visit unforgettable.

Add a special touch to your trip to Riga with this relaxing boat ride, available during the day or in the evening, on a beautiful old wooden boat. Cruise along the peaceful Riga Canal and the wide Daugava River, passing under 19 of Riga’s bridges. Take amazing photos of famous sights like the Freedom Monument, Riga Central Market (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the National Opera. To make your trip even nicer, each guest will receive a welcome drink to enjoy while admiring the views. Whether you soak up the sunshine or watch the sunset paint the sky, you’ll return to your starting point with wonderful memories of Riga from the water.

Only bike tour in Riga using professional tour guide system and reflective vests. This makes our tour much more efficient and safe! Choose a real bike excursion instead of a bike ride for less money! In 2 hours of easy cycling, you'll experience more apart from the Old Riga Town landmarks which are out of comfort zone by walking but easily accessible by bike and more cycling-friendly than covered by cobblestones Old Town. Under the care of the local tour guide, you’ll be introduced with many interesting objects and places which are not necessarily included in tour guide books but are an important part of our city and it’s history. We’ll have also some short stops for taking pictures and have a closer look. Thanks to the fact that Riga is flat Free Riga Bike tour is well suited for cyclists of all ages and different fitness level.   

Enjoy different Riga sightseeing from the water (Riga Canal and Daugava river) on Your own – feel like an explorer! After a short instruction on paddling and safety, you'll receive full equipment, including a life jacket, to enjoy your trip on Riga’s waters. We’ll provide recommendations on where to go and what to explore based on your preferences – both on a map and at our rental point. The Riga Canal runs through the heart of Riga. See parks where locals and tourists enjoy the summer warmth, as well as the Latvian National Opera and the Freedom Monument, and the bustling Riga Central Market. If you wish, paddle in the wide Daugava River and be in the midst of boats, yachts, and ships. Children under 4 years old do not get their own seat, but we can provide a small backrest so that two adults and one child (under 4) can comfortably share a double kayak.

Very unique and markable building in city center. Offers 360° view of Riga, river Daugava and old town. Close to central market and rail station. Open till sunset. Spacious terrace, no waiting lines, unlimited visit time.

We can offer you a „Old town panorama” trip with our canal boats „ANNABELLA”, "ARABELLA" , "AMBER RĪGA". Our boats are equipped with environmentally friendly engines! During about 50 min long „Old town panorama" we can inspect the popular tourism objects from a different angle. The route while traveling along the canal meats Kronvalds Park, Bastejkalns, Latvian National Opera, Shopping centre Stockmann Riga International Coach Terminal and Riga Central Market. When entering the river Daugava you will be able to enjoy beautiful scenery of TV Tower in Zaķusala, Riga castle, Riga Cath¬edral and other towers of the Old city. During the voyage you will also see Andrejosta and , Riga passenger terminal. This is a trip where you are welcome to see Old city after 800 years. *The audio guide is played in one language throughout the boat (as background). The language is chosen as the majority of passengers want. Customers cannot listen to audio guides individually in 1 language.

Step off the typical tourist trail and explore the authentic heart of Riga on this unique tour. Visit the iconic Central Market, housed in historic Zeppelin hangars, where you'll dive into the world of Latvian food – learn about the flavors that define Latvian cuisine. Then, head to the towering Academy of Sciences, one of Riga’s most striking Soviet-era landmarks, offering a fascinating look at the city’s history and culture from a different perspective. Next, we’ll visit the Latgale Suburb (formerly known as the Moscow Suburb), an area that’s been rebranded to reflect the evolving identity of Riga. This neighborhood offers a unique window into Latvia’s complex geopolitical history and the blending of cultures in the modern city. This is your chance to see the real Riga — a place where the past and present intertwine in ways few tourists ever experience!

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey Through Latvia and the Baltic States! Discover the enchantment of Riga, the heart of Latvia and a shining beacon in the Baltic region. Our expertly crafted sightseeing tours, led by multilingual guides with over 10 years of experience, promise an experience that will leave you in awe. Riga: A City of Timeless Beauty Step into history: Explore Riga’s Old Town, a treasure trove of historical wonders. Marvel at architectural masterpieces: From Art Nouveau to Baroque, witness a cityscape that’s a canvas of cultural expression. Indulge in local flavors: The Riga Central Market, a bustling hub of Eastern European life, awaits with its rich tapestry of tastes and aromas. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your adventure begins here!

Discover Riga’s Culinary Treasures: Central Market & Beyond! Have you seen the Zeppelin-like structures across Riga Canal? They’re the iconic Riga Central Market. But this isn’t your typical market visit. It’s a sensory journey, a feast for your taste buds and a glimpse into Latvia’s soul. ✔ Meats and Smoked Delights: The aroma of smoked sausages and cured meats beckons. Try Latvian salami, tender beef, and artisanal bacon. ✔ Fish Galore: From the Baltic Sea to your plate! Savor smoked mackerel, flaky cod, and buttery salmon. ✔ Local Cheeses: Climb the Riga Science Academy observatory deck (yes, there’s an elevator!). As you gaze at the city, nibble on creamy Latvian cheeses. Each bite tells a story. ✔ Marinated Cabbage: Tangy, crunchy, and utterly Latvian. It’s a side dish that surprises and delights. ✔ Latvian Balsam: A sip of history! This herbal liqueur warms your soul. Let its flavors linger as you soak in the view. Book now and unwrap Latvia’s culinary secrets!

Discover the city on a private tour made just for you. Exciting excursion with a professional guide around Riga Central Market. Many interesting stories are hidden behind the walls of this building. You will learn how this market became the biggest market in Europe. Your friendly guide will tell you how the Central Market was used in the 20th century. You will experience the specialties of the Riga Central Market such as salads, sandwiches, fresh juices and many varieties of food. Not only food, you will walk by visiting historical attractions. You will find interesting and unexpected product combinations!

Honest tour of must-sees with the best* private guide of Riga Every city has it's good, bad and the ugly, and there's always the option of highlighting just one side of the coin. On this tour we try our hardest to stay as honest and objective as possible, not loosing the perspective of a local at the same time. 4-5 hours, including a coffee break, might seem long, but a half day tour like that is the shortest possible time to cover all the most important sights that Riga's heart has to offer without a rush. Still – depending on your desire or availability, it can be longer or shorter as well – you can decide during the tour. It's customisable as well, so if you'd like to drop a thing from the itinerary or add something different (eg, central market), the guide will be happy to adjust. We don't take tours more than 5 times a week, so the tour would stay fresh and the guide wouldn't become a machine of spouting facts and figures. * as described by his mother and some of his friends.

Firstly, after selecting most suitable transport – passenger car or minivan your tour will start along the central boulevards of Riga to Art Nouveau district.  You will be able to discover one of the largest and best-preserved collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. After that district excursion will continue to the Riga Central market, where on the way you will be able to enjoy City Canal parks, the Fine Arts Museum, the Freedom Monumen and Daugava river with its bridges. Reaching the Riga Central market you will enjoy the diversity of typical national food. Secondly, you will have the opportunity to leave your transport and continue with a walking tour through Riga Old Town seeing most famous sights like St. Peter's Church, St. Jacobs Church, Dom Square, and St. Dom Cathedral. You will be introduced with a secretes of Cat House and will see Town Hall Square with beautiful and elegant Blackheads House.

Discover the city on a private tour made just for you. There are many legends and stories hidden in the walls of the old Central Market building. You will find out how this market became the largest and most modern market in all of Europe. Your guide will tell you how the pavilions of the Central Market were used during World War II and hear what was the purpose of this building in Soviet times. You will also see interesting cellars of the market and the places around it. At the end of the tour, you will have a chance to try many different kinds of delicious Latvian food. You will also discover interesting and unexpected product combinations.

Hop aboard for a one-of-a-kind tasting adventure along the scenic Daugava River and Riga Canal, where you’ll pass iconic sights like the Freedom Monument, the UNESCO-listed Riga Central Market, and the stunning Latvian National Opera. This 50-minute private boat tour combines sightseeing with an authentic Latvian flavor experience — enjoy carefully selected local beer while taking in panoramic views from the water. With insider insights and a relaxed pace, it’s the perfect way to explore Riga’s culture from a new perspective. Ideal for couples, foodies, and curious travelers looking for a unique, immersive way to discover the city. Capture beautiful memories, taste the essence of Latvia, and toast to an unforgettable experience!

Is your cruise ship stopping in Riga? Excellent! You have a chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Riga historical center! We will go on a walking tour of Riga Old Town where you will hear many legends and fun stories of our city. Apart from the Old Town, you will also get to visit Central Market and art Nouveau district! Between all locations, we will take care of private transportation (as big as the group size requires). The driving tour gives a great chance to see Riga from different angles – impossible to do on feet in such a limited time. Our priority is our client so we will be happy to rearrange things to meet your interests! For example – you do not wish to go to the market, but you'd like to see more of wooden houses – we will customize the tour for you. If you would like to stop for a beer or a cup of coffee to enjoy the Old Town vibe – it is not a problem! We are happy to go off the path to make your time in Riga relaxing and enjoyable!