What to See
Gasometers
At 114 Matīsa Street, you’ll find striking early 20th-century industrial structures—giant gasometers that were once part of a gas plant.
Gasometers are special reservoirs built to store and regulate gas. In the mid-19th century, Riga introduced gas-powered street lighting, which required dedicated infrastructure. Neighbourhood+ previously published an in-depth article on the history of Latvian gas plants and gasometers.
ZUZEUM
This museum was founded by Jānis and Dina Zuzāns, who have assembled the world’s largest private collection of Latvian art. Since its opening in 2020, Zuzeum has quickly become one of Latvia’s leading art centers. Its rotating temporary exhibitions attract thousands of visitors from around the world. Check their website for the latest event schedule.
Koka Rīga
Avoti is home to many historic wooden buildings. The cultural center Koka Rīga supports the preservation of this architectural heritage, offering expert consultations and educational resources on restoration. The center also hosts exhibitions and lectures on the challenges of maintaining wooden architecture. Visit their website to learn more about their work.
Ziedoņdārzs
Ziedoņdārzs Park has a unique layout that sets it apart from most parks in Riga. It feels like a large courtyard, as many surrounding buildings face it with their sides (firewalls) rather than their facades. This is because the park was established in the late 1930s on the site of demolished barracks, warehouses, and workshops. Ziedoņdārzs serves as a kind of boundary between the grand stone architecture of the city center and the quiet streets lined with low-rise wooden houses. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat. Be sure to check out the fountain adorned with frog sculptures.
Where to Eat
This Place Doesn’t Need A Name
A café-bar chain offering a great selection of breakfasts and drinks. Avoti is well known among craft beer lovers, but you can also find quality cocktail spots here. This Place Doesn’t Need A Name is one of them, with its Negroni—made with gin and vermouth—being a particular favorite among guests.
Daudz Laša
If you’re a fan of fish and seafood, be sure to visit one of the two Daudz Laša restaurants in Riga. One of them is located at Avotu iela 41, serving what many consider to be some of the best sushi rolls in the city. Check out the full menu on their website—bonus points for the stylish design!
Karbonādes
The specialty here is meat cutlets, served with carefully selected wines, along with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. In warmer months, guests can enjoy a spacious outdoor terrace.
Frescoland Pasta
A small, cozy café specializing in homemade pasta. Here, you can witness the entire pasta-making process, from kneading the dough to the final dish. Frescoland Pasta doesn’t have a website, but it’s worth visiting Avotu iela 41 to experience it for yourself.
Banana Leaf
This restaurant offers a wide selection of South Indian cuisine, from uniquely prepared chicken dishes to an array of vegan options. Located in a quiet and cozy courtyard, away from the bustling Marijas Street. Find out more about Banana Leaf on their website.
Where to Drink and Have Fun
Aleponija
A cozy bar housed in a small wooden building, regularly hosting both free and ticketed cultural events—concerts, presentations, and more. The venue’s creative atmosphere is enhanced by interior murals, books, and magazines available for reading. It offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at moderate prices. Plus, a friendly resident cat adds to the charm. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Laska V21
A popular Riga bar with a club-like atmosphere, complete with a dance floor and a concert stage. Here, you can enjoy music from various genres, with performers visiting from dozens of countries, showcasing diverse cultures. Many concerts have free admission—just place an order at the bar. Find the event schedule on their website.
Nurme Brewery & Taproom
Nurme operates a brewery combined with a bar at Vagonu iela 21 and a second cozy bar at Avotu iela 53. The brewery venue occasionally hosts concerts, quizzes, and other entertainment events. The Avotu location is perfect for enjoying a candlelit evening with a glass of craft beer. Check their website for the latest drink selection and new releases.
Alus Rūme Trofeja
The creators of Trofeja proudly claim to run the smallest brewery in Latvia. They see this as an advantage, allowing them to experiment frequently with beer varieties. At their bar on Avotu iela 74, you’ll find unconventional flavors like dill, lemongrass, coriander, and even birch whisk aromas.
Bolderāja 27
Possibly Riga’s quirkiest bar. Officially listed as a bookstore, it surprises visitors with its unconventional mix of literature and beer-filled glasses. A well-known gathering spot for anarchists, it occasionally hosts creative events—stay updated via their Facebook page.
Decanter
A small wine bar and shop where you can purchase quality wines to take home or enjoy a few glasses on-site. The wine selection is curated by the owner, Roman, a true connoisseur of grape-based beverages. His prices are among the best in Riga. Light snacks such as cheese, cured meats, olives, and sauces are also available.
Alus bārs
This bar has no website or social media presence. Almost everyone we’ve mentioned it to has noticed it before but hesitated to step inside. We finally did—and didn’t regret it. If you’re looking for craft beer, fancy cocktails, or gourmet food, you won’t find any of that at Alus bārs on Avotu iela 57. Instead, you’ll experience a unique, unchanged atmosphere and meet longtime regulars. It seems like nothing here has changed in the past 30 years—including the prices: a 0.5L beer costs around €2.50.
