Markets in Riga that are definitely worth a visit

A quick guide to the different types of markets

If you’re confused by all the titles and are having trouble distinguishing between farmers’ markets and dry markets, this list is just for you:

Flea. Did this name make you giggle as a child? You might not have known back then that it was not fleas they sold there, but second-hand, cheap and useful trinkets. Nowadays, these are modern markets where you can find all kinds of antiques;

Christmas. A paradise for fans of wintertime celebrations. At these markets, you can fill up on Christmas pastries and take home a heap of new decorations for your family: candles, balloons and ornaments. You can walk around for hours—don’t forget to warm up with some mulled wine;

Farmers’. The only products sold here are groceries. Often, these markets specialise in certain categories, like fish, fruit or vegetables;

Dry/Universal. On the contrary, you can find anything at these markets: fine-aged cheeses or a painting by up and coming artists;

Fairs. The type that used to take place under the house once a year at the same time. Sometimes fairs sell everything—flowers, potatoes, jeans, even pets—while others are dedicated to one theme, like handmade jewellery.

Let’s take a deerper dive into two of these—farmers’ and dry markets.

Farmers’ markets

The Riga Central market (Rīgas centrāltirgus):

Address: Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta

What’s on offer: meat, fish, milk, groceries, fruit and vegetables, souvenirs, restaurants

What it’s famous for: for its size—it is the largest market in Latvia

You can’t go round the whole market in one go—seeing as it’s the largest market in Europe. Located on the bank of the River Daugava next to station square and the Origo shopping centre.

The market used to be largely open air, but by the 20th century it was remodelled: an open and a covered area was created. The main reason being that the location was used to store German airships, which had been preserved since the First World War. Now the rebuilt hangars serve as pavilions for market customers.

The market is divided into 5 large pavilions: meat, fish, milk, general and fresh fruit & veg. There are many different establishments in the pavilions. For example, the fish pavilion has a restaurant called Silkites un Dillites (“herrings and dill”) where you can order fresh fish. While you wait, feel free to browse the posters displaying the different species of fish found in the Baltic Sea.

In the passage between the pavilions you can buy souvenirs—like leather goods and ceramics. There are warehouses and refrigerators underneath the pavilions where everything is kept fresh.

Vidzemes farmers’ market (Vidzemes tirgus):

Address: Brīvības iela 90, Centra rajons

What’s on offer: meat, fish, fruit and veg, berries, mushrooms, fish, alcohol, flowers

What it’s famous for: delicious farm produce

Known as the Matveevsky market in the past. Owned by the merchant Matveev, who bequeathed the market to the city of Riga on condition that it be preserved as a historic location.

Farmers gather here with homemade produce: inexpensive chanterelles, juicy tomatoes, fresh berries, various cheeses and alcohol. You don’t have to eat before visiting the market—the vendors will feed and water you for free.

There are also a lot of seedlings for sale—great for those who want to decorate the garden or make their apartments a little bit greener. Make sure to bring some cash, not everyone accepts cards.

Bulduri Gastro Market (Bulduru tirgus):

Address: Vienības prospekts 11A, Jūrmala

What’s on offer: fresh food and restaurants

What it’s famous for: design

Only 20 kilometres from Riga and you are at the famous Bulduri market. In 2022, the buildings and the surrounding area were reconstructed. The market awaits its guests in an updated form: small wooden houses and an outdoor terrace.

Mostly fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and dairy products are on offer here. But shoppers don’t just come here for the delicious produce. Visitors choose the market as a meeting place—to share a coffee with delicious gluten-free pastries from Better Bread in the fresh air.

Don’t worry if you’re visiting as a group: just order some pizzas or soft bagels.

Shopping

Āgenskalns market (Āgenskalna tirgus):

Address: Nometņu iela 64, Zemgales priekšpilsēta

What’s on offer: meat, fruit & veg, honey, alcohol, restaurants, clothing

What it’s famous for: the variety of food and the large food court

It was closed for 4 whole years and reopened in May 2022 after restoration. On the ground floor you can find everything: sweets, meat, honey, sausages, vegetables, fruit and booze.

The first floor is where the food court lives. Here they sell kebabs, Ukrainian dishes, delicious coffee and craft beer. Visitors are especially fond of the pizzas at Vīnkalni. And you can work up an appetite at the art and designer clothes outlets, which pepper the market.

Kalnciema quarter market (Kalnciema kvartāla tirgus):

Address: Kalnciema Iela 35, Zemgales priekšpilsēta

What’s on offer: clothes, food, plants, watches and jewellery

What it’s famous for: themed festivals

Open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Latvian farmers and artisans gather in one place to offer everything you can think of: bread, smoked meat, honey, cheeses, designer clothes, handmade jewellery and flowers. There is also a wine boutique and café on the premises.

Many holidays are celebrated here. Almost every Saturday the market is dedicated to a specific theme, to which the assortment of market goods is adapted. For example, seasonal themed fashion and design markets have become very popular in recent years.

Feel free to let the little ones tag along, as there are various activities for kids: creative workshops, learning of ancient crafts, theatre performances, live music and more.