Total distance: 6.7 km
Map – here
Historically this neighborhood has seen a lot, even for Riga which has generally been in the midst of many large conflicts and changes over time. This area has gone from being the most feared in Riga to one of the highest demands in search for a living space.
Let’s look into it!
Centrāltirgus
(Central market)
One of the oldest and largest markets in Riga, Latvia and in whole Europe too. Soon enough this magnificent place will be celebrating its 100th birthday. Originally, these pavilions were used for storing airships but after World War 1 it was decided to transport them to the city center and create a market inside.
Central Market is divided into several pavilions with aach serving a purpose of its own. Here local marketers are selling some of the freshest and highest quality products you’ll find in Riga. Vegetables, meat, fish, milk, restaurants, flowers and the list goes on. In simple terms there’s a pavilion for everything.
Address: Nēģu iela 7
facebook.com/RigasCentraltirgus
facebook.com/RigasCentraltirgus
facebook.com/RigasCentraltirgus
Spīķeri
This is home to one of the most popular Flea Market in Latvia. Sellers from all over the country come here every Saturday to present their valuables and interesting finds. What’s best – you may also buy them! Before the construction works of Central Market, 58 warehouses were scattered all over the area, used for storing goods that were transported through Riga.
Modern Spīķeri reminds little from those times but you can still feel the vibrant, busy trading atmosphere of a port city here.
Adress: Maskavas iela 8
facebook.com/spikeri
facebook.com/spikeri
facebook.com/spikeri
facebook.com/rigaghettomuseum
Rīgas Geto un Latvijas holokausta muzejs
(Museum of Riga Ghetto and Holocaust in Latvia)
Located near to where an actual Jewish ghetto once was, this Museum holds information on everything Jewish people had to experience through the 20th century. Their tradition, culture and education as well as the tragic events of WW2.
Stones from the actual Riga Ghetto are placed all around the museum’s territory. There’s also a tree of life planted in the very center of the museum to honor those brave people who tried rescuing and saving lives of Jews at the time. And of course, the eye watering memorial dedicated to 70 thousand Latvian and 25 thousand Jewish people from other European countries who became victims of the holocaust taking place in the territory of Latvia.
Rīgas Geto un Latvijas holokausta muzejs
Adress: Skolas iela 6
Lastādija
As it usually happens with buildings left for rotting, also this place has been taken over by creativity of local people. In Lastādija’s case – Free Riga movement. Name originates from what this neighborhood was called historically, in the 14th century when Riga was a member of the Hanseatic League. And in German this word would mean cargo.
Today it’s a place of truly authentic and unique art. They are organizing all kinds of events here. From chess tournaments to poetry readings and heavy metal rave parties. You never know what to expect from here exactly but one thing is for sure – it’ll be something to remember.
Adress: Turgeņeva iela 15
Latvijas zinātņu akadēmija
(Latvian Academy of Science)
What many believe to be the most impressive building in Riga was built in the 1950s. It’s used by a non-governmental scientific institution of approximately 300 local and international experts for storing all the knowledge on history, culture and language of Latvia. For passing information to future generations.
Apart from holding extremely valuable value in society, this building also offers one of the best sights over rooftops of Riga. For only 6 eur a ticket you may get all the way up to the 17th floor. Once there, time stops quite literally. There’s no limit to how long a person can stay up there, observing the city rush from above.
Adress: 1 Akadēmijas Square
Rīgas Jēzus evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca
(Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jesus)
Although well hidden in the concrete jungle, Jesus Evangelical Lutheran Church of Riga is the largest historical wooden building in Latvia. It’s also one of the largest such churches in Europe. Built between 1818 and 1822, it’s a true wonder how it has been able to stay untouched throughout the colorful history of this country.
Adress: Elijas iela 18
Rīgas Horālās sinagogas Holokausta memoriāls
(Great Choral Synagogue Memorial)
Originally founded in 1871 this Synagogue was burned down with all the people inside while in the midst of a prayer service on July 4, 1941. Today a memorial has been reconstructed inside these ruins in memory of those whose lives were taken away. Another memorial right next to it was presented in 2007, dedicated to everyone who helped provide for Jews during the dystopical events of WW2.
Adress: Dzirnavu iela 124
Krāmu tirgus “Latgale”
(Flea market “Latgale”)
If you want to find truly authentic goods while with the option of bargaining then you’re looking for this place. Old records, audio systems, coins and so much more to choose from. Sellers are very dedicated here too so feel free to ask questions and find out about history and specifics of valuables that may be found here.
Adress: Firsa Sadovņikova iela 9A
Katkevich
After all this exploring, why not stop for a cup of good coffee and freshly prepared meal? Katkevich offers unique breakfast options all day long (Until 5pm) but we recommend you to try their specials – french onion soup and Farmer’s breakfast which really seems more like a full course for any time of the day.
Adress: Lāčplēša iela 114
Miera un Klusais, Ukrainas dārzi
In exact translation to english, these parks would be called ġardens of peace and quiet, Ukraine. Although it might get a little bit crowded during a warm Sunday afternoon, make no mistake, these parks stand by their names. It’s only recently that the quiet garden got renamed to the garden of Ukraine. Frankly, all territory is simply one large park with a street crossing in the middle but nevertheless, each garden might take you to a slightly different feeling.
Muzejs “Mūsu bērnība”
What did we do before there was technology? How did kids spend their free time then? Especially if it was raining or too cold outside thus meaning nobody was allowed to play hide and seek. The truth is there were plenty of toys to entertain kids with back then. In fact some of them seem much cooler than ipad, xbox and nintendo all combined! Most of them you’ll find in this small museum.
Adress: Dzērvju iela 6
LIDO atpūtas centrs
If you ask any person who grew up in Latvia during the 2000’s they will surely have warm memories for this place. It’s any child’s paradise, offering multiple carnival like attractions and some of the tastiest Latvian food around.
Carousels, trampolines and a special electric car city during summer and an ice rink in a proper christmas atmosphere during winter. No matter when you decide to visit LIDO – it will turn into a pleasant experience for the whole family.
Adress: Krasta iela 76
