Shopping in Riga
Want a gift that's a bit more special than a Made in China t-shirt? Check out the great local artisans below.
Riga Central Market is one of the Big Five Sights.
Wool
Located on one of Old Riga's prettiest streets, Tīnes has kept Riga flesh and bones warm for over 20 years. Owned by the Vizmas family, the mittens, scarves, socks, jumpers and other soft stuff reflect their love of traditional Latvian ethnography.
Address: Riharda Vāgnera iela 5 (Old Riga)
Open: Mon-Sat 11:00-19:00, Sun 11:00-16:00
amber
Skip the tourist traps and check out the amber salon of Georgs Romulis. Revered for its healing properties and traded in ancient times with the Mediterranean, "Baltic gold" is Latvia's greatest treasure. Georgs' father was an amber artisan too, and Romulis junior gives the craft a contemporary twist.
Address: Krāmu iela 3 (Old Riga)
Open: Mon-Sun 11:00-19:00
traditional jewelry
To really win your beloved's heart, get him or her some Latvian jewelry from family-owned Baltu Rotas. The collection includes necklaces, brooches and rings, such as the Namejs for men. The Old Riga store also has a fascinating museum with pieces over 1,000 years old. Baltu Rotas also has a branch in Sigulda.
Address: Grēcinieku iela 11 (Old Riga)
Open: Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00, closed Sun
yes, t-shirts...
But M50 does nice ones by Latvian designers. As well as scarves, mugs, jewelry, and a lot more really nice stuff for reasonable prices.
Address: Miera iela 17 (Miera iela district)
Open: Mon-Fri 11:00-19:00, Sat 11:00-17:00, closed Sun
music
Conveniently next door to Tīnes, Upe is the go-to place for Latvian folk and choir CDs as well as a nice range of world music. You can also pick up traditional Latvian kokles, finger-plucked wooden harps, and other noisy things.
Address: Riharda Vāgnera iela 5 (Old Riga)
Open: Mon-Fri 11:00-19:00, Sat 11:00-16:00, Closed Sun
linen
Latvian linen is a beautiful and useful gift, and you won't go wrong in the Ars Tela salon where they weave wonderful items on the spot. Admire the home wares and fashion pieces, and book a tour to see the workshop.
Address: Smilšu iela 18 (Old Riga)
Open: Mon-Fro 10:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-17:30
vintage
Befitting a city with stylish people of modest means, Riga has a booming secondhand scene. Score bargain treasures at the two Otrā elpa stores, offering clothes, books, china and many more surprises.
Address: Stabu iela 35 and Marijas iela 8 (Riga city centre)
Open: Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 11:00-17:00, closed Sun
Silver
Silversmith Oleg Auzers creates wonders like the world's biggest silver castle (pictured). His shining wonders have been gifted to royals and presidents, and you can check them out at the Live Silver Museum (entry 10 euros, tours available) or buy some more modest pieces at the gift shop.
Address: Jēkaba iela 3/5 (Old Riga)
Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-18:00,