Most visitors’ first and indelible impression of the Latvian capital is its majestic skyline as seen from the left bank of the Daugava River.
Travelers will find a breathtaking range of architectural styles in the historical center of Riga. After all, Riga is over 800 years old. Each century has left its mark on the architecture of the Old Town and City Center, where cultural heritage coexists with the fast pace of modern life.
It’s no surprise that Riga is known as the “Pearl of Architecture.” It’s a city where one can see churches built at the city’s origin, medieval Old Town buildings, and wooden architecture that has survived for centuries, all in one place. Furthermore, Riga’s wealth of Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau, buildings, complete with fantastically ornate flourishes, is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Riga is a proud city, embracing its heritage while offering a modern infrastructure and a variety of activities. Visitors can leisurely shop in the Old Town, where they will find art galleries in narrow streets and little shops selling souvenirs. They can also visit Riga’s revitalized Warehouse District, which hosts one of the city’s most anticipated flea markets.
Spīķeri Flea Market
Once a month, treasure hunters and vintage oddities enthusiasts gather in Riga’s revitalized Warehouse District, also known as the Spīķeri quarter, near the Central Market, for alternative shopping fun. Since the 14th century, the Spīķeri quarter has served as a major warehousing area where cargo was loaded and unloaded before being traded in Riga. Therefore, the Spīķeri district is quite familiar with the spirit of trade.
The renovated brick buildings surrounding the Spīķeri Flea Market now house a variety of shops, galleries, and cafés. On flea market days, visitors can purchase antiques, vintage furniture, retro clothing, vinyl records, jewelry, and other knickknacks.
Spīķeri Flea Market
Where: Maskavas 8, Rīga, LV-1003, Latvia
When: Once a month on Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm.
Website: spikeri.lv
Latgale Tirgus Flea Market
The daily Latgales Flea Market, also known as the Latgalīte Flea Market, is legendary among flea market enthusiasts in Riga. It is considered by many to be one of the best flea markets in the Baltic region, despite being located in the least popular part of Riga.
Travelers who do not leave the Old Town district during their stay may get the impression that this grand city does not face economic struggles. However, a visit to the Latgales Flea Market will offer a glimpse into the town’s past and present, influenced by Russian, German, and Scandinavian cultures.
At the Latgale Tirgus flea market, one can find almost anything, from old vinyl records and useful household items to different kinds of bicycles (this flea market literally overflows with bicycle parts), obsolete electronics, suitcases, old coins, books, and an endless assortment of junk. The most interesting stalls, however, sell Soviet-era memorabilia, such as pins and Red Army uniform parts.
If you need to buy a gift for a friend or a souvenir from your trip to Riga, the Latgale Tirgus flea market is the place to visit! Although the market mainly sells hardware goods, there are plenty of hidden gems among the metal and tools! You should also visit Latgale Tirgus while you can, as there are talks about its future. Some parts have already been cleared out.
Most of the sellers at the market only speak Russian. However, a few of them also speak English. Note that taking pictures is not allowed in Latgale Tirgus, which is strange.
Tips for shoppers
- Visit the Latgalīte Flea Market in the morning. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some sellers start leaving as early as 1 p.m.
- Be aware of pickpockets. Some shady people hang out at the entrance while others walk around the market.
- Bring a local with you to ease communication and avoid overspending on things that are exotic to you yet common in this region. (Thank you, Toms Mūrnieks, for these great tips!)
Latgalīte Flea Market / Latgales Flea Market
Where: Firsa Sadovņikova iela 9, Rīga, LV-1003, Latvia
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm