LATVIA: Riga
A scavenger hunt for cat statues hiding on top of medieval buildings.
FOOD
Riga Black Balsam, Latvian Honey Cake, local favorites.
FUN
Exploring Old Town. Floating down the canal.
TRAVEL
Riga
(HappyFoodFunTravel©2025)
WHAT WE DID: Riga
Wander the Old Town
The gorgeous, medieval Old Town is full of alleys to explore, artistic monuments, and a canal! You can also look across the river to the new buildings which was interesting to see the contrast.
Also keep an eye out for the cats on top of the buildings!
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EDSP Riga Central Market
A huge market in old German Zeppelin hangars. There’s a food hall, clothes market, tons of fresh fish and produce.
Visit the spa!
This part of the world is known for their saunas and spas. We visited ESPA Riga and loved their “Day Spa for Two” Package. It included access to the thermal Suite with saunas, steam rooms, and a pool, a massage, hair masque, and mini facial. Plus two cocktails from the rooftop bar to enjoy after your treatment!
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Canal Tour
A 1-hour long boat tour of the canal is a beautiful and relaxing way to see Riga from a different angle! Our tour spoke in English and shared facts about the landmarks we passed on the canal.
The tour was included in the Riga Pass, which we found valuable to have to cover a variety of activities. But depending on what you want to do, it may not make sense and you can book activities separately!
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Take part in Riga’s sports culture!
While basketball is Riga’s favorite sport, no games were hosted while we were in town. But Riga FC was playing so we had a lot of fun watching their win!
House of the Blackheads
Originally a meeting place for merchants, spend some time wandering through this gorgeous building.
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Try Riga Black Balsam
A traditional Latvian herbal liqueur, considered to be the national drink of Latvia.
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WHAT WE ATE: Riga
LIDO - The perfect spot to try classic Latvian food! Served cafeteria style, load up your plate with bites of everything to try.
Riga Central Market - One of the German Zeppelin hangars hosts a huge food hall with lots of dishes to try. We loved the cherry dumplings and the gyro.
Zefirs - A great spot for pizza and beer before the Riga FC game.
Ala Pagrabs - Descend the staircase into medieval times.
Mikla Bakery - Start the day with these amazing pastries.
Parunāsim kafe'teeka - A ‘hidden cafe’ near the town square. Try the Latvian honey cake!
(HappyFoodFunTravel©2025)
WHERE WE STAYED: Riga
The perfect central location. Would stay here again!
(HappyFoodFunTravel©2025)
