Latvia blends medieval charm with Art Nouveau splendor in the heart of the Baltics. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga to pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea, this compact country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Latvian Linen
Hand-woven linen tablecloths, runners, and napkins featuring traditional Baltic patterns. Linen has been produced in Latvia for centuries and remains a prized export.
Price: $15-80
Where: Riga Central Market, Old Town craft shops
Baltic Amber Jewelry
Latvia sits on the eastern Baltic coast where amber has been harvested for thousands of years. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings range from raw natural pieces to polished designer settings.
Price: $10-200
Where: Alberta iela boutiques, Riga Central Market amber hall
Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais Balzams)
Latvia's iconic herbal liqueur made from 24 plants, roots, and berries. The 500ml bottle in distinctive black ceramic container is the quintessential Latvian souvenir.
Price: $12-20
Where: Supermarkets, Duty Free at RIX airport, Latvijas Balzams shop
Latvian Pottery
Hand-thrown earthenware decorated with traditional folk motifs including sun, moon, and ancient Latvian symbols. Mugs, bowls, and decorative plates make practical gifts.
Price: $8-45
Where: Latvijas Keramika shop, Berga Bazārs, craft markets
Carved Wooden Items
Handcrafted wooden spoons, cutting boards, and decorative pieces featuring Baltic folk patterns carved by local artisans. Often made from local birch or oak.
Price: $5-60
Where: Ethnographic Open Air Museum shop, Riga Central Market
Laima Chocolates
Riga's beloved chocolate brand founded in 1870 sells beautifully packaged boxes of pralines, truffles, and milk chocolate bars. The Laima Clock on Brīvības bulvāris is an iconic city landmark.
Price: $6-25
Where: Laima flagship store on Brīvības iela 21, supermarkets
Latvian Wool Mittens
Traditional hand-knitted mittens decorated with geometric folk patterns in natural wool. Each region of Latvia has its own distinctive pattern, and mittens are central to Latvian folk tradition.
Price: $15-40
Where: Riga Central Market, Etnodesign shop, Miera iela boutiques
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Riga Central Market (Rīgas Centrāltirgus)
One of Europe's largest and best-preserved market complexes housed in five historic zeppelin hangars. Separate pavilions for meat, fish, dairy, vegetables, and dry goods plus hundreds of outdoor stalls.
Where: Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga
Hours: Daily 7:00-18:00
Berga Bazārs
Elegant 19th-century courtyard complex housing boutique shops, galleries, and eateries. The refined alternative to the Central Market, excellent for high-quality Latvian design and crafts.
Where: Elizabetes iela 83/85, Centrs, Rīga
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 11:00-17:00
Kalnciema Quarter Market
Popular Saturday farmers market in a historic wooden courtyard on the left bank of the Daugava. Local producers sell organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, homemade jams, and handcrafts.
Where: Kalnciema iela 35, Āgenskalns, Rīga
Hours: Saturdays 9:00-14:00 (summer), bi-weekly winter
Riga Flea Market (Rīgas Otrreizējā tirgus)
Large weekly flea market next to the Lido complex where vendors sell vintage items, Soviet memorabilia, antiques, second-hand clothing, and curiosities. Great for unique finds.
Where: Krasta iela 76, Rīga
Hours: Saturdays 8:00-13:00
Livu Square Christmas Market
Magical seasonal market in the heart of Old Town featuring wooden stalls with crafts, decorations, hot drinks, and traditional Latvian foods. Home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas trees.
Where: Līvu laukums, Riga Old Town
Hours: Late November - January 7, daily 10:00-21:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Old Town (Vecrīga)
Cobblestone streets lined with amber boutiques, craft shops, souvenir stores, and galleries. Alberta iela offers high-end design and antiques. Best for authentic Latvian crafts and amber jewelry.
Best for: Amber, linen, souvenirs, artisan crafts
Centrs (Brīvības iela & Barona iela)
Riga's main commercial corridor with international brands, fashion boutiques, and department stores. The pedestrianized section around Rātslaukums sees heaviest foot traffic.
Best for: Fashion, cosmetics, electronics, international brands
Miera iela (Peace Street)
Hip street in the Miera iela quarter lined with independent boutiques, concept stores, vintage shops, and artisan coffee roasters. Popular with young creatives and design-conscious shoppers.
Best for: Independent fashion, vintage, local design
Āgenskalns
Left-bank neighborhood with growing number of artisan studios, design shops, and craft boutiques. The Kalnciema Quarter market anchors the area every Saturday with local producers.
Best for: Local design, organic food, artisan goods
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Rīga Plaza
Large shopping center near Riga Central Station with over 120 stores including H&M, Zara, and local chains. Anchored by a Maxima hypermarket and a cinema multiplex.
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Alfa Shopping Center
One of Riga's largest malls in Ķengarags with over 200 shops, a food court, bowling alley, and a large Rimi hypermarket. Free parking and easy tram access from the city center.
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Galleria Riga
Modern multi-level shopping center on Dzirnavu iela in the Centrs district, housing international fashion brands, a cinema, restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. The most central major mall.
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Spice Home
Home and lifestyle megastore near the Mols shopping complex, specializing in furniture, interior design, and housewares. Popular for high-quality Scandinavian-style home goods at reasonable prices.
Hours: Daily 10:00-21:00
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in shops or supermarkets — fixed prices are the norm in Latvia
At the Riga flea market and outdoor antique stalls, modest negotiation on price is acceptable
Buying multiple amber pieces from the same vendor may yield a small discount if asked politely
Check for seasonal sales (January and July) when clothing shops offer 20-50% discounts
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export antiques over 50 years old without a permit from the Latvian State Inspection for Heritage Protection. Amber is not restricted but must be declared if value exceeds EU thresholds.
Tax Refund: Non-EU visitors can claim 21% VAT refund on purchases over €44 at Tax Free shops. Request a Tax Free form at the point of sale and present to customs at RIX airport before check-in.
Duty Free: EU citizens: no limits within personal use. Non-EU: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter spirits, 2 liters wine, goods worth up to €430 (air/sea) or €300 (land).
Shipping: International shipping available from Latvijas Pasts post offices throughout Riga. DHL, FedEx, and UPS offices handle larger parcels. Amber and craft shops can arrange international shipping for larger purchases.