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Fairs, bazaars, and market squares – around the world they gather local farmers, creators, and vendors. They also attract a lot of tourists. Riga Central Market is a place that thousands of Riga residents visit every day, but it is also popular among travelers visiting the city!
I first visited the market out of curiosity and was immediately impressed. During subsequent visits, I kept discovering something new each time, and if you, like me, are fans of interesting tastes in a local products, then you will surely like it too!
Location and opening hours
Riga Central Market (Centrāltirgus) is practically located in the center of the city. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. Right next to the market, there are the bus and train stations. Taking the city bus from the airport to the center, you will pass by the marketplace and you can start your adventure with the capital of Latvia right there. That’s what I did and it was a good idea.
The market area is bordered on one side by a canal with water (Pilsētas kanāls) and stretches to Pūpolu iela. There is a large parking area behind the market, just above the Daugava River, but watch out for renovations and changes in traffic organization. They may end soon, but during my visit, the area around the market was quite dug up.
Different sections vary when it comes to opening hours:
Meat Pavilion: Monday – Sunday 7:00-18:00 Sunday 7:00-17:00
Vegetable, Fish, Dairy, and Gastronomy Pavilion: Monday – Saturday 7:30-18:00 Sunday 7:30-17:00
Farmers’ Market (Gaiziņa str., Spīķeru str., Pūpolu str.) Sales from cars: Monday – Sunday 17:00-7:30 Sales from stalls: Monday – Sunday 00:00-24:00
Night Flower Market (Pūpolu str.): Monday – Sunday 19:00-7:00
History of the Riga Central Market
The history of this place dates back to 1930. Interestingly, parts of the hangars used in its construction were originally used to garage German zeppelins. These hangars stood near the town of Liepāja (Vaiņode military base). They were transported to Riga in 1926. After four years, the project led by Pāvils Dreijmanis was completed. During the move, it was decided to modify the original structure of the hangars, as in their original form they were difficult to heat.
The marketplace is part of the historic center of Riga and, as such, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Central Market today
Today, the Riga Central Market consists of five market halls. They are each 240 meters long, 42-46 meters wide, and 35-38 meters high. However, this market is not only about the mentioned halls. It includes the buildings of former warehouses, a market square, and outdoor stalls. The market is owned by the City of Riga.
It is estimated that there are around 3,000 stalls at the market. Their profile is diverse, but you will read about that in a moment. At the time of opening, it was the largest market in Europe. Today, it still ranks highly in various rankings.
After returning to Poland, I found information that you can book a tour of the market on its website. According to the offer, during the tour, you will learn about the history of the place, go down to the cellars, and onto the viewing platform.
Look for details on the website of the Riga Central Market (translation available in Russian and English).
My visits to the Market took place in the morning and afternoon hours, and I can reveal to you that any time of day is good! When planning a visit to Riga, you can easily schedule a market visit at any time during the day.
What will you find there?
We often come to the market primarily to buy something. The Riga Central Market also primarily serves a commercial function. The stalls located there can be divided into those inside the halls, which I just described, and those outside. We can also identify a third category – outdoor stalls, but those that are not regular stands, rather places where older people can offer their crafts or harvests.
During my visit, strawberries and early vegetables were the stars of the show at the stalls. From what I managed to learn from friends, the offer changes with the seasons. Mushrooms, seasonal fruits, pumpkins, and other products directly related to the time of year appear.
This market is the perfect place for fruit and vegetable shopping. A huge number of stalls offer this assortment and there is plenty to choose from. Here you will find both local and imported products. At this bazaar, you will find a large selection of meat as well as fish and seafood, and there are also many options waiting for every cheese and dairy fan.
As befits a proper market, you will also find something to eat “hot”. You can find snacks from around the world. Pierogi, chebureki, as well as burgers or pizza, are waiting for you.
At the Riga Central Market, you will also find plenty of curiosities. In addition to local products such as Latvian cheeses or bread, you can also find stalls offering sauna accessories. Special caps and various kinds of branch bundles await you there.
Pickles have their own special place at the market. If you like such delights, you will have plenty to choose from, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, garlic, beans, but also, for example, apples! Be sure to try them.
Between the stalls, you may come across handicrafts and souvenirs. There aren’t many, but you will surely find something.
Is it worth visiting?
Definitely, it is worth visiting the Riga Central Market! Why? There are several reasons. The first is its size and the great impression it makes on visitors. The second is the diversity of products, many of which are local, and finally, the third is the diversity and multiculturalism that you will experience at the market.
If during your stay in Riga you plan to do some shopping, even just snacks for further sightseeing, or if you are looking for a place to eat a local meal, this is the place for you!
