Riga: The Art Nouveau Soul of the Baltics
Discover the charm of Latvia’s capital, where history, art, and gastronomy come together.
The city
Nestled on the shores of the Daugava River, where history meets innovation, Riga, the enchanting capital of Latvia, invites you to step into a city that pulses with creative energy and timeless charm. A true Baltic gem, Riga blends breathtaking architecture, rich cultural heritage, and a flavorful culinary scene into one unforgettable experience.
Vecrīga – A Living Museum
Riga’s Old Town (Vecrīga), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mosaic of medieval lanes, colorful facades, and grand guild halls. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a living museum. St. Peter’s Church offers panoramic views of the city, while the iconic House of the Blackheads stands as a striking symbol of Riga’s prosperous Hanseatic past. Read more on Latvia.travel
Each building is a story waiting to be read in stone and stucco
Riga is the Art Nouveau capital of the world. More than one-third of its buildings showcase this elegant style, with flowing lines, floral motifs, and mythical figures. Stroll along Alberta iela and let each building tell a story in stone and stucco.
Museums That Tell Latvia’s Story
Museum of the Occupation: Discover the country’s history of occupation and resilience. Visit site.
Ethnographic Open-Air Museum: Walk among wooden homes in a pine forest and experience traditional Latvian rural life. Visit site.
Museum of Decorative Arts and Design: Explore creativity in ceramics, textiles, and modern design. Visit site.
A Taste of Latvia: Pure, Local, Delicious
Taste the Flavours of Latvia
Latvian cuisine is one of the country’s best-kept secrets—an experience that tells the story of the land and its people through every bite. Here, food isn’t just fuel, it’s a tradition shaped by nature, the seasons, and centuries of cultural influence.
From the first bite of fresh-baked rye bread to the rich flavors of smoked fish and forest-foraged mushrooms, Latvian dishes are rooted in simplicity, freshness, and comfort. Local ingredients—like dill, sour cream, berries, and wild herbs—bring a natural richness to the table.
Travelers will find authentic tastes across the country: cozy countryside taverns serving grey peas with bacon, bustling markets offering local cheeses and seasonal produce, and modern restaurants reimagining classic recipes with a creative touch. Don’t miss traditional treats like honey cakes, cold beet soup, or a refreshing glass of kvass.
Every meal is a chance to connect—with local culture, with warm hospitality, and with Latvia’s deep love for the land. Whether you’re dining in a Riga bistro or enjoying a homemade meal in a small village, Latvian food offers a delicious way to explore the heart of the Baltic.
Latvian cuisine is a reflection of the land
Latvian cuisine is a reflection of the land—simple, seasonal, and full of heart. Drawing from forests, fields, rivers, and the sea, traditional Latvian dishes celebrate the country’s close connection to nature and the rhythm of the seasons.
Hearty rye bread, smoked fish, wild mushrooms, and garden vegetables form the core of everyday meals. In the countryside and cities alike, you’ll find time-honored recipes passed down through generations—like grey peas with bacon, creamy soups, and caraway cheese—each dish a taste of Latvian heritage.
Latvian cousine and Micheline Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/an-introduction-to-latvia-its-cuisine
The Role of Food in Latvian Life
Meals are often slow and meaningful, meant to be shared with family and friends. From midsummer feasts to winter solstice spreads, food plays a central role in Latvian celebrations. Whether it’s a warm bowl of barley porridge on a cold morning or a slice of honey-sweetened cake during a festival, Latvian food is comfort on a plate. Rooted in tradition yet open to modern twists, Latvia’s culinary landscape invites you to explore, taste, and feel at home.
Chanterelles and wild strawberries
Food is more than nourishment in Latvia—it’s part of the cultural soul. From festive midsummer feasts to cozy winter gatherings, meals are a moment to slow down and enjoy. Visit local markets, try farmhouse cheese, sip herbal infusions, and discover how each region brings its own twist to age-old recipes.
Whether you’re sampling street food in Riga or sharing a home-cooked meal in the countryside, Latvian cuisine invites you to taste, connect, and experience the true flavor of the destination.
Riga Central market
It’s one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant food markets. Housed in old Zeppelin hangars, it’s a feast for the senses — smell fresh-baked rye bread, taste smoked fish straight from the Baltic, and sample pickled vegetables that pack a flavorful punch. For a sit-down experience, try grey peas with speck (pīrāgi), a hearty national dish, or cold beet soup in summer — refreshingly pink and full of local charm. And don’t forget to toast with a shot of Riga Black Balsam, a herbal liqueur with centuries of history in every sip.
