A guide to Riga for those seeking the alternative, unusual and cool things to do in this beautiful city.
Riga, capital of Latvia, has a lot to offer to tourists, and quite a lot has already been written about that. So I won’t repeat it all here.
Instead, I’d like to share some of the less touristy and more alternative sides of Riga that I had a chance to explore during my stay there.
Here’s my guide to the more unusual things to do in Riga – the hip, the creative and even the quirky.
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Kanepes Cultural Centre
This huge alternative culture centre in Riga spreads over three floors, plus a nice garden.
The vibe is somewhere between hipster and activist, and the range of events and things to do can keep you busy any day of the week.
The first floor has a bar that offers drinks and some food, and has several rooms for events, like lectures and workshops.
The second and third floors host film screenings, theatre and music shows. There’s a schedule of events posted on the wall by the bar and on Facebook.
Even if you don’t go there for an event, it’s a great place to have a drink, especially when the weather is warm enough to sit outside on the deck in the garden.
Kaņepes Kultūras Centrs – website / Facebook
Mr Page Bookshop
This is not an ordinary bookshop. Let’s start with the fact that as far as bookshops go, this is one of the most elegant I’ve seen.
When I was done being impressed by the gorgeous display, I looked at the books themselves.
It’s quite clear that they were judged by their covers. Every single book in this store has a beautifully designed cover.
A chat with the lady working there confirmed that the books are hand-picked by the owners and good design is a must.
The shop is still very new and the current collection is based on the owner’s personal taste.
They try to feature books that are hard to find in other bookshops. They also intend to survey their customers and let them vote on what other titles should be featured in the shop in future.
You’ll find many art and design books, some travel guides, a section for children’s books, and random titles from cookbooks to literature, philosophy to popular science. The books are in English and Latvian mostly.
There are chairs and a large sofa, so feel free to spend some time leafing through books.
You will be given gloves to use while you do that, to keep the books nice and clean. They only import a few copies of each.
World of Hat Museum
And now for something completely different. This is a museum dedicated to hats. More precisely, this is a display of 200 hats, out of an amazing collection of about 500.
The museum is divided into rooms featuring hats by region: Russia and Europe, Asia and Africa and Central and South America.
The hats were collected all over the world by Dr. Kirill Babaev, who obviously has an immense passion for the story behind each hat.
As you walk around the museum, you can read a few words about each hat, where it is worn and when.
There are special hats for weddings, holidays and festivals and so on. You’ll enjoy this if you have an interest in fashion and anthropology, or just general curiosity about the world.
Next to each hat you can also see a photo of a person wearing it in its original form. That is useful, as some of them have such a peculiar shape, I couldn’t imagine how they were worn.
See if you can guess if it’s a man or a woman’s hat before you read the description. You’ll be surprised.
Cool Cafes on Miera Street
Miera Street (or Miera iela in Latvian) is know as Riga’s hipster area. There’s a bohemian feel to it and it easily attracts the city’s creative types.
It’s not quite in the city centre, but not very far either – about a 30 minute walk, or 10 minutes on tram number 11 from the centre.
If you need a drink or a light meal while browsing Miera Street, here are some cool places you’ll find there:
DAD cafe – A cool place to go for coffee or for food. It’s a very cosy space with art on the walls and a gentle hipster atmosphere. (Facebook)
Tea shop Illuseum – An impressive range of teas from different places around the world. They have a menu in English with explanations about the teas and their origins.
The place feels unique thanks to beautiful oriental chic decor and great Indian music playing in the background. (Facebook)
Taka – a popular bar open late, that also holds occasional events like music gigs and movie nights. They have a small food menu too.
Lokal House
This is a cool space that started as a longboard workshop and later turned into a bar and alternative event venue.
The workshop is still active in the daytime, but the vibe changes in the evening.
They run events most days of the week, including live gigs, film nights, DJs and even ping pong tournaments. You’ll find all the listings on their Facebook page.
Spikeri Creative District
Not far from the city centre, a former warehouse district was developed into a cultural district, hosting creative businesses and public events.
I suggest you go there when there’s an event going on. I went there a couple of times for the open-air live concerts held every week in the summertime.
They also host a flea market and more – you can check the event calendar on their site.
Spikeri Creative District – website / Facebook
Kalnciema Quarter
Another creative district, a little far from the centre and across the river. A number of old, beautiful wooden buildings with a courtyard that is famous for hosting a weekly local farmer’s market.
Other events include a craft market, art exhibitions, open-air concerts and film screenings. Look at their Facebook page for current listings.
Kalnciema Quarter – Website / Facebook
Where to Stay in Riga
For a convenient stay in Riga, you want a place located at the Old Town or at the modern part of Riga close to the Old Town.
As the city is quite walkable, you’ll make the most out of your visit by staying in those areas.
Old City Boutique Hotel is at a very central location and close to everything. It’s a modern hotel with a vintage feel. Check reviews and see current prices here
Rixwell Centra Hotel offers a contemporary design and good value for money, right in the centre of Riga’s Old Town. See photos and read reviews here
Hotel Bergs – If you want to stay outside the Old Town, the Elizabeth Street is both central and beautiful. The Old Town as well as the Central Station are within walking distance.
More info, pictures and reviews here
More about Riga, Latvia
Private Latvia and Lithuania Sightseeing Tour from Riga
Half-Day Private Tour to Sigulda from Riga
Lonely Planet guide to Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
Read more of my posts about Riga
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