After exploring Riga’s historic streets on our walking tours, your journey through Latvia’s capital has only just begun. While our guided walks reveal the city’s architectural treasures and fascinating history, the real magic often happens when you venture off the beaten path to discover what locals truly love about their city.
The Craft Beer Renaissance in Riga’s Old Town
Riga has quietly become one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting destinations for craft beer aficionados. Just steps away from where our walking tours conclude, you’ll find Labietis, a microbrewery that has revolutionized Latvia’s beer scene. Their rotating selection of experimental brews perfectly captures Riga’s spirit: traditional at heart, but unafraid to innovate.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs combines live folk music with an impressive selection of local and regional beers. Located in a medieval cellar, it’s the perfect spot to warm up after an evening tour, especially during Riga’s crisp autumn and winter months.
Riga’s Vinyl Culture Lives On
In an age of digital streaming, Riga maintains a passionate vinyl community that surprises many visitors. Diggers’ Delight, tucked away on Dzirnavu Street, is more than just a record store. It’s a cultural institution where collectors hunt for Soviet-era pressings alongside contemporary Baltic artists.
The store’s owner often shares stories about Latvia’s underground music scene during the Soviet occupation, adding historical context that perfectly complements what you’ve learned on our walking tours. Don’t miss their selection of traditional Latvian folk recordings on vinyl. These make for unique souvenirs that capture the soul of the city far better than any trinket.
Michelin Recognition Meets Baltic Tradition
Latvia now has its own MICHELIN Guide (launched in 2023), and Riga is home to two One MICHELIN Star restaurants: Max Cekot Kitchen and JOHN Chef’s Hall. Both are featured in the latest MICHELIN selection, reflecting international recognition for Riga’s contemporary Baltic cuisine. Meanwhile, longtime favorite “3 pavāru restorāns” (3 Chefs), a MICHELIN Selected spot housed in Riga’s historic Jacob’s Barracks, continues to champion seasonal Latvian produce from its open kitchen.
For a definitive fine-dining experience that shows why Riga’s food scene is on the map, Max Cekot Kitchen offers an exclusively seasonal tasting-menu format (around 15 courses) built on locally sourced produce, including from its own garden. Set in a red-brick former warehouse at Jelgavas iela 42/8 on the industrial edge of the city, it links Riga’s industrial heritage with cutting-edge culinary craft, and it currently holds one MICHELIN Star.
Creating Your Perfect Riga Evening
Here’s our insider’s itinerary for the perfect post-tour evening:
Start with an early dinner at one of the Michelin-recognized establishments (reservations essential), then wander through the quiet evening streets to browse vinyl at Diggers’ Delight before they close. End your night at a craft beer bar, where conversations with locals often lead to discovering tomorrow’s adventures.
This combination of activities showcases a different side of Riga, one that balances respect for tradition with contemporary creativity. It’s this dynamic that makes our city endlessly fascinating, whether you’re joining us for your first walking tour or your fifth.
Practical Tips for Your Riga Adventure
Most craft beer venues and vinyl shops are within walking distance of our tour meeting points, making it easy to combine these experiences with our daily walks.
Remember that Riga’s compact city center means you can easily explore multiple neighborhoods in a single day. Our morning tours pair perfectly with afternoon vinyl hunting, while evening tours create the ideal prelude to dinner at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants.
Whether you’re drawn to the hoppy innovations of local brewers, the nostalgic crackle of vinyl records, or the refined flavors of Baltic haute cuisine, Riga offers experiences that linger in memory long after your walking tour ends. These aren’t just activities; they’re gateways to understanding how people in Riga live, celebrate, and share their culture with the world.
