What To Buy In Riga, Latvia

1. Buy traditional Latvian jewellery

If you go to Latvia, you should never return without buying some jewellery. Otherwise, you will attract bad luck! In Riga, skilled artisans craft traditional designs and contemporary jewellery inspired by ancient Latvian culture. If you wish to buy brooches, rings, necklaces or even bracelets, head out to Putti, a gallery situated in the Old City of Riga. The jewellery here are sold at 80 USD and above. The pieces of jewellery are made from ivory, gold, silver and other materials. The gallery also showcases paintings, clothes, gift cards, scarves and other accessories.

Art Gallery Putti

Address: Peitavas iela 5, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Art Gallery Putti

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm

Price: 80 USD

2. Dazzle yourself with amber

Amber is also called as ‘The Solar Stone’. Whilst it looks like one, one should definitely not mistake it for a stone. Amber is actually a fossil resin produced by pine trees and dates back to millions of years. Most of the amber supply comes from the Baltic Sea. There is a Greek legend describing how the Gods transformed the tears of Heliades (daughter of Helios) into amber. Therefore, amber has collectively become a part of the Latvian culture. If you are looking for a memorable souvenir to take away, you can definitely choose amber to be one of them. Amber is usually used to make necklaces, bracelets and other accessories. You can find exotic amber jewellery at the Amberline store in Riga. They sell pendants, beads, bracelets, rings and earrings, all made from the purest form of amber collected from the Baltic Sea.

Amberline

Address: Šķūņu iela 6, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Amberline

Price: 250 USD

3. Check out Latvian handicrafts

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If you are looking for Latvian handicrafts like table covers, candle cellars, notebook covers, wickers baskets and others, head to the St Peter’s Church area or Livu Square. The handicrafts sold here are popular among tourists and locals alike. Sellers set up their stalls or have small carts containing handmade artefacts. You can visit Black Cat souvenirs to find yourself some clay mugs, Valentine day presents, postcards etc.

Black Cat Souvenirs

Address: Mazā Jaunavu iela 8, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Black Cat Souvenirs

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm

Price: 60 USD

4. Latvian sweets

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Latvia is very famous for its chocolates and sweets. The town of Riga is filled with chocolate shops and confectionaries that sell sugary pastries, honey cakes and chocolates. One of the most famous candies found in Riga is made by Laima Chocolate Factory. It is called as the ‘Serenade Candy’. This particular candy is made from ingredients like nuts, jellies, apricots and special Latvian chocolate. The Serenade Candy was first introduced in 1937 and still continues to tingle the tastebuds of locals and tourists alike. You can find Latvian sweets at the Laima Shops.

The Laima Shops

Address: Tallinas iela 72/74, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1009, Latvia

Website: The Laima Shops

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm

Price: 15 USD

5. Pampalu pots

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Latvians have practised the art of pottery since the 10th Century AD. Over the years, they have evolved and developed their own style of pots that represent the culture of Latvia. This can be seen in pots from the Vidzeme region and the Latgale region, which differs considerably in their shape, size and texture. Special kinds of pots from the Kurzeme region that use roots of peat bog to make unique patterns are called as Pampalu pots. Pampalu pots can make great table artefacts. You can get yourself one at the Art Noveau Riga.

Art Noveau Riga

Address: Art Noveau Riga, Strēlnieku Street 9, Riga, latvia

Website: Art Noveau Riga

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm

Price: 20 USD

6. Riga Black Balsam

Riga Black Balsam is a very famous regional Latvian drink. It was originally prepared by a pharmacist called Abraham Kunze, in the 18th century. It was used to treat ailments such as stomach aches and hangover. Today, tourists from all around the world take the Riga Black Balsam as a souvenir from Latvia. The Black Balsam is prepared from 24 different herbs. It is a 45% strong dring because it is mixed in pure alcohol and aged in oak barrels. If you want to gift this to your friend or relative, you can get yourself one from Latvijas Balzams.

Latvijas Balzams

Address: Šķūņu iela 16, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Latvijas Balzams

Opening hours: 9am - 10pm

Price: 14 USD

7. Bring good luck with sun gifts

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In Latvian mythology, the Sun God is humanised as a female deity called ‘Saule.’ She is responsible for the procreation and welfare of life on this planet. There are a number of Latvian folk songs, tales and stories that depict the valour and power of Saule. According to the legend, the goddess rides on a chariot with wheels made from copper and horses that never tire or sweat. Latvians use the symbol of the sun goddess in their clothing, artefacts, pottery, musical instruments and ornaments. If you head to the Elkor Gift Shop in Riga, you can get yourself a good bargain with a sun gift that you might as well carry back home.

Elkor Gift Shop

Address: Brīvības bulvāris 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Elkor Gift Shop

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm

8. Chug on some beer

As you stroll through the streets of Riga, exploring its rich culture and beauty, you may feel tired and thirsty. And when you do, head to the nearest pub or brewery and ask for a beer. With every sip, you will taste the passion and likeness that Latvians share with beer. After the Germans completed their occupation in Latvia, beer became very popular. It would be perfectly justified to say that Latvians make some of the best beers in the world. Try the Stockmann Supermarket in Riga for some of the best brewery experience. While you’re chugging some beer, take some of it back home. You’re family and friends will appreciate you for that.

Stockmann Supermarket

Address: 13. janvāra iela 8, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Stockmann Supermarket

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm

Price: 1.90 USD

9. Traditional Latvian wool mittens

Mittens hold a deep significance in Latvian culture. So much so that, traditional mittens were offered as gifts to 4500 NATO delegates. Each of these mittens were unique. There is also the tradition of giving mittens as gifts to clergymen and godfathers during a child’s christening. Historic competition and symbolism of high status paved the way for an array of interesting patterns and mitten designs. The best time to buy mittens in Riga would be during winter. If you want to buy yourself a pair, you can find one at Tīnes.

Tīnes

Address: Riharda Vāgnera iela 5, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Tīnes

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm

Price: 4 USD

10. Sip on some Latvian honey

Because of its climate and a wide variety of flora, Latvia harbours the best honey in Europe. The prehistoric practice of presenting honey as a gift still continues to this day. Honey symbolises sweetness and wholesomeness, therefore authentic Latvian honey can be a good souvenir to take back home. The honey in Latvian culture is used to treat a number of ailments and illnesses. Latvians also use honey in food products, creams, cosmetics etc. Head to a place called Medus, in Riga to find genuine Latvian honey.

Medus Istaba

Address: Pēterbaznīcas iela, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Website: Medus Istaba

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm

A haven of souvenirs

It’s not wrong to call Latvia as a haven of souvenirs. From traditional jewellery to honey, Latvian culture has greatly influenced the way gifts are made and perceived. Whatever the occasion may be, gifts always have the power to bring joy and happiness to those who receive it. Intrigued by our choices for what to buy in Riga, Latvia? Now, you can come back to this post again if you missed something. Take a tour to Riga, Latvia and explore the rich culture and colourful souvenir choices that it has to offer.