Riga Central Market is a working food market beside the Daugava River, just outside the Old Town. Its five enormous former Zeppelin hangars now hold stalls grouped by goods, from fish and meat to dairy, bread and produce; outdoor sellers add fruit, vegetables and flowers. Come to see the market’s 1920s industrial architecture and shop alongside local residents, or pause for a meal in the food hall. Rye bread, smoked fish, Latvian cheeses and pickled vegetables are among the local foods to look for.
Five hangars turned into a market
The market occupies five large structures that began as Zeppelin hangars. In the 1920s, city planners adapted their metal frameworks for a new market complex, intended to replace an overcrowded and unhygienic trading area. The project also added Art Deco details. Riga Central Market opened in 1930, and its buildings are now part of the city’s UNESCO-listed heritage.
The scale becomes clear as you move between the halls. Their former industrial use is still visible in the broad interiors and high roofs. Look up inside to see roof sections designed to open. The halls are close to the Old Town and the Daugava, making the market an easy stop while exploring central Riga.
What to find inside and outside
The pavilions are arranged by type of goods. Fish and meat have their own halls, while other sections sell dairy, bread, produce and prepared food. You can browse fresh fish alongside smoked varieties, cheeses, cottage cheese, rye loaves, honey, pastries and pickled vegetables. Some stalls also sell household goods and clothing.
Outside, vendors set out fruit, vegetables and flowers. The selection changes with the season; summer brings colourful fruit and produce. The market remains a place for everyday shopping, so you’ll see local residents buying groceries as well as people stopping to look around. It is a useful place to gather ingredients for a picnic or, if you have a kitchen, to shop for a meal.
Eating at the market
The food hall has a range of stalls, with seating available, though finding a free table can take a little patience at busy moments. The food selection includes both Latvian and international options, so check what each stall serves if you’re looking for local dishes. Fried pelmeni and cherry pie are among the foods available; rye bread, smoked fish, local cheese and pickled vegetables are other ways to sample regional flavours.
Kvass, a fermented drink, is one local speciality to look for. Jāņu siers, a Latvian cheese, is another. If you are buying from a stall, check the item and order carefully: English is not available everywhere, and one account describes receiving a changed dish without being asked. Cards and contactless payments are accepted in the market, but payment options can depend on the stall.
Häufige Fragen
How long should I spend at Riga Central Market?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to explore the halls and outdoor stalls. Add time if you plan to eat, since seating can be limited.
What can you buy at Riga Central Market?
Stalls sell fish, meat, dairy, bread, produce, honey, pastries and pickled vegetables. Outdoor vendors also sell fruit, vegetables and flowers.
What Latvian foods should I look for?
Look for dark rye bread, smoked fish, Jāņu siers cheese, pickled vegetables and kvass, a fermented drink.
Is Riga Central Market still used by local residents?
Yes. It is a working grocery market where local residents shop alongside people visiting the city.
