The central Market in Riga, close to the main train & bus station is more of an attraction than a shopping destination. It is housed in five restored WW1 Zeppelin hangars which were brought here from an airbase close to the border with Lithuania. The market was built between 1924 and 1930 and is a mix of neoclassical and art deco. UNESCO has heritage listed the building. There's 4 in a row along the canal, divided into the fish, veg, gastronomic & milk pavilions. Separate and at right angles is the meat pavilion. When buying snacks you get a piece of paper and take it to the main cash desk in the pedestrianised street between the two parts of the market. It is free to enter but might help having a friend to describe what is on offer. There are a lot of Russian speakers here so a basic knowledge may help.
Next to the international bus station you will find this market. It's huge and sells a lot of different things (food, fresh fruit, fish, clothes etc.). The food here is cheap, definitely way cheaper than in the supermarkets (in the supermarkets in Riga you will pay the same prices as in Western-Europe). If you are looking for some cheap food or just some snack, I can recommend this place.
Even in cold February the stands outside the hangars were occupied by local salesmen. Just about anything can be bought in the Central market. Inside the hangars there was mostly food, in all kinds of varities. The food is cheaper in the market than in the shops. The hangars are rather crowded. It seems that the Central market is the place where the locals go. Thus showing a more honest picture of how life in Riga is. We ended up buying goat milk soap and candles made of beewax.
Weil this is the real heart for the locals shopping. You can see the range and depth of produce the locals go and buy. Its worth the walk. Huge buildings were apparently built as Airship hangars!
Its in four old zeppelin hangers and offered sanctuary from the cold. But its very good to visit and see the fish,meat, fruit and cheeses expertly displayed. Its good to try the bread and cakes as they are very cheap and tasty
This should be under attraction and Not for shopping. It's just amazing of what you see there. Will find anything you are looking for.
Huge indoor market area which will appeal to those that like to see a bit of local life when on their travels. A good few hours can be spent wandering around the stalls brimming with all sorts of stuff. The fish is the high point but not for the squeamish.There are bars and cafes along the way: true no nonsense working class places selling fantastic food and drink as good as you'll get anywhere in the Old Town, and for half the price.
Where ordinary Latvians go shopping .... There is a great display of goods on sale here (and many a bargain to be had).If you are self catering in Riga this is a great place to stock up on provisions.What a fantastic use for five old Zeppelin Hangers
There are 5 zepplin hangers.each has a different food. I have never ever seen so much meat in one place. The fruit and veg was amazing. Beautifully displayed and such wonderful colours. The fish market has a magnificent amount of smoked fish and the freshest fish you can buy! It is still wriggling on the slab. I found it a little cruel but I suppose it is a cultural thing. Be warned they can flip and splash you. I only hope the ice around them numbs their brains enough to take the stress away
This is a tourist attraction as well as a place to come and buy your fruit and vegetables. It's great for people watching but doesn't have the street food culture I was expecting.