European best destinations 2024 - Riga

Grīziņkalns & the Avotu Street area

Long, narrow and filled with wedding stores, vintage parlours, and hipster bars – the unique charm of Avotu street is undeniable. It starts at the crossroads of Čaka and Blaumaņa street and meanders all the way to the Grīziņkalns. A former workers' district, Grīziņkalns is experiencing a slow rebirth.

OAK Burger

The "Oak’A Burgers" brand was born during the most challenging period of the pandemic and is now one of the most beloved burger spots for Riga residents. Oak’A’s specialty is Smash burgers, crafted from traditional American recipes, quickly proving themselves as a meal that everyone enjoys.

Address:
Avotu iela 77

This place Doesn't Need a Name

At the beginning of Avotu street resides this breakfast café-cum-cocktail bar. Their breakfast menu features classics with a sophisticated twist such as French Toast, oatmeal and PBJ alongside more unorthodox morning plates like baked potatoes with truffle oil and grilled cheese sandwich infused with Bloody Marry. When the day melts into evening, the place turns into a bar that also serves an extensive list of dishes – from pasta to tacos and burgers. When it comes to drinks – the fans of Negroni will not be disappointed.

Address:
Avotu iela 4
Tel.:
+371 28013660

Zuzeum

Founded in a former cork factory, this Art Centre is worth taking a detour to adjacent Lāčplēša street. It’s the home of Zuzāns collection – the largest private collection of Latvian art, which spans from the 19th century. Zuzeum also features a lovely store, café and a rooftop terrace that frequently hosts events during the warm months.

Address:
Lāčplēša iela 101
Tel.:
+371 28385748

Nurme bar

This little bar of the microbrewer Nurme resides in the middle of Avotu street. Apart from the extensive collection of their own hoppy drinks and ciders, here you can also taste and buy tipples from other local microbreweries such as Malduguns, Contra and Hoplaa.

Address:
Avotu iela 53
Tel.:
+371 20 001 903

Vagonu Hall

Vagonu Hall in Riga is a vibrant creative quarter known for its eclectic mix of industrial charm, arts, and nightlife. This area has become a popular spot for locals, featuring bars, breweries, and event spaces. Nurme Brewery & Taproom offers a unique selection of local craft beers, while 1983 brings a retro vibe with an artistic twist. Franks Garage is a lively space with a great food! Laska V21 adds to the dynamic mix, offering an edgy, creative atmosphere that makes Vagonu Hall a must-visit in Riga's cultural scene.

Vagonu Hall frequently hosts DJ sets, concerts and other events.

Ziedoņdārzs

One of the city's most charming parks. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the park has a large fountain that's frequented by the smallest city dwellers during the summer. There's also a basketball field, a fenced area for dogs and a playground for the kids. Today the historical pavilion building is reimagined into a relaxed café.

Downtown sports quarter

The largest playground in Riga resides on the way from the city centre to Grīziņkalns. The playground’s design was inspired by the cityscape - here one can find the Old Town, as well as the towers of Pārdaugava. During the summertime, a water fountain offers a splash of refreshment. The park is suitable for pre-school children as well as older kids. There is also a spacious and well-equipped skatepark on site.

Address:
Kr. Barona iela 116a

Koka Rīga

The neighbourhood has a notable collection of wooden buildings. One significant example of this architecture is the building at Krasotaju 12. Today the building houses an institution Koka Rīga that's devoted to preserving Riga's wooden architectural heritage. Koka Rīga often hosts exhibitions, workshops and other events.

Address:
Krāsotāju iela 12

Lokāls Karbonādes

This is another reason why carnivores pilgrimage to Avotu street. As the name notes, here, the main dish is the local speciality karbonāde – a Latvian answer to Wiener schnitzel. Served with all the traditional trimmings – boiled-cooked glossy gold potatoes, a bit of salad for the conscience and a dill dip. Not to steal this quintessentially Latvian gastronomical experience from the plant-based eaters, the same portion also comes with a karbonāde made of courgette. There are also options for cheese lovers and pescatarians.

Address:
Lienes iela 10
Tel.:
+371 25 771 155

Grīziņkalna park

Beloved by the local joggers, families and dog owners, the park features a children playground, designated area for dogs as well as skate park. There's also a statue that remainds of the park's previous title – it was named in an honour of the 1905 Revolution. The park was a focal gathering point during the uprising against the Russian Empire.

Boar BBQ

Next doors to Nurme bar lives Boar BBQ – a meat lovers' heaven. The place is simple and small as the emphasis is on the quality of their produce. Dig in a plate of smoked ribs, Georgian-styled pork skewers, one of their knockout sandwiches or burgers. Knowing that the bread is paramount to these dishes, they make sourdough bread as well as their own burger buns on the spot. Be sure to take a bottle of their incredible Louisiana sauce home with you.

Address:
Avotu iela 53

Other Guides

This website uses mandatory cookies.With your consent, cookies necessary for statistics and marketing may also be used on this website.
If you accept additional cookies, please select your choice: