What you need to know about shopping in Riga

Having visited the capital of Latvia once, you will remember it as a city of entertainment. In fact, the whole of Riga consists of attractions, administrative buildings, residential buildings, shops, museums, restaurants and places where you can usefully spend your leisure time. Shopping in Riga has its own peculiarities. On the one hand, it is very convenient due to the compactness of the city itself, on the other hand, you are unlikely to feel a significant difference in prices compared to the other part of Europe.

You can shop in Riga stores seven days a week. This is perhaps the first thing that distinguishes Riga from any other European capital. Boutiques, shopping centers and supermarkets are open from 9 or 10 am and until 20.00-21.00. Only small shops and shops can afford a day off on Sunday. On weekdays, they usually close at 18.00-19.00.

If grocery stores are already closed, essential goods can be bought at gas stations. They work around the clock, and the assortment contains everything you need to wait for the markets to open.

You need to come to Latvia with the euro. And although there are quite a few banks and exchange offices here, it is more profitable to buy currency at home. Another advantage of shopping in Riga is the Russian-speaking staff.

The main shopping streets of the city are located in the very center, which makes shopping incredibly convenient for tourists:

• haute couture boutiques are located in Old Riga;
• most of the shops and shopping centers are concentrated on Brivibas, Kryshyana Barona, Terbatas, Chaka, Elizabetas streets.

Shopping centers in the Latvian capital have long ceased to be just a place to shop. Today they occupy large territories, where there are numerous shops, cafes, cinemas, bowling alleys, children's rooms, skating rinks, go-karts, and pizzerias.

But outlets in Riga are located at shopping centers, and not outside the city, as many are used to seeing in Europe. Therefore, there is no need to arrange a separate tour to buy stock: everything can be bought within the city.

Discount seasons

The residents of Riga themselves prefer to update their wardrobe and make good purchases during the period of seasonal discounts. At this time, you can buy inexpensively everything from clothing to electronics.

Large sales are held twice a year - in winter and summer. In winter, they start after the New Year (mid-January) and last for about 1.5 months. Large stores, for example, Stockmann, begin to cut prices at the beginning of the new year.

In the summer, sales in Riga in 2021 will start after the Ligo holiday (celebrated from 23 to 24 June). The system of discounts at this time is very flexible and depends on the group of goods. For example, you can save 50-70% on clothes and shoes.

In addition, each shopping center periodically organizes its own sales:

• Spice, for example, holds a shopping festival 2 times a year, during which all boutiques discount goods up to 70%. The shopping center makes such a gift to customers in November and early June.
• Shopping center Domina organizes sales of goods with discounts up to 90%. The so-called Bazar takes place in August and February.
• And in Stockmann these seasons are called Crazy Days. They fall in April and October.

What to bring from the Latvian capital

In order for a gift or souvenir to really remind you of the Riga holidays, it is important to know what it is worth bringing goods from Latvia. Jewelry and amber products, linen products, ceramics and the well-known “Riga Balsam” will be the right choice. But this list is far from complete, and therefore we will dwell on individual names in more detail.

Perfumery and cosmetic products

If you bring Dzintars brand cosmetics, everyone will immediately understand that you were in Riga. She is remembered by everyone who comes from the USSR. Today this brand has not lost its popularity and continues to receive positive reviews from both buyers and beauticians. You need to pay attention to skin care products, decorative cosmetics and soaps.

Products of the following brands will be a good gift:

• Madara is a manufacturer of cosmetics for body, face and hair care. They are sold in supermarkets and brand stores.
• Stenders is a renowned factory for natural soaps, bubble baths, body care products, bath accessories and sauna trips.

To find out what prices are in Riga, we will give several names:

• “Stenders” soap - from 2 to 5 euros;
• Stenders conditioners and shampoos - up to 16 euros;
• Madara cosmetics for children - 8-15 euros;
• anti-aging cosmetics Madara - 25-50 euros;
• Dzintars cosmetics - 30-50 euros.

You can buy products from Latvian cosmetics manufacturers everywhere, but it is best to visit specialized stores that guarantee quality.

Clothing and textile products

Linen products are the hallmark of Latvia. Linen production is one of the most ancient crafts in the country, which today has reached unprecedented perfection. Here you can buy anything from this material, from bags to bedspreads, tablecloths, kitchen towels, clothes. These products are in demand due to their environmental friendliness and practicality.

You can recognize Riga flax by hand-made embroidery. They sell products in the textile departments of supermarkets and shopping centers, as well as at fairs and specialized stores in tourist areas.

Those who want to buy clothes in Riga should pay attention to knitwear. Leggings, mittens, sweaters, scarves and knee-highs - all this pleases not only the variety, but also the quality. Buyers are attracted by unusual patterns and colors, models for every taste.

To buy knitwear, you should stroll around the Old Town or visit the Central Market. Here you can see how experienced craftswomen work on their products.

The real kingdom of knitwear can be found in the Hobbywool store located at Mazā Pils street 6. You won't be able to walk past - on the visor in front of the entrance you will see a bicycle dressed in an elegant overalls.

If you are looking for factory knitwear, pay attention to the brands that all hypermarkets in Riga and the country as a whole are ready to boast of:

• Vaide is a manufacturer of clothes for office, home and sports, outerwear. Produces 4 collections a year. He successfully implements joint projects with Italian designers.
• Ogres Trikotaza - “Ogre knitwear”, famous throughout the former Soviet Union, today cooperates with such renowned brands as Pierre Cardin, Marks & Spencer. Uses raw materials that undergo a complex processing procedure to prevent the fabric from rolling.
• Lissa is a manufacturer of girls' clothing.

The quality of the underwear will not disappoint either. The prices for this group of goods are reasonable, and the quality is excellent. Such brands as V.O.V.A, Lauma, Rosme are worthy of attention. The best place to look for lingerie is in the city's shopping malls during the sales season.

Lovers of world famous clothing brands will appreciate their variety. Here are everyone who haunts the notorious fashionistas: Mont Blanc, Next, Zara, Armani, Channel, Lacoste and many others.

What to bring as a souvenir

The list of what else can be brought from the Latvian capital is unusually long:

1. Silver and amber jewelry. Lighters, paperweights, pipes, pictures, figurines will be a good gift. Amber in Riga is sold everywhere, from tents to shopping centers. Mobile trays with these products can be found in Old Riga near the Petra Tower, near the Riga Hotel and on Livu Square. When buying amber, it is important to remember that real amber will not be cheap. But silver prices are fairly moderate:
   1. chains - from 6 euros;
   2. rings - from 10 euros;
   3. earrings - from 5 euros;
   4. bracelets - from 6 euros.The Jahonts and Vigorius stores are very popular.
2. Ceramics. Even today in Latvia you can find a large number of pottery workshops that make plates, pots, vases and other utensils. You need to look for such a product at fairs, markets and shops for tourists.
3. Wooden and soft toys - these souvenirs from Riga will delight both children and adults. The first for their unusual design, the second for their environmental friendliness and practicality. Manufacturers offer rattles, puzzles, puzzles, and various games as gifts. A simple puzzle "Cross" will cost about 5 euros, but a collapsible car or motorcycle - no less than 145 euros. Fans of soft toys should pay attention to the Ludoo brand.
4. Figures of angels. They are made from flax, wood, leather, glass and even amber. It is believed that such a gift will bring financial well-being and happiness. The best selection of angels is always presented at Christmas markets.
5. Leather accessories. Leatherworking in Latvia is also one of the oldest occupations. Here they do it with high quality, and therefore a leather product will be an excellent gift. In Riga, you can buy notebooks, passport covers, wallets, bookmarks for books and more. The highest prices are in the Old Town.

The question of what to bring delicious from Riga deserves special attention. Here's a basic checklist:

• Riga balsam. The classic drink contains 24 ingredients. Today, new items are already available, the recipes for which are still kept secret:
  • Element - based on rum;
  • with black currant and ginger;
  • Black Balsam Cream - tastes like a creamy liqueur.

Be sure to check out 10 Kalku Street. There is a unique establishment that connects the museum, shop and restaurant. Everything is dedicated to “Riga Balsam” and the sweets served with it. One bottle of this unique drink will cost 10 euros.

• Wine. In addition to the usual currant or apple, you will be offered a drink made from viburnum, chokeberry, dandelions, birch sap. A bottle of wine costs 3-6 euros. give preference to the Durbes Veltes brand.
• Liqueurs. This drink is produced by Latvijas Balzams. Liqueurs based on caraway seeds, coffee, cherries, and nuts are very popular.
• Riga sprats. You can find them in any supermarket. One jar will cost 0.9-1.5 euros. But be sure to try other types of fish as well. A large assortment can be found in the fish pavilion of the Central City Market.
• Cheese. Be sure to try the crowned Karums. This is curd cheese with various additives. The price for 100 g is about 0.4-0.5 euros. You will also find a large selection of cheeses in the Central Market, but this time in the dairy pavilion. Gourmets recommend Bauskas, caraway seeds, Dziugas, Premalu.
  • Sweets are one of the most popular gifts. You will like Laima products to your taste, namely:
  • sweets "Serenada", "Prosit", "Truffles";
  • Selga cookies;
  • dry cakes Vaverite.

Many good reviews from those who have tasted Riga bread. Look for manufacturers called Latchi and Liepkalnes.

Where to go shopping

For those who do not want to travel around the city in search of gifts and souvenirs, there are three places where you will find all of the above:

• Shopping center in the building of the railway station.
• Galerija Centrs at 16 Audeju Street (open seven days a week).
• Origo shopping center at the Railway Station Square.

If you want to see the city and make purchases, then an overview of the main retail outlets in Riga will come in handy.

Markets

Riga markets have a certain flavor. The history of some of them is rooted in the distant past, but even today on their streets you can see how local artisans make their products. Where you need to go:

• Vidzeme market (corner of Brivibas and Matisa streets) - became the city property in the first half of the XX century. Before that it belonged to a local merchant. Residents of Riga call this place "Matveychik". It is considered a historical landmark, and the vendors here represent entire dynasties. The market is open on weekdays from 7.00 to 19.00, on Sunday - from 7.00 to 17.00.
• Central market in Riga. Located at st. Negyu, 7. It is believed that shopping will not be complete if you do not visit this place. Riga Central Market is one of the oldest and largest in Europe, included in the UNESCO heritage list. It consists of open-air shopping streets and 5 pavilions: fish, meat, gastronomic, vegetable, dairy.
• Latgalite is the famous flea market on Sadovnikova Street. It works approximately from 8.00 to 17.00. Here you can buy vintage jewelry, vinyl records, old postcards, antiques. On Monday, the market rests, and the most active trading takes place in the mornings on weekends.

Every year in November, a Christmas market opens on Dome Square: theatrical performances are held, and numerous entertainments for children are organized.

Shopping centers

Shopping in the Latvian capital impresses with the fact that all the best shopping centers are located in the central part of the city. Include in the route:

• Galeria Riga is one of the new shopping centers built in 2021. located in the very center between Blaumana, Dzirnavu, Terbates, Brivibas streets. There are over 100 shops and a Rimi supermarket on 7 floors. There is an observation deck on the roof of the building with a panoramic view of Riga.
• Galeria Centrs is one of the first shopping centers in the capital of Riga. Located on Ridgenes Street. Also offers a large selection of shops and cafes.
• Domina is the largest shopping center in Riga. It occupies about 10 thousand square meters. It offers multi-level parking, a food market Prisma, a large number of shops.
• Mols is very popular, especially among those who need to shop on the outskirts of the city.
• Alfa - located in the Jugla area, has its own cinema, a grocery hypermarket.
• Riga Plaza is located on the banks of the Daugava River. Attracts visitors with a variety of activities including Fantasy Park, cinema, restaurants and pizzerias.
• Spice is another of the largest centers in the capital, located on an area of ​​almost 100 thousand squares. It consists of 2 parts: Spice home and Spice.

If you are planning to go around shopping centers in Riga in the city center, do not forget to look at the Stockmann department store, which is next to the bus station and the Central Market. A large selection of products from the industrial group is presented on 4 floors.

How to organize your trip

There can be two options on how to go on a shopping tour to Riga:

• prepare the trip yourself;
• contact a travel agency that will offer the best route.

In the first case, you must adhere to the following steps:

1. Make a list of what you plan to purchase.
2. Plan a route and a list of shops to visit.
3. Book tickets and hotel.
4. Apply for a visa.

Contacting intermediaries will remove most of the organizational issues, but you need to be ready to pay a commission.

Considering the fact that Latvia is a signatory of the Schengen Agreement, you will have to apply for a Schengen visa category C (tourist). For this you will need:

1. Visa application.
2. Photo.
3. Foreign passport and its copy.
4. Financial guarantees.
5. Insurance.
6. Round trip tickets.
7. Hotel reservation.

We arrange tax-free

Non-EU residents can use the Tax Freе system and return the funds spent on VAT (usually included in the price of the goods). Return conditions:

• the purchase amount must be at least 43 euros;
• 17% of the price can be returned;
• You must have a passport with you to fill out a special form.

Many shops work with tax-free in Riga. You can find out about this by looking at a special sticker on the shop window or at the checkout.

After completing the return form, all purchases will be wrapped and sealed. It is important not to remove the packaging until you have passed customs control, otherwise the refund may be refused. You can return the money at the airport or to a bank card.

It is necessary to take out the purchased goods before the expiration of 3 months from the date of their purchase.Tax-free checks remain valid for six months.

What and in what quantity can be transported across the Latvian border

Export and import of currency from other states is not limited. Individuals who are not EU citizens must declare an amount exceeding 10 thousand euros. List of goods permitted for import:

• by plane - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos, by other means of transport - 40 cigarettes or 10 cigars;
• 1 liter of strong alcohol or 2 liters of low alcohol drinks (below 22 degrees);
• medicines - only in the amount that the traveler personally needs.

It is prohibited to import into Latvia:

• meat products and meat, including smoked meats, semi-finished products, sausages;
• milk, dairy products (except milk food for babies);
• weapon;
• narcotic and psychotropic drugs.

It is forbidden to export objects of art and antiques from the country without special permission.

Outcomes

You can go shopping in Riga both independently and as part of a shopping tour. This will require a short-term Schengen visa and an understanding of what and where to buy. From the Latvian capital, you need to bring "Riga Balsam", linen products, knitwear, amber, cosmetics.