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Latvia鈥檚 capital is a feast for the senses, blending medieval charm, Art Nouveau grandeur and a culinary scene that鈥檚 as surprising as it is satisfying. 搁墨驳补鈥檚 food culture draws from Baltic bounty and northern European traditions but has recently embraced creativity, international flavors and sustainability.

Traditional staples like rupjmaize (dark rye bread), smoked fish and forest-grown berries stand alongside Michelin-level tasting menus, craft beers and cocktails infused with 搁墨驳补鈥檚 own legendary herbal spirit, Black Balsam. Whether you鈥檙e exploring the sprawling market halls or slipping into a speakeasy, 搁墨驳补 rewards adventurous palates (and night owls alike).

Start your day with rupjmaize at Better Bread

Latvians are fiercely loyal to rupjmaize, a dense rye bread that鈥檚 as essential to the table as butter knives. Often baked with sunflower seeds or malt for a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, it has fueled generations of Latvians. At , bakers modernize tradition with slow fermentation techniques, crusty loaves and rye pastries like cinnamon rolls or seed-packed bars that make great snacks for an Old Town stroll. , a boutique bakery in the city鈥檚 Quiet Center area, also crafts perfect loaves to take home.

Make it happen: Better Bread鈥檚 cozy caf茅 is in Old Town and opens early, perfect for grabbing a loaf or pastry before sightseeing. Mikla sells out quickly; stop by in the morning for the best selection.

Sip third-wave coffee at Kalve and Rocket Bean

搁墨驳补 takes its caffeine seriously. , a sleek roastery-turned-empire, has helped propel the Baltic third-wave scene with precise pour-overs, artful lattes and a design-forward atmosphere. is another pioneer, roasting beans with cheeky names like 鈥淢agic Pussy鈥� (ahem, an homage to 搁墨驳补 being a cat town) and serving inventive brews in an airy warehouse space. For a quieter vibe, All Cappuccino in the city鈥檚 embassy district pairs cappuccinos with an elegant Art Nouveau backdrop.

Make it happen: Kalve cafes are sprinkled throughout 搁墨驳补 and are ideal for refueling between museums. Rocket Bean鈥檚 flagship on Miera iela is popular with digital nomads and brunch seekers, so you鈥檒l want to arrive early on weekends.

Wander 搁墨驳补 Central Market鈥檚 zeppelin hangars

One of Europe鈥檚 largest and most atmospheric markets is tucked into five cavernous hangars that once stored German zeppelins. Inside, you鈥檒l find everything from smoked eels to pickled cucumbers, fresh berries, honey cakes and stalls selling homemade cheeses and sausages. Outside, vendors hawk seasonal produce, and the adjacent Sp墨姆eri district buzzes with art spaces and cafes. Across the river, the revitalized 膧genskalns Market is a smaller but trendier spot with artisan vendors and globally inspired stalls.

Make it happen: Join a guided tasting tour to sample local delicacies without getting overwhelmed. Central Market is just steps from 搁墨驳补鈥檚 bus and train stations; go early for the freshest finds. Keep an eye on your bag and pockets as it鈥檚 lively and crowded.

Snack on sprats and Latvian small plates at 惭腻蝉补

Latvia鈥檚 iconic canned sprats 鈥� smoky little fish often packed in oil 鈥� get a stylish upgrade at , a buzzy restaurant and caf茅 in the city center. Here, they crown rye toasts alongside creative spreads and seasonal plates like beetroot hummus and slow-cooked meats. The restaurant鈥檚 aesthetic is warm and minimalistic, with a vibe that鈥檚 part neighborhood caf茅, part foodie destination.

Make it happen: Reservations are recommended for dinner, but lunch is more relaxed. Pair your sprats with a natural wine for the full Latvian-meets-modern experience.

Sample sea buckthorn, Latvia鈥檚 citrusy superfruit

Known locally as smilts膿rk拧姆is, this bright orange berry is packed with antioxidants and a tangy, almost tropical flavor. It stars in everything from jams and syrups to spa products, and you鈥檒l see it featured in cocktails and desserts across 搁墨驳补. Locally developed cultivars thrive in Latvia鈥檚 cool climate, making sea buckthorn both a health trend and a national staple.

Make it happen: Pick up a bottle of sea buckthorn juice or oil at Central Market or try a sea buckthorn cheesecake at caf茅s like .

Explore Latvia鈥檚 craft beer culture with 痴补濒尘颈别谤尘耻颈啪补 and Labietis

Latvia鈥檚 craft beer renaissance is led by 痴补濒尘颈别谤尘耻颈啪补, a brewery that pairs old-world brewing methods with Baltic ingredients. Their Beer Embassy in Old Town offers tasting flights and upscale bar bites. takes a more experimental approach, using herbs and wild yeasts to create beers that taste like a Latvian forest walk. 

Make it happen: The Beer Embassy is central and easy to walk in for a flight, while Labietis鈥� taproom is a short tram ride away. 

Cool off with Molberts鈥� inventive ice cream

is 搁墨驳补鈥檚 answer to artisanal gelato, offering flavors that rotate with the seasons: think sea buckthorn sorbet, beetroot cream or wild blueberry with kefir. Their playful presentation 鈥� colorful cones and pastel interiors 鈥� makes it a favorite with locals.

Make it happen: Molberts has multiple locations; the one in is perfect for a post-shopping treat.

Splurge on Michelin-worthy dining at Ferma or JOHN Chef's Hall

搁墨驳补 is quietly emerging as a fine-dining destination, and Michelin鈥檚 arrival in Latvia proves it. , near Viesturd膩rzs Park, blends Baltic ingredients with global techniques 鈥� think a slow-cooked sturgeon fillet accompanied by a potato cream and sturgeon caviar, or Latvian beef fillet with wild mushrooms. JOHN Chef's Hall, at the stately five-star next door, offers a modern tasting menu 鈥� including dishes such as veal cheeks with pickled pearl onions and a parmesan cream-infused risotto 鈥� with theatrical plating and seasonal Latvian produce.

Make it happen: Book Ferma鈥檚 terrace for a summer evening and secure reservations at least two weeks in advance for JOHN鈥檚 tasting menus. Both restaurants cater to special dietary needs with advance notice.

Order a 搁墨驳补 Black Balsam cocktail at Gimlet or Bar Six

This bittersweet herbal liqueur, invented in the 18th century, remains Latvia鈥檚 signature spirit. You can sip it neat for a traditional experience, but 搁墨驳补鈥檚 bartenders have turned it into a craft cocktail darling. , a Nordic-inspired bar, mixes it with local herbs, while speakeasy-style offers a moody vibe and an off-menu list. 

Make it happen: Bar Six is unmarked; check Instagram for entry details. Gimlet attracts a stylish evening crowd 鈥� book ahead for weekend nights.

Go full Baltic buffet at Lido

For an accessible, family-friendly taste of Latvian comfort food, is unbeatable. This beloved chain offers cafeteria-style trays loaded with potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, soups and pastries. The flagship location on Krasta iela feels like a rustic theme park, complete with a beer garden and entertainment.

Make it happen: No reservations required; just grab a tray and explore. Lido is ideal for trying a little bit of everything at a low cost.

Dance till sunrise at 搁墨驳补鈥檚 bars and clubs

搁墨驳补鈥檚 nightlife has something for every mood, from 鈥� LGBTQ+ dance floor, 鈥檚 underground raves and 鈥檚 glitzy VIP scene. Locals also pack into , a bohemian hangout with indie music, and Rockafe, a karaoke-heavy tourist favorite.

Make it happen: Most clubs stay open until sunrise on weekends. Dress codes vary, and Coyote Fly leans upscale. Check Facebook and Instagram for event lineups.

Reset with a Latvian sauna ritual

After all the indulgence, Latvia鈥檚 sauna culture offers the ultimate detox. This centuries-old practice involves herbal steam infusions, invigorating birch-branch massages and icy plunges, creating a restorative, almost spiritual experience. Sauna master Aija Harrison leads intimate, hours-long rituals that feel part wellness retreat, part cultural immersion.

Make it happen: Book in advance through for private sessions. English-speaking guides are available. Plan for at least four hours to fully enjoy it.