So once again Christmas is upon us...for some this means more expense and hassle, to others it presents the opportunity to hunt for the best Christmas markets in Europe. Munich, Vienna and Prague provide the typically beautiful festive treats that any Christmas market demands.

1510....isn't a year that should ring too many bells, unless you travel to Riga. It is claimed that Riga was the home of the first ever Christmas Tree, the original location is now marked by a commemorative stone outside the impressive House of Blackheads.

So where better to do some traditional Christmas shopping, than the home of one one of the most festive symbols. All be it a smaller market than the afore mentioned, it still contains bundles of charm. Below we have listed the best places to get into the festive spirit;

  The main market is located in Doma Laukums (Dome Square). High above the market towers the impressive spire of Dome Church (3 guesses for the shape of the spire), this is a pleasant cobbled square that has smaller streets running off in all directions.
     
  The next place we recommend is called Līvu Laukums, another pretty square with some form of entertainment normally going on. There are also a number a good restaurants that line the square, including Kalku Varte, a good place to stop for a Hot Black Balzams a herbal liquor that Latvians swear by during the cold winter months.
     
  Esplanāde, this is a picturesque area after fresh snowfall. Its a park just off of Brīvības iela (Freedom Street) close to Hotel Lavtia and Essential Night Club. From here you can also explore the embassy district of Riga with some of the most impressive Art Nouveau buildings in the World.
     
  Closed during Soviet times Berga Bazars is an up and coming area with restaurants neatly tucked away from  the busy outside world. Hosting a market of local produce here every other weekend Berga Bazaars is certainly gaining a well deserved reputation for providing a quality market with some great shops to warm yourself up in. This is well worth a visit over the Christmas period as it promises to provide some interesting stalls and gifts.

 
 

Where ever you decide to go over the Christmas period in Riga, you are sure to find something to put you in the festive mood. There are many smaller markets dotted around the city, so don't be afraid to have a wander and discover your own little festive world.

 

 

 

 

Since 2005 Riga Out There has been providing some of the most action packed and thrilling corporate event agencies looking for something to make their trip to Riga one to remember. The best way to travel in Riga is to let Riga Out There organise it for you! Our professional and personable team is based in Latvia and because we deal directly with our activity providers on a daily basis, we are able to offer you unmatched value for money. In fact, there are so many things to do in Riga that we have a whole section dedicated to it, be sure to check out our Riga activities section!

Some of the most fun activities to do in Riga include AK Shooting, Bobsleigh and Freefall Simulator these action packed activities are sure to leave a memorable impression on your trip to Riga. If you’re not looking for adventure things to do then some of our more cultural tours and excursions in Riga provide a great alternative, the attractions in Riga are amongst some of the best in Northern Europe with the National Opera and Theatre holding performances most weekends. When you’re looking for things to do in Riga look no further than Riga Out There, our team of local experts is on hand to help you with all your questions about Fun activities to do in Riga. We promise that a weekend with Riga Out There means expert planning and execution of your activities in Riga, our service is a cost effective way to make the most of your time in this city.

There are a number of excursion in Latvia that are outside of Riga, the adrenaline capital of Sigulda is home to the Bungee Jump, Bobsleigh Track, and 4x4 Off Road experience all of these fun activities are within an hours drive of Riga and provide a perfect option when looking for adventure things to do.  As a former Soviet State, Lativa also provides some unique opportunities to see what went on behind the Iron Curtain with excursion in Riga and surrounding areas to the Nuclear Bunker and Soviet prison experience these attractions in Riga are amongst some of the most interesting soviet tours in Europe.

If you’re visiting Riga in a group of 10 or more then our group excursions in Riga are perfect for you, have you ever tried Curling? This is one on the most fun activities to do as a group in Riga; other things to do in Riga as a group are Paintballing, Go-karting and Clay Pigeon Shooting, either way Riga Out There can provide excursions in Riga for groups of 6 and up. When you book a fun activity with the Riga Out There team, we provide you with return transfers to your hotel and English speaking guide who will give you important and useful information on Riga’s famous nightlife, don’t just take our word for it, check out our testimonials from happy clients that have tried and tested all the fun activities you can do in Riga.  

So if you’re still looking for things to do in Riga look no further…send us your enquiry form or call us to discuss your weekend in Riga, we look forward to hearing from you and helping to plan a trip that you will remember forever.