Riga Central Market

Riga Central Market fills five enormous pavilions built from reused German zeppelin hangars, a cathedral-scale space for meat, fish, dairy and produce right beside the old town. It is one of the biggest markets in Europe and sits within the UNESCO-listed centre, still the everyday larder of the city.

What you actually see

• The zeppelin hangars - five great arched halls, each dedicated to a kind of food.
• Smoked fish and meat - the Latvian specialities of smoked and cured produce.
• Dairy and rye bread - curd cheese, sour cream and dark rye by the loaf.
• The outdoor stalls - seasonal produce, berries and flowers around the halls.

When to go

Morning for the fullest stalls and freshest produce; it winds down in the afternoon. Weekdays are calmer than the busy Saturday.

Honest expectations

It is a real working market, so it can be crowded, chaotic and a little rough at the edges rather than a polished food hall. Watch your belongings in the crush as in any big market. The night-market and street-food side has grown, but the daytime produce halls are the classic experience.

Nearby

The old town is a two-minute walk north; the Academy of Sciences tower stands just behind the halls.