Riga Central Market
Market Large Central European market housed in former zeppelin hangars
Housed in former Zeppelin hangars beside the Daugava, Riga Central Market sells smoked fish, dairy, vegetables and prepared foods. Visitors come to sample Latvian staples and observe daily market life.
Riga Central Market is the principal covered market in Latvia’s capital, located just west of the Old Town and adjacent to the central railway station. The market is set in several large pavilions that were adapted from zeppelin hangar structures in the interwar period.
Shoppers find a wide range of fresh produce, fish, meat, dairy and prepared foods across the pavilions and smaller stalls. The covered halls and adjacent outdoor stalls make it one of the largest and most active markets in the Baltic region.
The market complex dates from the late 1920s and early 1930s when the hangar structures were repurposed to create the large covered pavilions. It remains an everyday commercial centre as well as a point of interest for visitors exploring central Riga.
Situated on the banks of the small canal that separates the market area from the Old Town, the site is an easy walk from Riga’s historic centre and main transport hubs.
- Historic structure: The market occupies a site adjacent to Riga Central Station and the Old Town and is notable for using large repurposed zeppelin hangar structures for its main pavilions.
- Visiting time: Early morning is the best time to find the fullest range of fresh produce and fish; weekends are busiest for local shoppers.
What to See #
- Market pavilions: Five large market pavilions repurposed from airship hangar structures provide covered halls for different categories of produce and goods.
How to Get to Riga Central Market #
The market is a 10-15 minute walk from Riga’s Old Town across the stone bridge; it’s also served by multiple tram and bus lines. The nearest major landmark is the Central Station, a short walk away.
Tips for Visiting Riga Central Market #
- Visit the market early (7:00-9:00am) to see the full range of stalls and to avoid mid-day crowds.
- Bring cash in Latvian lats/euros - many small vendors prefer cash for purchases of produce.
- Explore the subterranean sections (former Zeppelin hangars) where cured meats and dairy have special vendors and distinctive smells.
Best Time to Visit Riga Central Market #
Morning visits in spring through autumn provide the fullest market activity and best selection of fresh produce.
Weather & Climate near Riga Central Market #
Riga Central Market's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (658 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.