Due to corona, the travel restrictions imposed on Riga, Latvia, are no longer in force for people coming for example from Finland, like me. Silja has already started ship cruises in-between Helsinki and Riga and those cruises will last all summer season. Check my video and read more about the best hidden cafés in Riga I found. I had visited Riga myself in the end of February 2020, shortly before tourism around the world came to a standstill due to the Covid. The video will present you 4 nice cafés right in the center of Riga.
Video duration 3:25
Exploring the Charm of Riga’s Cafés: A Journey Through Taste and Culture
1. Lāci: A Cozy Retreat by the Liberty Square
The first stop was Lāci, a quaint café nestled by the edge of a bustling square near the iconic Latvian Statue of Liberty, just opposite a McDonald’s. From the outside, Lāci presents itself as a traditional bakery with its inviting display of fresh bread and pastries. However, stepping inside reveals a cozy space, complete with tables and chairs, where one can enjoy a leisurely break. Their tea, aromatic and perfectly brewed, was a delightful experience. The highlight, however, were the biscuits – particularly the gluten-free almond cookies, which were irresistibly delicious and had me coming back for more.
2. Pienene: A Hidden Gem Behind a Decor Shop
Next I discovered pienene, a charming café cleverly hidden in the back room of a decorative item shop. This café offered a serene escape, especially appreciated while waiting for fellow travelers who venture to climb the nearby old church tower. The church, a prominent feature in Riga’s old town, is less inviting in winter when the balcony on top is freezing with icy winds or pouring rain. Pienene, with its comfortable couches and warm ambiance, provided a much-needed respite from the harsh weather.
3. Parunāsim: The Romantic Heart of Old Town
The third café, parunāsim, proclaimed itself as the most romantic spot in Riga’s Old Town. Located near the famous ‘Three Brothers’ houses, this two-story café was bustling with customers, almost leaving me without a seat. The selection of cakes and teas was both impressive and delicious. The café’s décor was a feast for the eyes, with a notable beautiful floor mosaic on the first floor and a piano humorously inscribed with a sign “My next husband will be normal” on the music stand. This touch of humor added a unique character to the café, blending romance with a hint of whimsy.
4. A Fashionable Rendezvous at the Fashion Museum Café
The fourth café I visited was intriguingly situated in the Fashion Museum in Riga. This café not only offered delightful teas but also featured a delectable gluten-free chocolate cake adorned with walnuts. The museum café was a haven for fashion enthusiasts, with its adjacent museum shop boasting an appealing selection of books on contemporary fashion trends.
Each café in Riga has its own story, its own unique blend of flavors and ambiance. From the cozy, traditional settings to the whimsical and romantic, these cafés are more than just places to drink tea and coffee; they are cultural experiences, embedded in the heart of Latvia’s capital. Whether you are a local or a traveler, a visit to these charming spots offers a delightful journey through Riga’s rich café culture, one that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul.
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