Riga, Latvia’s charming capital, is a wonderful place to explore through its food. Unlike many cities that offer cookie-cutter culinary tours, Riga’s food scene is deeply rooted in local traditions, with markets and historic neighborhoods brimming with authentic flavors. We particularly enjoyed tours that focus on the Riga Central Market, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can sample more than 20 traditional Latvian tastes and learn about centuries-old food customs. The Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group stands out for its small-group intimacy and expert guides who bring the market’s history and food to life.
Beyond the Central Market, Riga offers a range of experiences, from full-day excursions exploring Latvia’s natural beauty to intimate medieval dinners. Whether you’re after a quick taste of local snacks or a full immersion into Latvian culture, the list below includes some of the best food tours in Riga. Each provides a different perspective—some emphasize local ingredients, others focus on history or scenic day trips.
1. Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group
This tour is a fantastic way to kick off your Latvian adventure, especially if you love diving into local markets. Over two hours, you’ll try 20+ Latvian specialties as you wander through the massive Riga Central Market, one of Europe’s largest covered markets and a UNESCO site. Your knowledgeable guide will explain Latvian food traditions and the history behind the market’s unique zeppelin hangars.
The tour begins with a tasting of Riga Black Balsam at the Black Heads house, setting the tone for a flavorful journey. The itinerary includes stops at the market, where you’ll sample local meats, cheeses, fermented vegetables, and Latvian candies. The guide uses a group amplification system for groups of 10+, ensuring everyone hears every word. Reviewers praise the tour for its delicious food, engaging storytelling, and friendly guides. One even mentions trying Balsam liquor, honey brandy, and bee products after the tour, making it perfect for souvenir shopping.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want an intimate, informative experience with a focus on authentic Latvian flavors in a historic setting.
2. Latvian Food Tasting Tour at Riga Central Market
For those who want a less structured but equally tasty experience, this tour takes you through the entire five zeppelin hangars of Riga’s open-air market. You’ll sample a variety of meats, cheeses, bread, fish, fermented vegetables, and sweets—enough to make up a full meal. The tour lasts around two hours, and it’s an excellent way to see the market’s daily life while sampling Latvian staples.
Led by a warm and engaging guide, you’ll learn about Latvian culinary traditions and the stories behind each stall. Reviewers highlight the variety and quality of the samples and praise the guide’s storytelling. One reviewer mentions how the guide incorporated her family history into the tour, adding a personal touch. The tour is a good choice for travelers who want ample tastings and a chance to explore the market independently after.
Bottom line: This is a great value for those who enjoy wandering markets and trying local ingredients in a lively, open setting.
3. Best of Latvia, Jurmala, Kemeri N Park, Kuldiga City, Food & More
If you’re after a full-day experience that combines natural beauty, seaside charm, and cultural sights, this tour is hard to beat. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see beyond Riga’s city limits. You’ll visit Jurmala, famous for its art nouveau wooden buildings and sandy beaches; Kemeri National Park with its bog walks and mineral water pools; and Kuldiga, home to Europe’s widest waterfall and well-preserved medieval streets.
The tour is led by a friendly guide who ensures you’re comfortable and informed. One reviewer says, “Jimmy made us feel like traveling with an old friend,” which highlights the personal touch. Expect to drive through scenic countryside, enjoy a picnic, and learn about Latvian life along the way. The itinerary includes local food tastings in Kuldiga, making it not just a sightseeing trip but also a culinary adventure.
Bottom line: This tour suits those who want a rundown of Latvia’s natural and cultural highlights in one day, with opportunities for local food tasting and scenic views.
4. Jurmala, Kuldiga, Ragaciems Beach, Kemeri N Park, Food & Drink
This 10-hour day trip is perfect for travelers eager to explore Latvia’s most stunning spots outside Riga. Starting with Jurmala, Latvia’s most upscale beach resort, the tour then moves to Ragaciems Beach, known for its heavenly sands and peaceful atmosphere. Kemeri National Park offers a gentle trek along the Bog Boardwalk, where you can enjoy the unique flora and fauna.
The journey continues to Kuldiga for more rich history, followed by a local Latvian picnic featuring craft beers, cheese, and rye bread. The guide, Jimmy, is praised for his knowledge and friendly attitude. One reviewer emphasizes how the picnic was a delightful surprise and how the guide took care of everything.
This tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and outdoor activities who want a full experience of Latvia’s scenic and coastal beauty combined with authentic food.
Bottom line: If you want a long, immersive day with scenic beaches, nature, and local cuisine, this trip delivers.
5. Jurmala, Kuldiga, Ragaciems Beach, Kemeri N Park, Food & Drink
Similar to the previous tour but slightly shorter, this 10-hour itinerary takes you to Latvia’s top highlights: the luxurious Jurmala, the serene Ragaciems Beach, and the Kemeri National Park with its widest waterfall in Europe. You’ll also explore Kuldiga, an ancient town with charming streets and a stunning waterfall.
The tour emphasizes authentic Latvian places and local food and drinks. Reviewers love the informative guide Jimmy, who’s praised for friendliness and detailed explanations. A comment notes how they “test craft beers and traditional Latvian bread,” making the experience both scenic and flavorful.
This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a well-rounded day exploring Latvia’s lesser-known spots with local taste-testing along the way.
Bottom line: If you want to see the countryside and coast with a focus on authentic food, this is a reliable choice.
6. Medieval Experience: Guided Sightseeing and Food Tasting
For those interested in Riga’s medieval roots, this 2.5-hour tour combines architectural highlights with a candlelit dinner in a secret location. Your guide takes you beyond the typical attractions to reveal medieval buildings and hidden courtyards that most visitors miss. The tour culminates in an intimate dinner featuring local snacks and drinks, making it feel like a private feast.
The guide’s storytelling is engaging, and the experience is atmospheric, especially with the candlelit setting. The tour is perfect for travelers who want a romantic or historical focus, with an emphasis on local cuisine in an authentic atmosphere.
Reviewers appreciate the personalized touch and the unique setting, which makes it stand out among Riga’s food experiences. Because it’s a shorter but immersive tour, it appeals to those with limited time but a curiosity for medieval history and gastronomy.
Bottom line: This is ideal if you seek a combination of history, architecture, and intimate dining in a medieval setting.
7. Flavours of Riga: Food, History & Hidden Gems Tour
This 3-hour tour offers a taste of Riga’s Old Town with a focus on cultural history and delicious bites. Starting at St. Peter’s Church, the route includes multiple food tastings, guided sightseeing, and visits to hidden medieval locations. You’ll try local snacks, two Latvian shots paired with sweets, and many lesser-known sites.
The tour is designed for history lovers who also want to enjoy some authentic food. Reviewers note that the guide makes the history come alive, and the local spirits add a special touch. One emphasizes that it’s a great way to combine culture and cuisine without feeling rushed.
This tour suits history enthusiasts who want to sample authentic Latvian flavors and learn about Riga’s medieval past in a relaxed, engaging way.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers interested in history and food, looking for a short but meaningful experience.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Riga
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and personal interests. If you’re after a deep dive into local market flavors, the Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group offers a rich, intimate experience. For a scenic day trip exploring Latvia’s natural beauty, the Best of Latvia, Jurmala, Kemeri N Park, Kuldiga City, Food & More is a great choice.
If your focus is history and medieval ambiance, the Medieval Experience combines architecture with traditional food in a cozy setting. For those who want a quick, flavorful overview of Riga’s Old Town, the Flavours of Riga offers a mix of history, hidden spots, and local bites.
Finally, for scenic outdoor activities combined with local food tastings, tours like the Jurmala, Kuldiga, Ragaciems Beach, Kemeri N Park, Food & Drink give a full day outdoors. Consider your time, budget, and interests to pick the best fit.
Final Thoughts
Riga offers an array of food tours that showcase everything from market staples and medieval flavors to lighthouse coastal scenery and hidden historical sites. For a comprehensive market experience, the Riga Central Market tour is hard to beat. If you want a scenic adventure accompanied by local cuisine, the day trips to Jurmala and Kuldiga will satisfy. For travelers interested in history and ambiance, the Medieval Experience offers a memorable mix.
No matter your choice, book early—these tours are popular, especially during peak travel seasons. With so many authentic tastes and stories waiting, Riga’s food tours promise a genuine taste of Latvia’s culture—so get ready to explore with an appetite.