Old Rīga
A huge cavern filled with the bubbling magma of relentless beer-infused joy, folk-punk music, dancing and Latvian nationalism, this is an essential Rīga…
Must-see nightlife in Latvia
Central Rīga
This crumbling former musical school is now a culture centre with a fabulous bar. Choose from an alluring line-up of craft beers, then grab a mismatched…
Brasa & Teika
With a minimalist design that makes it feel a bit like a Gothic church, this place is on a mission to promote more obscure Latvian breweries and local…
Latvia
A legendary music venue across the Baltics, there is live music almost every night in this former port warehouse. The never-closing bar extends over two…
Latvia
This subterranean brewery has a great street terrace in the summer and a rotating line-up of house-made beers, sodas and ciders. Sour beers are a…
Tallinas Kvartāla Ezītis Miglā
Brasa & Teika
The moribund former headquarters of the city's ambulance service has been transformed into an events space with a huge and hidden inner courtyard. Right…
Central Rīga
Opposite a popular theatre, this grungy cavern is a beloved ancient local institution with gobs of atmosphere, right down to the tiny, mismatched wooden…
Central Rīga
This unassuming barn-red wooden building is the modest cover for some of Rīga's most audacious brews. The wizards at Alķīmiķis (which fittingly means…
Latvia
This easy-going subterranean place sees itself as something of a Latvian cultural bastion in the east, its fire power generated by great local beer and…
Latvia
The castle's 19th-century brewery lives again, thanks to one of Latvia's best craft breweries, Valmiera-based Valmiermuiža. Sample their range of beers…
Latvia
A real beer garden! Enjoy excellent local brews under fruit trees laden with apples at this popular spot at the north end of town. The menu includes…
Central Rīga
Skyline Bar sits on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija and offers sweeping views of Rīga. The glammed-up interior verges on self-parody: you…
Brasa & Teika
Above a bike shop in a courtyard off a busy street, this innovative brewery has eight core beers available year-round and an ever-rotating cast of new…
Central Rīga
Apart from a semi-industrial fit-out (polished concrete floors, metal chairs), there's nothing even vaguely garagey about this chic little place with…
Central Rīga
Set in a veteran old wooden building, this cultural space is a local hub for all things indie. Free-spirited locals mingle on mismatched furniture inside…
Latvia
The beach outpost of the popular city-centre cafe brings a bit of style to the strand. Grab a seat on the large covered patio that opens on to the Baltic…
Old Rīga
Split between a noisier half with live music most nights (everything from folk to rockabilly), and a quieter half (which generally closes earlier), this…
Old Rīga
The name means trumpet and you'll hear Louis Armstrong blowing his as you pass by the speakers outside. The bar has a big courtyard and cosy rooms inside…
Central Rīga
Punk lives on at this Soviet-themed cafe – which indeed feels like the average cafe by day, but by night, shows a grittier side with a live music scene…
Brasa & Teika
An old-timer in the hipsterish Miera iela area, Taka sports bright murals on the walls and extra-comfy couches. It's an excellent place to try craft beers…
Central Rīga
A charming wooden cottage set within the park, Apsara is a veritable library of rare teas imported from beyond the Himalaya. Daintily sip your imported…
Old Rīga
Specialising in electronic underground, this tiny bar hiding in a tiny lane lets young DJs master their talent under the condition that the music is quiet…
Central Rīga
Soaring high over the grand boulevards of Central Rīga, on the 8th-floor roof of the Gallerija Riga shopping mall, Herbārijs is a big open-air space with…
Brasa & Teika
This bar-club in an old factory is surrounded by a few other excellent bars. There's an appealing mix of eclectic decor, sunny terraces and live music…
Old Rīga
Dance to pop and disco in a big courtyard or inside under the lasers at this big bar that books top-notch DJs. Be ready for sets of the same Latvian music…
Jūrmala
This hot dancing spot sits high above the trees on the 11th floor of Hotel Jūrmala Spa. Nurse your cocktail in a space-age bucket seat or get jiggy with…
Latvia
Right on the sand, this summer cafe serves up smoothies, good coffee, draft beer and ice cream. Hang out under the awning or take in the rays on the…
Central Rīga
This sweet unassuming hipster den (its name translates as Rabbit) has an impressive array of Latvian-produced drinks – from Malduguns craft beer and cider…
Old Rīga
An authentic mojito and a table overlooking Doma laukums is just what the doctor ordered after a long day of sightseeing. On colder days, swig your…
Latvia
Located on the 1st floor of Fontaine Royal, this local haunt is stuffed with cheesy prison-related accoutrements, and the bartender slings drinks from…
Central Rīga
The golden boy of Rīga's gay scene (admittedly that's not saying much), Golden is a friendly little place with a conservatory-like bar and a weekend-only…
