Riga Central Market

If you've always wondered what goes on in those strange semi-cylindrical buildings near the bus station, then ponder no longer. The Baltic's largest market place has occupied these converted Zeppelin hangars since its inaugural year in 1930, and still retains the lively feel of a traditional trade emporium. Each of the five hangars, or 'pavilions', has a different speciality - such as meat, fish, groceries and dairy products, whilst a number of stalls and canopies around the hangars sell everything from fresh produce to cheap socks and dodgy DVDs. Head down for a touch of shopping or chalk it up as a cultural experience.

Such a cool place to see, and you can always find bargains and lots of weird things you wouldn't find anywhere else - perfect for unique gifts!

Even if you don't buy anything, this is a great spot to go... being part of Riga since 1930, I got all kinds of warm fuzzy feelings being there surrounded by locals. I didn't buy much, but I did get postcards (of course) that were made by a local merchant (each was unique) and a couple of stamped pewter pieces clearly made for tourists, along with a couple of really unusual rocks that aren't in America--got those for a lapidary I know. Definitely go if you have a chance. The merchants were a little eager to get my business since of course I was perceived as rich (even though I took one of those 12 euro flights there and my total budget for 3 months of eating, traveling, etc. was $1300), but they also took my polite no thank yous with stride.

Really cool big open marketplace. Riga Central Market is worth seeing just as a tourist sight, but then of course you can always find some cheap shopping here as well - it's definitely worth checking out.