Riga, Latvia is a gem of a European destination. The largest city of the three Baltic capitals boasts an exquisite historic center, delicious cuisine and hopping nightlife. It used to be pretty difficult for westerners to to travel Riga, given that it was a former member of the Soviet Union. But now that several European discount carriers fly there or to neighboring Vilnius, Lithuania and Tallinn, Estonia, more people are discovering all that Riga has to offer.
While Riga has many beautiful characteristics, particularly around its historic center, the Latgale Tirgus flea market is not one of them. But it’s one of the quirkiest things we’ve come across in our travels. Here’s why you may want to pop in for a short visit if you happen to be in town.
Latgale Tirgus Flea Market
If you never leave the old town of Riga, Latvia you may get the impression that this grand city doesn’t have a host of economic struggles. But a short pop over to the Latgale Tirgus flea market will give you a relatively safe (I’d definitely still be mindful of potential pickpockets) and interesting glimpse into the past and present of this Russian, German and Scandinavian influenced town.
Latgale Tirgus literally overflows with bicycle parts, tires, obsolete electronics and a seemingly endless assortment of junk. But the most interesting stall we came across was one selling an abundance of antique pins, mostly from the Soviet era.
Historic Memorabilia
I was quite fascinated with the Soviet pins and picked up a few from the former Soviet Games. Yes they had those, which before finding the pins, I had no knowledge that those games existed. I passed on the Hitler pin, as yes the vendor also had a bit of Nazi paraphernalia as well, shockingly. When Bell attempted to take a photo of his stall, he nearly dropped his cigarette and had an aneurysm. He shouted no photos! Most of the vendors are Russian. While we were looking at the pins one of his friends came by to give him a firm handshake. It was a spectacle.
Because of dodgy electronics (and perhaps Nazi mementos) Latgale Tirgus has apparently been temporarily shut down and is set to re-open in a new form soon. Will this be like something out of ‘Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie?’ Will the powers that be eliminate the used toilet paper shop, squatters and the angry wolf as well? If you make it to the new version, let us know how it is and say hi to the comrades.
Latgale Tirgus flea market Address
Address: F.Sadovņikova iela 9 a.
Directions: Go from Central Railway Station, walk along Gogola street (about 10 minutes), cross Dzirnavu street and it is on the left hand side.
Open every day except Mondays (when open)
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I love the Latvale Tirgu…no cheap Chinese stff, I find little bits and pieces of things to tinker with and much less tgan storss… never had a pick pocket occurance in all my years going! Friendly Russian guy there to greet you as you enter and turn right…more than willing sellers will dig through their mounds of “treasures” if they think they have something you want. Not a latte and sun hat place, it’s sometimes muddy and grundgy, but if you like to haggle, your up for a treat!!
Hey Mike. Thanks for sharing your experiences at the Latgale Tirgus flea market with us. Ha yes, not a “latte and sun hat place.” We’re glad to hear you’ve had good experiences there!