Riga is a fantastic city for food lovers, offering a blend of traditional Latvian flavors and vibrant market scenes. Unlike many cities that focus solely on restaurants, Riga’s food tours often highlight its lively markets—like the Riga Central Market, one of Europe’s largest covered markets—and reveal local culinary secrets. Whether you’re curious about Latvian spirits like Balsam or eager to sample hearty rye bread, Riga’s tours deliver authentic bites and stories. We especially appreciate tours that combine history and culture with food, such as the Flavours of Riga: Food, History & Hidden Gems Tour, which mixes local snacks with lesser-known medieval sites.
For those wanting a deep dive into Latvian cuisine in a social setting, the Riga Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group stands out with over 20 tastes in just two hours, led by guides who make history tasty. And if you prefer a full-day adventure outside the city, the Best of Latvia, Jurmala, Kemeri N Park, Kuldiga City, Food & More offers a comprehensive experience of Latvia’s natural beauty and culinary delights. Below, we explore each tour in detail, helping you decide which fits your taste and schedule best.
1. Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group
At number 1 on our list is the Riga: Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group. This two-hour tour offers a deep dive into Latvian flavors within the heart of the city at the Central Market, a UNESCO site built in old Zeppelin hangars. It’s perfect for travelers who want to taste a wide variety of local foods—over 20—while learning about Latvia’s food traditions and history.
The tour begins with a tasting of Riga Black Balsam in the Black Heads house, setting the tone for a rich experience. Guides are knowledgeable and keep the group engaged, especially if it’s larger than 10 people, when they use a tour guide system to ensure everyone hears the stories. Highlights include sampling Latvian bread, cheeses, smoked fish, and sweet treats—all paired with stories that contextualize each taste. Reviews mention how much they appreciated the variety and the guide’s storytelling. For those who love markets, history, and authentic Latvian flavors in a relaxed setting, this tour offers excellent value and a friendly atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded introduction to Latvian cuisine within a historic setting, ideal for first-time visitors eager to combine culture and food.
2. Latvian food tasting tour at Riga Central market
Next up is the Latvian food tasting tour at Riga Central Market, which scores highly for its detailed exploration of the largest open-air market in Europe. For around $45, you’ll spend roughly two hours wandering through the five zeppelin hangars, tasting everything from meats and cheeses to fermented vegetables and Baltic drinks. This tour is especially good for those who prefer a broader, more casual experience, sampling enough to feel full without a formal sit-down meal.
The guide takes you through stalls where you can see local ingredients and hear stories about Latvian food customs. Guests praise Guna’s warmth and knowledge, with reports of the storytelling enriching the tasting experience. The tour is designed to be engaging and interactive, making it perfect for travelers who want to absorb Latvian culture through its food. Many reviews highlight the variety of tastings and the friendly guide. This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, taste-focused experience with lots of local flavors.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, budget-friendly way to sample Latvian staples in a lively market setting, suitable for curious food explorers.
3. Best of Latvia, Jurmala, Kemeri N Park, Kuldiga City, Food & More
For travelers eager to combine sightseeing with food, the Best of Latvia, Jurmala, Kemeri N Park, Kuldiga City, Food & More offers a full-day adventure outside Riga’s city limits. This 10-11 hour tour takes you to Latvia’s most iconic spots, including the prestigious Jurmala beach, renowned for its Art Nouveau wooden buildings, and Kemeri National Park, with its famous bog boardwalk. It also visits the ancient town of Kuldiga, famous for Europe’s widest waterfall.
What sets this tour apart is the blend of natural beauty and local cuisine. You’ll see wineries and cider houses, walk in the Kemeri bog, and enjoy traditional Latvian food in scenic settings. The reviews mention Jimmy’s friendly and personal approach, making it feel more like a day out with a knowledgeable friend. The tour is ideal for those with a full day to spare and a desire for a rich, multi-faceted Latvian experience.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want a comprehensive day trip covering Latvia’s natural landscapes, historic towns, and local foods.
4. Jurmala, Kuldiga, Ragaciems Beach, Kemeri N park, Food & Drink
The Jurmala, Kuldiga, Ragaciems Beach, Kemeri N park, Food & Drink tour is a 10-hour journey designed for lovers of Latvia’s coast and nature. The tour visits Jurmala’s upscale beach, Ragaciems Beach, and Kemeri National Park’s famous bog walk, along with Kuldiga’s historic streets and waterfalls.
This tour emphasizes Latvia’s natural beauty and authentic food experiences like sampling craft beers, cheeses, and bread. Guests enjoyed the picnic lunch and the chance to relax by the Baltic Sea. Jimmy’s enthusiasm and local knowledge shine, making each stop memorable. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full-day escape with plenty of outdoor activity and Latvian cuisine.
Bottom Line: An immersive day combining Latvia’s scenic coast, forests, and culinary treats—great for outdoor lovers and those wanting a taste of both nature and culture.
5. Jurmala, Kuldiga, Ragaciems Beach, Kemeri N Park, Food & Drink
This tour closely resembles the previous but with a few variations, including a stronger emphasis on Latvia’s authentic spots and the longest waterfall in Europe. It covers Jurmala’s picturesque beaches, Kemeri National Park’s waterways, and Kuldiga’s charming streets.
Reviewers highlight Jimmy’s professional attitude and friendly manner, with special praise for the picnic and local craft beers. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed exploration of Latvia’s countryside, coast, and cultural highlights in one day.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a balanced mix of outdoor adventure, local food, and Latvia’s scenic diversity.
6. Medieval Experience: Guided Sightseeing and Food Tasting
At number 6 is the Medieval Experience: Guided Sightseeing and Food Tasting. This 2.5-hour tour offers more than just walking; it immerses you in Riga’s medieval atmosphere. You’ll explore architectural gems most visitors miss, learn about the city’s history, and finish with a candlelit dinner at a secret, non-touristy location.
This tour combines the enjoyment of tasting Latvian snacks with a rich historical backdrop, making it ideal for history buffs and lovers of atmospheric settings. The guide’s storytelling and the exclusive dinner in a hidden location elevate this experience beyond a simple food tour. Reviewers particularly enjoy the intimate setting and the chance to learn about Riga’s medieval past through its architecture and stories.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an intimate, historical experience with a special dining component tucked away in Riga’s medieval streets.
7. Flavours of Riga: Food, History & Hidden Gems Tour
Finally, the Flavours of Riga: Food, History & Hidden Gems Tour offers a 2.5-hour taste of Riga’s Old Town. It combines exploring historic sights with sampling traditional Latvian snacks and local spirits. The tour includes visits to lesser-known medieval sites and stops at local food spots, providing a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience.
This tour is best for travelers interested in uncovering Riga’s hidden medieval locations and enjoying a “local” feel. With a few traditional shots paired with sweet treats, it offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and cuisine. Reviewers note that the guide’s storytelling makes the experience memorable, although some mention the small number of reviews. It’s a good pick for those who want a shorter, immersive taste of Riga’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: A short, engaging tour for culture and foodies eager to discover Riga’s lesser-known historic corners.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Riga
Picking the perfect tour depends on your interests, schedule, and appetite for variety. For a comprehensive market experience, the Central Market tour offers the most food in the shortest time. If you prefer outdoor scenery combined with food, Tours outside Riga, like the Best of Latvia, are ideal. Those seeking history and atmosphere may enjoy the Medieval Experience, especially if they love secret dinners.
Budget-conscious travelers may prefer the market tasting, while those wanting a full day of scenery, local food, and cultural sights should consider the full Latvian trip.
Booking early is advisable, especially in summer months when Riga’s tourism peaks. Consider your fitness level and interests—whether you want a short walk with tastings or a full-day adventure—and choose accordingly.
Riga offers a variety of food tours that excel in showcasing its local flavors, historic sites, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re after a quick taste of traditional Latvian snacks or a deep dive into the country’s natural parks and seaside resorts, there’s a tour for you. For a balanced mix, the food and history tours come highly recommended, while market lovers will enjoy the central market experience. Whatever your choice, booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out on Riga’s delicious offerings.