Do you plan to visit Latvia this year? Are you searching for the top shopping malls in Latvia in 2023? If yes, then you might be interested in knowing about the top shopping malls in Latvia that offer a variety of products, services, and entertainment options.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best shopping centers in Latvia that you can visit during your trip. You will also get to know what to buy in Latvia, Latvia shopping festivals and discounts, and the luxury brands in Latvia.
Latvia is a stunning nation in Northern Europe with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a terrific place for those who enjoy shopping as well, with a variety of contemporary, roomy malls to suit all preferences and price ranges. In these retail centers, you may get anything you need, whether you’re seeking clothing, electronics, trinkets, or regional specialties.
Best shopping malls in Riga
Riga, the capital of Latvia, boasts several notable shopping malls:
- Galerija Centrs: With 110 shops, cafes, restaurants, and various services, this historic mall resides in Riga Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to 1938.
- Galleria Riga: Featuring 140 shops offering fashion, beauty, sports, and electronics, it also boasts a rooftop terrace with city views and diverse dining options. Conveniently situated on Dzirnavu Street, one of Riga’s major thoroughfares.
- Akropole: The newest and largest shopping and entertainment complex in Latvia, it houses over 170 shops, a cinema, a bowling alley, an ice skating rink, a food court, and a concert hall for various events and performances. Located on Maskavas Street, near the Riga bypass road.
Are there any luxury brands in Latvia?
Yes, there are some luxury brands in Latvia that you can find online or in physical stores. For example, you can shop for premium and luxury brands in health, sports, electronics, fashion, home appliances, books, kitchen appliances, and more from the online shopping website Ubuy Latvia. You can also explore the world of timeless femininity with multifunctional pieces from Amoralle, a loungewear-inspired luxury womenswear brand founded by Inese Ozola in Latvia.
If you are in Riga, the capital of Latvia, you can visit some of the coolest clothing stores and boutiques in the city, such as Riga Central Market, a vibrant and bustling market that offers a variety of products, including clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and local specialties.
What to buy in Latvia
Latvia is a country rich in culture, history and natural beauty. If you are looking for some souvenirs to buy in Latvia, you might want to consider some of these options:
- Latvian jewelry (Art Gallery Putti, Amberline shops)
- Amber (Amber Room, Amberline shops, Latvian National Museum of Art gift shop)
- Latvian handcrafts (St Peter’s Church area, Livu Square)
- Riga Black Balsam (Black Magic Bar, liquor stores, supermarkets)
- Traditional Latvian wool items (Sena Klets shop)
- Gotina milk candy (Laima Chocolate Museum, grocery stores, candy shops)
- Latvian honey (Farmers’ markets, Medus Istaba shop)
- Latvian beer (Aldaris, Lāčplēsis, Valmiermuiža, Užavas)
- Lielvārde Belt (Sena Klets shop, Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia)
- Latvian linen (RIIJA shop)
Latvia shopping festivals and discounts
If you are looking for some shopping festivals and discounts in Latvia, you might want to check out these events:
- Rīga festival: This is a series of concerts in historic venues that also features a street market with local crafts, food, and souvenirs. You can enjoy the music and the atmosphere while browsing for some unique items. The festival usually takes place in June
- Rīga Restaurant Week: This is a biannual event that offers a chance to taste the best dishes from the top restaurants in Riga at a special price. You can choose from a variety of cuisines and enjoy a three-course meal for only 20 or 25 euros. The next edition of the festival will be in October 2023
- Staro Riga Light Festival: This is an annual event that transforms the city into a dazzling spectacle of light art. You can admire the illuminated buildings, monuments, bridges, and parks while walking around the city center. The festival also features some discounts and special offers from the participating venues and shops. The festival usually takes place in November.
These are just some of the shopping festivals and discounts that you can find in Latvia. There are many more events and opportunities to explore the culture, history, and nature of this beautiful country.
Latvia shopping culture and etiquette
Latvian Shopping Culture and Etiquette Tips:
- Greeting Customs: Latvians prefer solemn handshakes over hugs. Be aware of the distinction between the Russian and Latvian communities, as mixing is limited, and some may not appreciate being mistaken for the other.
- Gender Dynamics: Traditional gender roles persist in the workplace. When traveling alone, women may encounter mild sexism, but the risk of harassment is low.
- Tipping: A ten percent tip is customary for good service at restaurants. You can round up the bill or leave small changes on the table.
- Public Transport: Practice good etiquette on public transport by giving up your seat for elderly passengers and letting women board first.
- Environmental Awareness: Latvia is environmentally conscious, and you should use waste containers and trash cans. Show respect for nature by keeping public spaces clean.
- Dress and Manners: Latvians appreciate high-end clothing, shoes, and jewelry. Women often wear gold jewelry and strong fragrances. Dress well and be polite to make a good impression.
- Punctuality: Latvians value punctuality, so arrive on time for appointments or meetings. If you’re running late, call ahead and apologize. Avoid last-minute cancellations or no-shows without a valid reason.
- Visiting Homes: When visiting a Latvian home, bring a small gift like flowers, chocolates, or wine. Avoid yellow flowers, chrysanthemums, knives, or scissors as they have negative connotations. Remove your shoes upon entering and wait for your host’s guidance. Don’t start eating until everyone is served, and the host says “Labu apetīti.” Compliment the food and finish your meal without asking for more, and don’t drink alcohol without a toast.
What is the largest Mall in Latvia?
The largest shopping center in Latvia is Akropole Riga, which opened in 2019 and is situated in the nation’s capital city of Riga. It has 190 stores as well as cafes, restaurants, and other services, as well as a skating rink, a cinema, and a bowling alley, and it has a leasable area that is greater than any other mall in Latvia at 97,000 square meters.
What is the largest supermarket chain in Latvia?
The largest supermarket chain in Latvia is Maxima Group, which is part of the Maxima Grupe holding, the largest retail chain and employer in the Baltics. As of 2020, Maxima has more than 1300 stores in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Bulgaria. It also operates the banner Barbora.
The second largest supermarket chain in Latvia is Rimi, which is part of Rimi Baltic and has more than 134 stores in Latvia as of 2022. It operates under the banners Rimi Express, Rimi Hyper, Rimi Mini, and Rimi Super. The third largest supermarket chain in Latvia is Mego, which has approximately 90 stores located in the largest Latvian cities. It took over 51 outlets operated by Lithuanian retailer IKI in 2014.
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What is the currency of Latvia?
The currency of Latvia is the euro. The euro is the official legal tender in Latvia, meaning you can use it to pay for goods, services, taxes, and debts in the country. The euro is divided into 100 cents, and you can find banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros. There are also coins of 1 and 2 euros, and cents of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50. The euro is also used by other 18 countries in the European Union. The currency code for the euro is EUR, and the symbol is €.
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