Riga Shopping

The currency in Latvia is the Lat, Although it is possible to purchase your Lats before setting off, My advice would be to wait until you get there before you change your money as you will get a Better rate in Latvia.
I changed my money at the bank at the Airport, The rate was 205 Lats for £200 including the commission. The rate in Liverpool Airport was £1 got you about .8 of a Lat, and that was Before commission !! So as you can see a Huge difference
There are also Plenty of Money Changers scattered about the Old City, So money Changing won't be a problem !!

If you are looking for a bargain then the best bet is "The Central Market"
Located in The Moscow District, right behind the Railway Station, It is a mix of indoor and outdoor and you can just about buy Anything there !!
The indoor section is housed in five Zeppelin Hangers , Built in the first world war, then moved to Riga in the 1920's and converted to the Central market, opening in 1930 and then one of the largest markets on the continent !!
Open Daily 8 till 5

As old as the trains look, the Train Station is a big shopping center with on the other side of the street the big Stockmann and Cinema (mostly subtitled movies). It's on the eastern edge of the citycenter and is probably the most modern area of the city. Here you can do some decent shopping in a modern athmosphere, very nice to give yourself a bit of rest if you have enough of all those old buildings.

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You can find their shops in many of the shopping centres, at least Centrs and Origo have an outlet. The main shop is in Berga Bazaars. They sell and make handmade Belgian style chocolates, which are absolutely delicious. You can also enjoy nice coffees and delicious cakes in their cafe.

What to buy: Try their caramel , orange or mint filled pralines, yummy!

What to pay: depends on how many you want to try =)

This is what travellers buy in Riga. Didn't notice much difference in prices town vs. the airport. So you might as well leave this shopping until the last minute before departure.

What to buy: This is the local liqueur you must taste while in Riga. It's black and strong and tastes terrible. It was ceated by a Rigan pharmacist in 1752 and it's supposed to heal whatever health problems you might have - or then not.

What to pay: Different sizes from 2 to 6 lats

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When walking in the old town, you see street vendors on all squares selling some rather nice jewelry. Various price ranges depending on the quality you are after - or can afford...

What to buy: Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings etc. with amber

On the Central Market you can find anything (food, clothes, dvd´s, cd´s, souvenirs). I have to say when you visit Riga, you have to visit the Central Market because overthere you still can feel the atmosphere of the old days a little bit!

What to buy: I bought some typical Latvian socks. :)

What to pay: It´s very cheap

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A delightful chocolate shop / cafe. There are a few other locations around Riga, but this is the one we visited.

Once inside, you can see a lady through a window making the chocolates in a room within the shop. The counter has a wide array of chocolate to eat inside, or take away. There are plenty of seats to relax and have a coffee, chocolate, hot chocolate or dessert.

Really scrumptious!

What to buy: Definitely try the 'hot chocolate'. It is presented in an espresso style cup, with an accompanying glass of water - believe me, you will need the water!

The hot chocolate is the most chocolatie thing I have ever tasted. A must try.

The chocolate pie dessert, with chocolate ice cream, is also worth a try. Yum yum.

What to pay: Quite upmarket, but not particularly expensive.