Riga has a massive amount of bars - so many, in fact, that it can be hard to choose where to start, making it the perfect place for abar crawl. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best bars that this lively city has to offer so that you can quit searching and spend more time drinking. No matter what atmosphere, budget or music you’re after, you’ll find a bar for you in Riga. To find out more about Riga seeThe Highlights.
Rock Cafe - Riga
This lively music bar is a renowned favourite on Riga’s bar scene. It’s open until 6am every night, so it’s the perfect spot to keep the party going after all the other bars have shut. Spread over three floors, the rock cafe offers a pool room, dancefloors, karaoke, live music and plenty of space for large groups. The bar also serves a tasty range of American-inspired dishes in the early evenings.
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Paddy Whelan’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar
Known as the oldest Irish pub in Riga, this venue offers great live music and shows all of the biggest matches on the big screens. Located in the centre of the old town, this bar has a real Irish atmosphere in the middle of Latvia. Plus, they serve a great curry if you're after something that feels a bit closer to home. It's a great spot for playing a game of darts with your mates and enjoying a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
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Skyline Bar
The skyline bar is set on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel and offers incredible views of Riga. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the vast selection of inventive cocktails at this elegantly-lit cocktail lounge. The drinks aren't cheap, but they’re worth it considering the views. Try and head here at sunset to see the best sights of the sun going down over the Daugava River.
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Cuba Cafe
You might not expect to find a Cuban-themed bar in Riga, but Cuba Café is an all-time-favourite with locals and tourists alike. You won’t be bored at this bar, with salsa dancing on Tuesdays, a pool room downstairs and live music played by resident DJs on the weekends. Plus, with 2 for 1 cocktails between 5-7pm, you can try some 'caipirinhas', 'caipiroskas' and other Cuban drinks. It’s a little slice of the Caribbean in Latvia.
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Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs
Head to Folkklubs for an authentic Latvian experience. The huge basement bar has enough tables to fit any sized group and enough beer choices to keep everyone happy. In fact, it has the largest beer selection in all of Riga, with 28l beers on tap. The bar also offers traditional Eastern European food, folk dancing and live music at least five nights a week. It will give you a real taste of what the Baltics are all about.
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Shot Cafe
If you’re into shots, then you have to go to this bar. They serve every shot you could ever dream of, from the well-loved classics to their own inventive recipes. Don't worry if you just fancy a beer though - they serve those too! Plus, in the summer months, the tables are laid out on the street, making it a great outdoor spot for enjoying some Latvian dishes.
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Kiwi Bar
Renowned as The Old Town’s best sports venue, this New Zealander bar gets absolutely packed on weekends. With tons of TV screens, it’s the perfect place to catch all of the top sporting events. The bar attracts a lot of English visitors, so don’t be surprised if the whole bar is speaking English rather than Latvian here. Plus, you can even order Indian takeaway from the restaurant next door to enjoy while you’re watching! You’ll feel right at home.