Archives for “Shopping” tag

They say money cannot buy happiness, but it surely can buy chocolate, which is almost the same thing. So when in Riga, there is no place to buy this kind of treat than Emils Gustavs Chocolate.

Founded in 2005 this enterprise has spread all over the capital and now is situated in many of shopping malls in the town. The nicest place to enjoy its offer is in the center near Opera House, there is a spacious cafeteria with an incredibly nice aroma all over the place . The peaceful background music makes this a good spot for those with a sweet tooth.

Emils Gustavs Chocolate offers truffles, dark, white and milk chocolate bars with different fillings, candies and statues of chocolate, cookies with marzipan and nuts, ice cream shakes and hot chocolate and a lot more wrapped in ascetic plastic bags. A perfect place to buy an original gift or a souvenir. Furthermore, if you are indecisive (and at this kind of place this is no surprise) the friendly staff will always be eager to help. 

‘Upe’ translated to English means river, and is a perfect word to describe a record shop like this. Upe is filled with harmony and quality music.

This shop has a lot to offer, but firstly it is a record store. The range of selection is incredibly wide; one can satisfy almost all music cravings – from the newest albums of worldwide bestselling artists to local singers and unknown artists.

Nowhere else in Riga can vinyl be found in such a quantity. Not only music lovers admire this place, it also has a wine studio and a coffee shop to offer. By the way, this is the only place in town where the most expensive coffee in the world can be bought (Luwak), which is made by a special technology.

Apart from coffee and a record shop, this is a charming place to have a drink and get to know the newest music trends and upcoming events. 

To sum up, this is a paradise for those who love music and are used to buying it, because it is the least we can do for the beloved artists and idols.

Bookshops have lost their charm due to the 21st century of e-books and Internet. Sometimes it seems like people nowadays do not read at all. But in 2009 The Economist’s ex-correspondent Robert Cottrell proved this statement wrong by opening a bookshop named ‘Robert’s books’.

In the past three years it has changed its location several times. Robert’s books can now be found in the outskirts of the ‘quiet centre’ (It may be hard to find at first, because it is situated in a courtyard). It has become an original bookworm’s paradise, where almost everything can be found.

A second-hand, English-language bookshop is a novelty for Riga. This cozy shop is never crowded and that’s one more reason what makes it special among all the other bookstores. Robert’s books is strong on literary fiction, crime, history, and politics, but that’s far from all that this shop has to offer. 

Prices are usually from one to five lats, books are in a very good condition and the atmosphere of the shop makes its costumers eager to read.

Otra Elpa or Second Breath if we want to do a bit of a translation is a charity shop located in the greatest block in Riga – Bergs Bazaar (check the article here).

There are not many places that draw me away from reality in some way. You can try to guess and you will be correct – this is the one of the few ones.

All kinds of people (artists, craftsman, everyone who feels responsible for a better life) donate different books, interior items, clothes, shoes, toys and other things to this shop. So you and me could purchase them if an item has a value in our eyes. I usually go there to purchase some books as the prices are very reasonable or lets be honest – low. There is even a bookshelf with books just for free or a little donation.

From time to time I just can’t pass by Otra elpa without going in to soak up the nice atmosphere to inspire the rest of the day or save it for a smile as those can easy run out in this dark time of a year.

A tip – donate back those books that you have read so that others can share the reading joy as well.

Bergs Bazaar is definitely one of my must-experience tips in Riga. It can be easily called the spot of the spots as within it you can find many attractions but each of those deserves a separate post but I will try to describe the place as a whole.

Bergs Bazaar lies in the very center of Riga, not far from old town, the central railway station and my place. The thing I love about it the most is that when you enter calmness surrounds you, even though there are public places almost in every doorway.

No cars are allowed here so I can let my little son run freely without a worry. It is always clean and a very romantic place for an evening walk when the lights are turned on.

Not to scare you with quietness of this beautiful place, many happenings are held here constantly. For example, you can visit the Slow Food Farmer’s market and the antique market on every second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 09:00 to 15:00.

Many locals including me come here to purchase some quality food or just to spend an enjoyable morning. Summertime encourages every cafe to bring out some tables for guests to chill and enjoy this beautiful bazaar at it’s best.