After an impressive reconstruction in 2016, the Riga Motor Museum has become the largest historical gallery of antique vehicles in the whole Baltics. Everything you could ever want to learn about cars, their manufacturing, and the automobile industry from the onset of the late 19th century/early 20th century to the modern day can be found here, with a heavy focus on relics from the era of Soviet production.
The car employed by one of Latvia's most recognized historical figures, Kārlis Ulmanis, can be found here, alongside other notable models driven by many historic persons. A walk through the museum becomes more than just an of viewing old vehicles. It is an experience that takes you back many decades. You can sit in an old-school bus and drive through the Latvian countryside or ring up a soviet-era phone booth to listen to anecdotes. And, if modern drives are more your style, they have a whole racing setup - wheel, gear shift, pedals - allowing you to take a tour through the digitally mapped Biķernieku race track; which, by the way, you can catch a glimpse of through the museum's windows.
Many tourists tend to opt out of visiting The Motor Museum, as it is far from the city center and not so easily accessible by public transport. If I was your guide, however, I'd find a way to get us there, as the experience within the Motor Museum is unforgettable, especially since you are allowed to take pictures wherever and of whatever you wish.
Explore Riga like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Riga guide.
Hanzas Perons is a top pick in Riga's cultural life. You can find big concerts, exhibitions and other events in this renovated old cargo train warehouse!
By
"Cadets de Gascogne" in the center of Riga does something magic: the moment you step inside this cafe, you leave all the hustle & bustle outside the door.
By
"Rīgas Botāniskais Dārzs" (Riga's botanical garden) sounded boring. How wrong I was! Every season is a new absolutely beautiful discovery here...
By
"K.K. fon Stricka Villa" in Riga is a reborn old villa from the late 19th century. It is easy-going yet hip, with elements from the past yet so modern!
By
"Born For Freedom" (or, in Latvian, Dzimuši Brīvībai) is a huge 3D street art sculpture of a fox dedicated to the protection of animals...
By
"Zuzeum Art Centre" in Riga is spread over three levels of a historical building with a nice shop/coffee place and a green oasis of a rooftop terrace!
By
"Mañana Bar" in Riga invites you to take things easy, as if you were in Spain or Mexico. We Latvians need to remember this lesson from time to time...
By
Ezītis Miglā
By
"Pusdienu Restorāns Gusto" in Riga offers a quick and tasty lunch in a very nice environment next to the channel.
By
"FoodBox" probably makes the best kebab in Riga! For sure it's one of the oldest places in the city. My favorite is the chicken kebab with yogurt sauce...
By
59 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 59 Insider Tips from our local Spotters