What are the best hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, and how can you experience this Baltic city like a local? 

Lelde Benke-Lungevica is a Latvian writer and cultural storyteller who was born in Australia and moved back to Riga in her teens. Since 2013, she’s run the blog Life in Riga, offering a personal and authentic look at life in Latvia’s capital through stories, guides, and reflections on identity and homecoming.

This episode explores what makes Riga unique and how to see the city (and beyond) through local eyes.

You’ll hear Lelde’s top tips for exploring Riga off the beaten path, how Latvia’s seasonal rhythms shape daily life, and the local wellness ritual that might just change how you travel. She shares everything from the best markets and bakeries to an unusual national pastry and a coastal trail that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers. If you're looking to travel deeper and more intentionally, these hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, will give you a new way in.

What’s one lesser-known destination where you’ve felt a deep connection to the local culture? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why Lelde moved back to Riga after years abroad, and how it shaped her sense of home

What to do beyond Riga’s Old Town (and why it matters)

How Riga’s past and present shape its identity today

Advice for souvenir shopping that supports local makers

How to explore Riga’s lesser-known beaches and hiking routes

Why bakeries became a lifeline during Latvia’s economic crisis

How Latvian cider culture is quietly booming

Where to experience Latvia’s contemporary art scene without a national museum

What “pirts” means, and why this wellness ritual might surprise you

How to escape Riga and explore the rest of Latvia with just a few days

Resources:

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Life in Riga website

Live Riga tourism website

Visit Riga Facebook Group

Latvia Expats Facebook Group

Zuzeum Art Centre

Kim? Contemporary Art Centre

Riga Neighborhoods Project

Baltic Coastal Hiking Route

Agenskalns Market

Sidrerija

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