Top 6 Hidden Gems in Riga, Latvia (From Ancient Saunas to Secret Markets) with Lelde Benke-Lungevica

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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

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