Central Market
Nēģu 7 Riga
the market website (extremely well done)
the Live Riga page dedicated to the market
hours of opening

The summary  You’ll find a ton of information on one of the most interesting markets in Europe ( yes, yes, completely) We’ll make it simple:
-opened in 1930, it’s listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage
-it’s surface is 72 300 square meters and there are more than 3000 commercial stands.
-There are 5 main buildings which are old zeppelin sheds which were left behind by the German army in the First World War, and that were bought by the government at the time, in 1922 ( Latvia’s independence was proclaimed November 18, 1918 but the international community recognized its independence on January 26, 19
They were then converted to style between neoclassical and Art Déco, each have their specificity:
a) fish
b) meat
c) dairy products
d) delicatessen
e) vegetables
-There are also red buildings called Spikeri, built between 1864 and 1886. From the original 150, only 13 remain.
-There are between 50 and 70 000 daily visitors during the week and up to 100 000 on the weekends.
-The market is located in the Russian area, in Maskavas, on the edge of the Daugava river, it’s spread out from the train station to the Culture and Science Palace.
-It received Trip Advisor’s Excellence Certificate  for a second consecutive year. I missed the Latgales flea market that’s beside it, but I found this interesting article that lets you discover more about it.And here’s more pretty pictures of the Central market.
-There are more and more organized activities in the market so take advantage of them, take a look at the market’s website, as well as the part dedicated to it on the Live Riga website.
-There are restaurants that are opening in the market. Just in the end of 2013, two opened up: 371 that everyone is talking about and Siļķītes un Dillītes (Fish and Chips) which I loved.
-Finally I read that the CEE wanted to impose its constraints to the market and that it might mean too much change for the market. I don’t know if it’s true and what the consequences would be. But I hope that this growing Europe isn’t going to eradicate the magic that remains in places where over protective and unvarying rules haven’t yet reached.

Finally, take the time to walk around the outside, I’m still hitting myself for missing these boxers with running horses, a must have. With the 500 Euro bill towel ( asked to be taken down by some because the mafia likes them too much) you’ll be a king at the beach this summer.

As was telling me someone of Latvian background, in all the Baltic countries we find the same kind of awful clothing in the markets.

KKC (Kaņepes Kultūras centrs)
Skolas iela 15
Riga
the site
Open from 2pm- 5am

The summary
A cultural center combining photography exhibitions, concerts, etc…Undoubtedly one of the most interesting places in Riga for independent culture. Located close to the center.

The Center
The Cultural Canabis Center is a complete building. There is a lawn at the front so you can spend time both inside and outside. You feel like you’re in a house when you’re inside. By reading their information page  on their Facebook page you’ll probably find a lot more about them, I used Google Translate for the translation and I only got a partial understanding of the place.  The crowd was eclectic: about 50 intellectuals, young classy couples coming to mix it up, young indie culture lovers, and more.  The bouncers at the front door look sinister, almost, but it’s easy to get in. The staff at the bar were very nice that day.

The little story

For the little story, I was in contact with Kristaps Puķītis that takes care of the musician group Dirty Deal Audio, they used to have a room beforehand, but it was closed. Kristaps recommended I come by to the KKC that night. I get there and find this painting on the front wall. Seeing “Sig”, I wondered if it was the French artist Sig that I know.

I go inside and go upstairs where the photography exhibition is. Seeing them, I had a déjà vu feeling, some portraits reminded me of faces in the movie Sig Kinogamma.

Some young women that work at KKC arrive, and I ask them who the photographer was, they answer that it’s Sig, that he’s downstairs and is going to start his concert in 45 mins. Wow. I go downstairs, and actually see Sig.

He plays as part of a trio with a Latvian drummer ( which I’ve forgotten the name of) and the Tunisian singer Mounir Troudi.

He plays regularly at KKC, as you can tell from the video from this summer.

Special mention of a young DJ in his customized RedBull car in front of the arena. He was there before we got in and when everyone left he was still there, was he freezing his butt off the entire game?

The verdict
A place you can’t miss for those that want to explore the underground cultural venues; the benefit is that  it’s right beside Piens, which is classier, the brasserie Labietis and the DeliSnack to get a bite to eat, so you’re sure to find a good fit.
However, check beforehand if there’s an event  that day because it’s not open every night.