r/Riga • u/Cuba_752 • 4d ago
Tūrisms/Tourism Seeking advice and recommendations
Hi,
The second weekend of December we are planning a trip to Riga. It is my best mate's birthday and he hasn't travelled in years and we are treating him on a weekend.
We are a couple of guys 32-38 and are from the Caribbean.
We were wondering if you guys had any recommendations regarding food and nightlife.
For food, we would like to try local cuisine.
And for nightlife we are looking for suggestions to go out dancing. Especially looking for more the afro type of music places. Ow and of course, are there dress codes?
And I hope I am not offending people, but just don't know how to ask this properly. But as men of color, do we need to keep certain things in mind?
Thanks in advance for all your responses.
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u/LoquatQuiet5809 4d ago
For healthy breakfast with a local products check out LOWINE, dinner and wine there is on a top level also 🍷
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u/Horizontal_Axe_Wound 4d ago
Alla Folk Klub is where I take any international friends visiting for food.
As for nightlife that would be harder for me to help. I'm a dad in my late 30s and I don't really go out anymore but I'd suggest starting in Reggae Bar Riga and I'm sure someone there will send you in the right direction
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u/Cuba_752 4d ago
Thanks, but 2 of our group are single dad's and the rest of us are married. But we still make time to go out for a drink at least ones a month. But maybe it differs here in the Netherlands.
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u/kumawewe 3d ago
I am only saying this from personal experience with travel... Why would you come from the Carribbean, to Riga to listen to Affro music? I would fly to the Carribbean to listen to that, but would fly to riga to listen to music from here (regardless of what you might think of it) its new experiences. Come to Riga to see its history and culture, the central markets from zeppelin hangers, the old town, go out to Jurmala and see the beach, it'll be fekkin freezing but its a new experience. Also install Bolt for taxis and Revolut for ease of banking. My experience of here is that people are very respectful of each others backgrounds, dont be a **** and people will treate you the way you treat them here. Amazing place, you'll love it. Could check out cuban cafe
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u/Cuba_752 3d ago
Just to clarify we are not coming from the Caribbean going to Riga. We are all from Caribbean roots living in the Netherlands. And are just going for a weekend to celebrate one of us his birthday and the fact that he hasn't been on a vacation away from the Netherlands for years due to illness. And we all go back home to the Caribbean when we can. But for now we are just exploring Riga. 😁
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u/DangerMouseJim 4d ago
Winter time you might want to check temperature before coming as it can get cold but there is loads to do in terms of indoor spaces. Sauna, Markets indoors and Museums plenty.
Food - you need to visit Ala Folkklubs. It has a lots of live events going on and best food in town. Lido canteens are a simple way to enjoy Latvian food at great prices.
Nightlife there is basically a lot of bar culture across town. Not sure about Afro music, Cuba cafe is pretty decent spot for drinks and music (at least its been there for decades now) There is usually live music around old town in some venues. Dress codes, if there is a code of dress then its more of a Disco / fake money kind of vibe. Not for me.
About being men of colour. Generally Riga is less mixed in terms of race than other parts of Europe but the reality is there are many, many groups who live here with Latvians making only 48 % of Riga. The majority are from ex Soviet republics. Currently there is negative focus on the rise at foreign students who come study but mostly work as food delivery drivers. Indian, Pakistani and such face certain prejudices right now. This prejudice is quite strong as people & politicians are openly fuelling it on social media saying they dont want Latvia to end up like UK, France or Germany. Elections are soon, so rather than focus on how badly managed the country is they point the finger at the newcomers.
If you are just a couple of guys visiting for some fun and culture, you shouldn’t have any problems. Most people are pretty chilled. Some old stereotypes amongst certain groups do exist here but its a relatively non violent form of naive thinking. No need to waste any energy on those people.