Best Pubs in Riga, Latvia: Unique Bars & Nightlife Guide
Looking for the best pubs in Riga Latvia? During our visit, we discovered everything from an Australian-themed pub and a superhero-filled bar to a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Old Town. Riga surprised us with just how many unusual places there are to enjoy a drink.
What we liked most was that these weren’t simply places to grab a drink. Each one had its own personality and gave us a different way to experience Riga after exploring the city during the day.
So, if you’re looking for the best pubs in Riga, Latvia, these are the places that stood out to us during our visit.
Best Pubs in Riga, Latvia
1. Best Pubs in Riga Latvia: Aussie Pub
Aussie Pub was one of the first places that caught our attention in Riga. It’s a relaxed backpacker bar with a wonderfully quirky feature – a Volkswagen camper van actually forms part of the bar.
The atmosphere is casual and sociable, making it an easy place to meet other travellers. We loved the slightly unusual décor and the laid-back feeling. It felt like the kind of place where you could pop in for one drink and end up staying much longer than planned.
The pub is on Vaļņu iela, right in central Riga, so it’s also easy to combine with an evening exploring the Old Town.
2026 update: Aussie Pub is still operating in Riga, with current listings showing it open daily and into the early hours. Opening times can change, so it’s worth checking before you go.
📍 Vaļņu iela 43, Riga, Latvia
Check out Aussie pub Riga on Google Maps
2. Clayton McNamara’s Drinking Emporium: A Bar Full of Surprises
Just a few steps from Aussie Pub, we discovered Clayton McNamara’s Drinking Emporium. This place is completely different from a typical pub.
The walls and bar are packed with pop-culture memorabilia, toys and quirky details. There are superhero figures, movie characters, arcade games and even parts of the bar made from LEGO. You could easily spend more time looking around than choosing your drink.
We loved how playful the place felt. Every corner seemed to have something unexpected hiding in it. It reminded us of the kind of childhood collection you could wander around for hours.
There are also arcade games to play, making this more than just somewhere to stop for a drink. If you enjoy films, comics, games or simply unusual places, Clayton McNamara’s is well worth adding to your Riga evening.
2026 update: Clayton McNamara’s is still operating in Riga. Current listings show the bar at Vaļņu iela 41, in the Old Town, and recent 2026 visitors continue to mention its unusual interior, drinks and friendly atmosphere. Opening hours can change, so check before visiting.
📍 Vaļņu iela 41, Riga
Find Clayton McNamara’s Drinking Emporium on Google Maps
3. Gutenbergs Rooftop Restaurant: Dinner with a View
If you want to enjoy Riga from above, Gutenbergs Rooftop Restaurant is a lovely place to stop. It sits on the fifth floor of the historic Gutenbergs Hotel in Riga’s Old Town.
We visited for lunch and loved the combination of good food and beautiful views. From the rooftop, you can look across the Old Town rooftops and see the city’s historic towers from a completely different perspective.
We also tried the chicory mousse, a Latvian dessert made with breadcrumbs. It was something a little different from what we usually choose, which made the experience even more memorable.
The restaurant has a glass-covered terrace, so the views can be enjoyed throughout the year. In warmer months, the terrace opens up, while the colder season brings a cosy fireplace room. The restaurant currently serves food, wine, beer and cocktails.
2026 update: Gutenbergs Rooftop Restaurant is still operating in Riga’s Old Town. The current restaurant information lists opening hours from 13:00 to 23:00 daily, although it’s always worth checking before you visit.
📍 Doma laukums 1, Riga
Visit Gutenbergs Rooftop Restaurant on Google Maps
4. The Armoury Bar: A Pub Like No Other
The Armoury Bar is probably one of the most unusual pubs we visited in Riga. From the moment you walk inside, you notice the collection of historical firearms displayed around the bar.
The atmosphere is surprisingly cosy. There are old wooden details, a small terrace and plenty of character. But the real talking point is the collection itself.
The bartender can explain the history behind many of the pieces, which makes the visit more interesting than simply looking at them. If you ask about the collection, you can learn more about the different weapons on display.
We found this place especially memorable because it was so different from the other bars on our Riga list. It is not just somewhere to have a drink. It is an experience that you probably won’t forget.
2026 update: The Armoury Bar is still open in Riga’s Old Town. Its current website lists opening hours from 16:00 until 02:00 Sunday to Thursday, and until 04:00 on Friday and Saturday. Opening times can change, so check before visiting.
📍 Vecpilsētas iela 11, Riga
Locate The Armoury Bar on Google Maps
Explore More of Riga’s Best Pubs and Bars
These are the best pubs in Riga, Latvia – top spots for drinks and views we’ve visited. As you explore, you’ll discover a mix of themed pubs, scenic views, and unique atmospheres. Together, they make Latvia’s capital unforgettable. Be sure to add these stops to your list for a night out you’ll remember!
More of the Best Pubs in Riga Latvia
From the relaxed atmosphere of Aussie Pub to the playful interior of Clayton McNamara’s, each stop had something that made it memorable.
If you enjoy exploring a city through its food, drinks and unusual places, Riga is a fun city to discover after dark. You don’t need to plan every stop. Sometimes the best places are the ones you find while wandering through the Old Town.
Where to Stay in Riga: Our Last-Minute Hotel Experience
Our accommodation in Riga didn’t go smoothly. We booked a nice-looking apartment with a black piano I was excited to play. I tried for weeks to get confirmation from the host that it would be in working condition, but they ignored me.
On arrival day, the hotel suddenly cancelled our booking because of a flood, which we saw for ourselves when we checked. But the piano? The flood hadn’t damaged it – it had already been completely broken.
If you see an apartment in Riga’s Old Town with a black piano in the photos, it’s unplayable; do not overpay. We ended up booking Old Riga Plaza Hotel last minute – great location, clean room, great service, no piano and no disappointment.
Riga – a part of our Eastern European adventure – Stop #4
Our Eastern Europe adventure didn’t end up there. After visiting Stop #1 – Kaunas in Lithuania, Stop #2 – Trakai, Lithuania, and Stop #3 – Vilnius, Lithuania, we traveled through several incredible destinations:
- Stop #5 Tallinn, Estonia – Discover the magic of Tallinn, a medieval treasure in Europe, where charming cobblestone streets, historic city walls, stunning Gothic churches, and quaint cafés await in one of the continent’s best-preserved Old Towns.
- Stop #6 Helsinki, Finland – Explore Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant capital, where breathtaking harbor views, cutting-edge modern architecture, iconic Nordic design districts, and a thriving culinary scene make it a top destination for a Nordic city break.
- Stop #7 Turku, Finland – Discover Turku, a historic Finnish city along the picturesque Aura River, where medieval castle ruins, engaging museums, charming riverside streets, a vibrant cultural scene, and the magical Moomin World theme park make it a must-visit destination in Finland.
Experience the best of Riga’s pubs and bars, where each one promises to be a memorable stop on your adventure through this vibrant city! From cozy spots to lively venues, every visit offers something unique, making your time in Riga even more special.
Final Thoughts: Our Favourite Riga Pub Experiences
Riga turned out to be a fun city to explore after dark. What we enjoyed most was the variety. Each place we visited had its own character, from quirky interiors and arcade games to rooftop views and a bar filled with history.
We wouldn’t say there is one “best” pub in Riga. It really depends on what kind of evening you’re looking for. If you enjoy unusual places, good conversation and experiences that you will remember after your trip, these are some of the spots we’d recommend.
And if you’re exploring Riga as part of a longer Baltic adventure, don’t forget to enjoy the city itself during the day too. Sometimes the best evening starts with simply wandering through the Old Town and seeing where the night takes you.
Ready to plan your own adventure? Visit our How to Book Your Holiday Online guide for simple steps to turn travel dreams into reality.
Interested in a Unique Dining Experience? Visit Billund in Denmark!
After exploring the best pubs in Riga, Latvia, you may also enjoy a unique food experience in Denmark. In Billund’s LEGO® House, the Mini Chef Restaurant offers a robotic dining adventure where you build your order with LEGO® bricks and watch as robots and chefs bring it to life.
This playful concept makes Mini Chef LEGO House Billund one of the most unique restaurants in Denmark, combining interactive fun with delicious food. It’s the perfect stop for families, LEGO fans, and travelers searching for unforgettable dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Pubs in Riga, Latvia
Yes. Riga has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of pubs and bars around the Old Town. The best part is the variety, so you can choose between relaxed pubs, themed bars and places with something unusual to see.
Many of the places we visited offered more than just drinks. We found arcade games, unusual interiors, rooftop views and even a bar with a collection of historical weapons.
Definitely. If you enjoy quirky places, Riga is a fun city to explore. Clayton McNamara’s, for example, combines arcade games with a colourful collection of pop-culture memorabilia.
Many popular pubs and bars are located in or around Riga’s Old Town. This makes it easy to explore several places on foot during an evening.
Riga can be relatively affordable compared with many Western European capitals. Prices vary between venues, so it’s worth checking menus if you’re travelling on a budget.
Absolutely. Riga has beautiful architecture, history, markets and plenty of things to see during the day. The pub scene is simply another way to experience the city.