Family of Sites 
For the uninitiated, thrifting in Riga can seem daunting. There’s practically a thrift store on every corner in the city center. And yet each is slightly different, with some better than others depending on what you are looking for. Over the time I’ve spent in Riga, I’ve found myself after class browsing through the local selection. Personally, I like looking for vintage denim jeans—Levi’s, Lee, Wrangler, and anything else I can get my hands on. I’m sure that you have your own favorites as well. I discovered much more success after I got a handle on which stores had a reliably good stock week after week.
For your benefit, I’ve categorized and curated a list of some of the best thrift stores in the city based on what they tend to stock and also, for language students, what you should expect in terms of speaking with the employees in these stores. A lot of them will be able to speak Russian, but you should preface your conversations by asking in English if speaking in Russian is ok.
Humana
First, we have Humana Second Hand, which is essentially the European equivalent to Goodwill. It’s a Swedish non-profit that donates its proceeds to development programs and aid projects. There are two different types of Humana stores. First, there are regular thrift location, where focus is on low prices. These stores will often run promotions with everything thirty or fifty percent off. Sometimes everything in the store is on sale for €1!
Other Humana locations, the ones I prefer, are marketed specifically as “Humana Vintage.” These are slightly more curated without a large difference in prices, despite the difference in label. All the locations I’ve listed below are vintage locations.
Many Humana locations hire Ukrainian refugees as another effort to give back to the community. Most employees can be seen wearing a name badge bearing the colors of their national flag to let you know where they are from. English is generally preferred by the refugees.
The Humana at Marijas iela 14A is one of the closest to Liden & Denz and also one of the best stocked. How convenient! The first floor has a good selection of women’s clothing, including dresses and hats. The second floor is stocked with denim jeans, denim jackets, casual sportswear, and shoes. You’ll find a similar stock in in Old Town, at the Humana at Aspazijas bulvāris 24 near the Latvian National Opera. This one has more textured fabrics, such as corduroy, however.
Two other locations to mention are both in the Centra rajons. At Tērbatas iela 38, you’ll find a particularly wide selection of pants and casual clothes. Meanwhile, Ģertrūdes iela 16 offers a very good selection of jean jackets and leather jackets. You’ll descend down into a basement to find the main selection, as the first floor is mainly occupied by the cash register.
Northern Grip
As for upscale vintage stores, Northern Grip is the go-to. A chain with locations in Riga and Tallinn, staff hand here handpick the stock. Prices are higher here compared to Humana. Think of Northern Grip less as a place to dig and more as a place to browse. You’ll find plenty of “Made in USA” items on every rack. Staff generally prefer to speak either English or Latvian.
There are two major locations in Riga, both in Centra rajons. At Krišjāņa Barona iela 44, near the Barona Centrs shopping mall, I once found a Japanese magazine detailing the history of Schott NYC (one of the most famous American manufacturers of leather jackets) sitting on a table as decoration. Very cool. The interior in general is refined and has real vintage character. Sales are much less prevalent here compared to Humana, but the selection is genuinely good. You can find leather handbags, belts, and footwear in addition to plenty of denim.
Meanwhile, the Galerija Centrs shopping center at Audēju iela 16, offers a smaller Northern Grip location. The store has a clean, well-organized layout and one changing room. This location has an especially good selection of leather belts and jewelry. It is also well-stocked with workwear brands that are on trend, such as Carhartt.
Flea Markets
Riga has a smattering of local markets where those with a discerning eye can make some good finds. The most accessible is the Krāminieks Flea Market at Nometņu iela 64, held every Saturday and Sunday between 8:00 and 15:00. It’s in the outdoor courtyard of Āgenskalns Market on the left bank of the Daugava. Here, you’re more likely to find antiques, vinyl records, and Soviet-era curiosities than clothing, but its worth the short tram ride from the center if that’s your thing.
The Spīķeri Flea Market at Lastādijas iela 6 is another option, running once or twice a month on Saturdays from about 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM near the Central Market. Because dates and times vary, confirm the specific monthly schedule directly through the Spīķeri Quarter website before you go. That site advertises that you’ll find “various antique and modern home things, tableware, cutlery, badges, books, vinyl records, photo and sound equipment, accessories, clothes, toys, artists’ works and modern design items.”
Final Tips: Thrift often and tailor as needed!
I would recommend visiting the stores on this list that you prefer more than once a week, as stock comes in and out fairly quickly. Getting a unique article of clothing for an affordable price involves no small amount of dedication.
Also, don’t be afraid to buy something that strikes your eye just because it doesn’t fit just right. Clothing can be altered quickly and for cheap in Riga. Beates Darbnīca, located in the Origo Shopping Center, is my personal go-to. I’ve had jeans hemmed there and ready-to-wear within four hours. The tailors there are incredibly friendly and are more than happy to speak Russian with you.
Thrifting is a great way to get acquainted with an unfamiliar city. Early in my study abroad, I would usually visit a few stores after class with friends then grab a bite to eat. Streets once strange became part of a cozy routine. Some of my best memories from that semester involved wandering down Marijas iela and arguing with friends over who had the better find that day. So, in that spirit, good luck and happy thrifting!
You’ll Also Love
Packing List for Study Abroad
A semester or year stay abroad requires considerable planning. You will need to consider the season and location as well as what you need to bring and what you should find abroad. If you will be spending winter months in most SRAS locations, luggage can quite easily become unwieldy, which can mean airline charges for […]
LGBTQ+: Study Abroad in Riga, Latvia
The following interviews were taken Eddy S., a student who studied with SRAS over the summer of 2024 who is lesbian and trans. In addition, those sharing their thoughts are John Doe, a gay trans man who wanted to remain anonymous, and Jane Doe, a lesbian trans woman who also wanted to remain anonymous. SRAS thanks […]
SRAS Program Travel from Riga: Day Trip to Jurmala
Jurmala is a resort town on the Baltic Sea coast with a long history. It’s known for its traditional architecture, cultural institutions, and, of course, its surprisingly warm beaches. SRAS students in Riga regularly travel to Jurmala, allowing them to see both life outside the capital, but also to see how many Latvians relax on […]
Winter Break in Riga: Reflections on Personal Growth
Over two weeks in early January, SRAS students experience Orthodox Christmas, and practice their Russian in an environment that immerses them in both Russian and Latvian history and culture. The Winter Break in Riga program offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant European capital of Riga while meaningfully engaging with locals and building intercultural […]
Latvian and Regional Food on a Student Budget in Riga
Trying local Latvian cuisine can not only delight your senses, but also introduce you to important parts of the local culture and history. You can also find in Riga an array of regional foods from across the distant lands of the former USSR. Study, eat, speak, and learn to make the most of your study […]
