Riga is a beer city with its own famous herbal liqueur, so drinking can be the activity rather than just the evening. These six experiences give the day a plan – and most of them end before the shops stop selling alcohol, so the group still has energy for the night.
At a glance
6
drinking experiences in Riga
€19
cheapest: guided pub crawl per person
1–4 h
from a one-hour bike ride to an afternoon tour
City centre
beer bike, beer bath and pub crawl start here
All year
every one of them runs in any season
Side-by-side comparison
| Experience | From | Duration | Group | When | Mood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pub Crawl | €19 pp | 3 h | – | evening | loud – at least four bars and clubs |
| Black Balsam Tour | €25 pp | 2 h | max. 5 | daytime | curious – inside the factory |
| Beer Bike | €35 pp | 1 h | max. 15 | 11:00–21:00 | the classic – beer, music, Old Town |
| Beer District Tour | €65 pp | 4 h | min. 5 | 12:00–18:00 | relaxed – craft beer tasting |
| Cocktail Workshop | €75 pp | 1.5–2 h | – | any time | social – mix your own |
| Beer Bath | €110 pp | 1.5 h | – | 11:00–20:00 | recovery – warm vat and cold beer |
Prices are our current starting prices per person. The Black Balsam factory tour takes small groups of up to five per session.
How to fit them into a weekend
Kick-off
Beer bike
One hour through the Old Town on the first afternoon – the fastest way to get the group in the mood. Compare it with the party and prosecco bike in our bike guide.
Afternoon
Beer district or cocktails
The craft beer tour is a slow afternoon of tasting; the cocktail workshop is shorter and more hands-on – good for mixed or hen groups.
Morning after
Beer bath
A warm wooden vat, a pitcher of cold beer and a rest on a straw bed – the best repair job after the big night.
Night
Pub crawl
A local guide takes the group through at least four bars and clubs. Read our Riga nightlife guide before you go.
Good to know
🥨 Eat first
Tastings on an empty stomach end early. Book a Latvian dinner in between.
🌿 Black Balsam is strong
It is a strong herbal liqueur – a little goes a long way.
🛒 Shop hours
Shops sell alcohol only until 20:00 (Sunday 18:00) – plan hotel drinks early.
🚫 Not on the street
Drinking in public places is an offence – see our Riga rules.
💧 Water between rounds
The weekend is long – the stag should still be standing on day two.
Book a drinking experience
FAQ
What is the cheapest drinking activity in Riga?
The guided private pub crawl, from €19 per person.
What is Riga Black Balsam?
Latvia’s famous dark herbal liqueur, made in Riga. On the factory tour you see how it is made and taste it. More in what to eat and drink in Riga.
Which one is best for a hen do?
The cocktail workshop and the beer bath are good choices for mixed and hen groups.
Can we combine two in one day?
Yes – a beer bike in the afternoon and a pub crawl at night is the classic pair. Leave the beer bath for the morning after.
