Shopping
Shopping in Gdańsk, Riga and Tallinn: amber, design and market halls
The Baltic cities are some of the best value shopping breaks in Europe. Here is our guide to shopping in Gdańsk, Riga and Tallinn, with amber shops, markets and design districts, and hotels in the old towns.
The sun turns the narrow houses along the Motława golden, and on Mariacka Street amber jewellery hangs in the windows like drops of honey. Gdańsk, Riga and Tallinn are three cities where shopping becomes part of a cultural weekend: UNESCO-listed old towns, market halls full of smoked fish and berries, and young designers in old factories. Prices are often lower than in western Europe too.
Below you will find what each city does best, and hotels right in the old towns.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to choose the right city for your shopping break
Gdańsk: amber and jewellery, good value malls and Polish pottery. The currency is the złoty.
Riga: the Central Market, linen, amber and art nouveau architecture. The currency is the euro.
Tallinn: Estonian design, knitwear and crafts in the old town and Telliskivi. The currency is the euro.
Gdańsk: amber on Mariacka and the old town streets
Gdańsk is the city of amber, and Mariacka Street, with stone steps in front of the houses and small shops in the cellars, is the place to buy jewellery. Long Street and the Long Market have shops, cafés and galleries, and the Hala Targowa market hall sells fruit, cheese and cured meats. If you want a mall, Forum Gdańsk is right next to the old town.
Tip: buy amber from established shops that can give you a certificate of authenticity.
Hotel Gdańsk Boutique: by the harbour
Hotel Gdańsk Boutique sits by the harbour, looking across the boats to the old town on the other side of the water. Mariacka and Long Street are a short walk away.
A hotel with character for anyone who wants the old town within walking distance.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Hotel Gdańsk Boutique
PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto
A modern hotel by the Motława
PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto: design by the river
PURO is on Granary Island by the Motława, within walking distance of the old town and its shopping streets. It has a modern, Nordic-inspired style and a popular breakfast.
A good choice if you want a modern hotel in the middle of the city.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at PURO Gdańsk
Riga: the Central Market and the art nouveau district
Riga Central Market fills five old Zeppelin hangars and is one of the largest markets in Europe. Come for smoked fish, honey, berries and local delicacies. The old town has linen, amber and knitwear, and in the art nouveau district around Alberta iela you can combine architecture with small design shops.
Take home a bottle of Riga Black Balsam, the bitter herbal liqueur, as a souvenir.
Grand Palace Hotel Riga
In the heart of the old town
Grand Palace Hotel: a classic in the old town
Grand Palace is in the heart of Riga’s old town, close to the castle and the small shopping streets. It is a classic hotel with elegant interiors and a good breakfast.
For anyone who wants a central, comfortable base with everything within walking distance.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Grand Palace Hotel
Neiburgs Hotel
An art nouveau building in the old town
Neiburgs: art nouveau in the old town
Neiburgs is in an art nouveau building in the old town, with views over the rooftops from the upper rooms. Dome Square and the shops are a few minutes away.
A hotel for bringing the architecture into your room.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Neiburgs Hotel
Tallinn: the old town and Telliskivi
In Tallinn’s old town you will find knitted jumpers, mittens, woodwork and ceramics, especially along the city wall and in the streets around Town Hall Square. Telliskivi Creative City, in an old factory by the railway station, has Estonian designers, vintage and a Saturday flea market. The Rotermann Quarter has modern shops in old industrial buildings.
Hotel Telegraaf
In the middle of the old town
Hotel Telegraaf: in the old telegraph building
The Telegraaf is in the middle of Tallinn’s old town, in a handsome building that once housed the city’s telegraph station. Town Hall Square and the shops are just around the corner.
The spa and pool are a treat after a cold day in the streets.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Hotel Telegraaf
Schlössle Hotel
A medieval house in the old town
Schlössle Hotel: medieval walls and a fireplace
Schlössle is in a medieval house in the old town, with thick stone walls, a fireplace and a pleasant courtyard in summer.
An intimate hotel for experiencing the old town from the inside.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Schlössle Hotel
Tax free, currency and customs
Poland, Latvia and Estonia are in the EU, so visitors who live outside the EU, including UK residents, can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for a tax free form and have it validated before you leave, and check your customs allowances, including for alcohol.
In Gdańsk you pay in złoty, in Riga and Tallinn in euros. Cards work almost everywhere, but carry some cash for the markets.
When should you book your hotel?
December: the Christmas markets in all three cities draw lots of visitors.
Summer: long, light evenings and outdoor cafés, and more people.
Flexible rates: choose a cancellable room if you book far ahead.
Frequently asked questions about shopping in Gdańsk, Riga and Tallinn
What should you buy in Gdańsk?
Amber is Gdańsk’s best known souvenir, and Mariacka Street is the place for amber jewellery. Many visitors also buy Polish pottery, and the malls have clothes and shoes, often at lower prices than in western Europe.
Is shopping in Gdańsk cheap?
Many visitors find prices for food, clothes and services lower than at home, but it depends on the exchange rate and what you buy. Compare before making big purchases.
What is Riga Central Market?
Riga Central Market is one of the largest markets in Europe, housed in five old Zeppelin hangars. It sells food, fish, berries, honey and local delicacies.
Where do you go shopping in Tallinn?
The old town has knitwear, crafts and souvenirs, Telliskivi Creative City has Estonian design and a Saturday flea market, and the Rotermann Quarter has modern shops.
Can UK visitors shop tax free in Gdańsk, Riga and Tallinn?
Yes. UK residents live outside the EU and can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for a form at the till and follow the instructions to have it validated.