The story of the street
Miera iela runs north-east from the edge of the city centre, and its name, 'Peace Street', suits it perfectly. A century ago this was a working district built around the Laima chocolate factory, whose sign still watches over the street. Over the last fifteen years it has quietly become Riga's most creative corner, an unofficial 'republic' with its own laid-back rules, where independent shops and studios have moved into the old wooden and brick houses. It has kept its everyday, lived-in feel, this is a real neighbourhood, not a tourist strip.
Coffee and roasteries
The anchor of the street is Rocket Bean Roastery, one of the best specialty coffee spots in the Baltics, which roasts its own beans and turns into a relaxed workspace by day and a bar by night. Around it sit smaller cafés and bakeries, ideal for a study session, a slow weekend brunch or a catch-up with flatmates. A great coffee here costs a fraction of western-European prices, and you are never more than a minute from one.
Vintage, design and makers
Miera iela is the place to find something unique. Independent shops sell vintage clothing, second-hand books, ceramics, plants, records and locally designed objects, and many of the makers work on site. It is the best window onto Riga's creative side, and a fun street simply to wander with no plan, ducking into whatever looks interesting.
Sweet stops and culture
The Laima Chocolate Museum, tied to Latvia's most famous chocolate brand, sits right on the street and makes a fun, tasty visit. Small galleries, studios and pop-up events give the whole quarter a relaxed, arty feel, and the leafy Grīziņkalns park nearby is a favourite spot for a break in the sun.
Food and evenings out
Beyond coffee, the street and its side roads have easy-going bistros, vegetarian and vegan spots, craft-beer bars and taprooms. It stays low-key rather than loud, exactly the kind of place to meet friends for dinner or a quiet drink without the Old Town crowds or prices.
A great place to live
Quiet at night but lively by day, close to the centre yet with its own strong character, Miera iela offers the best of both worlds. You can walk to the Old Town and most universities in fifteen to twenty minutes, with trams and buses filling the gaps. That balance of calm, culture and convenience is exactly why we put our Miera and Stabu residences here.
Our picks on the map
These are some of our favourite spots in Riga. Open our full curated Google Maps list to see every pin on the map and navigate straight there from your phone.
- Rocket Bean Roastery — The street's landmark specialty coffee roastery
- Laima Chocolate Museum — Latvia's famous chocolate brand, right on Miera iela
- Grīziņkalns park — Leafy park for a break just off the street
- Miera iela vintage shops — Second-hand fashion, records and design