I wouldn’t say Kipsala is a must do when in Riga but if you’ve got time left after seeing the main sights of this beautiful city, it’s a pleasant add on. My interest was in seeing the old wooden houses and the Zanis Lipkes Memorial, as well as the alternative views you get from Kipsala, looking back across to
the old city spires. There are plenty of motorised options for getting there but the walk over the Akmens Tilts (Bridge) is a delightful one. Kipsala was formerly an island of fisherman but has become gentrified in recent times and is now a desirable neighbourhood. As a result, the architecture is an eclectic mix of renovated timber houses and more recently constructed villas, alongside an Exhibition Centre and University. My visit was on a wet, late September day so the beach wasn’t a lure, but there’s a cute little marina to admire and I also really enjoyed lunch at restaurant ’ Fabrikas’, particularly as its floating pontoon was still in operation. If it isn’t, this former gypsum factory is still a very attractive and smart dining option. The Lipkes Memorial is a tiny wooden hut museum dedicated to Zanis Lipkes, a Kipsala docker who risked his life during WWII to save those of 50 or so jews, some of whom he hid in a bunker on this site. It’s a worthy and moving tribute, free to enter, donations anticipated, closed Mondays.

I have been on Kipsala on the 22th March, we’re the sun was without any cloud. It was lovely then and I did a walk through the little streets, the promenade. You can have a good look at the woodhouses and enjoy a little bit of peace. So Kipsala should be visited but rather when the weather is nice then it’s very nice and relaxing walking there! :) Ps: from the central station or near CENTRAL MARKET you can take bus number 9 To Kipsala, it takes some 20 Minutes.