Travellers wondering which area to stay in Riga for a weekend break as part of a longer Baltic itinerary are spoiled for choice as there are a number of great options.
Whether you want to stay close to the tourist attractions, enjoy the nightlife or after a peaceful seaside escape, there are a number of great hotels, private rentals and hostels to choose from!
Want a quick answer? The best places to stay in Riga for tourists are in the Old Town or the City Centre. These are some of the top accommodation picks:
Budget Hostel: Cinnamon Sally Backpacker’s Hostel
Mid-Range Hotel: Forums Boutique Hotel
Luxury Hotel: Grand Poet by Semarah
Private Rental: BARTA Apartment
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Riga Old Town
If you want to be in the heart of the action close to all of the top attractions, then there is no doubt that the Old Town is a great option. Especially if you’re only spending a few days exploring Riga, staying in the Old Town is going to be super convenient to see all of the highlights in a short period of time.
Having a base in the Old Town can also allow visitors to get to some sites relatively early or late, to avoid peak crowds in the middle of the day – a definite plus.
You will also be located within easy walking distance of sites like the iconic House of the Blackheads and the Riga Cathedral, which dominates the skyline.
Within the Old Town, you can also take the time to wander the cobbled streets and see remnants of medieval Riga – such as the Powder Tower and the Swedish Gate.
And for those looking for an unbeatable view, staying the the Old Town will allow you to climb the bell tower of St Peter’s Church as early or as late as you would like.
Best Hotels
Forums Boutique Hotel – Located only a few minutes walk from some of Riga’s most famous attractions, this boutique hotel is a fantastic option for travellers looking for an upmarket stay. Rooms are classically designed and clean and have breakfast included in the nightly rate.
Greystone Suites & Apartments – This hotel is a great option if you prefer to have the flexibility of having your own kitchen facilities. They also offer breakfast in the room rate and have a number of different sized apartments to choose from.
Old Riga Hotel Vecriga – This hotel is located in a 15th-century building making it the perfect option if you really want to immerse yourself in Riga’s Old Town! There’s a large collection of artwork on display throughout the hotel and they also have speciality restaurants on site.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Riga Old Town
Best Private Rentals
BARTA Apartment – Located just on the edge of the Old Town, this studio apartment can sleep up to 4 people, has modern furniture and a lovely terrace for guests to enjoy their morning coffee on.
Old Riga Dome Square Apartment – A large one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the Old Town that can also sleep up to 4 people. There is a large kitchen and living area that makes it a good option if you plan on cooking your own meals.
Best Hostels
The Naughty Squirrel – This hostel offers a range of dorms and has a range of shared facilities for travellers to use. They have a fun atmosphere and regular activities to meet other travellers.
Tree Hostel – A quieter hostel located in the heart of the Old Town, this hostel is a great place to stay if you’re after a more relaxed atmosphere. They have a large kitchen, a common area and very friendly staff.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hostels in Riga Old Town!
Central District
If you don’t like being in the thick of the Old Town but still want somewhere nice and central to use as your base, then Central Riga is a great choice for you.
The Central District is my favourite part of the city to stay in when visiting. You are still located within easy walking distance of all the main tourist sites but accommodation tends to be more affordable.
The quality of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars also tends to be better as you are less likely to come across places specifically catering to tourists.
Walking around this area of Riga is also extremely pleasant due to the Art Noveau architecture that is prevalent on the city streets. Central Riga definitely has a distinctively more cosmopolitan vibe to it – filled with sidewalk cafes and restaurants, it has a lively energy and a more local feel.
Simply wandering around the streets of this area is a joy in and of itself, when you consider all of the gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture that can put cities like Paris, Prague and Budapest to shame.
Make sure not to miss the gorgeous Nativity of Christ Cathedral located in Esplanade Park – this is the largest Orthodox Cathedral in the Baltics and it is truly impressive.
Best Hotels
Hotel Edvards – A family-run hotel in the central district, they have affordable and elegant rooms that are suitable for couples or single travellers. A hearty buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.
Rixwell Gertrude Hotel – This affordable hotel is based in a classic 19th-century Art Noveau building with rooms suitable for both couples and families. There is the option to include breakfast in the room rate and there is also a bar in the lobby.
Grand Poet by Semarah – If you can afford a luxurious stay in Riga then this 5-star hotel is definitely a great option. Their rooms come with all the frills expected of such an establishment and visitors have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre, pool and spa. Breakfast is included and they also organise airport shuttles.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Riga City Centre!
Best Private Rentals
Renovated apartment in Riga center – A cosy one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Riga, it has a pull-out sofa meaning it can sleep up to 4 people. It has modern furniture and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
ANNA Riga Apartment – A large two-bedroom apartment that is the perfect option if you’re travelling as a family or a larger group of friends. There are nice city views and it is furnished with everything you need during your time in Riga.
Best Hostels
Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel – A great social hostel located just on the edge of both Central Riga and the Old Town. They offer both mixed and female-only dorms and organise various tours and evening activities to encourage travellers to socialise.
Central Hostel Riga – A relaxed hostel located in Riga City Centre and within walking distance from the bus and train stations. They offer both dorms and private rooms and also have a large kitchen and common area available for use.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hostels in Riga City Centre!
Jurmala
While Jurmala is considered a separate area from Riga, this region offers travellers a fantastic opportunity to stay on the Baltic Coast while still being able to spend time enjoying the Latvian capital.
Jurmala is located about a 30-minute train ride from Riga’s Central Station and is a completely different experience compared to staying in Central Riga or the Old Town.
As expected, Jurmala is an extremely popular place to visit in the summer months and accommodation can book out quickly. While swimming outside of these months is only for the very brave, there is still plenty to do in Jurmala during other seasons.
When staying in Jurmala, it’s popular to enjoy a spa day and lounge on the beach, but there is more to this area than just sun and relaxation! Make sure to take the time to explore Majori – the main town in the area. It has a lively, pedestrianised main street and plenty of shops and restaurants to pop into.
And further from the beach, make sure to visit Kemeri National Park. Set over fascinating bogland, it is wonderful to stroll along the boardwalks here. The town of Kemeri is also home to a now-defunct Soviet-era sanitorium.
In general, staying in Jurmala is a great option for travellers who might have already visited Riga and want to experience another part of Latvia while still being close to the main airport.
Best Hotels
Kurshi Hotel & Spa – Rooms are modern and clean and the hotel is located only 400 metres from the coast with the option to add spa access. There is also a children’s playground making this a great option if staying in Riga with kids.
Hotel Jurmala Spa – This is one of the best places to stay if you want to make the most of an extensive list of spa treatments while staying in a luxurious room. There is also a lovely bar and separate saunas and pools for children as
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Jurmala
Best Private Rentals
Greenhouse Apartments – A studio apartment located within walking distance of the beach, this place is perfect for couples looking for a stay in Jurmala.
Holiday residence 100m from the beach – A great option for a relaxing family holiday, this house can sleep up to 6 people and has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Āgenskalns
It is not an area that is popular with tourists, however, can provide visitors with a quieter option that is located amongst a number of parks and traditional wooden houses. It’s a delightful neighbourhood in Riga to stay if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more local and less catered toward tourists.
This area is also a great place to stay if you want to couple your time in Riga with time spent in Jurmala and Kemeri – especially if you have a car! It is closer to Jurmala and easier to just hit the road – you will shave a good portion of time off of your drive!
Many places to stay in Āgenskalns also are within walking distance of the Old Town so you’re not too far away from the main tourist attractions – you’re just on the other side of the Daugava River.
However, this district of Riga also has some points of interest in itself. For instance, the Kalnciema Quarter Market is a lovely farmer’s market that operates every Saturday. It is also home to its own Christmas market in December – perfect if you want to avoid the crowds in the old town.
You can also visit the Āgenskalns Market – a market hall in the neighbourhood that houses food stalls, produce and a flea market across numerous floors. This will also attract fewer international visitors than the more well-known Riga Central Market.
Best Hotels & Private Rentals
Bellevue Park Hotel – Located next to Memorial Park and only a short 20-minute walk to the Old Town. All rooms are modern and clean and there are a couple of restaurants located in the hotel that offer outdoor and panoramic seating on the 11th floor.
Riga Luxury Loft with Terrace – A stunning and modern luxury apartment that can sleep up to 6 people. It has modern amenities and furniture with the highlight being a stunning roof terrace that is perfect for summer nights.
Deciding on where to stay in Riga can be a difficult decision with so many fantastic neighbourhoods in the city and great hotels and hostels! Regardless of where you end up staying, you will be sure to enjoy the capital of Latvia!
Are you trying to choose a place in Riga? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!
