Victoria Lupascu 
Latvia’s capital is pretty incredible, and to help you have the best time there, I’ve made this guide on where to stay in Riga!
After thorough research, I’ve found the 4 top areas for tourists in the city and the best hotels in each of those neighborhoods for all budgets (as always).
In short, Old Town is the best area to stay in Riga as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and some of the most amazing hotels in town. But if you’d prefer something different, just scroll down and you’ll find more options.
As the capital city, Riga gets lots of tourists all year round so I’d recommend booking your accommodation here in advance.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Want to book your holiday ASAP? Then check out this short list of hotels with the top options, all located in the Old Town:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Old Town – where to stay in Riga for the first time
- 2. Central District – best place to stay in Riga for culture
- 3. Avoti – best place to stay in Riga for tranquility
- 4. Agenskalns – where to stay in Riga for budget
- FAQs about where to stay in Riga
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Riga
Check out this map, it will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Riga that I will talk about in the post:
- Old Town: for first-timers
- Central District: for culture
- Avoti: for tranquility
- Agenskalns: for budget
1. Old Town – where to stay in Riga for the first time
The beating heart of the city, the Old Town is perfect for those who are visiting Riga for the first time!
Also known as Vecrīga, this area has cobblestone streets, a lovely atmosphere, and a great location right on the Daugava River, meaning you’ll get some stunning views, especially at sunset, so make sure to go on a stroll along the river banks!
The architecture is so beautiful here that you’ll want to spend the whole time exploring its streets so you can admire everything! Of course, there are plenty of attractions around too!
Some that you shouldn’t miss out on are the House of the Black Heads museum, Riga Cathedral, which is located in the Dome Square (map), St. Peter’s Church (map) and Riga Castle.
The Old Town is always humming with energy thanks to the flocks of tourists who are around visiting the attractions or eating and drinking in all the amazing restaurants. Ogle (map) is a great one, perfect for a nice dinner after a day of running around town!
Riga is a pretty affordable city, so luckily the hotels in the Old Town don’t cost as much as in other European capitals. Now let’s check them out:
Set near the main attractions this fabulous hotel has stylish, spacious rooms with a seating area. You’ll also find a fitness center, a swimming pool (make sure to pack your swimsuit) and a restaurant where you can enjoy some drinks after a day out on the town.
Other accommodation options in Old Town
Set in a 400-year-old building, this hotel comes with custom-made furnishings and a restaurant
An affordable studio apartment that offers a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette, and a city-view
This modern apartment has room for 2 guests, amazing furnishings, a kitchen and a tub
Things to do in Old Town
- Visit the House of the Black Heads museum
- Admire the beautiful Riga Cathedral
- Go for a walk around the Dome Square
- Check out St. Peter’s Church
- Shop for souvenirs in the Riga Central Market (map)
- Learn new things at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation
- Travel back in time at Riga Castle
- Try the famous black balsam cocktail at B Bārs Restorāns (map)
2. Central District – best place to stay in Riga for culture
Set right near the Old Town, the Central District is a pretty big area known for its Art Nouveau architecture!
In fact, this area’s Albert Street (map) is known as the home of the world’s largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings!
Make sure you head there and check them out, even if you’re not staying in the Central District!
Unlike the Old Town, this neighborhood is a bit more residential. Although it still has its fair share of attractions and things to see like the Art Nouveau buildings, the city parks, Esplanāde (map) is perfect for a midday stroll. You can also check out the Old Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Gertrude (map) and the Olympic Voodoo Casino (map).
I think the best way to see everything that the Central District has to offer is to just explore its streets on foot. That way you’ll get to see all the Art Nouveau buildings as well (although most are on Albert Street) that are a couple spread around the area too.
Another important landmark that you can see in the Central District is the Freedom Monument (map) which is located near the University of Latvia and that is dedicated to those who fought for the country’s independence.
You’re going to love this hotel, which has such amazing decor and rooms with large windows that overlook the city. The accommodation also comes with a fitness center and a spa where you can relax in the hot tub and sauna.
Other accommodation options in Central District
This modern hotel has rooms with city views, a restaurant, a bar and a fitness center
A hotel with simple yet cozy rooms that offers a yummy breakfast, a gym and a great location
Super cozy place that comes with a kitchen, a desk area and a courtyard view
Things to do in Central District
- Catch a show at the Latvian National Opera
- See all the Art Nouveau buildings on Albert Street
- Go for a stroll in Esplanāde park
- Explore the Brasa area
- Visit the Old Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Gertrude
- Try your luck at the Olympic Voodoo Casino
- See the Freedom Monument
- Grab dinner at Whitehouse Restorāns (map)
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Avoti – best place to stay in Riga for tranquility
Located right near the Central District and not too far from the Old Town (around a 30 min walk), Avoti is the perfect place in Riga for those of you who’d trade any minute the loud and busy streets of the central part of the city for something more tranquil.
What makes Avoti great is that it’s still close to all the attractions but far enough that you won’t have to face the tourist crowds all day long.
This is a residential area so you won’t find as many attractions, bars and restaurants. However, another perk is that the train station (map) is located here, so if you want to take any day trips to places like Jurmala, a cute resort town known for its beach and Art Nouveau villas, or Cēsis, you can easily do so.
There are a couple of parks in Avoti like the lovely Grīziņkalns Park (map) and Ziedoņdārzs Park (map) some shops and also the Zuzeum Art Center (map).
I love this apartment! It has such a great design, it’s super spacious, bright and it has modern furnishings. The accommodation has room for up to 4 guests, a fully-equipped kitchen and a flat-screen Tv.
Other accommodation options in Avoti
A spacious apartment with a kitchen, a flat-screen TV, a great location, and a terrace where you can chill
This stunning apartment has amazing furnishings, an indoor fireplace, and a kitchen
Feel at home in this cozy place that comes with a kitchen, free parking, and a washing machine
Things to do in Avoti
- Go for a stroll in Grīziņkalns Park or Ziedoņdārzs Par
- Head to the Old Town to visit the attractions
- Check out the Zuzeum Art Center
- Take the train and go on a day trip
4. Agenskalns – where to stay in Riga for budget
Located on the left bank of Daugava River, just across from Old Town Riga and connected to it by the Vanšu Bridge, this area is perfect for those of you traveling on a budget.
The Old Town is around a 30 min walk away from Agenskalns but don’t worry, if you don’t feel like walking as you can use public transport to get around (the capital has lots of buses, trams and trolleybuses).
You don’t really need to rent a car in Riga as the town is pretty compact and the tourist attractions are within reach, but if you’re planning to do a road trip thing around the country or Europe then definitely go for it!
Agenskalns offers a more relaxed atmosphere and lots of affordable accommodations (mostly apartments) making it perfect for families and those traveling on a budget.
The area is pretty big and there are a couple of parks and gardens where you can relax. Check out Victory Park (map) and the beautiful Sakura Garden (map) which looks amazing during the months of April and May when all the flowers are blooming.
You’ll also find 2 amazing markets here that you should definitely check out especially if you want to mingle with the locals.
The Agenskalns Market (map) is open daily and is the perfect spot to buy some yummy local fruits and vegetables. I also highly recommend the Kalnciema Quarter Market (map). It is only open on Saturdays and here you’ll find different things from clothes, artisanal food and they even have live music!
This modern hotel is equipped with everything you need for your stay in Riga! The accommodation has rooms that boast panoramic views of the Daugava River, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and a terrace.
Other accommodation options in Agenskalns
A great hotel with spacious rooms for families, a spa center, a bar, and a restaurant
This affordable hotel offers free parking and simple yet chic rooms with a flat-screen TV
Perfect for 2 guests, this apartment comes with free parking, a kitchen and a courtyard view
Things to do in Agenskalns
- Go for a walk in Sakura Garden
- Get some fruits and vegetables from Agenskalns Market
- Visi the Eduarda Smiļģis Theater Museum
- Admire Vanšu Bridge from this viewpoint
- Listen to live music at Kalnciema Quarter Market
| 👑 Luxury price: | €140 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €90 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €60 |
| 📍 Best area: | Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Dome Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Kungu Apartments |
FAQs about where to stay in Riga
🤔 What area of Riga should I stay in?
Old Town is the best area to stay in Riga as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions, great hotels, and plenty of things to do.
🚶♀️ Is Riga a walkable city?
Yes, Riga is a walkable city; you can get pretty much anywhere on foot, especially in the main areas.
📅 How many days in Riga is enough?
I’d recommend spending between 2 to 3 days in Riga. That way you can see most of its attractions.
💸 Is Riga cheap to visit?
Yes, compared to other European cities, Riga is an affordable city. Hotel prices are between US$60 for a budget place, US$90 for a mid-range accommodation, and around US$140 for a luxury hotel.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Riga
Already looking at plane tickets? I know, Riga is pretty irresistible, with its yummy food and stunning architecture.
I hope that this post on where to stay in Riga helped you decide on which area and hotel to pick. If you’re still not sure, here are my top 2 favorite places, both set in the Old Town:
- Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga – a stylish hotel with an indoor pool and a spa center
- Dome Hotel – this hotel has a stunning rooftop terrace and rooms with custom-made furnishings
I’d recommend booking your hotels in Riga in advance! As the capital city, you can be sure that the good ones will sell out first.
Have fun exploring this city and don’t forget that I’m always around if you have any questions. All you gotta do is drop me a comment below and I’ll answer as soon as I can.
Happy exploring,
Victoria
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