Heading to Riga? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- The capital and largest city of Latvia, with a population of around 625,000.
- The city is an important industrial, economic, commercial and financial centre in the Baltics.
- Nicknames: Milde, Paris of the North
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Spoken Languages: primarily Latvian and Russian. English is also widely spoken, especially among the younger generation and in tourist areas.
- Best time to visit: from May to September for temperate weather and the best cultural events. Expect chilly nights even in summer and always pack an umbrella.
- Great festivals to catch: Riga City Festival in August or the Christmas markets in December.
- Arriving via airport: Riga International Airport (RIX) is served by bus line #22 for single tickets at 2.00 EUR or the Airport Express minibus for 5.00 EUR.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best Riga hostel for solo travelers: The Naughty Squirrel (yes, that’s the real name).
– This is the one: friendly staff, clean facilities, and a great social atmosphere.
– Best part: the central location in Riga.
– Book ahead of time, especially during high season! - The historic, cultural and convenient City Centre has it all, from the highlights of any trip to Riga to the comforts of a transitional capital city.
- Old Town on the right bank of the river Daugava is a compact neighborhood packed with the right mix of attractions and leisure options.
- Over at the Quiet Centre, travelers can take in the hip Art Nouveau atmosphere.
GETTING AROUND
- Rīgas Satiksme runs the public transportation system which consists of buses, trams and trolley-buses. Tickets can be bought for trip-limits or time-limits of up to one month.
- Download the public transportation app “Riga Public Transport” (Rīgas Satiksme) for real-time schedules and tickets.
- Riga Card offers free public transportation and entrance to major attractions in the city, plus discounted entry at participating outlets, including hotels and restaurants. €25 for 24 hours, €30 for 48 hours, and €35 for 72 hours.
- Taxis charge by the meter, although fixed prices are also available upon request, to be negotiated prior to boarding. Call 800 900 or 705 550 to pre-book.
- The main ride sharing (and food delivery) app is Bolt. A great alternative to traditional taxis!
- Try renting a bike from a bike sharing service – it’s a great way to explore the city at your own pace.
- Companies like Bolt and Frog offer e-scooter rentals throughout the city.
RIGA NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18 (21 for spirits), and last call is at 4 AM.
- Modernists for craft cocktails.
- Great bars for solo travelers: Pils, 1983, and Čē.
- Also worth stopping by Tallinas kvartāla Ezītis miglā to see if there’s anything going on.
- For a traditional beer hall experience, head to Labietis.
- For a unique experience, visit Riga Black Magic.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Latvian National Museum of Art houses more than 52 thousand artworks dating back to the 18th century, collected from the Baltic States and Russia.
- Nativity Cathedral was built under the Russian empire and is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Baltic provinces.
- Latvian War Museum started out as the Riflemen Museum in 1916 and has a deep relationship with the country’s struggle for freedom since World War I.
- Freedom Monument is a landmark to commemorate the soldiers who fought in the Latvian War of Independence in 1918-1920.
- St. Peter’s Church was first mentioned in official documents in 1209, and is one of the oldest and most important medieval monuments in the Baltic States.
- Latvian National Library (nicknamed “Castle of Light”): A modern architectural marvel.
- Riga Central Market: One of Europe’s largest markets, housed in old Zeppelin hangars.
- Great day trip ideas: Jurmala for its beaches, exploring the historic town of Sigulda, and/or the Cēsis Castle.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Walk along the Pilsetas Kanals and follow its curving path through the city, where you’ll come across quiet, wide parkland and unrivaled tranquillity.
- Kalnciema Quarter combines classic wood-finished architecture with cobble stone streets and airy terraces. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.
- Stroll along the Daugava River on Kipsala Island, connected to Riga via cable bridge. Medieval architecture and panoramic views are guaranteed.
- Relax in Mežaparks on the outskirts of the city, one of the world’s first garden cities and home to Riga Zoo, the oldest in North Europe.
WHERE TO EAT
- Traditional food to try while in town:
– “Sklandrausis” (a sweet rye crust pie with carrots and cottage cheese)
– “Pelmeni” (dumplings)
– “Rupjmaize” (dark rye bread)
– “Rasols” (Latvian potato salad)
– “Kvass” (a fermented beverage from rye – an acquired taste!) - Great restaurants that locals love: LIDO (Latvian), Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs (underground wine cellar with drinks), Rosemarine, Cepiens, Gastro Pub Duvel’s, Andalūzijas Suns (cafe), Kozy Eats (vegan). Breakfast option: This Place Doesn’t Need A Name.
- Tipping: 10% is appropriate in restaurants.
- Where to find good cheap eats: Central Market and its environs are perfect for fresh, quick food while Miera is known for its take-away cafés.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Black Balsam is one of Riga’s prides, a tar-coloured liqueur that counts ginger, valerian root, pepper and linden in its ingredients. It stings the throat and fires up the belly but is a trademark to be sampled at restaurants and bars.
- Sauna culture: head to Balta Pirts to experience traditional Latvian sauna.
- Jāņi Festival celebrates the summer solstice, the shortest night and longest day of the year, and is the country’s most anticipated event. Riga’s streets are transformed into a giant party and traditional caraway cheese is consumed by the tray.
- Dangerous areas: While Riga is generally safe, warn about pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days