Riga Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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