Where to Stay in Riga – A Guide to the Capital of Latvia
Riga is the capital city of Latvia. It’s the most populated urban area in the country and all of the Baltic States. It’s located on the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the Daugava. This lovely city is famous for its beautiful Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its Art Nouveau buildings, its wealth of museums and theatres and its unique cuisine. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Riga.
The main historic and architectural attractions in this Baltic city include the House of the Black Heads, St. Peter’s Church, the Central Market, the Cathedral, the Three Brothers museum and Riga Castle. For art enthusiast, this city is also home to several museums such as the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Art Museum Riga Bourse.
The pedestrian-only Old Town (Vecrīga) is the liveliest area in town and it’s home to many shops and restaurants, particularly around Livu Square, the busiest nightlife area in Riga.
The best time to visit Riga is during the summer, with average temperatures of 17°C. This beautiful port city enjoys a humid continental climate, where the coldest months are January and February. Rain and fog are frequent during autumn, while summers are mild and rainy.
By air, this city can be reached through Riga International Airport, which offers connections to severañ European destinations and is located 10 km southeast of the city.
To move around the city, you can use the tram, trolleybus, bus and train.
As for the best areas to stay in Riga, Vecrīga stands out for its many emblematic sites and its wide range of hotels. See accommodation in Vecrīga.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Riga, Latvia.
The Best Areas to Stay in Riga, Latvia
1. Recommended area: Vecrīga (Old Town)
Vecrīga is the oldest district of Riga and is located on the east side of the Daugava River.
Vecrīga is the best area to stay in Riga because it is the heart of the city, with medieval facades, museums and emblematic sites.
This district is famous for photogenic attractions such as Riga Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church and The House of the Black Heads, in art nouveau style.
A must-see in this area is the Three Brothers Museum, with three buildings from different eras and the Riga Art Space gallery, with an exhibition of modern art and a concert hall.
Also, casinos, shops, cafes and restaurants are part of the entertainment that Vecrīga offers its visitors.
Vecrīga is also the best area to stay in Riga thanks to being home to hotels of all categories, for being pedestrian-friendly and for its good public transport connections, including light rail and buses.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Riga:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Historical monuments
- Connected by public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Avalon Hotel & Conferences
This 4-star hotel is located in the historic centre of Riga, just 500 metres from the Opera House. It offers spacious rooms with air conditioning and cable TV, as well as breakfast and WiFi.
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Budget
Boutique Hotel Monte Kristo
Boutique Hotel Monte Kristo is located in the historic centre of Riga, only 500 metres from the Central Train Station. It offers rooms with cable TV, a minibar and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Pullman Riga Old Town
The Pullman Riga Old Town, located in the centre of a historic area, in an 18th-century former Baron Munchausen stable, offers equine themes throughout.
2. Centra rajons
Centra rajons or Central District is among the best areas to stay in Riga for its monuments, cultural and historical sites.
Centra rajons is located northeast of the centre of Riga and is known for its exclusive shops, restaurants and cafes.
Centra rajons has several leisure sites, including the Dailes Theatre, located a few metres from Brivibas street. This theatre is famous for being the scene of dramas, comedies and musicals.
Also, the National Museum of Art of Latvia, located in this district, is ideal for those who like art, as it offers an exhibition of more than 52 thousand works by Baltic and Russian painters and sculptors.
Another leisure option in the area is the Vērmanes Garden, with playgrounds, a restaurant and cafés that make it ideal for the family trips.
Another advantage of staying in this area is its good public transport connections.
To get around Centra rajons or move to other areas, you can take the light rail or the bus.
Centra rajons is one of the best areas to stay in Riga. However, it must be taken into account that accommodation in this area is usually more expensive.
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Why is this a recommended area to stay in Riga, Latvia:
- Central location
- Connected by public transport
- Good area for business travellers
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
City Hotel Teater
The City Hotel Teater is a 4-star hotel located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, in a lively cultural area in the centre of Riga. It has a restaurant, lobby bar, terrace, sauna and 3 meeting rooms.
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Budget
Mosaic Hotel
Mosaic Hotel is located in the Art Nouveau district of central Riga, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. The pearl of the Art Nouveau district, Alberta Street, is 100 metres away.
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Luxury
Gallery Park Hotel & SPA, a Châteaux & Hôtels Collection
Gallery Park Hotel & SPA is a boutique 5-star hotel located in the historic center of Riga next to the Old town and Art-Nouveau district, as well as international embassies. The hotel is housed in the 19th century mansion, offering Gallery Spa with a swimming pool, sauna and fitness room.
3. Avotu iela
Avotu iela is one of the best areas to stay in Riga thanks to its varied leisure options and being a financial centre.
Here, you will find offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas and cafes for all types of travellers.
Avotu iela has excellent entertainment sites to take a break, such as the Gertrudes Street Theatre, which offers its visitors dance, shows and concerts with national and international artists.
It also hosts the Garden of Flowers, with green areas that are ideal for walking, playing sports or just resting while enjoying a good cup of coffee in one of its venues.
To move to other places of interest, Avotu iela has bus stops and train stations.
Avotu iela is among the best areas to stay in Riga for its budget-friendly hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Riga, Latvia:
- Cheap hotels in Riga
- Relatively central
- Connected by public transport
4. Latgale
Latgale is one of the six districts of the city of Riga, located southeast of the Daugava River.
Latgale is the best area to stay in Riga for the summer holidays, thanks to its varied entertainment sites and beaches.
In this area, you will find attractions such as the Kengaragas Seafront, a great place to walk or ride a bike.
For lovers of adventure, Latgale has the old Rumbala airbase, where young people come together to enjoy paragliding, motorcycles and ultralight aeroplanes.
Moving around Latgale is simple since the area has train stations such as Daugmale and Gaisma.
Latgale is among the best areas to stay in Riga for its varied hotel for all types of visitors and budgets.
5. Zemgale
Zemgales priekšpilsēta is located southwest of Riga, on the left bank of the Daugava River.
Zemgales is among the best areas to stay in Riga as it is a district away from the hustle and bustle of the centre, with numerous green areas and leisure facilities for all types of visitors.
Among the attractions that the district offers is Drifta Halle, an entertainment centre where visitors have a track and electric tricycles to spend a pleasant time with family or friends.
Lucavsala Recreational Park is another must-see attraction in this area, with a family atmosphere where you can picnic, walk, play outdoors and sunbathe.
Zemgales priekšpilsēta has light rail and bus services to move to other areas of Riga.
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