The best areas to stay in Riga
For a short stay, two central areas cover almost everyone. Everything below is walkable, and both areas are a short stroll apart.
The Old Town
Riga's medieval core, a maze of cobbled lanes, squares and church spires. You are right among the sights and the evening buzz, which is lovely, though the busiest lanes can be lively at night. Best if you want history on your doorstep.
The Centre (Centrs)
The elegant district just outside the Old Town, home to the world-class Art Nouveau architecture, the main shopping streets, parks and the biggest choice of cafés and restaurants. It is quieter at night, has the best transport links, and is only a few minutes' walk from the old core. Our pick for most stays. For more on the city's areas, see our neighbourhoods guide.
Affordable private rooms in summer
In the summer months, roughly June to August, our furnished private rooms in central Riga open up for short stays. You get your own room in a residence a short walk from the Old Town and the Central Market, with all bills, fast Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen included, from a few nights upwards and well below hotel prices. Availability is seasonal and limited, so it is worth checking early.
Hotels in Riga, from five-star to budget
Riga's hotels are excellent value by European standards. These are solid choices in each category, in and around the Old Town and the Centre.
Luxury and five-star
- Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga: a grand five-star on a boulevard by the opera and the park.
- Grand Poet by Semarah: a stylish design hotel next to Bastejkalns park.
- Pullman Riga Old Town: a polished five-star on the edge of the Old Town.
- Dome Hotel & Spa: an intimate luxury bolt-hole tucked beside the cathedral.
Four-star and mid-range
- Hotel Bergs: a refined four-star in the smart Berga Bazārs quarter.
- Aston Hotel Riga: a comfortable, well-located four-star in the Centre.
- Neiburgs Hotel: a restored Art Nouveau townhouse hotel in the Old Town.
Budget, hostels and aparthotels
- Ibis Riga Centre: reliable, simple rooms a short walk from the centre.
- Stabu Sēta Residence: good-value apartment-style rooms near the Centre.
- Naughty Squirrel Hostel: a lively, social hostel in the heart of the Old Town.
- Cinnamon Sally Backpackers: a friendly, well-run hostel near the train station.
*Some hotel links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the price you pay.*
Apartments and self-catering stays
If you want your own space with a kitchen, an apartment beats a hotel for longer stays or small groups.
- Park Residence: our own stylish studio apartment on Tērbatas iela in the Centre, available year-round with no minimum stay, from around 50 euro per night. An easy, central base for a couple or a solo traveller.
- Old Factory Loft Apartment L39: a high-end loft with three bedrooms for up to ten guests, ideal for groups travelling together.
Hotel, apartment or private room: which to pick?
A quick rule of thumb:
- A hotel is easiest for a short city break and if you want service, breakfast and daily cleaning.
- An apartment wins for longer stays, families or groups, and when you want a kitchen and more space, like Park Residence or the L39 loft.
- An affordable private room is the sweet spot in summer if you want somewhere central and social without hotel prices: check our summer availability.
Wherever you stay, keep it central. Both the Old Town and the Centre put the sights, the restaurants and the things to do within an easy walk.
A traveller's three-day weekend plan for Riga, in German, from our founder's travel blog, with more accommodation picks.
Your base in central Riga
All of our residences are a short walk from the Old Town, the Central Market and Miera iela. Furnished rooms, all bills included, for your semester or a few nights.
See available rooms →