Accommodation
Riga is compact and walkable, so location matters less than in larger cities. That said, each neighbourhood has a distinct character. Here's our honest breakdown of the best areas to stay — whether you're after medieval charm, architectural beauty, or beach sunsets.
Best for first-time visitors
Stay within the medieval walls, steps from St. Peter's Church, the Dome Cathedral, and the best restaurants. Cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and rooftop bars. The trade-off: some noise from nightlife and tourist crowds in summer.
Best for architecture & culture
Alberta Street, Elizabetes Street and the surrounding blocks form Europe's densest Art Nouveau quarter. Quieter than Old Town, with excellent cafés, the National Art Museum, and beautiful parks. A 10-minute walk to Old Town.
Best value for money
The leafy residential area between Old Town and the Art Nouveau district. Wooden architecture, embassy streets, and local neighbourhood restaurants. Excellent value with easy access to everything — the sweet spot for longer stays.
Best for beach & spa
Latvia's premier beach resort, 25 minutes by train from Riga. White sand beaches, pine forests, wooden Art Nouveau villas, and spa hotels. Perfect as a base if you want a beach holiday with easy city access.
Book early for summer (Jun-Aug) — Riga's hotel supply is limited and the best Old Town properties sell out weeks in advance during peak season.
Consider apartments for 3+ nights — Riga has excellent serviced apartments, especially in the Quiet Centre, often at half the price of equivalent hotel rooms.
Airport transfers are cheap — A taxi from Riga Airport to Old Town costs €10-15 and takes 15 minutes. The airport bus (Bus 22) costs €2 and takes 30 minutes.
Free cancellation is standard — Most Riga hotels on Booking.com offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before check-in, so book early and adjust later.
Travelling with children? — See our Riga with kids guide for why the Quiet Centre often suits families better than Old Town.
On a tight budget? — See our cheap hotels in Riga guide for the lowest-cost options by type and area.
Want named recommendations? — See our best hotels in Riga guide for specific luxury, boutique, and budget picks.
Early arrival or late departure? — Rather than paying for an extra night just to hold your bags, drop them at a luggage storage point near Old Town or the train station and explore hands-free until check-in.
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