Welcome to Riga! Whether you're here for the first time or visiting city again, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly accommodation, restaurants and attractions to see and explore. From cozy rooms, aromatic breakfast to breathtaking architecture! We have collected several great places to stay, eat, drink and see without breaking the bank!
Sightseeing and entertainment
The city of Riga is a beautiful and vibrant place to explore. With its cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, it is a great destination for sightseeing. But if you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of ways to experience the city without breaking the bank.
One of the best budget-friendly ways to explore Riga is to take a sightseeing tour through Riga Old Town and Quiet Centre. Old Town is on a UNESCO World Heritage List and surely there are places to see - various styles are represented in architecture - Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque as well as examples of classicism and modernism. Quiet Centre is one of the most stunning places to be in Riga. Alberta Street is the pearl of Riga's Art Nouveau style - full-length, historic "art nouveau" style buildings are located along its entire street. Daily tours are offered by both FreeTours Riga (every day at 11:00 and 14:00) and Riga Free Tours (every day at 10:00 and 12:00). You can get free maps and all kinds of information by visiting our Tourist Information Center.
If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, you can visit some of the city’s many museums. Many of them are with very affordable pricing, mostly arranging from 1.5 EUR to 6 EUR, but in some museums enterance is free of charge, for example, in National Library of Latvia and The Latvian War museum. Most of city museums offers discounted tickets for students.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more affordable way to experience the city’s nightlife, you can visit some of the city’s many pubs and bars - Aleponija, Laska, Ala Pagrabs, Labietis, Nurme, Čē. Here you can find some great deals on drinks and in some of these places you can enjoy live music events!
Food and drinks
Riga is a beautiful city with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch, there’s something for everyone, if you’re on a budget.
One of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Riga for lunch is Lidojošā varde in the Quet Centre. This restaurant serves up delicious homemade meals with a traditional and international twist for you to enjoy. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous.
Another great budget-friendly cafe/bar in Riga is Gauja. The portions here are great, and the pricing are absolutely reasonable. This cafe is very popular during the midday rush and you can get delicios and affordable lunch offers. In the evening you can enjoy some delicious drinks and delicious bar food.
In Ezītis, you can have an inexpensive lunch or dinner every day and enjoy delicious cocktails or simply drink a glass of wine or a beer. You can also happily sit with friends or colleagues, remember moments spent together, read, work, play a game or just relax nicely. On Wednesdays there are wine evenings in Ezītis, on Thursdays the early partiers dance to great music or indulge in late-night conversations, while on Fridays and Saturdays life and party go "full throttle" in here!
If you’re looking for international cusine, then you should check out Borščs and Stockpot. Borščs serves up traditional Ukrainian dishes and Stockpot offers mostly asian cusine. The quality of the food is top-notch. Plus, the atmosphere is always busy with a lot of locals enjoying their happy meals.
Finally, if you’re looking for a a bit more upscale, but still affordable option, then you should check out Neapolitan pizzeria & Cocktail bar Rione. This restaurant serves up a variety of delicious italian food dishes. The atmosphere is lively and fun and you can enjoy watching how your pizza is made!
Explore the full guide of where to eat in Riga and pamper your taste buds with the delicious offers of Riga's versatile food scene.
Accommodations
When it comes to budget hostels in Riga, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a place to stay for a night or a week, there's something for everyone.
Take the Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel, for example. This hostel is located in the heart of the Riga Old Town and offers a variety of amenities. From free Wi-Fi to a fully-equipped kitchen, you'll have everything you need to make your stay comfortable. This Australian-owned hostel offers daily tours to AK Shooting and Winter Bobsled with the Latvian Olympic Team
If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, then the hotel Ibis Riga Centre is the perfect choice. This hotel offers a variety of amenities - wi-fi, parking, you can bring your pets and, of course, breakfast included. Plus, the hostel is located in a prime location, so you can easily access all the best attractions in the city.
Finally, if you're looking for the most affordable hostel in Riga, it's worth checking out Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel. Here, you'll find free Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast buffet, tea, coffee, and free activities organized by the hostel team. Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel is conveniently located near various notable attractions in Riga, including the Old Town, Riga Central Market, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, and more.