Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city and the Baltic States. Traveling there gives you an opportunity to discover a preserved historical and architectural heritage, in addition to discovering delicious local cuisine. Wondering where to stay in Riga? Our guide to Riga best areas will be helpful!
If you are planning to visit Latvian capital and started to look for accommodation, first find out where the best area to stay in Riga is as it might depend on your trip plan, planned activities and even budget. You can choose the area with the help of information provided below and then go to the next step to choose the best hotel to stay in Riga.
We recommend doing a research and booking your hotel in advance, especially when traveling during peak season, to save time and nerves during your trip. The best websites to book hotels in Riga, Latvia are Booking.com and Agoda.com that always offer great deals.
1. Vecrīga (Old Town or Riga Historical City Center)
Vecrīga (Old Town) is the historic district on the eastern side of the city which is divided by the Daugava River. As in many European capitals, the historic center of Riga is the best area to stay as it is the heart of the city. The entire historical center of Riga is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
Most of places to visit in Riga are gathered in the Old Town. You will be close to monuments and historic buildings, making your exploration of the city easier. This district is famous for photogenic attractions and iconic sights such as Riga Cathedral, Church of St. Peter, Three Brothers, Latvian Art Museum and The House of Blackheads.
Riga Private Tour with a Local Guide is a good chance to explore Riga with a knowledgeable local who is eager to share all the tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your visit. You’ll see some of the top attractions and hear about more that you can visit on your own after the tour.
When staying in Riga Old Town, you have everything within a walking distance, including the bus station and train station. That makes getting to/from the airport easy as well as traveling to other cities in Latvia and other Baltic States. This area is also the main hub of shops, cafes, restaurants, where you can taste delicious traditional Latvian dishes, as well as nightlife spots that are located between small alleys and lively squares.
The whole Old Town area is largely pedestrian so it can be a bit difficult for those arriving by car. If you are you traveling by car, it is better to find accommodation outside the Old Town.
Vecrīga offers a mix of hotels for various prices but is best known for housing a good number of high-class hotels. Some of the best rated hotels in Riga Old Town:
2. Centrs (Central District)
The district of City Center is one of the best areas to stay in Riga. The area is located right next to the Old Town, and is considerably larger.
If you want to get in touch with the Latvian capital or experience the daily life of Latvians people, staying in Riga city center would be more interesting than choosing the hotel in the touristy historical center.
The plus point of staying in this area is its good public transport connections. To get around, you can easily take a tram or bus at one of the assigned stops as there are many routes passing by.
Riga city center is famous for its art nouveau buildings that are linked to the expansion of the city in the 19th century. There are also many other types of historic buildings among them.
The central area offers excellent accommodation and dining options. The price level of accommodations in the city center tends to be lower than you would be paying in the Old Town.
Some of the best rated hotels in Riga city center:
3. Zemgale Suburb
Zemgale is located in the southwestern part of Riga, on the left bank of the Daugava River. The area is about 1 km away from the Old Town. This area is a popular place to stay in Riga as it is quite away from the hustle and bustle of the center with numerous green areas and entertainment venues. The area is preferred by those who like entertainment because Zemgale is located near universities.
Plenty of tram and bus routes connect Zemgale with other areas of Riga so traveling to visit all the most famous attractions of the city is pretty easy.
Various types of accommodation can be found in the area. Some of the best rated hotels in Zemgale:
Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara
4. Miera Iela
Miera Iela is considered to be one of the most beautiful hipster neighborhoods in Riga. This street is located about 20-minute walk from the Old Town. You can get there even faster by the tram number 11.
Miera Iela is a good place for tourists to visit as the area boasts its modern art galleries and street art works, vintage boutiques, funky coffee shops and several green spaces along the street. It also houses the Laima museum and chocolate factory. The area is lively both day and evening.
If you like trendy and fun atmosphere, we would strongly recommend booking your Riga accommodation in the street of Peace!
Some of the best rated accommodations in the area around Miera Iela:
5. Latgale Suburb
Latgale is one of the six districts of Riga city, located to the south-east of the Daugava River.
The area stands out with its museums and parks. In this area you will find attractions such as the Paseo Maritimo de Kengaragas, a great place to walk or ride a bike.
Latgale is recommended for those who do not want to stay too far away from the center but prefer an alternative accommodation.
6. Avotu Iela
Avotu Iela is another great area to stay in Riga as it’s the financial center of the city. The area is full of offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, cafes and other entertainment venues. It also has the Flower Garden, with green areas that are ideal for walking, playing sports or simply resting.
Avotu Iela is a popular area to stay in Riga for those traveling on a tight budget as there are plenty affordable hotels and other accommodations available.
Some of the best rated accommodations around Avotu Iela:
Art deco new apartment in the centre of Riga
Tips
Latvia is a mandatory stop when touring the Baltic countries. Many stay there just for few hours during an excursion on their cruises, but it is certainly worth visiting the country longer. Top Tourist Destinations in Latvia might inspire you to stay here at least few more days!
The capital of Latvia is an exciting city to explore. You can read our guide to exploring the best of Riga and prepare to visit the most popular attractions and historical landmarks of the city.