Where to Stay in Riga 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Riga is the Baltic gem - a city with world-class Art Nouveau architecture, a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, and Europe's largest market in former Zeppelin hangars. The city offers excellent value compared to Western Europe, with a growing food scene and legendary nightlife (including infamous stag parties). The compact center is easily walkable.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Old Town / Edge of Centre
Best combination of historic atmosphere and walkability. Stay on quieter streets for less noise but easy access to sights, restaurants, and nightlife. Art Nouveau district is walkable. Central Market is 10 minutes on foot.
Old Town
Art Nouveau District
Central Market
Quiet Centre
Āgenskalns
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Old Town can be very noisy on weekend nights due to stag parties - request quiet rooms
- • Area immediately around bus/train station can feel rough - book slightly away
- • Some 'Old Town' hotels are actually in less charming nearby areas - verify location
- • Winter is very cold and dark - prepare accordingly
Understanding Riga Geography
Riga sits on the Daugava River. The medieval Old Town occupies a compact area with the Art Nouveau district extending north. Central Market is south of Old Town. The Left Bank (Āgenskalns, etc.) is across the river. Jūrmala beach resort is 25 minutes by train.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Riga
Old Town (Vecrīga)
Best for: UNESCO medieval center, Art Nouveau, cobblestone streets, churches
"Medieval merchant city with Gothic spires and Hanseatic heritage"
Pros
- Historic heart
- Walkable
- Beautiful architecture
- Great restaurants
Cons
- Touristy
- Expensive dining
- Cobblestones challenging
- Stag parties
Art Nouveau District (Centrs)
Best for: World's best Art Nouveau architecture, Alberta Street, quiet elegance
"Stunning turn-of-century architecture in elegant residential quarter"
Pros
- Incredible architecture
- Quieter
- Photography heaven
- Elegant feel
Cons
- Few restaurants
- Limited hotels
- Far from nightlife
- Residential
Central Market Area
Best for: Europe's largest market, local food, authentic Riga, budget options
"Working market district with incredible food halls in historic hangars"
Pros
- Best food market
- Local experience
- Budget-friendly
- Near transport
Cons
- Rough edges
- Less charming
- Some sketchy areas nearby
Quiet Centre (Klusais centrs)
Best for: Art Nouveau architecture, parks, local neighborhoods, peaceful atmosphere
"Peaceful Art Nouveau district with parks and local life"
Pros
- Authentic atmosphere
- Peaceful
- Beautiful parks
- Local feel
Cons
- Limited tourist facilities
- Few major sights
- Need to explore
Āgenskalns
Best for: Wooden architecture, hipster cafes, Kalnciema Quarter, local markets
"Left bank neighborhood with weekend markets and creative scene"
Pros
- Kalnciema market
- Local atmosphere
- Hipster cafes
- Affordable
Cons
- Across river
- Limited accommodation
- Need tram for center
Accommodation Budget in Riga
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel
Old Town edge
A top-rated hostel located directly across from the Riga Central Station, offering a vibrant social scene, free breakfast, and organized city activities.
ibis Riga Centre
City Centre
Reliable modern budget hotel in excellent central position near the Old Town, train station and bus terminals with clean rooms and 24/7 reception.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Centre
Good value hotel with spa facilities, central location, and reliable comfort.
Neiburgs Hotel
Old Town
Art Nouveau gem in restored 1903 building with excellent restaurant and beautiful apartments.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah
Art Nouveau District
A sophisticated 5-star design hotel in central Riga featuring the unique 'Diplohemia' concept, overlooking Bastejkalns Park and boasting the premier Hedonic SPA.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
Old Town
Five-star luxury in a majestic historic building opposite the National Opera, featuring a world-class spa, rooftop dining, and elegant interiors.
Pullman Riga Old Town
Old Town
A sophisticated 5-star hotel set within a 1789 building, featuring contemporary design, an equestrian-themed restaurant, and a top-floor wellness center with Old Town views.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hotel Bergs Suites
Centre
Intimate boutique in converted 19th-century buildings with excellent restaurant and residential feel.
Dome Hotel
Old Town
Elegant hotel opposite Dome Cathedral with rooftop terrace views and historic atmosphere.
Smart Booking Tips for Riga
- 1 Book ahead for Midsummer (June 23-24) and Christmas markets (December)
- 2 Stag party season (spring/summer weekends) can be rowdy but accommodation plentiful
- 3 Winter (November-February) offers lowest prices but limited daylight
- 4 Shoulder seasons (May, September) offer best balance of weather and prices
- 5 City tax is minimal compared to other European capitals
- 6 Many hotels include excellent breakfast buffets - check inclusions
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Riga.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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Overview
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