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.
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.
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: Wooden architecture, parks, local neighborhoods, peaceful atmosphere
"Peaceful inner-city district with wooden houses 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
Old Town edge
Popular hostel in atmospheric wooden building with excellent location and social atmosphere.
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Centre
Good value hotel with spa facilities, central location, and reliable comfort.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Neiburgs
Old Town
Art Nouveau gem in restored 1903 building with excellent restaurant and beautiful apartments.
Grand Poet Hotel
Art Nouveau District
Contemporary boutique near Alberta Street with literary theme and excellent design.
Pullman Riga Old Town
Old Town
Modern hotel behind historic facade with rooftop bar and Old Town views.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
Old Town
Five-star luxury in converted 1870s bank building with excellent spa and central location.
Hotel Bergs
Centre
Intimate boutique in converted 19th-century buildings with excellent restaurant and residential feel.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
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
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Riga Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Riga: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.