Overview
Riga is a surprising place. Very unlike the other Baltic capitals, Riga is a sprawling metropolis that has one of the largest old towns in Europe. Latvia, in general, is one of the poorest countries in Europe, yet walking around the bustling streets of Riga, you don’t really feel it. Riga sits on the mighty Daugava river and is only a 30 minute train or bus ride to the Baltic sea. To the contrary of many thoughts about the Baltics and Latvia in general, it is a modern and busy metropolis that looks nothing like you might imagine. The post-Soviet nation is on a course towards modernity and since joining the European Union a few years ago, things look like they are going the right direction in Latvia.
Is it Cheap?
Yes, but not as cheap as you might think. Latvia recently changed to the Euro, so prices have doubled in the last few years. An average hostel night could be anywhere between 15-25 Euros and a meal between 8-15. Beer prices remain low in Riga and many places actually have a student discount if you brought your card with you.
Riga Academy of Science
Outskirts and Riga TV Tower
Riga Old Town
What to Do
Riga is a vibrant city with tons to do and perfectly situated for day trips if you have the time.
Tour The Central Market
The Central Market in Riga may very well be one of the largest and most vibrant food and goods market in all of Europe. The massive market is warehoused in two gargantuan buildings along with tons of food and apparel stalls wrapping around the exterior. One of the stranger things you might see if a row of stalls dedicated to brightly colored fake flowers. Within the market halls you can see the best of Latvian foodstuffs with local products stealing the show. Baked goods, honey, pickles, fresh fish, all types of raw meat, locally sourced vegetables line the halls showcasing the diversity and vibrant ecoculture that Latvia has to offer.
Take a Boat Trip down the Daugava
The Daugava is a wide, fast flowing river that cuts the newer and older halves of Riga right down the center. Hop on one of the ferries docked near the old town and take the journey out of the mouth of the Daugava into the Baltic sea. Many of the boats have dinner cruise options as well.
Dance to Traditional Folk Music in a Cave Bar
See Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs below.
Take a Bus to Jurmala Beach Town
Jurmala is a beautiful little town just outside of Riga to the west that sits on Latvia’s most picturesque beach. A resort town and a major tourist attraction it draws people from Russia along with those from the west. Kick back and catch some of the best rays in the Baltics.
Celebrate Riga’s Birthday
If you happen to be making a trip to Riga, definitely plan it in the middle of August to catch Riga’s birthday. A weekend festival that takes place in all parts of the city, Riga doesn’t leave any stone unturned. From massive fireworks over the Daugava, live music all over the city and a massive local food and artwork market, the city really lights up, showing off all the great things Latvia has to offer. Public transportation is also completely free during this time, so it’s the perfect opportunity to go to Jurmala if you don’t want to stay in Riga. Don’t miss out on the food at the festival, it’s extraordinary and if the smells don’t suck you in the sounds of sizzling meat will.
Where to Eat and Drink
Latvian food is heavy; based mostly on the Eastern European meat and potatoes diet. What I can say about the cuisine is that it is priced reasonably in most restaurants and that what they do make is incredibly tasty.
Pakistan Kebabs: This has nothing to do with Latvian food but is the Kebab chain of choice for Riga. You can get a kebab box with fries, veggies and that wonderful spinning mystery meat for 3 Euros. A deal that’s hard to beat in any city around the world. Ask for the spicy sauce, you won’t regret it.
Apsara Tea House: Modern, cozy and with some of the best cake in Riga, the Apsara Tea House is situated on the edge of old town in one of the various parks that surround it. Sit back, relax, take in the views and enjoy.
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs: This place comes highly recommended by everyone that you talk to in Riga and for good reason. The restaurant doubles as a cave bar folk dance hall. The interior is massive, with three large rooms and two bars tucked away down a single staircase. This is also one of the best places to try local Latvian cuisine for a good price. All the meals are under 12 Euros and many of those under 7. Try bacon wrapped meatballs, a dish of black eyed peas swimming in bacon cream sauce in a bread bowl or roasted meats. The best thing there might be their more than 20 local draft beers or their fried homemade garlic bread. It’s to die for. Stick around for the food but stay later for the folk dancing and live folk music after 9 pm.
Transport
Riga is a large city but if you are up for it, walking shouldn’t be an issue. If you want to go to Jurmala beach town you can head to the central bus station, or the train station and depart from there. Most of the hostels in Riga are either located in the old town or the surrounding areas, making all the places you want to go in the city reasonably close. You’ll definitely put in some walking time, but the city is gorgeous and will be worth it. If not, alike many European cities, Riga has above ground trams and buses that hit all the spots you would want.
Riga unfortunately doesn’t have Uber, but they use an app called Taxify which is just about the same thing. Keep this app installed if you are travelling the Baltics because many of the other cities use this as well. A 10 minute cab ride would be like 3 Euros, so feel free to use even if you are on a budget.
Where to Stay
Riga is home to a large amount of hostels, many of which are great. We recommend Cinnamon Sally Backpackers and the Naughty Squirrel Hostel. The first has more of a classic chill and relax vibe, with a comfy living room and awesome events every night like trivia and bar crawls. The Naughty Squirrel is your backpackers Party Hostel, catering to a crowd that likes to get a bit more rowdy. A night at each hostel, even during high season should never eclipse 25 Euros for a dorm bunk, which is awesome.
Clubbing and Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Riga is certainly bigger than Tallinn’s, but nowhere near as diverse as the clubs and bars in Vilnius. Drinks are cheap, the music is loud and plays all night and the crowds are generally nice, with tons of people to interact with. The youth in Latvia, along with the entire region speak English really well, so go out, make some friends and dance until the sun comes up.
Rock Cafe: This club is a big deal in Riga. The massive two storied bar/club caters to rock loves and edm heads alike. The first floor features more of a bar and restaurant feel with tables for chatting, a huge wood bar with student drink deals, a projector in the background showing images of rock gods strumming away on their guitars. When you go up the narrow staircase to the second floor, a huge dance floor emerges playing anything from rock music to EDM to house music. The Rock Cafe is fun and lively, stays open late and serves beer until you just can’t take it anymore.
Coyote Fly: This is the Riga club where the locals go to dance. A bit more upscale, the club caters to people trying to listen to loud EDM music in their tight European clothing. Girls dancing with their 7 Euro vodka sodas and guys desperately looking for a girl to go home with. Big, bright lights and thumping bass, Coyote Fly is the only place in Riga that feels like a large traditional club.
Kafejnica Piens: If you are looking for something local, a bit out of the ordinary and good for a non-weekend night, Kafejnica is the place for you. A bit outside of the tourist zone and only good on Wednesdays, the cafe is more of a complex of a few different bars with a large outdoor patio than anything else you would imagine. One bar dedicates itself to hard rock and the other to house music that bumps until around 5 am. It’s packed with young Latvians trying to get the most out of their work week and a great place to have fun and blow off some steam. Drinks are reasonably cheap and plentiful.
My Travel Essentials For A European Backpacking Trip
Below you'll find a list of my must bring backpacking items. I have gotten this list down to my essentials through trial and error over 4 years of living in a backpack. I hope you'll find these items helpful on your journey!
►Main Backpacking Backpack: https://amzn.to/3vUHdik [Amazon]
►Great Front Facing Duffle-bag : https://amzn.to/3SjK6Ra [Amazon]
►Quick Dry Towel : https://amzn.to/3uarxH8 [Amazon]
►Multi Country Charger Adapter : https://amzn.to/3Ul37p0 [Amazon]
►Refillable Water Bottle : https://amzn.to/48SnG0n [Amazon]
►Padlock : https://amzn.to/3SdyYp7 [Amazon]
►Earplugs : https://amzn.to/498xTpl [Amazon]
►Power Bank : https://amzn.to/3SyXP8e [Amazon]
Travel Photography & Video Favorites
If you're interested in creating your own video content on your trip, these are some of my favorite items I've had. They work, they're effective and besides the Sony Aa7C, they aren't going to break the bank either!
►On the Go Video | Go Pro Hero 12 : https://amzn.to/3u38oHh [Amazon]
►Photography | Sony A7C : https://amzn.to/3u1Y6ap [Amazon]
►Portable Tripod | https://amzn.to/42ojHqc [Amazon]
►Lavalier Microphone | https://amzn.to/3SbL41U [Amazon]
►Drone | https://amzn.to/47TCwSY [Amazon]
►Portable Monitor | https://amzn.to/3Hzv2dg [Amazon]
All links are affiliate links with amazon which I may generate revenue from. These are products I actually have used for years and would feel comfortable recommending to first time and experienced travelers alike.
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