The Best Hostels and Cheap Hotels in Riga, Latvia

This is the ideal base for exploring Riga Castle, which is just 11 minutes away on foot. The hostel is refreshingly straightforward. It has comfy dorms and private triple rooms, clean complimentary bed linens and towels, free under-bed lockers and a steady supply of tea and coffee. Feeling sociable? Hang out in the two homey lounges or 24-hour bar – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, after all. Time your trip right, and you can enjoy pub crawls, movie nights and even try your hand at dog sledging.

Light, bright and minimalist, with a variety of plants adding pops of colour, Tree House is the epitome of an urban oasis. Here, you’re in the heart of the Old Town, but, if you don’t feel like venturing out, there’s plenty to keep you busy on site: take part in a yoga class, get stuck into a book from the lending library, or cook up a storm in the well-appointed shared kitchen. Some of the rooms – which include private rooms and both mixed and female dorms – enjoy views out over Līvu Square and towards the majestic spire of St Peter’s Church.

This hostel is named after its prime location on Dome (Doma) Square, the largest square in Riga’s Old Town. This family-owned home from home offers dorm beds and private rooms sleeping up to six, with restored wooden ceiling beams and floors lending a warm, alpine feel to the space. Though its history dates back to 1524, the building is now kitted out with all mod-cons you need for a comfortable stay, including kitchenettes, strong wifi, free-flowing tea and coffee, and inviting hang-out spaces.

Despite being within walking distance of the best attractions in Riga, Red Nose’s position on a cobbled backstreet will make you feel like you’re in a quaint village. The stone-fronted hostel is a two-minute wander from the 15th-century St Peter’s Church and features mixed rooms and dorms sleeping from two to 10 guests – many with sweeping views over the Old Town. Facilities are simple but the epitome of spick and span, including kitchenettes, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room sinks and ample shared bathrooms.

Get a taste of local living by renting your very own Riga apartment. It’s a great option if you like your own space or want to give some Latvian-inspired cooking a go (just grab fresh ingredients from Riga Central Market). ApartHotel Riga offers both private rooms and full apartments, all complete with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and an envy-inducing address on Brīvības Boulevard, the main street in Riga.

Whether you’re in the market for a dorm bed or a hotel experience without spending an arm and a leg, Liberty Hotel has you covered. This hostel-hotel hybrid is located on the fourth floor of a beautifully renovated 19th-century building on the main pedestrian street in the Old Town, meaning you’re just steps away from the action. In addition to offering private rooms (sleeping up to eight) and spacious dorms, Liberty draws families with its kids’ play area and book lovers with its lending library. Head to reception to pick up breakfast discounts for nearby restaurants.

The words “boutique hotel” often inspire fear in budget-conscious travellers, but Stabu Sēta Residence quickly dispels any money worries. This stylish yet modestly priced hotel comprises 43 rooms and 18 apartments (sleeping up to four people). Despite its central location, just 10 minutes from the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, it has the feel of a country villa. Think wooden floors, huge corner baths, ornate tiling and period fireplaces. Overindulged at the onsite restaurant? Head to the hotel’s 24-hour gym before rewarding yourself with a session in the sauna and Jacuzzi.

The opulent Greek temple-inspired façade of the Blue Bird hints at the rich history of the building – just ask one of the friendly staff members to tell you the story of 4 Tirgoņu Street. Today, here you’ll find a hostel for people who don’t do hostels. Those put off by both shared dorms and high hotel prices will love the capsule concept, which offers near total privacy in a hostel setting. While there’s a well-equipped kitchen on hand, the central setting, directly opposite the Dome Cathedral, means there’s a wealth of restaurants and bars on the doorstep.

Simple and unassuming, Bridge Hotel is a reliable option for anyone seeking a no-frills (but comfy) home base for their time in the Latvian capital. As the name hints, the hotel is a quick hop over the Daugava River (via the Vanšu Bridge) from the Old Town. Riga’s Left Bank has plenty to offer, not least the must-visit Kalnciema kvartāls, a buzzing market held every Saturday, with artisanal food, clothing and live music. After a day exploring, prepare your market-fresh ingredients in the shared kitchen for a locally inspired supper before hitting the hay in one of the hotel’s private rooms, which sleep up to four people.