But as you would do your due diligence before visiting any other foreign country, you’d do
yourself a favor by taking care of the following before your trip:Study Up on the Culture
The three countries are independent states with different cultural heritage and language. In
fact, all three managed to retain their independence in 1991, and they are very much
proud of their heritage.

While each is unique in their own right, Estonia arguably shares the closest resemblance
to Finland. Indeed, it implies a higher standard of living, so factor this in your expected
living costs

Decide on the Best Time to Visit

While a large part of the decision will be based on whatever your schedule allows for, the
consensus is that the optimal time for visiting is between April and September. Unless you
prefer the winter’s cold grip, this is when the weather is at its finest.

During summer, expect the temperatures to linger around 25 degrees. The winters, on the
other hand, tend to be harsh and not for the faint-of-heart.

Check Your Transport Options

Unless you have a local friend, and you’ve agreed to have them drive you around, you will
need to rely on public transport. So check the bus routes in advance and plan accordingly.
Hitch-hiking is not that popular in the Baltics, but the distances between cities are pretty
short (from Vilnius to Riga 4 hours in a bus, for example), so trains and buses should
suffice.

There is always the option of calling a taxi, but compared to trains and buses, it will cost
you a lot more. If you’re no stranger to handling foreign apps, there is always the option of
hailing a cab via one of the local ride-sharing apps. In Estonia, Uber is a big one, but there is also Bolt, its local variant.

Have a Way to Break the Language Barrier

While you might hear Latvians, Lithuanians, and Estonians speaking Russian, do not
make the mistake of confusing them with being one. Although they have a Russian-
influenced history, their culture is unique to their nation.

Either way, it’s almost a given that you’ll find someone speaking English in all three
countries. Even so, if you don’t know a word of their language, a good trick is to install a
translation app that can translate spoken language on the fly.

Check the Local Wi-Fi Coverage and Data Plans

Whether you’re going to be taking some of your work with you or not, having a way to
access the world wide web is a must in this day and age. The best practice is to pick up a
local SIM card with a generous data package to enjoy your favorite online content without
worries.

To save a bit of money, check where you can expect to find local Wi-Fi hotspots. Do bear
in mind that every time you decide to connect to public Wi-Fi, you are exposing your
sensitive private data to interception and theft. Therefore, educate yourself on what is a
VPN and install one on your smart devices before you take off.

Visit a Currency Exchange

While you can always exchange your money at the airport when you arrive, try to take care
of this in your own country to see if they offer you a better exchange rate. Baltic countries
belong to the European Union, and thus they use euros, so it shouldn’t be much of a
problem.

Get Your Visa Sorted out

Unless you’re a European citizen (all of which get to stay for as long as they like), you will
need to get the appropriate visa for your type of trip. Depending on the purpose of your
visit, there are all sorts of permits, and the regulations may change every couple of
months, so it’s imperative to check the current state of affairs and get one that has you
covered.

Do bear in mind that, even as a European citizen, you’re still going to need to register your
stay if its duration exceeds three months.

Book Your Accommodation

There is the old wisdom of always booking your hotels and trips in advance if you want to
secure the best prices, so be sure to keep this in mind. While you’re unlikely to run out of
options upon the day of your arrival, the costs will always reflect it and may, in some
cases, even double.

For hotels, booking a week or two in advance should suffice. Airbnb is available in the
Baltics too, and if you travel alone and want to meet locals, you can always try
Couchsurfing.

Stock Up on Entertainment

Let’s get this out of the way right now to avoid disappointment later: the Baltics are not into
football all that much. Basketball is the sport of choice for Lithuanians (their second
religion, as they say), and Latvians love their ice hockey.

So if you’re big on sports in general, keep in mind the local scene may or may not deliver
what you want. The workaround, of course, is to stock up on other forms of entertainment;
whether it be a Netflix subscription, books, or movies, be sure to take some with you.

Conclusion

From stunning architecture to tongue-twisting local cuisine, the Baltic countries offer
something for all tastes and preferences. So do take the time to visit and enjoy everything
they have to offer – you won’t regret it!

Photo Credit: Oberlehner via Pixabay.com

Riga is the capital of one of the Baltic States, Latvia. Mysterious and fascinating to many travellers coming from Europe itself, North America, Oceania, and other parts of the world. Many wonder how expensive it is to travel around Europe. What many don’t know is that there are parts of Europe that are affordable, full of history, and of course, stunning just as many other corners of this continent.

Latvia is super affordable compared to central, north, and south of Europe. I’ve personally lived in Vilnius, Lithuania, another Baltic State and was very amused by how budget-friendly it was. I also lived and travelled in Denmark, which was super expensive. Did I also mention that it is located right on the Baltic Sea?

If you are heading to Riga and planning to travel on a budget, this article will show you the best hostels in Riga, from party hostels, cheap hostels, and of course, to help you decide which one to stay depending on your preference.

​ TIP: Use the table of contents to navigate faster

NOTE: Prices may change without prior notice.

BEST HOSTELS IN RIGA: COMPARISON TABLE

REMEMBER: Hostels listed here are all equipped with working common kitchen where you can store your food and cook for yourself. Most of these hostels offer a private room as well.

PARTY HOSTELS IN RIGA

When it comes to the party, Riga will not let you down. From affordable beers and hard liquors, hip and cool bars, and awesome music, there is a place for any party lover. These party hostels in Riga hold parties in the hostels and also take the guests to a fun and all night long pub crawls in the city.

However, if you have been in Southeast Asia and stayed in party hostels there, it might not be as crazy as that. Party hostels in Europe follow more strict rules, which restrain them from making noise after certain hours of the day or night.

Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel

Through its name, you can already feel the vibe of crazy parties from any day of the week. Not only it’s located perfectly right in the heart of the Old Town, but this hostel also hold happy hours and epic pub crawls that will make your visit to Riga memorable. This is the place to go if you don’t know where to stay in Riga especially if you’re travelling solo.

Riga Old Town Hostel & Backpackers Pub

Just by reading its description and name – this hostel is not the place to have a quiet time and read a book on the corner. Riga Old Town Hostel & Backpackers Pub encourage all its guests to socialise and meet co-backpackers and more or less have a beer together.

If you survive the pre-game drinking, next to it is to hit the Old Town and around the area for popular and coolest bars.

AFFORDABLE OR CHEAP HOSTELS IN RIGA

This section is not the only driven by the cheapest dorm bed price, I also considered its reviews (must have a decent number of reviews and good ratings), I also made sure that these hostels are still well located. You can find a hostel that is as cheap as $5, however, it’s not in the Old Town and it doesn’t have the most encouraging reviews and ratings.

Central Hostel Riga

The best cheapest hostel in Riga, for $7 you will have a bed in a 6-dorm room, there are free tea and coffee 27/4. Right outside the hostel, there are affordable places to eat and convenience stores where you can find a quick snack or food which is only a few minutes walk. It has also thousands of reviews both on Booking.com and HostelWorld.

Yellow Hostel Central

Newly refurbished hostel located in the Old Town, for $7 a bed in a 10-mixed dorm room with a comfortable and clean area, plus a continental breakfast is included, there is nothing better deal than Yellow Hostel Central. The shops are only a few minute walk, so are the public transportation.

Riga Hostel

For only $7, a comfortable bed in a 10-bedroom dorm room and a free cancellation if you book at Riga Hostel. It is located on the 4th floor which is still PWD friendly since there is a service lift to take. The kitchen facility is amazing too, there is enough space for everyone to store their food and cook for themselves.

Amalienhof Hostel Riga

If you don’t mind to be 1.4 kms from the Old Town, Amelienhof is not a bad choice. For $5, you get a dorm bed in an old but exquisite building. They also have a terrace/garden to enjoy breakfast on a sunny morning. The reviews on Booking.com is pretty good although this hostel didn’t charm the HostelWorld users for its one sharing bathroom for 14 people. Still, you get what you pay for.

MOST REVIEWED HOSTELS IN RIGA

Many travellers like me rely on reviews from the trusted platforms when deciding where to stay, especially if we are looking for well-located ones, clean hostels, affordable, and of course a place where we can meet people and socialise. This section is all about hostels in Riga that are well or most reviewed.

Both number of reviews on Booking.com and HostelWorld will be combined, the total must be at least 1,500 reviews while the rating must be minimum of 14.0 out of 20.0 (added ratings from Booking.com and HostelWorld).

Note: The total number of reviews and ratings are updated on Sept 28, 2018

Naughty Squirrel Back​​packers Hostel

Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel is not only popular for being a party hostel. Many guests who have stayed here loved how comfortable their beds are and how well-maintained their bathroom and common areas. Their staffs are also are impeccable, always friendly, happy to help, and gives the best advice and tips. They are also located beautifully in the Old Town or 900 m from the middle of the city.

Total number of reviews: 5,850

Total rating: 18.7 out of 20.0

Price: $14

Distance from the Old Town: 550 m

Central Hostel Riga

The renovation of Central Hostel gave a total boost, however, even before this, the hostel is already doing an amazing job accommodating thousands of guests. Located within the Old Town, this hostel is still very close to the main attractions, must-sees, and places to eat and drink. The staffs are also well-praised for their services and keeping the hostel and common area tidy.

Total number of reviews: 4,607

Total rating: 17.2 out of 20.0

Price: $7

Distance from the Old Town: 1.4 km

Cinnamon Sally Backpackers

Cinnamon Sally Backpackers is a very cosy place with a very cute common area where guests gather around, share stories, and play music together. The rooms are very spacious with big lockers to put all your stuff. The staffs are very friendly and sociable, they give the best tips and advice about the city itself. The price is not the cheapest, but the comfortable beds, clean common areas, and a great location – it’s worth every penny.

Total numbers of reviews: 2,436

Total rating: 18.8 out of 20.00

Price: $15

Distance from the Old Town: 900 m

Tree House Hostel

If you are more into chill vibe hostels, Tree House is the one for you. Located in the Old Town but in a quiet area. For only $9, you get not just a room but a free breakfast too. The rooms are modern, spacious, and well-maintained and cleaned throughout the day. The staffs speak great English, helpful, and always present whenever you need anything.

Total numbers of reviews: 2,376

Total rating: 18.9 out of 20.00

Price: $9

Distance from the Old Town: 300 m

Riga Hostel

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Very close to the public transportation which sometimes can distress those who don’t enjoy noise from the busy street. Riga Hostel is located not far from the middle of the city. It’s very affordable which is why many guests preferred to stay here. It has everything you need, it’s probably not the fanciest hostel you can find in town but it can deliver the basics. For $7, you get a bed in a dorm room and free coffee and tea any time of the day.

Total number of reviews: 3,126

Total rating: 17.2 out of 20.00

Price: $7

Distance from the Old Town: 900 m

Wicked Weasel Hostel

Wicked Weasel Hostel is Australian owned backpacker’s place in Riga. It’s pretty laid back and chill, but still, a great place to meet people. The staffs speak great English and are very helpful in whatever question you have. The hostel is clean, with enough space for everyone and well-maintained common areas.

Total numbers of reviews: 2,039

Total rating: 18.3 out of 20.00

Price: $16

Distance from the Old Town: 600 m

Yellow Hostel Central

This hostel is not only one of the most reviewed hostels in Riga, but it’s also very affordable, it’s $7 for a dorm bed including a continental breakfast. The rooms also have a balcony view which is pretty sweet. If you are looking to meet other travellers and get great tips from them or do activities around the city together, you can easily meet them here.

Total numbers of reviews: 1,549

Total rating: 14.2 out of 20.00

Price: $7

Distance from the Old Town: 900 m

WHAT TO DO IN RIGA

To give a quick must see during your stay in Riga, here are some that you should not miss on your visit. Either you are coming on the weekends or here for a few days, there are plenty of things to do, history to learn, and places to see in the capital of Latvia.

Vecriga and Freedom Monument

On your first full day, why not spend your time wandering around the Old Town, explore Vecriga and pay respect on the Freedom Monument which holds as a symbol of a very historical moment for Latvians. If your hostel in Riga will be at the Old Town, it should be easy to walk and find these two locations.

If you like old churches, cathedrals, and medieval alleys, Vecriga is the place. It is also located right at the east side of Daugava River. Go visit the popular churches such as Riga Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church.

The Freedom of Monument is 42 cm statue which was dedicated to Latvians who lost their lives fighting for the independence between 1918 to 1920.

House of the Blackheads

This place is probably not something you see in most places you have been or going. This building was built in the early 14th century, it was built in the memory of unmarried merchants, shipowners, and foreigners lived and worked in Riga. Personally, I don’t see something like this very often that is dedicated to foreign nationals. It was opened in 1999.

Address: Rātslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Working hours: Tuesday to Sunday between 11am-6pm

Architectural Style: Baroque

Located: Old Town

Three Brothers, Riga

These Three Brothers in Riga are three fascinating houses in the city. The area of these three houses forms or stand as the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga. Each house represents the development of dwelling houses. IT was first built in the 15th century, the design shows a Gothic and early Renaissance design while in 1646 to 1746, a change was applied most on the neighbouring houses where you can see a touch of Dutch Mannerism.

Address: Mazā Pils iela 17, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Working hours: 24 hours a day unless there will be a Pope’s visit

Location: Old Town

Powder Tower, Riga

Exactly what its name was driven, the Powder Tower was one of the defence towers of Riga. In 1937 to 1940, it was reconstructed to be part of the Latvian War Museum.

Address: Smilšu iela 20, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Working hours: all week from 10am-5pm unless there will be a Pope’s visit

Location: Old Town

WHAT TO EAT IN RIGA

Here are the places to eat in Riga depending on your budget and what you feel like eating during your visit. From affordable places to grab a bite to must-try restaurants, let’s make sure that you are not leaving Riga without trying any Latvian food.

Cheap Eats and Affordable Restaurants

• Big Bad Bagels – Baznicas Street
• Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
• Lido Atputa Centrs
• Lido
• Wok To Walk

WHERE TO GO AFTER RIGA

From Riga, you can go to plenty of neighbouring cities in East Europe. Hope on a bus and wake up in another city or even country without spending too much money. For Schengen visa holders, you can go to other 25 Schengen States while to EU citizens, you can go any part of Europe without a visa.

From Riga, most travellers would go to:

• Aluksne: close the the borders with Russia and Estonia; castles, historical places, waterfalls, outdoor activities
• Bauska: historical town south of Latvia
• Cesis: a town from 1206
• Tallinn, Estonia: 4.15-hour bus ride for €9 with Lux Express – best hostels in Tallinn
• Klaipeda, Lithuania:  4.50-hour bus ride for €18 with Lux Express
• Vilnius, Lithuania: 4-hour bus ride for €5 with Lux Express – best hostels in Vilnius

I hope you found this best hostels in Riga useful and that I’ve helped you decided where to stay in Riga during your visit here. If you have any concerns, let me know in the comment section below.

Before leaving, feel free to visit out our visa guides.

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