Riga/Vecrīga

Map
Map of Riga/Vecrīga

Old Riga — Vecrīga in Latvian — is the old town of Riga. Vecrīga is famous for its old churches and cathedrals, such as Riga Cathedral and St. Peter's Church. Vecrīga is one of two world heritage sites entirely situated in Latvia (the other is the old town of Kuldīga).

Understand

[edit | edit source]

Vecrīga is here defined as the area east of Daugava, south of Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela, west of the city canal and north of the railway that crosses Daugava

Get in

[edit | edit source]

The central railway station and the bus station are right at the south-eastern corner of the old town. From anywhere in Centre, it's around a kilometre to anywhere in the old town, wherefore walking can also be an option.

If you're coming from the airport can get in by bus 22, going along the southern rim of the old town and terminating near the railway station. The city's main transport hub, there's a bus, trolleybus or tram going here from almost anywhere in Riga, have a look at the network maps to see which line you should take.

If you travel by car, better leave it outside Vecrīga; most streets are pedestrianised and cheap parking is next to impossible to find. In case the car is essential for you, parking within Vecrīga begins at €15 for a 24 hours period.


Old Town Square and surroundings

[edit | edit source]
The Town Hall Square with St. Peter's (left) and the House of Blackheads

The Old Town (Vecrīga) is both a place of historical tourism sites, as well as the centre of night-life for locals. The area around Old Town was mostly built between 1860 and 1914 and has many buildings that resemble Berlin, Paris, or Rome.

Viewpoints near Old Town Square

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9480124.103181 Triangula Bastion, 11. novembra krastmala 17. 09:00:22:00. A modern building with an excavated fragment of the historical fortification wall system along the river. The building has the best view terraces in Riga. Free. Triangula Bastion on Wikipedia Triangular Bastion (Q17035804) on Wikidata OSM directions

Monuments and historic buildings near Old Town Square

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9474124.106552 Statue of Roland (in the centre of the Town Square). Statue of St. Roland, the patron of Riga. The original statue erected in 1897 was destroyed in World War II; now a replica stands there. Roland (Riga) (Q20787072) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.94713924.1069173 House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams), Kaļķu iela 1, +371 670 44300, . The House of Blackheads is where the merchants-to-be had their guild. Part of this building is the tourist information office, the rest is a fascinating museum. The upper levels house grand ballrooms while the basement has a wine cellar and several exhibits relating to trading in Riga. €7, €1.50 students. House of the Blackheads (Riga) on Wikipedia House of the Blackheads (Q74736) on Wikidata OSM directions
    The Town Hall of Riga
  • 56.9477324.106354 Town Hall. Pretty to look at, but not open for visitors. Riga Town Hall (Q4390837) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9476524.110065 Bremen Town Musicians (side of Skārņu iela, between St. Peter church and Convent Yard). Amazing sculpture based on a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. OSM directions
  • 56.9444124.107896 1905 Bloody Sunday Monument, 11. novembra krastmala 35 (next to river). This monument remembrance of the events of Bloody Sunday 13 January 1905. OSM directions
  • 56.9456224.108177 House of Dannenstern, Mārstaļu iela 21. The house was built by and is named after Ernst Metue von Dannenstern. OSM directions
  • 56.9484724.106358 Riga monument to Christmas tree, Tirgoņu iela 17. First Christmas tree in Riga was in 1510! OSM directions
    The Big and Little Guild buildings
  • 56.94969124.1081679 The Large Guild, Amatu iela 6, +371 67224850. Housed the guild of the tradesmen, who would join after being a member of the Blackheads (see House of Blackheads). Home to the Latvian Philharmonic – you can't just walk inside. It's the exterior that's worth seeing though. Large Guild, Riga on Wikipedia Large Guild (Q2662784) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.94949224.10809210 The Small Guild, Amatu iela 5, +371 67223772, . Another pretty building just behind the Big Guild, this one housed the craftsmen's guild. Like the Big Guild, you can't go inside except for a performance. Small Guild, Riga on Wikipedia Small Guild (Q2568596) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.95018624.10842511 The House of the Black Cat, Meistaru iela 10 (Next to the Big Guild). This building (also housing a pub of no particular note) is most famous for the two statues of black cats on the roofs. The legend has it that a disgruntled tradesman who was not accepted into the Big Guild, built this house and put the cats on it with their tails pointing towards the Big Guild, thus expressing his scorn. Cat House, Riga on Wikipedia Cat House (Q2533242) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.94924.1105312 Wagner Concert Hall, Vāgnera iela 4. Wagner once lived in Riga, on the street now named after him. This hall where he performed occasionally holds concerts. OSM directions

Museums near Old Town Square

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.94709224.10636413 Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Strēlnieku laukums 1, +371 67212715, . This noticeable and austere black building is clearly out-of-place. In the Soviet days, this housed a museum to the Red Riflemen, a group of Latvians who volunteered for the service to Russia during the Russian revolution of 1917. Now it houses a museum of Latvia's time under the Nazi and Soviet occupations. Very long, but very moving – essential for anyone interested in the history of the USSR or Nazi Germany. Outside the building away from the town square stands the Soviet-era Monument to the Riflemen. €8. Museum of the Occupation of Latvia on Wikipedia Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (Q1586390) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.948124.109414 Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, Skārņu iela 10/20, +371 67830900, . 10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays). The Museum of Decorative and Design Art is located in the former St. George’s Church building (1204), which is the oldest stone building in Riga. It features seven collections of decorative and design art work. Adults €10, students €5. Latvian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design on Wikipedia Latvian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (Q6497376) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.94569424.11097215 Riga Film Museum, Peitavas iela 10 (Entrance from Mazā Peitavas Street), +371 67358873, . Tu W 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, F 11:00-18:00, Sat 11:00-17:00. This museum holds various exhibitions that display different aspects of cinema art, actors and film history. Adults €3.50; students, pupils, seniors €1.80. Latvian Film Museum on Wikipedia Riga Film Museum (Q4394555) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9482724.1104716 Porcelain Museum, Kalēju iela 9/11, +371 67012944, . 11:00-18:00 (closed Mondays). Covers the history of porcelain in Riga through the 19th and 20th centuries. Adults €5.00, children €3.50, free for preschoolers. Riga Porcelain Museum on Wikipedia Porcelain Museum (Q7333341) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9463324.1108117 Latvian Sports Museum, Alksnāja iela 7, +371 67225127, . 10:00-17:00 (closed Sundays). Historic sports equipment and sportswear, photographs from a variety of sporting events. Adults €0.71; school children, students, seniors €0.43; children aged 6 and under, people with disabilities free. OSM directions
  • 56.9448224.1088618 Latvian artists union museum, 11. novembra krastmala 35, +371 29138952, . W Th 10:00-17:00. The collection covers the period from 1945 to 1991 in Latvia. Free. OSM directions
  • 56.9472524.1139519 Sun Museum, Valnu iela 30, +371 67225587, . Daily 09:00-18:00. One of Riga's weirdest museums, it covers the history of sun mythology and its role in Latvian culture. Adults €4.00, students/seniors €3.50. OSM directions
  • 56.95627824.11252220 Latvian National Museum of Art, 1 Janis Rozentāls Square, +371 67226467, . Tu-Th 10:00-18:00; F 10:00-20:00; Sa Su 10:00-17:00. Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art. Adults €6; students, seniors €3. Latvian National Museum of Art on Wikipedia Latvian National Museum of Art (Q1370465) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.95083324.10138921 National History Museum of Latvia, Brīvības bulvāris 32, +371 67221357, fax: +371 67220586, . 10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays). The History Museum is interesting, however there is little English (every room has its exhibits summarized on a single plaque). However, the museum does give a very good idea of Latvian history, and will give you a good understanding of the area. Adults €3.00; pupils €0.75; students, seniors €1.50. Latvian Museum of National History on Wikipedia Latvian Museum of National History (Q1781530) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9465524.1105322 Latvian Photographic Museum, Mārstaļu iela 8, +371 67222713, . Contains photos of Latvia since 1839, with focuses on the World Wars and 1905 Revolution. Pupils €0.57, students €0.85, adults €2.13. OSM directions
  • 56.9486524.1077423 Riga Photonics Center, Šķūņu iela 4, +371 27862021, . Riga Photonics Center is part of University of Latvia. Occasional events. OSM directions
  • 56.9466724.107824 Riga Fashion museum, Grēcinieku iela 24–1, +371 20033450, . Daily 11:00-19:00. Only fashion museum in the Baltics, created in one of the most popular tourist attractions in Old Riga opposite to the House of the Blackheads. Adults €7; pupils, students and seniors €5; children under 5 years free. OSM directions
  • Mentzendorff House
    Mentzendorff House
    56.9470224.1085725 Museum of Ancient Baltic Jewellery, Grēcinieku iela 11/2, +371 67220270, . M-Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 10:00-17:00. The Museum of Ancient Baltic Jewellery was established by two well-known Latvian jewellers. OSM directions

Art galleries near Town Square and surroundings

[edit | edit source]

Religious buildings near Old Town Square

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.947524.10944429 St. Peter's Church, Skārņu iela 19, +371 67037861, fax: +371 67211375, . St. Peter's Church, dating to 1209, is Riga's oldest church. Besides its ensemble of architecture, the church has an elevator to the tower from where you can see all of Riga (service not available on Mondays). Adults €3, students €2, students (school age) €1. St. Peter's Church, Riga on Wikipedia St. Peter's Church (Q727809) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.947524.110830 St. John's Church, Jāņa iela 7, +371 29632455, . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00. A smaller, less spectacular church near Saint Peter's. There is a nice altar inside, and unlike most Riga churches, this one is free. The altar is from the Renaissance period and depicts the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The ceiling is from the Gothic period, and has 5 separate vaulted compartments. There is also a huge pipe organ, and many stained glass windows. This church dates back to the mid 1200s. St. John's Church, Riga on Wikipedia St. John's Church (Q2568547) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.94972224.10194431 St. Saviour's Anglican Church, Anglikāņu iela 2A, +371 26531409, . Riga's only Anglican church has English language services every Sunday at 11:00, and free concerts every Wednesday. St. Saviour's Church, Riga on Wikipedia St. Saviour's church, Riga (Q4065174) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.95083324.10472232 St. Jacob's Catholic Church (Jēkaba Katedrāle), Jēkaba iela 9, +371 7326419, . M-Su 07:00-18:30. Dating to 1226, this is one of the few Catholic churches left in Riga. At one point, it housed one of Riga's first schools. Free. St. James's Cathedral, Riga on Wikipedia St. James's Cathedral (Q654904) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9464624.1102433 Reformed Church, Mārstaļu iela 10, +371 22436891. Reformed_Church_in_Latvia on Wikipedia Reformed Church in Latvia (Q7307484) on Wikidata OSM directions

Cathedral Square and surroundings

[edit | edit source]

Monuments and historic buildings near Cathedral Square

[edit | edit source]
The Riga Castle seen from the waterfront side
  • 56.9509524.10063634 Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils), Pils laukums 3 (near the Northern boundary of the Old Town), +371 67092106, . One of the medieval castles in Latvia, on the bank of the river, which is now the seat of the Latvian president. The museum in the castle can be visited by the public. Riga Castle on Wikipedia Riga Castle (Q322183) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9497424.1000735 Great Kristaps, 11. novembra krastmala. Great Kristaps is popular with film industry people. Riga Castle on Wikipedia Riga Castle (Q322183) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9479324.1044236 Peter I house, Palasta ielā 9. House what was gifted to Peter I and house he visited during his travels. OSM directions
  • 56.9504124.10418637 The Three Brothers, Mazā Pils iela 17, 19, and 21, +371 67220779, . Tu-Th 09:00-17:00, F 09:00-16:00. The oldest dwelling houses in Riga. One of them has a small architecture museum inside, along with changing exhibits about Latvia. Three Brothers, Riga on Wikipedia Three Brothers (Q282196) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.951124.104438 Latvian Parliament (Saeima), Jēkaba iela 11, +371 67078321, . A rather plain building housing the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. It has had a number of uses, including as a Soviet-era museum. Not open to visitors. House of the Livonian Noble Corporation on Wikipedia House of the Livonian Noble Corporation (Q16355736) on Wikidata OSM directions
    The Swedish Gate
  • 56.951424.106439 Swedish Gate (between Torņa and Aldaru iela). The last remaining gate from the old city walls. Swedish Gate, Riga on Wikipedia Swedish Gate (Q2660396) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9500124.1036240 Woman with amphora (corner of Pils iela and Miesnieku iela). Statue of woman with amphora on a building. OSM directions

Museums near Cathedral Square

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.95077824.10155641 Art Museum Riga Bourse, Doma laukums 6, +371 67223434, . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. The Art Museum Riga Bourse stores the largest collection of foreign art in the Baltic states. Adults €6; students, seniors €3. Latvian Museum of Foreign Art on Wikipedia Latvian Museum of Foreign Art (Q1954623) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.948624.1059142 Museum of the Barricades of 1991, Krāmu iela 3, +371 67 213525, . M-Sa 10:00-17:00. Covers the dramatic events that occurred in the tumultuous final year of the USSR, when Soviet authorities sent troops into Riga to overthrow the elected Latvian government. Free. OSM directions
  • 56.94871924.10383243 Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, Palasta iela 4, +371 67356676, . May-Sep: daily 11:00-17:00, Oct-May: W-Su 11:00-17:00. Actually two museums plus a number of special exhibits, though you pay one price. English, German and Russian descriptions of each permanent collections are provided in a booklet inside each exhibit hall. Both of the main museums are quite interesting, and they provide a good idea of what Riga was like in the past. €5 plus more for photo permission. Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation on Wikipedia Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation (Q2478651) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9515924.1041344 Arsenal Museum of Art, Torņa iela 1, +371 67357519, . Apr-Sep: Tu-Su 11:00-19:00, Oct-Mar: Tu-Su 11:00-17:00. Arsenal Museum of Art is one of the largest exhibition halls in Riga. It is located in an important architectural monument – a customs warehouse or arsenal built at the beginning of the 19th century in the late Russian Classicism style. It was adapted for museum use in the second half of the 1980s. OSM directions
  • 56.9511424.1024145 Literature and music museum, Pils laukums 2, +371 67 216 425, . For about 50 years it was a large union of memorial houses devoted to a range of writers. The latest reorganisation in 2009 has resulted in more simple and recognizable establishment – Literature and Music Museum. Under €3 per person. OSM directions

Religious buildings near Cathedral Square

[edit | edit source]
The Cathedral

Art galleries near Cathedral Square

[edit | edit source]

Powder Tower and City Wall

[edit | edit source]

Monuments and historic buildings near Powder Tower & City Wall

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9513824.1072950 St. Jacob's Barracks, Torna iela 4. The primary attraction here is the last remaining stretch of city wall directly opposite the barracks. OSM directions

Museums near Powder Tower and City Wall

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.95116724.10902851 Museum of War, Smilšu iela 20, +371 67223743, . May-Sept: W-Su 10:00-18:00, Oct-Apr: W-Su 10:00-17:00. 22 collections of Latvian and Soviet military equipment starting from World War I until today. free admission. Latvian War Museum on Wikipedia Latvian War Museum (Q1572611) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.94857824.111652 Latvian Museum of Pharmacy, Riharda Vāgnera iela 13-15, +371 67213008, . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00. In a renovated 18th-century house. The museum showcases pharmaceutical equipment, traditional medicine and herbs and what pharmacies looked like a century ago. Pupils €0.71; students, seniors €1.14; adults €2.13. Latvian Museum of Pharmacy on Wikipedia Pharmacy Museum (Q3013764) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.946824.1082553 Mentzendorff House, Grēcienieku iela 18, +371 67212951, . W-Su 11:00-17:00. Former residence of a wealthy merchant built in 1720, now a museum dedicated to life in Riga in the 17th & 18th centuries. Adults €1.42, students €0.71, pupils: €0.57. OSM directions

Near the Freedom Monument

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9504224.1120354 Laima Clock (just south of the Freedom Monument). Laima is a Latvian chocolate manufacturer and means good luck in Latvian. The Clock is a traditional meeting place for people in Riga. OSM directions

Art galleries near Powder Tower & City Wall

[edit | edit source]

Theatre

[edit | edit source]
The Latvian National Theatre

Parks and gardens

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9520324.110775 Bastion Hill, Between Raina Bulvaris and Basteja Bulvaris. A small, pleasant park surrounding Brivibas Bulvaris. Sites in the Bastejkalns include a Chinese and a Japanese building, and the Bridge of Love over the Pilsetas Canal. The Bridge of Love has several locks on the railings put up by recently married couples. There is also a memorial to the two people killed here in the tumultuous events of 1991. OSM directions

If you are looking for typical Latvian tourist souvenirs and trinkets, the largest selection can most likely be found in Vecriga. Shop around for prices as there are many small shops offering souvenirs and trinkets.

  • 56.9479324.112581 Galerija Centrs, Audēju iela 16, Centra rajons, +371 67 018 018. Daily 10:00-21:00. A Latvian shopping mall experience. OSM directions
  • 56.94806424.1101522 Convent Yard, Behind St. John's Church. A former convent courtyard that now contains several touristy shops. Convent Yard, Riga on Wikipedia Convent Yard, Riga (Q5166164) on Wikidata OSM directions

Budget

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.94697624.1131861 Karjala Grill Bar, Kalēju iela 50. OSM directions
  • 56.94609624.1076492 Late Night Munchies, Peldu iela 21. OSM directions
  • 56.94953424.1028863 Spināti un sviests, Miesnieku iela 10. OSM directions
  • 56.95107124.1105024 Daily lunch restaurant, Zigfrīda Annas Meierovica bulvāris 12. OSM directions

Mid-range

[edit | edit source]
You won't run out of options in Tirgonu street in the Old Town.
  • 56.949124.106745 LIDO Alus Seta, Tirgoņu iela 6, +371 67222431, . M-W Su 11:00-23:00; Th F Su 11:00-24:00. Literally Beer Yard. Serves huge portions of excellent meat and two veg from a grill at the front of the tavern, as well as an excellent choice of beer. Probably the best value place in town, with two courses easily costing less than €7. OSM directions
  • 56.9478924.114076 Wok to Walk, Aspazijas bulvaris 30, +371 67220196, . 10:00-00:00. The Latvian location of the international chain of stir-fry restaurants. Choose your ingredients and watch them being cooked in a giant wok. €6. OSM directions
  • 56.9508924.102717 Alus Arsenals, Pils laukums 4, +371 67322675, . 12:00-22:00 mostly. A nice, cozy restaurant in the Riga old town serving various meat and fish oriented dishes with quality local beer. Located right next to the Riga castle so it's easy to find. The actual interior of the restaurant is in a cellar, but in summertime, the restaurant features a spacious outdoor terrace. Main courses €6-18. OSM directions
  • 56.9464424.106598 Fat Pumpkin, Grecinieku Iela 30/25, +371 67 304 069. 12:00-22:00. Delicious vegan food. OSM directions
  • 56.9465624.107189 Gardenia at Hotel Garden Palace, Grecinieku iela 28 (City centre, Old Riga), +371 29122331, fax: +371 67359749. 12:00-23:00. Mediterranean and European cuisine. Cosy and elegantly casual restaurant. €5 and up. OSM directions
  • 56.9506324.1021910 Vecmeita ar kaķi, Mazā Pils iela 1, +371 67 325 077. This restaurant and bar is a more upmarket option than Lido, serving very good Latvian food. OSM directions

Splurge

[edit | edit source]
Jacob's Barracks
A steak
  • 56.948524.1060311 Rozengrāls, Rozena iela 1, +371 25769877, . 12:00-00:00. An authentic medieval restaurant in a real medieval basement in the Old Town. Serves tasty medieval foods and beverages. €20-30. OSM directions
  • 56.9490624.1088512 Steiku Haoss, Meistaru iela 25, +371 67222419, . 11:00-00:00. As is evident from the name, the restaurant focuses on steaks. There are steaks of every kind of beef cut imaginable, and the price depends on the cut. The quality of the steaks is pretty much close to the best in Riga. The meat is tender, juicy and extremely tasty. Note however that by ordering a steak, you only get the actual meat. Side dishes, such as potatoes, cost extra, as do sauces. Combining all these, you can easily run up to €50 per a single meal. But it's worth trying at least once. Steaks €8-37. OSM directions

Drink

[edit | edit source]

Cafes

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9478724.113421 Mārtiņa Beķereja, Vaļņu iela 28, +371 67 213 314, . M-Sa 07:30-21:00, Su 08:00-21:00. Traditional Latvian café, popular amongst locals. Always fresh pastry. Cash only sales. There are five Mārtiņa Beķereja cafés in Riga. Vaļņu iela 28 is located in Old Town Riga. OSM directions
  • 56.9466724.113842 Backpackers Pub, 43 Valnu Iela (Riga Old Town Hostel), +371 67223406. Th-Sa 10:00-03:00; Su-W 10:00-02:00. Riga’s first Aussie pub promises to provide plenty of authentic down under atmosphere, but thankfully without any stuffed koalas, Fosters beer posters or, God forbid, any portraits of Paul Hogan. Spread out across three floors, the pub offers 12 local beers on draught for affordable prices served from a bar that’s actually an old VW combi van. Live bands play frequently in the basement and if the cheap happy hour prices are too much for you to handle you can always crash at its hostel upstairs. Beer: €2.50-3.00; Cocktails: €4.50-7.00. OSM directions
  • 56.9485724.102773 Cuba Cafe, 15 Jauniela, +371 67 22 43 62, . 12:00-03:00. Cozy bar with DJs in the evenings. Salsa dancing on Tuesdays starting at 21:00. 2-for-1 drinks during happy hour (17:00-19:00). OSM directions
  • 56.9461424.107754 FolkKlubs Ala Pagrabs, Peldu 19 (Old Town), +371 27796914, . 12:00-01:00. Huge beer selection with 28 beers on tap, folk dancing, live music performances, and great authentic food. Beer: €2.50-3.00. OSM directions
  • 56.947924.108825 Kiwi Bar, Skarņu iela 7, +371 27705466, . 09:00-05:00. Sports bar with karaoke nights. OSM directions
  • 56.9469424.110036 Paddy Whelans Irish Pub & Sports Bar, Grecinieku iela 4, +371 67 210 150, . F-Sa 11:00-03:30; Su-Th 11:00-01:00. A popular Irish bar. OSM directions

Clubs

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9497324.109887 Kalku Varti, Kaļķu iela 11a, +371 67830702, . 12:00-23:00. Ground-level restaurant with nightclub in the basement. €20-30. OSM directions
  • 56.9515224.108578 Shot Café, Torņa iela 4 (near the Powder Tower), +371 26433549, . 11:00-03:00. Popular with young Latvians. OSM directions
  • 56.9459424.10789 Pūce, Peldu iela 26 (there is no sign on the door), +371 25714192. 19:00-06:00. A trendy place popular with a younger crowd. The main floor has a dance floor with rock and pop music while the basement has a room with techno and/or alternative sounds. It is a very busy place on Th F Sa and is closed on Su M. Entrance: free + face control. Beer: €2-3, Long drinks: €4-6, Cocktails: €6-9. OSM directions

Sleep

[edit | edit source]
Detail of one of the historic facades

Many of the splurge hotels in Vecriga offer spa, massage and wellness. In Latvia there is a difference between the generic mild "massage" (masāža) that is offered and "sports massage" (sporta masāža), which is the one where the body is worked over. Sometimes the sports massage is somewhat less expensive than the generic massage, the latter being offered for around €70 a session.

Budget

[edit | edit source]
  • 56.9485424.107371 Doma Hostel, Maza Jaunavu iela 8, +371 67213101, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean, safe, cheap, and in a great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Free coffee and tea. Dorm bed: €8-13.50. OSM directions
  • 56.9490324.106752 Blue Bird Capsule Hostel, Tirgonu iela 4, +371 26 303 075. Check-out: 12:00. Friendly, English-speaking staff. Capsule hotel style. $27. OSM directions
  • 56.9469224.113033 Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel, Kaleju Iela 50, +371 67220073, . Check-in: 14:00 - 00:00, check-out: 11:00. Comfortable beds with curtains for privacy and darkness. Offers adrenalin tours, pub crawls, hockey game excursions, and other communal activities. 24-hour reception. Reception sells beer. Free shot of Riga Balsams upon check-in. Friendly staff. Dorm bed: €12-18. OSM directions
  • 56.9473424.111054 Red Nose Hostel, 14 Jana Iela, +371 27721414, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Red Nose hostel is on a quiet and narrow cobbled backstreet of Old Town, just behind St.Jana church. Dorm bed: €8.50-16; Single: €21-25; Double: €30-40. OSM directions
  • 56.9467324.11385 Riga Old Town Hostel, Valnu Iela 43, +371 67223406, . En suite rooms, very popular bar, sauna, and 24-hour reception. Dorm bed: €11-15. OSM directions
  • 56.9468524.113726 Wicked Weasel Hostel, Valnu Iela 41, +371 20323462. Check-in: 14:00 - 23:00, check-out: 12:00. Dorm bed: €13-16. OSM directions

Mid-range

[edit | edit source]

Splurge

[edit | edit source]
The historic building of Latvijas Banka, the national bank of Latvia, in Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street
  • 56.9502524.1028713 Grand Palace Hotel, Pils iela 12 (100 m from Riga Castle; take tram 5, 7, 9 or bus 5, 7, 25 to Nacionālais teātris), +371 67 044 000, fax: +371 6704 4004, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. €300–500. Grand Palace Hotel, Riga on Wikipedia Grand Palace Hotel, Riga (Q5594867) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 56.9469824.1108914 Rixwell Centra Hotel, Audeju iela 1 (tram to 13. Janvāra iela), +371 67212012, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. In a historic building. €80 and up. OSM directions
  • 56.9500424.1116815 Hotel Roma, Kalku iela 28 (200 m from the Freedom Monument), +371 6749 1500, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. €140 and up. OSM directions
  • 56.9465524.1071916 Hotel Garden Palace, Grecinieku iela 28, +371 29 122 331, fax: +371 67 359 749. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Elegant boutique hotel with 65 guest rooms. €55 and up. OSM directions
  • 56.9483424.1054517 Neiburgs Hotel, Jauniela 25/27, LV-1050, +371 67115522, fax: +371 67 359 749, . Check-in: 14:00–00:00, check-out: 01:00–12:00. 55 suites. Large, clean, modern rooms. From €125, discounts with early bookings. OSM directions
  • 56.9483824.1077618 Royal Square Hotel & Suites, Kaļķu iela 3a (on Riga’s main pedestrian street, which connects the Town Hall Square with the Freedom Monument; tram to Grēcinieku iela), +371 67 214 555, . Check-in: 14:00–00:00, check-out: 01:00–12:00. €100–1,500. OSM directions
  • 56.9522224.1053819 Pullman Riga Old Town, Jēkaba Iela 24 (hidden behind a bright red historic facade), +371 67815444, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Opened in 2016 and housed in a complex of buildings including what is said to have been Baron Muenchhausen's stables, the Pullman carries the equine theme in its decor, while adapting Pullman's modern feel and standards to the historic construction. The top-floor pool with views over the area is certainly a highlight. €144. OSM directions
  • 56.9449724.1080320 Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, 11. novembra krastmala 33, +371 66777850, . 4-star hotel with the most expensive rooms directly overviewing the Daugava River. On the 8th floor there is access to a splendid rooftop deck with a panoramic view of all sides of the building, including the river. EUR 100 and up depending on season. OSM directions

Stay safe

[edit | edit source]

Since the 2010s the Riga old town has changed from an inhabited part of Riga to a tourist attraction with very few inhabitants. This means that Riga old town mainly consists of shops, offices and hotels and the odd tourist trap. Outside of working hours most people frequenting Riga old town are tourists.

Connect

[edit | edit source]
This district travel guide to Vecrīga is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.