Riga sits on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava river, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for Art Nouveau and 19th-century wooden architecture. The city is compact and flat, and it is served by Riga International Airport.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: almost all the attractions, historic buildings and hotels lie within the small, walkable Centra rajons district, made up of Vecrīga (the old town) and Centrs (the modern business district). The outer districts have their own draws once you have seen the centre, and the Gulf of Riga offers sandy beaches reachable by city bus or train. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Riga
1. Vecrīga (the old town)
Vecrīga is the historic core and the most convenient base for a first visit. It holds the largest concentration of hotels in the city, and you can walk to the main sights from your door. The eastern half of the old town, along with the surroundings of the railway station, is where budget accommodation is concentrated, while the core of Vecrīga is where upscale hotels are found.
This area suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things, and it works for a range of budgets provided you choose the right side of the district. Expect some noise in the busiest parts, as this is where visitors congregate.
2. Centrs (the modern business district)
Centrs is the modern-day business district and forms the other half of Centra rajons. It is still central and walkable to the old town, but has a more contemporary feel. Upscale hotels are found around the Esplanade Park in Centrs.
This area suits travellers who prefer a quieter base than the old town while staying close to the centre, and those looking for upscale accommodation. Because it is part of the same central district, you remain within walking distance of the historic attractions.
3. Around the railway station
The streets around the railway station, on the edge of the old town, are the other main cluster for budget accommodation. This is the practical choice if price is your priority and you still want to be within walking distance of the centre.
It suits budget travellers and those arriving or leaving by train. The trade-off is that this is a busy transport area rather than a quiet residential one.
4. The outer districts
Beyond Centra rajons, Riga's outer districts have their own draws once you have already seen the more famous attractions in the city centre. They are not the first choice for a short first visit, but they can work if you have more time or a specific reason to be outside the centre.
They suit repeat visitors or those staying longer. Note that you will rely on public transport to reach the centre, since the walkable concentration of sights and hotels is in Centra rajons.
5. The seaside
On both sides of the mouth of the Daugava, the Gulf of Riga offers extensive sandy beaches, reached by city bus or train. A nude beach lies a 15-minute walk out of Vecāķi.
This suits travellers who want a beach stay and do not mind commuting into the city. It is a different kind of trip from a city-centre base, so treat it as an alternative rather than a central option.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and cheaper hotels, concentrated in the eastern half of the old town and around the railway station. Hotels and hostels generally offer free WiFi, many have computer terminals, and almost all accept credit cards.
- Mid-range: the broad spread of hotels in and around Vecrīga, giving you a central location without the top-tier prices of the old town core.
- Splurge: upscale hotels in the core of Vecrīga and around the Esplanade Park in Centrs.
Best area for a first visit
Choose Vecrīga for a first visit. It contains the largest concentration of hotels and puts you within walking distance of the main attractions, which matters in a city where nearly everything of interest to a visitor is in one small, walkable central district. If you want a quieter base nearby, Centrs is the natural alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Riga should I stay in if I want to walk to the sights?
Stay within Centra rajons, which is made up of Vecrīga and Centrs. Almost all tourist attractions, historic buildings and hotels are contained within this relatively small and walkable district.
Where do budget travellers tend to stay?
Budget accommodation is concentrated in the eastern half of the old town and in the surroundings of the railway station.
Where are the upscale hotels?
They are found in the core of Vecrīga and around the Esplanade Park in Centrs.
Can I stay by the beach instead?
Yes. On both sides of the mouth of the Daugava, the Gulf of Riga offers extensive sandy beaches, which can be reached by city bus or train.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.