Where to stay in Riga, Latvia
The Baltics are still an adventure that many have yet to explore. While we are obsessed with the obvious staples of European travel like Greece, Italy, Germany, and U.K., we tend to overlook a gem that is nestled in the top right hand corner of Europe.
For a backpacker, or a solo female traveler, Latvia is perfect. Cheap prices, lots of history, good food, and trendy hostels.
Riga is interesting because it is off the tourist track, has an amazing Art Nouveau style, and history due to it’s occupation of Nazi Germany from 1941-1944, and then in the USSR from 1944-1990. It was one of those countries that my parents would not dare to go to during their European honeymoon in 1969 due to issues with Russia and the United States.
So, naturally, I had to go there to see for myself.
How to Get to Latvia
You can easily fly, go by rail, car or jump on a boat to Riga, which is Latvia’s capital by the Baltic Sea.
By plane:
Latvia’s national carrier is airBaltic, which runs direct flights from UK, among other destinations. Other airlines flying non-stop to Latvia from the UK include Ryanair and Wizz.
By train:
Riga has rail links with Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, Tallin in Estonia, and Vilnius in Lithuania. Latvia is not covered by InterRail or Eurail passes (but the latter does give you a discount on some ferry routes to Latvia).
Where to Stay in Riga
I can only recommend where I have stayed in the past. I was not looking for luxury, but wanted safety, good location, and something trendy and clean. We only stayed about 3 nights in this hostel, and I thought it was friendly, bright and fun!
Cinnamon Sally Backpacker’s Hostel
Price: $18-54 per night
Basic amenities: Free wi-fi, pet friendly, kitchenette, free coffee, tea, cheap beer, shared bathrooms
Pros: Cozy and clean with an amazing location for anyone going to site see on foot or nightlife. They offer female dorms, mixed dorms, and private rooms that have a lot of space with a king size bed. Also, free phone calls to any country in the world.
Cons: We didn’t like how we had to walk through the common room to take showers in the morning. People would be hanging out, and we’d walk by in our towels. Also, the water pressure was a bit weak and was hit or miss for hot showers depending on your timing.
If you can’t decide where to stay, you can always check out these deals in Riga!
