Charming and so different Riga not so long ago entered itself on the tourist map of the world, but it has already gained popularity and recognition of travelers. For many, the "showcase of socialism" remains a mystery and exotic, let alone its everyday side - where to stay in Riga, where to go and what to see - these questions remain open even for experienced tourists.
Riga can be safely called an ambiguous, contradictory and contrasting city. Where else can medieval buildings mix with the products of the Soviet era, and modern high-rises coexist with wooden huts on the outskirts? European gloss here pretty much dilutes the rural flavor, causing completely opposite emotions from delight to bewilderment.
Location selection
Which of the many streets to give preference to? All opinions confidently agree on one thing - it is better to settle in the capital of Latvia in the center or adjacent areas. First of all, because of the abundance of attractions and historical sites. Of course, in any of the city's districts there is something to stop your gaze on, but the greatest ovations are invariably caused by the historical quarters and especially Old Riga, which has earned the title of a city-monument and is included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Neighboring districts are interesting for their proximity to the center and the ability to quickly get to sightseeing sites, while sleeping quarters should be given attention only if you intend to seriously save on accommodation and are not afraid of regular transport trips.
It is in the center that the largest number of hotels is located, and along the way also restaurants, shops, entertainment places and potential places for recreation.
In terms of hotels, Riga is successfully catching up with its European colleagues - there are establishments of all categories, price levels and service potential. Inexpensive hotels, often located in historical buildings and with excellent quality of services, are addressed to tourists of average income. The Latvian capital offers luxurious hotel complexes of international chains to travelers unrestricted in means, and budget-conscious guests are provided with a decent choice of hostels, guest houses and private accommodation.
What to give preference to from the presented assortment and where to stay in Riga is not always a question of finances, personal preferences and the geographical factor are much more important here.
The most popular districts of the city:
- Old Riga.
- Latgale suburb.
- Moscow suburb.
- Vidzeme suburb.
- Agenskalns.
- Agenskalns pines.
- Kipsala.
Old Riga
The oldest area of the city, from where its centuries-old history began. From the point of view of tourism, the most attractive sector and, as expected, the most prestigious and expensive. There are about five hundred official monuments of history and culture alone. Old Riga is located on the right bank of the Daugava River, from the opposite bank you can admire the historical landscapes, old buildings and spiers of churches and town halls, although they are much more interesting nearby.
The first buildings appeared here at the beginning of the 13th century, but little of them has survived, the most valuable here are the remains of the fortress walls, which miraculously survived in the centuries-old twists and turns. The old Town Hall, qualitatively restored, now shines with its former splendor. Here you can also see the Dome Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. James, the Arsenal, the Powder Tower, the Swedish fortress gate. There are a lot of medieval buildings, almost all styles are represented, from Gothic and Classicism to extraordinary modernity and eclecticism.
Iconic architecture is represented by the churches of Our Lady of Sorrows, Mary Magdalene, St. Peter's Cathedral, the Reformed Church. We can also note the Three Brothers complex, the House with cats, the House of the Blackheads. There are more than a dozen museums alone, plus many old mansions, theaters, and the beautiful embankment completes everything. In short, if you come for excursions - you are here and only here, and where to stay in Riga there is, be sure.
Hotels: Avalon Hotel & Conferences, Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA, Pullman Riga Old Town, Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel, Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA, Old City Boutique Hotel, SemaraH Hotel Metropole, Rixwell Hotel Konventa Seta, Astor Riga Hotel, Hotel Justus, Rixwell Centra Hotel, Boutique Hotel Monte Kristo, Hotel Garden Palace, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, Hotel Gutenbergs, Hotel Roma, Grand Palace Hotel, Neiburgs Hotel, Redstone Boutique Hotel.
Latgale suburb
The most Russian part of the city and the most densely populated, while some quarters are in a rather deplorable state. But tourists are attracted by the cheapness of housing and the abundance of historical buildings, albeit not as pompous as in the center.
The lion's share of the space is occupied by houses of the 19th century, many wooden buildings create an entourage of antiquity and an appropriate atmosphere in the area. Here you can walk along the Daugava embankment, see the Nativity of Christ Cathedral or take a walk in the Vermanes Garden.
Hotels where you can stay in Riga: Rixwell Gertrude Hotel, Viktorija, Hanza Hotel, Central Hostel, Baltpark, Augustine Hotel, Knights Court, Wellton Centrum, Rixwell Irina, Dodo Hotel, Radisson Blu Latvija Conference, Opera Hotel & Spa.
Moscow suburb
A part of Latgale suburb worthy to be told about it separately. The pavilions of the central market are located in the center, and the central railway station is located nearby, which is important if you are planning out-of-town trips or a tour of neighboring countries. In the eyes of tourists, the quarter is also attractive due to its proximity to the center. With close proximity to the main treasures of Riga, prices here differ in the lower direction.
The decoration of the area is the building of the evening gymnasium, the craft school, the Orthodox Church of All Saints and, of course, the Stalinist skyscraper, which can be easily identified by its chiseled Gothic spiers. By the way, the Academy of Sciences has settled inside it. Walking along the streets, you can see several beautiful churches and the house of the architect Konstantin Pekshnis.
In the Moscow Fortstadt, there is a bizarre mixture of buildings from different eras: there are old wooden houses, Soviet "boxes", and monumental buildings in the Art Nouveau style. The Moscow Park completes the picture, and even today you can buy all sorts of things, including antiques, at the flea market. The area definitely deserves not to stay in Riga, then at least take a walk through it.
Hotels: Hanza Hotel, Vitim Apartments, Riverside Hotel, Dodo Hotel, Fire Fighter (hostel), Hotel Westa, Alta Hostel, Gogol Park Hostel, Hostel Prima, Posh Backpackers Hostel.
Vidzeme suburb
Located in the northeast, the area includes several housing estates, including a sector of private houses. Of the sights, an abundance of pre-war architecture and Soviet buildings can be noted. Its tourist advantage is a well-developed transport network, thanks to which you can quickly and without any problems get to the center.
The excursion routes run past the Soviet race track Bikernieki and the Motor Museum, and the Ethnographic Open Air Museum is of no less interest.
Hotels where to stay in Riga: Hotel Skanste, Days Hotel Riga, Linde, Apart Hotel Tomo, Hotel Felicia, Ļeņina apartamenti, Hotel Kert, Mirāža, Guest House Raunas, Placis, Bi-121.
Agenskalns
Another cloister of wooden buildings, and along with really old buildings, there are spectacular antique imitations. The entourage is complemented by old paving stones on the roads, and rural landscapes are periodically diluted with Art Nouveau houses. An excellent solution to save money on vacation, hotels in the area are inexpensive, mid-range, besides, locals are always ready to share square meters with tourists for a reasonable fee. Although there are luxury complexes, the block is located a stone's throw from the center.
In addition to the deliberately old buildings, there are ultramodern ones, casting with glass and metal.
Hotels: Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel, Bellevue Park Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson, Riga Luxury Loft with Terrace, Primo Hotel, OK Hotel, Autosole Motel, Two Wheels.
Agenskalns pines
If you are looking for where to stay in Riga, be sure to check out this place. This is a very quiet and cozy neighborhood with an abundance of architecture from the beginning of the last century. The star of the quarter is the Gray Alice water tower. But tourists are also attracted by the shopping street, where fairs are held on weekends. Modernist-style houses complement the general background.
Hotels: Backpacker's 30/40, Autosole Motel, Autosole Economy, Easy Stay Apartments, Atrium.
Kipsala
The former gathering place for fishermen is unique in that it is a separate island, now turned into a prestigious area with expensive housing. The embankment offers a heartfelt view of the opposite shore with its historical heritage. As elsewhere in Riga, it is full of wooden houses, which are in varying degrees of neglect, although many have been restored and look quite presentable.
A striking example of de-industrialization is the former gypsum factory, now converted into living quarters with expensive lofts and apartments. The shining glass bulk of the Schwedbank hangs over the area, and if you go deep into one of the cobbled streets, you can see the famous Kangaroo House.
For adherents of more spectacular leisure, a large exhibition complex has been built, where large-scale events are regularly held, and most importantly - Kipsala is located a few minutes drive from the historical center - literally across the river.
Hotels: Riga Islande Hotel, Hotel Vantis, Bearsleys Blacksmith Suites, Bellevue Park Hotel, NB Hotel.
