Riga is the heart of the Baltic region, in a way. From neighboring capital cities Tallinn and Vilnius, Riga offers the most.
There is great food, music, artsy districts, great history and a lot of fun to have. Since Latvia became one of the favorite destinations of backpack travelers looking for countries and destinations that are more off-the-beaten-path, Riga has seen a lot of development in the hostel industry.
FAQs about hostels in Riga
- What’s the best hostel for solo travelers in Riga?
Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Club is a great option for solo travelers. It features a huge common area and a fully equipped kitchen, the perfect spot to cook together and socialize. It also offers numerous events organized on a weekly basis, including walking tours and pub crawls.
- What’s the best party hostel in Riga?
The Naughty Squirrel is the best hostel for party people. Not only it’s located in the heart of the Old Town, close to many restaurants, clubs, and bars, but it also boasts an assortment of staff-organized activities. From daily happy hours, free walking tours, and pub crawls to Latvian food nights and beer tastings. The Naughty Squirrel will keep you entertained during your stay in Riga.
- How much is a hostel in Riga?
The prices for a dorm in a hostel in Riga can be as low as USD$ 10. But the average rates are around USD$ 18 and can go up to USD$ 25 per night. On the other hand, private rooms in hostels usually fall between USD$ 20 and USD$ 40 per night. Note that the prices might differ depending on the season.
- Are hostels in Riga safe?
Latvia and its capital Riga are very safe in general for both locals and travelers. The crime rates are very low but keep an eye on pickpocketing and classic tourist scams, especially during the high season. Hostels in Riga are very safe alike.
Here are some of the best options for travelers looking for cheap but still amazing accommodation:
The Naughty Squirrel – Best Party Hostel in Riga
Book on Hostelworld Book on Booking.com from $13 / 8-bed dorm 4.7/5 Map
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (August)
The Naughty Squirrel is the number one hostel for backpackers in Riga for a reason. It has a long tradition in being the place where all the fun happens. Most travelers come here so you’ll have a lot of opportunities to meet wonderful and like-minded people.
It’s also made for experiencing the amazing Riga nightlife and drinking until early morning hours. This is why it attracts party people. If you are looking for a more peaceful experience, it might be wise to try another establishment instead of this one.
But if fun with drinking is what you are looking for, enjoy the Naughty Squirrel.
Other than being a great place for fun & social events, it’s also placed on a great location, close to all the best bars and restaurants. It also offers a wide range of activities that you’ll love like shooting with an AK or tasting delicious Latvian food.
The beds are reasonably comfy with curtains, night lights, and a cage underneath which really comes in handy for all your things. While you might not get much sleep here, this hostel is cheap, fun to be in, and great for solo backpackers.
The Tree House Hostel
Book on Hostelworld Book on Booking.com from $15 / 14-bed dorm 4.7/5 Map
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (August)
If a laid-back atmosphere is what you are looking for, there is no better option than the Tree House Hostel. It’s within walking distance of the old town and interesting sights for all of those interested in sightseeing and the historic element of backpacking.
It’s clean, cozy and you have a great chance to meet a lot of lovely people. You can use the kitchen and it’s also very well-equipped. There is Wifi available in all the rooms.
Two Wheels
Book on Hostelworld Book on Booking.com from $59 / double-bed room 4.6/5 Map
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (August)
The Two Wheels is a wonderful little oasis in the middle of Riga and a perfect place for anyone who is looking for a bit of rest and peace. It’s a family, a boutique hostel with a great vibe.
However, it’s not really made for partying but rather for resting and enjoying in peace. The beds are extremely comfy and the neighborhood is quiet. The breakfast is also free and the hostel is located in close proximity of the historic district of the town.
Riga Old Town Hostel And Backpackers Pub
Book on Hostelworld from $- / -bed dorm 4.6/5 Map
This is another party hostel in Riga – which should come as no surprise since Latvians are famous for their partying preferences. However, this hostel takes it up a notch since – as the name indicates – its first two floors are in fact, a pub. They are open until early morning hours which, again, means that you will not get much sleep.
This is another hostel that a quiet person who came for sightseeing and rest should not really get into unless they are in search for letting loose. The location is just as great as the Naughty Squirrel but other bars is not what you will be looking for, considering the sheer popularity of the in-house pub. Locals also like to hang out there, so you will probably have a unique chance to meet new Latvian friends.
The facilities are fairly clean, especially considering that there is constantly partying in this hostel. You get a bed with two outlets and a night light as well as the curtains and a safe place to put your things. You’ll also have air conditioning. The staff is super friendly and they’ll all do all they can to make your experience there as pleasurable as possible. You also get a free breakfast beer in the pub.
Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Club – Best for Solo Travelers
Book on Hostelworld Book on Booking.com from $13 / 10-bed dorm 4.5/5 Map
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (August)
Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Club is an establishment entirely different than the previous hostels mentioned. It has a unique sort of a home-away-from-home feel and it’s really great for anyone who doesn’t mind being in close proximity with other people be it through the rooms or the common area.
This hostel also has a specific room order – the rooms are placed around a large common area and the kitchen. If you want to be social, this is the best place to do that. The staff is also nice and they make friendships happen every day.
The rooms are lovely and relatively spacious with a large locker. The location is equally awesome where you can easily reach the historic part of the town and the party hub alike.
Central Hostel
Book on Hostelworld Book on Booking.com from 11 / 6-bed dorm 4.3/5 Map
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (August)
This hostel is located in a quiet street in Riga and it’s truly an oasis of peace and serenity. It’s great because you’ll have access to transportation, it’s cheap, and it offers free tea and coffee. There is also a Grocery store on site as well as free parking and free WiFi.
Smart Hostel
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
The Smart Hostel in Riga is a great place for anyone looking for the optimal balance between fun and relaxing. It’s a true communal place for people who love hanging out with strangers and spending time with like-minded people.
If you want cheap accommodation which can introduce you to many new people and allow quick access to every major place in the city, you will find your home in Smart Hostel.
Amber Rooms
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Amber rooms are offering a clean, minimalistic approach to backpacking. Rooms are clean and bright, there is a lot of space and safety. You have access to the kitchen and various parts of the hostel which is wonderfully located and comfy.
Mr Hostel
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Mr Hostel is an art-nouveau-style building – something Riga is famous for. You’ll be close to all of the city’s main attractions and bars. The advantage of this hostel is the close proximity to all of the bars but a homey atmosphere that can allow you to relax and enjoy your stay.
The beds are fairly comfortable and the rooms are spacey as well as safe because you have a lot of storage for your things. If you want to meet people, this is a great place for that too and the owner, Edgar will do his best to introduce you with like-minded people or keep you company himself.
Wicked Weasel Hostel
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Wicked Weasel Hostel has an amazing outdoor terrace where you can hang out and relax during the city’s long summer nights. Inside the hostel, they have a foosball table, games, and a bar to make sure that the party doesn’t stop as the temps start to drop. There is a cool community feel at Wicked Weasel Hostel that makes a stay very special.
The sleeping rooms come equipped with sturdy bunk beds that have amazingly soft mattresses. You will also be able to power all of your devices with the two outlets that are located next to each bed. The individual reading light is a nice touch as you settle in for the night to catch a quick story or two before hitting the hay.
Guests cannot say enough about the cleanliness of the Wicked Weasel Hostel. You should also take advantage of the tour options that a friendly staff can set up for you based on past reviews. The location is also A+ since it puts you in the heart of the city and close to Riga’s top attractions.
Find The Best Hostels in Riga
In essence, the best hostel for you will depend on what you want. If a party is what you are looking for, then you should go to the Naughty Squirrel or similar hostels which offer a lot of party options. If you want peace, you should try the Tree House Hostel or any other quiet hostels. If access to the main sights is what you want, you could try the Smart Hostel. In any case, you will have a great time in Riga.
Freddie Tubbs is a travel writer and editor at Paper writing service. He also works as a part-time business writer at Essayroo and contributes an article to The Vault.
