The 5 Best Hostels in Riga

Riga, Latvia’s capital, is a lively mix of history, culture, and affordable travel. For those seeking a budget-friendly adventure, finding the best hostels in Riga can make the journey even better. Riga is known for its medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, and vibrant nightlife, which attracts backpackers and solo travellers from all around the world. Staying in a hostel here not only saves money but also offers the chance to connect with other travellers.

Hostels in Riga range from buzzing social hubs to cosy, laid-back spaces, so there’s something for everyone. Many hostels are centrally located, making it easy to explore famous landmarks and enjoy the local nightlife without straying far from your base. You’ll find hostel staff to be incredibly welcoming, often sharing local tips and arranging events that help you dive into the city’s culture.

Riga’s hostels are perfect for travellers looking for quality and comfort on a budget. Most offer clean, comfortable dorm rooms, and many have private rooms for those who prefer a bit more privacy. Extras like free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and lounges are common, making hostels in Riga a smart choice for anyone watching their budget.

As one of the cheapest European cities, Riga offers excellent value for travellers seeking affordability without sacrificing the experience. From exploring museums and galleries to tasting local dishes, you can do plenty on a tight budget. Hostels in Riga cater to this by providing cost-effective stays with all the essential amenities.

If you’re planning a trip to Latvia, staying in one of Riga’s best hostels will allow you to experience the city fully. Whether you’re looking to meet people, relax, or simply save money, Riga’s hostels offer an ideal base to enjoy everything this unique city has to offer.

Quick Introduction to Hostels in Riga

Riga’s hostels are often rated among the best hostels in Europe, offering a mix of style, comfort, and affordability. Known for their vibrant atmospheres, these hostels attract all kinds of travellers, from backpackers to solo explorers looking for a cosy, social stay. With easy access to the city’s charming Old Town, trendy neighbourhoods, and lively nightlife, hostels in Riga provide an ideal base for discovering Latvia’s capital without breaking the bank.

Here are a few things you should consider before booking a hostel in Riga:

Price - Dorm beds in Riga hostels range from around €16 to €25, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. For those who prefer more privacy, private rooms are available at rates between €35 and €60. The prices provide fantastic value, especially considering the central locations and amenities.

Location - Riga’s hostels are typically in prime locations, often close to major attractions like the Old Town, Riga Central Market, and the Art Nouveau district. With easy access to public transport, it’s simple to get around and explore all that Riga has to offer.

Amenities/Services - Most hostels in Riga come with helpful amenities like free Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, luggage storage, and cosy common areas. Some even offer free breakfast, organised tours, or evening events, making it easy to meet fellow travellers and make the most of your stay.

Staff - The staff at Riga’s hostels are known for their friendliness and local knowledge. Many are happy to share tips on hidden gems, affordable eateries, and places to visit. Their warm hospitality often makes travellers feel welcome, adding a personal touch to every stay.

The Best Hostels in Riga

Here’s my comprehensive guide to the 5 best hostels in Riga:

1. Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel

Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel offers a welcoming vibe that is perfect for social travellers. Located just minutes from Riga Central Station, it’s ideal for those exploring the city on foot or by public transport. The hostel's central location makes it easy to access Riga’s popular sights, from the Old Town to nearby cafes, bars, and shops.

The hostel has a warm, homely atmosphere, attracting solo travellers and backpackers looking to connect. Known for its friendly, laid-back ambience, Cinnamon Sally encourages guests to mingle in the common areas, often creating a close-knit, friendly community. The staff organises social events, adding to the hostel’s unique charm and making it an ideal choice for those wanting a lively social experience.

One standout feature is the complimentary breakfast, which offers a perfect start to a busy day of sightseeing. With a focus on fostering a sense of community, Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel offers more than just a place to stay – it’s a place to make memories and friends from around the world.

Cinnamon Sally offers dormitory rooms only, with options ranging from smaller dorms to larger mixed-gender rooms. Each bed is equipped with a privacy curtain, a reading light, and a power outlet, providing comfort and convenience for all guests. Lockers are available in each room, ensuring secure storage for personal belongings.

The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen where guests can prepare their meals, along with a spacious common area filled with board games, books, and comfy seating. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel, and a complimentary breakfast is served each morning, making it easy to kickstart your day in Riga.

Quick Overview of Cinnamon Sally

• Complimentary breakfast with a range of options
• Privacy curtains, reading lights, and power outlets for each bed
• Spacious common area with board games and books for socialising
• Regular social events organised by the hostel staff
• Fully equipped guest kitchen for self-catering
• Central location close to Riga Central Station and major sights

Dorm beds from €25
Check Prices On Hostelworld!

2. The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel

The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers is situated in the heart of the Old Town. This vibrant hostel is perfect for travellers who want to be steps away from Riga’s main attractions, bars, and restaurants. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the historic sights and nightlife.

With a fun, social vibe, The Naughty Squirrel has a welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for solo travellers and groups alike. The hostel hosts regular events, from pub crawls to themed nights, encouraging guests to connect and share experiences. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Riga, always ready to offer insider tips on the city.

Unique features, like Latvian beer tastings and group activities, add an extra layer of excitement to the stay. For anyone looking to experience Riga’s culture and nightlife in a lively, friendly setting, The Naughty Squirrel is an excellent choice.

The Naughty Squirrel offers a range of dormitory rooms and a few private rooms, all equipped with comfortable beds and individual reading lights. Each dorm bed includes a locker for secure storage, and the rooms are clean, cosy, and well-maintained. Privacy curtains are available in some dorms, providing extra comfort for guests.

Facilities at The Naughty Squirrel include a fully stocked communal kitchen, a comfortable lounge, and a bar area where guests can relax and socialise. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the hostel also offers laundry facilities, luggage storage, and a 24-hour reception, ensuring convenience for all travellers.

Quick Overview of The Naughty Squirrel

• Free Latvian beer tastings for guests
• Regular events, including pub crawls and themed parties
• Lockers, reading lights, and privacy curtains for each bed
• Friendly, helpful staff with extensive local knowledge
• Central Old Town location near bars and historical sites
• Fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge areas

Dorm beds from €25, Private rooms from €60
Check Prices On Hostelworld!

3. Tree House Hostel

Tree House Hostel, one of the best hostels in Riga, offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city’s Old Town. Just steps from iconic landmarks, cafes, and shops, the hostel is ideally located for travellers wanting to explore Riga on foot. Despite its central spot, Tree House maintains a calm, inviting atmosphere.

The hostel is known for its relaxed vibe, drawing in guests who appreciate a quieter, more serene environment. With natural decor and cosy spaces, Tree House creates a homely atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Guests often gather in the common areas to read, chat, or enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace.

A unique feature of Tree House is its focus on wellness, offering yoga and meditation classes that provide a refreshing break for travellers. This focus on relaxation and community makes Tree House an excellent choice for those seeking both comfort and calm.

Tree House Hostel offers mixed dormitories and private rooms, each designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. The dorm beds come with privacy curtains, reading lights, and lockers, giving each guest a comfortable and secure space. Rooms are thoughtfully decorated, adding a touch of warmth and character.

Facilities include a shared kitchen stocked with essentials, a cosy lounge area, and a rooftop terrace offering beautiful views of the Riga skyline. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel, and the common spaces encourage guests to connect or relax in a peaceful setting.

Quick Overview of Tree House Hostel

• Yoga and meditation sessions for guests
• Rooftop terrace with scenic views of Riga’s Old Town
• Natural, eco-friendly decor and atmosphere
• Mixed dorms with privacy curtains, reading lights, and lockers
• Quiet common spaces, ideal for reading and relaxation
• Central location close to Riga’s main sights and cafes

Dorm beds from €16, Private rooms from €47
Check Prices On Hostelworld!

4. Blue Bird Hostel

Riga Hostels -

Blue Bird Hostel is located in the city’s charming Art Nouveau district. This hostel combines artistic style with a friendly atmosphere, making it a top pick for creative travellers and backpackers. Its location is excellent for exploring both the historic and modern sides of Riga, with museums, galleries, and cafes nearby.

The hostel has a vibrant, artistic vibe, decorated with colourful murals and quirky touches that reflect Riga’s creative spirit. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, encouraging guests to connect and share their travel experiences. Blue Bird Hostel’s unique style and community-oriented design make it an ideal choice for those seeking a fun, inspiring stay.

Blue Bird Hostel stands out for its regular social events, like movie nights and art workshops, which give guests a chance to unwind and socialise. It’s a fantastic spot for travellers who enjoy culture and creativity, set in one of Riga’s most beautiful neighbourhoods.

Blue Bird Hostel offers dormitory-style rooms with comfortable beds, each equipped with privacy curtains, reading lights, and lockers for security. There are also private rooms available for those wanting a bit more space and quiet. The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and reflect the hostel’s artistic flair.

Facilities include a shared kitchen, a spacious lounge area, and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. The hostel has laundry facilities, luggage storage, and a communal area filled with books and board games, creating a cosy, inviting space for guests to relax and mingle.

Quick Overview of Blue Bird Hostel

• Colourful murals and artistic decor throughout the hostel
• Regular social events, including movie nights and art workshops
• Privacy curtains, reading lights, and lockers for each dorm bed
• Prime location in the Art Nouveau district, close to cultural sites
• Fully equipped kitchen and comfortable communal lounge area
• Warm, creative atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow travellers

Dorm beds from €25, Private rooms from €62
Check Prices On Hostelworld!

5. Central Hostel

Central Hostel in Riga offers a cosy, budget-friendly stay just a short walk from the city’s main attractions. Located near the central train and bus stations, it’s convenient for travellers exploring both Riga and beyond. Its central location makes it easy to access the Old Town and nearby cafes and restaurants, ideal for those wanting to experience Riga’s lively culture.

The hostel has a laid-back, homely vibe that appeals to backpackers, families, and couples alike. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Central Hostel is a great spot for travellers seeking a relaxed base to unwind. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share tips on the best local spots and activities.

A unique feature of Central Hostel is its large, garden-like backyard, perfect for chilling with a book or chatting with fellow travellers. This green retreat adds a special touch, making it a calm oasis in the city’s bustling centre.

Central Hostel offers both dormitory rooms and private options, catering to different preferences and budgets. Dorm rooms come with individual lockers, reading lights, and comfortable beds, while the private rooms offer a cosy, more personal space. Each room is clean and simple, with everything needed for a restful stay.

Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious common room, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests can enjoy the backyard area, which is perfect for relaxing or having a meal outdoors. Laundry facilities and luggage storage are available, providing convenience for longer stays.

Quick Overview of Central Hostel

• Large, garden-style backyard for relaxation and socialising
• Dorm beds with individual lockers, reading lights, and power outlets
• Private rooms available for added comfort and privacy
• Fully equipped kitchen for self-catering
• Friendly, helpful staff with great local recommendations
• Convenient location close to transport hubs, the Old Town, and cafes

Dorm beds from €14, Private rooms from €25
Check Prices On Hostelworld!

Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Riga

When it comes to finding affordable, comfortable, and social accommodation in Latvia’s capital, the best hostels in Riga offer it all. These hostels give travellers a unique chance to experience the city up close, making it easy to connect with other guests and locals alike. Staying in one of these top-rated hostels allows you to explore the charm of Riga’s cobbled streets, lively bars, and beautiful architecture, all without stretching your budget.

Riga’s hostels are ideal for travellers of all kinds—whether you’re a solo adventurer, part of a group, or a couple looking for an affordable yet cosy base. With their vibrant atmospheres and shared spaces, these hostels make it easy to meet others and share travel stories, creating memorable experiences. Many offer organised events, like pub crawls and city tours, giving guests a chance to explore together.

Location is also a huge advantage. Most hostels in Riga are close to major landmarks, markets, and public transport, so getting around is hassle-free. With everything from the stunning Old Town to Riga Central Market within reach, travellers have the best of the city right at their doorstep. It’s a convenient way to see Riga’s most popular sights while staying in a lively, central setting.

If you’re planning a trip to Riga, consider booking a stay in one of the city’s best hostels. Not only will you save on accommodation costs, but you’ll also enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes travel feel more personal. Riga’s hostels truly offer an experience beyond just a place to sleep; they’re spaces where adventure, relaxation, and community come together.

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