Where to Stay in Riga (2026)

Top tips for Riga

The Quick Answer

• The best neighbourhoods in Riga for sightseeing: Vecrīga (Old Town)
• The best neighbourhoods for Art Nouveau architecture: Centrs

Table of Contents

Riga is a great place for a quick city break, with a pretty medieval Old Town, grand Art Nouveau buildings and plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants to discover. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the Central Market, stroll along the canals or head out to the beach when you fancy a change of scene. And despite all that architecture, Riga is surprisingly green, with parks dotted around the centre.

A Visitor’s Guide to the Neighbourhoods of Riga

Credit Google Maps

Riga is Latvia’s compact capital, with a handsome Old Town, Art Nouveau streets, leafy parks and neighbourhoods that each have a slightly different feel. Vecrīga (Old Town) is the most atmospheric choice, with cobbled lanes, colourful medieval buildings, churches and lively squares to explore. Stay here if you want to be close to Riga Castle, the House of the Blackheads and St Peter’s Church, with restaurants, cafes and bars filling the streets after dark. Just across the canal, Centrs is a little more polished and spacious, and is the place to stay for Riga’s famous Art Nouveau architecture. Wander Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela to see some of the city’s most ornate façades, then head into the parks or along the canal for a stroll. The area is packed with restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops, while Riga’s Central Market is an easy walk away. Both areas are very walkable, so you can easily stay in one and spend your days exploring the other.

Vecrīga (Old Town)

Vecrīga (Old Town) is the best spot to stay for first-time visitors and anyone keen to soak up Riga’s history. The medieval centre is a maze of cobbled streets, pretty squares and historic buildings, with highlights including St Peter’s Church, Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads. It’s easy to explore on foot, with cafes, restaurants and bars tucked between the old buildings. Hotel options range from grand historic properties and stylish boutique hotels to comfortable mid-range stays.

Centrs

Centrs is a great base for culture lovers, foodies and anyone who prefers a little more space than you'll find in the Old Town. This elegant central neighbourhood is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, particularly around Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, where you can spend an afternoon admiring the ornate façades. There are leafy parks and canals for leisurely strolls, plus plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops to explore. The Central Market is also within walking distance. Hotels here range from stylish design and boutique properties to larger luxury hotels, with lots of comfortable mid-range options too.