Riga Guide for Budget Travelers
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Riga, the capital of Latvia, is known as 'The Paris of the North.' This city offers a rich history of Soviet Union control, World Wars and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To add more to this impressive city; it has the largest and most impressive showing of art-nouveau architecture in Europe.
Chilling gargoyles and goddesses hang above the streets as you walk through the Old Town of Riga. Each building in the Old Town has its own style and unique character. Historians and architect junkies will fall in love the moment they step into the center of town. |
Price of Services in Riga
Hostels - Hostels in Riga are surprisingly cheap. The starting price is 4.50€ ($5.50USD) on the weekday in the non-peak season. You'll get a 10-20 dorm room at this price. Anything under 10 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 6€ ($8USD) or more for an 8 person dorm room during the non-peak season during the week. Private dorm rooms will start around 21€ ($17USD). During the peak season, prices will increase because of demand. Weekend prices will always increase because of availability and demand.
Food Costs - Food in Riga is cheap. Expect to pay 1.50€ ($2USD) for a budget breakfast, 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 5€ ($6USD) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will a bit more. Expect to pay 10€ ($11USD). Beer (.5L) 2€ ($2.50USD).
Transportation - Transportation in Riga is bit reasonable compared to other European cities. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 13€ ($15USD). A taxi will charge 4€ ($5USD) per 3km of travel. A public bus from the airport to the city center is the best option from the airport at .60€ ($.70USD). Metro buses are also a good option for city travel at 1€ ($1.50USD) for any stop in the city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 7€ ($8USD) for popular exhibitions like the St. Peters Church Tower. Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves. For tours outside of the city, don't expect to find anything on the cheap end. Expect to pay 40€ ($45USD).
Food Costs - Food in Riga is cheap. Expect to pay 1.50€ ($2USD) for a budget breakfast, 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 5€ ($6USD) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will a bit more. Expect to pay 10€ ($11USD). Beer (.5L) 2€ ($2.50USD).
Transportation - Transportation in Riga is bit reasonable compared to other European cities. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 13€ ($15USD). A taxi will charge 4€ ($5USD) per 3km of travel. A public bus from the airport to the city center is the best option from the airport at .60€ ($.70USD). Metro buses are also a good option for city travel at 1€ ($1.50USD) for any stop in the city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 7€ ($8USD) for popular exhibitions like the St. Peters Church Tower. Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves. For tours outside of the city, don't expect to find anything on the cheap end. Expect to pay 40€ ($45USD).
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .93€ ($1USD) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 9€($10USD) a day if you budget right.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .93€ ($1USD) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 9€($10USD) a day if you budget right.
Red Flags
Dark Alleys - Stay away from dark alleys at night. The local gangs are known for stabbing random strangers.
Top 3 Things To Do in Riga While on a Budget
#1 Old Town RigaOld Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the the most beautiful in all of Europe. The city is lined with pre-World War buildings that have extraordinary character. Be sure to take a solo walk around this gorgeous area.
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#2 Free Walking ToursRiga has a rich history including the rise and fall of Soviet Union control. These walking tours will explain everything from the small courtyards in the Old Town to the bullet holes in the numerous buildings on the outskirts of town.
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#3 Pub CrawlBe sure to try a pub crawl in Riga. Bars range from swanky to grungy in this capital city. There are a few hidden bars that the pub crawl will take you to.
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