Riga is noticabley more affordable than other European destinations that much is certain. These days like everywhere the World over things are not as cheap as they once were. We seem to be experiencing sharp price rising in the dining, hospitality and entertainment sector.
We wanted to give you some tips and hacks to make Riga a more affordable stop on your travels or your next city break. We haved also covered some of this in our article is Riga still cheap?
Let us be frank, Riga airport is super connected with loc cost airlines and some major carriers flying to many destinations across Europe. IYou can always find affordable flights to Riga if you look around. So you got a cheap flight or a low cost bus from far away, now you are here, so what next?
Of course as free walking tour providers we are going to say, if you have a low budget then do make sure to hop on to one of our free walking tours. These are designed for people of all budgets to join and re a valuble source of insider information and tips on where best to spend your money in Riga.
Let us dig in to some other ideas that will make your stay in Riga more budget friendly.
Do not get ripped off with a scam Taxi :
Be aware that as soon as you have landed at Riga Airpot, unscrouplus Riga Taxi drivers may scam you. They may charge what should be a 20 euro fair as high as 70 euro.
The safest way is to use Public Transport 1.50 euro to the centre or book a cab with Bolt app
Read more about Riga Airport Taxi scams and staying safe in Riga.
Once you have explored Old Riga move on to the rest of the city:
Old Riga is very touristic. And rightly so, it is a very charming part of Riga and it costs nothing to walk around and take it all in.
As we all know, where there are tourists, the prices will rise with them. Prices in Old Riga are usually around 20 % more expensive for food and drink than other parts of the city.
Looking for more local prices? Head out behind the Freedom monument in central Riga. Many cafes, bars and shops await you at a more reasonable price.
Where local Latvians eat - Lido Restaurants:
Experience traditional Latvian cuisine without breaking the bank at Lido! Enjoy hearty dishes like grey peas with speck and potato pancakes.
These self-service restaurants offer a cozy atmosphere and a variety of affordable options, making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner.
Cheap Public Transport:
Getting around Riga is a breeze with its efficient public transport system! Use trams, buses, and trolleybuses.
A single ticket costs around €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes—just hop on and off!
Consider buying a day pass for just €5 if you plan to explore extensively!
You can connect to the Mobily app on your phone for transport cards
Find out about Cheap Day trips from Riga here
Hop on a scooter or bike - Riga is flat:
If you want to see a lot of Riga or head to one of the many lakes or beaches, why not rent a bicycle for the day? You can make the most of the good bike infrastucture to see more!
Scooters can be picked up using apps across Riga, bikes also but there are some bike shops offering rentals as well.
Get high up and see the city for free:
The Hotel Latvia has a glass elevator that will lead you for free to 26th floor where you will come out into the Skyline bar, a great spot to see the city and have a drink!
One shopping mall, Riga Gallery in central Riga has an open roof on the 8th floor, perfect in the summer for events and sunset cocktails.
Affordable Seasonal Food at Central Markets:
Head to the Riga Central Market for the freshest local produce, meats, and dairy products at unbeatable prices!
Try seasonal specialties like smoked fish and fresh berries—perfect for a picnic!
Don’t forget to check out the food stalls for delicious street food that won’t dent your wallet!
Lunch Menus in Central Riga:
Many restaurants in the city center offer lunch menus ranging from €5 to €10, featuring a main dish, soup and a drink.
Look for local favorites like Riga Black Balsam or Latvian beer to wash it all down! You are on holiday after all.
Popular spots include Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs and for a taste of local flavors that will not break the bank!
Even top end restaurants like Neiburgs offer amazing lunch menus. Check them out if you want a romantic affordable lunch.
Martina Bekerija:
Indulge your sweet tooth at Martina Bekerija, a charming bakery known for its delicious pastries and cakes.
Grab a cinnamon roll or a cheese pastry, washed down with a nice coffee.
Famous among Latvian Grandmas. This is a good sign - Check out more about the best bakery in Riga.
Accomadation in Riga is cheap
Hostels may not be the cheapest place to stay in Riga!
Check out the deals on major booking platforms.
Riga has 1000s of AirBnb's and there is so much competition in Riga that the prices are really low. Hunt and ye shall find!
Low season January- February you will find cheaper hotel deals.
Culture, Arts and Museums:
On the last Sunday of every month there are free museum entries at National Arts, Stock exchange & Decorative Arts museum.
Many museums are free like the War museum and 3 Brothers.
Entrances to paid museums and exhibition is very affordable.
Other Tips for a Budget-Friendly Visit:
Take advantage of free walking tours to learn about Riga’s rich history and culture without spending a dime!
Explore the beautiful parks and the waterfront—perfect for a leisurely stroll or a budget-friendly picnic.
Check out local events and festivals, often offering free entertainment and activities!
Why Riga is a Great Budget-Friendly Destination?
1. Natural Beauty
Riga offers numerous parks and green spaces that are free to explore. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views at Mežaparks, a large park ideal for walking, cycling, and picnicking. Another lovely spot is Vermane Park, located near the city center, which is perfect for relaxation. Additionally, Riga's nearby beaches in Jurmala feature beautiful sandy shores that are accessible without any cost. Wet Lands, Bogs and Board walks area great feature of Riga's nearest nature retreats. Lakes, Forests, Beaches and more. There are many camping grounds free for public use, with toilets, fire places and shelters across Latvia. Do not forget if the heavens open and you are scared to go outside, then make sure to check out what to do on a Rainy day in Riga.
2. Historical Centre
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town (Vecrīga) is a must-see destination where visitors can wander the cobblestone streets and admire various historical sites. Among these is The House of Blackheads, an iconic building showcasing stunning Gothic architecture. St. Peter's Church is another highlight; while climbing the tower incurs a fee, the church itself and its surroundings are free to explore. Additionally, The Freedom Monument stands as a significant national symbol located in the heart of the city.
3. Cultural Experiences
Riga is rich in culture, and many experiences come at no cost. Visitors can enjoy street performances featuring local musicians and artists in various public spaces. Markets, such as the Central Market and other local venues, offer a glimpse into everyday life and culture. Throughout the year, Riga also hosts free cultural festivals that showcase music, art, and local traditions.
Overall, Riga provides a wealth of free activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature, history, and culture without breaking the bank. You may not need to be that lucky, thourghout the year Riga hosts, numerous seasonal parties like Christmas Markets, Midsummer Markets, Harvest Festivals, Easter celebrations, The Festival of light, Street performers, Musical festivals, Beer festivals and all the classics like New Years Eve parties and festivities.
So is Riga really Budget Friendly?
Riga, the capital of Latvia, offers a variety of features that make it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers. Here are the key reasons why Riga is considered budget-friendly:
Affordable Accommodation: Riga provides a wide range of lodging options, from hostels to budget hotels, often at lower prices compared to other European capitals.
Low Cost of Living: The overall cost of living in Riga is lower than in many Western European cities, allowing visitors to enjoy meals, transportation, and activities at reasonable prices.
Free and Low-Cost Attractions: The city boasts numerous free or inexpensive attractions, such as parks, museums on specific days, and historical sites, making it easy to explore without overspending.
Public Transportation: Riga has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trolleys, which makes getting around the city economical. Local Trains and buses are also very competively priced.
Inexpensive Dining Options: The city offers a variety of dining choices, from street food to local eateries, where meals can be enjoyed at a fraction of the cost found in more touristy destinations.
Overall, Riga's combination of affordable accommodation, low cost of living, and accessible attractions makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience a vibrant European city without breaking the bank.
Budget break down of costs super cheap style.
You want a 65 euro a day survival guide in Riga look below!
Stay in hotel in the Latgale (Old Moscow District) 30 euro
Lunch Menu 10 euro
Dinner at Lido 10 euro
2 Beer in evenig 10 euro
5 euro day pass on all public transport
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