Your stay — Riga Backpackers Hostel
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The Property — Riga Backpackers Hostel
Riga Backpackers Hostel is a social hub with a laid-back atmosphere, its exposed brick walls and wooden accents giving it a rustic-chic feel. The hostel's eclectic decor and vibrant colours make it a great spot to meet fellow travellers. With its compact, dorm-style rooms and communal spaces, it's perfect for budget-conscious solo travellers and young groups. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, offering insider tips on Riga's hidden gems. As you enter the lobby, you'll feel like you're stepping into a lively, urban hangout, with a playlist of indie music and a buzz of chatter in the air.
Chronicles of Rīga
Riga, the largest city in the Baltic states, was founded in 1201 by German bishop Albert of Buxhoeveden, who established a trading hub on the Daugava River. Over the centuries, Riga's architecture has been shaped by various ruling powers, from the Hanseatic League to the Soviet era, resulting in a unique blend of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Soviet-era styles. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its history, with a thriving arts and cultural scene. Today, Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for foodies, history buffs, and partygoers alike. As you wander through the city, you'll discover the remnants of its complex past, from the stunning Riga Cathedral to the imposing Soviet-era buildings.
Best Time to Visit
Full Rīga guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Riga, with warm, sunny weather and manageable crowds. The city's summer solstice festival in June is a highlight, with live music and cultural events, while September's pleasant temperatures and harvest festivals make it a great time for outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak tourist season in Riga, with prices for accommodations and tourist attractions increasing. The city hosts several festivals during this time, including the Riga Music Festival and the Night of the Arts, which drive up demand. Expect long queues and higher prices for accommodations, especially during the music festival.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. You can find discounts on accommodations and tourist attractions, and enjoy the city's spring festivals, such as the Riga Festival.
Weather & packing
Riga's climate is influenced by its continental and maritime influences, resulting in rapid temperature fluctuations. Be prepared for sudden rain showers by packing waterproof clothing and layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Rīga
- The Riga City Council has announced plans to expand the city's bike-sharing scheme, with new stations and bike-sharing points to be introduced in the coming months.
- The popular Riga Central Market has reopened after a major renovation, offering a wider range of food and souvenir options.
- The Riga Art Nouveau Museum has extended its opening hours to accommodate the increased number of visitors, with guided tours available in multiple languages.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Riga Backpackers Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hostel is located on a busy street with some traffic noise. The 5th and 6th floors are likely to be the quietest, given the hostel's layout.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, especially those on the first three floors, as the lift is centrally located and can cause noise disturbance. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance on the ground floor may experience noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Best views
Rooms on the front side (facing Alksnāja iela) may have a view of the city, but be aware that this side of the hostel may also be noisier due to the street traffic.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hostel's location on a busy street in Rīga means that some traffic noise can be expected, especially during peak hours. The nearby Alksnāja iela has a mix of residential and commercial buildings, so some background noise from the street is normal.
Insider tips
Ask the staff about the best parking options, as the hostel may have recommendations for nearby parking garages or street parking areas. Request a room with a window if you're a light sleeper, as this will give you a chance to get some natural light and fresh air, although be aware that this may also mean you'll be more aware of the street noise.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Riga Backpackers Hostel
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Yes, serves all floors, but historic wing stairs-only on the third floor
Complimentary PressReader access, no physical papers
16:00-00:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00, 10 EUR fee after 12:00
Available at no cost, 24/7
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, some rooms adapted for guests with mobility impairments
On-site parking available, 10 EUR per night, nearest public car park 2 minutes walk at 5 EUR per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 0.50 EUR per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: 20 EUR advance deposit + 100 EUR incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Svētā Jāņa baznīca (221 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Svētā Pētera baznīca (302 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Reformātu baznīca (382 m · ~5 min walk)
- Synagogue: Peitav-šul Sinagoga (436 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galerija Centrs — 133 m · ~2 min walk
Kanālmalas apstādījumi — 365 m · ~5 min walk
Farmācijas muzejs — 66 m · ~1 min walk
Vāgnera zāle — 118 m · ~1 min walk
Labirints — 540 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 173 m · ~2 min walk
Benu — 92 m · ~1 min walk
Chicco e bacco — 85 m · ~1 min walk
Radio iela — 383 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Change money at legitimate exchange offices in the city centre, not at the airport or tourist bureaux — rates there are noticeably worse.
Card (Visa/MC) and contactless are widely accepted everywhere; many small shops and markets prefer card over cash.
Round up the bill or leave 5-10% in restaurants if service not included; taxis and hotel staff do not expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee at a local cafe or bakery, around €2.
A daily soup-and-main set at a casual eatery, about €7-9.
A main course at a standard pub or ethnic restaurant, around €10-12.
The Central Market area and its nearby streets have cheap, filling options like piragi (filled pastries) and kebab wraps.
Rimi and Maxima are the main budget supermarket chains in the area.
The Central Market's clothing section and second-hand shops (e.g. Humana) offer affordable finds.
A 24-hour public transport ticket costs €5 (buy at a Narvesen kiosk or via the app); the bus from the airport (line 22) costs €2 if you validate a single ticket.
Avoid eating/drinking in the Old Town, prices are significantly higher; use the Central Market for cheap groceries and fast food; buy tram/bus tickets before boarding to avoid the penalty fare.
Emergency Contacts
RīgaWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Rīga, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Riga Backpackers Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 173 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Benu — 92 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Centrāltirgus (Central Market) tram stop → Riga Student Hostel (Augusta Deglava iela)
💡 Best local transit option from the hostel into Old Rīga. Buy an e-talons card from Narvesen kiosks (€2 flat fee) and top it up—single rides are cheaper than paper tickets. Tram 7 runs directly past the hostel.
Rīga International Airport (RIX) → Riga Student Hostel
💡 Use the Bolt app to avoid overpriced airport touts. A trip should cost €10–15; anything over €20 is a rip-off. Forus Taxi is the official airport partner and reliable.
Rīga International Airport (RIX) → Autoosta (Central Bus Station)
💡 Buy your ticket from the vending machine at the stop (cash or card) and validate it onboard. The bus drops you a 10-minute walk from Riga Student Hostel; get off at 'Centrāltirgus' instead of Autoosta to cut the walk.
Autoosta (Central Bus Station) → Riga Student Hostel (Augusta Deglava iela)
💡 Only runs Friday and Saturday nights. Late arrivals from the airport can wait here—check the schedule at Rigas Satiksme website. The stop 'Audēju iela' is closer to the hostel than the main bus station.
About Rīga
Wikipedia ↗
Riga ( REE-gə), officially Riga State City (Latvian: Rīgas valstspilsēta), is the capital, primate, and largest city of Latvia and the second largest in the Baltics. Home to 588,911 inhabitants (as of 2026), the city accounts for a third of Latvia's total population. The population of Riga metropol...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Riga Backpackers Hostel?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hostel is located on a busy street with some traffic noise. The 5th and 6th floors are likely to be the quietest, given the hostel's layout.
Which rooms should I avoid at Riga Backpackers Hostel?
Avoid rooms near the lift, especially those on the first three floors, as the lift is centrally located and can cause noise disturbance. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance on the ground floor may experience noise from staff and delivery traffic.
Is Riga Backpackers Hostel noisy?
The hostel's location on a busy street in Rīga means that some traffic noise can be expected, especially during peak hours. The nearby Alksnāja iela has a mix of residential and commercial buildings, so some background noise from the street is normal.
Which rooms have the best views at Riga Backpackers Hostel?
Rooms on the front side (facing Alksnāja iela) may have a view of the city, but be aware that this side of the hostel may also be noisier due to the street traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at Riga Backpackers Hostel?
Ask the staff about the best parking options, as the hostel may have recommendations for nearby parking garages or street parking areas. Request a room with a window if you're a light sleeper, as this will give you a chance to get some natural light and fresh air, although be aware that this may also mean you'll be more aware of the street noise.
What time is check-in at Riga Backpackers Hostel?
Check-in at Riga Backpackers Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Riga Backpackers Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Riga Backpackers Hostel?
0.50 EUR per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Riga Backpackers Hostel?
A daily soup-and-main set at a casual eatery, about €7-9.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Riga Backpackers Hostel?
A 24-hour public transport ticket costs €5 (buy at a Narvesen kiosk or via the app); the bus from the airport (line 22) costs €2 if you validate a single ticket.
When is the best time to visit Rīga?
June and September are ideal months to visit Riga, with warm, sunny weather and manageable crowds. The city's summer solstice festival in June is a highlight, with live music and cultural events, while September's pleasant temperatures and harvest festivals make it a great time for outdoor activities.
Top Attractions in Rīga
💡 Bring bread for the ducks but skip the overpriced pedal boats—free walking along the east bank is prettier and quieter. Go on a sunny weekday to avoid crowds.
💡 Pop into the Art Nouveau Museum (small fee) for the interior experience, but the street-level tour is free. Look up for the winged griffins and sphinxes that different architects added as signatures.
💡 Arrive early (7–9am) for the best selection of fresh berries and farm cheese. The fish pavilion serves cheap sprats and pickled herring. Avoid the tourist-trap souvenirs near the main entrance.
💡 The €9 ticket is worth it for the view, but avoid midday summer queues—go just before sunset for golden light and fewer tourists. The audio guide is free through the church's app.
💡 Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month. Even if you pay (€7), the permanent collection is excellent value. The cafe in the basement has decent coffee and a quiet courtyard. Check the temporary exhibitions—often cheaper than the main ticket.