Riga is a fun city known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Riga that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Riga?
You should plan to spend around $128 (€122) per day on your vacation in Riga. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $60 (€57) on meals
- $10 (€9.63) on local transportation
- $108 (€103) on hotels
A one week trip to Riga for two people costs, on average, $1,790 (€1,708). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$895
€854
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,790
€1,708
-
One Month
Per person
$3,835
€3,660
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,790
€1,708
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,580
€3,416
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,671
€7,320
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Riga cost?
A one week trip to Riga usually costs around $895 (€854) for one person and $1,790 (€1,708) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Riga on average costs around $1,790 (€1,708) for one person and $3,580 (€3,416) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Riga will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Riga on average costs around $3,835 (€3,660) for one person and $7,671 (€7,320) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Riga expensive to visit?
Riga is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Riga can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $53 (€48) per day, mid-range travelers spend $133 (€122) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $334 (€306) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Riga.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Riga is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Split or Volterra.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Riga Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Riga?
The average Riga trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Riga travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Riga cost?
Riga on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$22
(€21)
|
$54
(€52)
|
$129
(€123)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4
(€3.56)
|
$10
(€9.63)
|
$29
(€28)
|
|
Food 2
|
$24
(€23)
|
$60
(€57)
|
$151
(€144)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$5
(€5.11)
|
$14
(€14)
|
$40
(€38)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
(€4-12)
|
$10-31
(€10-30)
|
$25-75
(€24-71)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Riga. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $53 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Riga is packed with plenty of hostels, including The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel, Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel, and Tree House Hostel. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal. In addition, the city provides solid public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. For visitors to Riga, food is often a highlight, but budget travelers frequently choose street food or cook in their hostels, which may limit their experience of the local culinary delights.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Riga to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $133 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Riga. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Neiburgs Hotel is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Avalon Hotel & Conferences is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Riga here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $334 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the city, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Riga Old Town Walking Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Riga
The price of hotels in Riga can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $58, while peak summer season averages can reach $108. Prices range from $34 to $166, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Riga for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $108 (€103). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $54 (€52) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Riga? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Riga include:
- Metropole Hotel by Semarah starting at $115
- Neiburgs Hotel starting at $70
- Avalon Hotel & Conferences starting at $64
- Hotel Gutenbergs starting at $81
- Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel Riga starting at $80
Riga has a great public transit system, which means you could stay outside the city and commute in, but you'll have to balance cheaper accommodation with higher transport costs.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Exploring Riga by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
The city's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.
Transportation Budget in Riga
Public transit in Riga is top-notch. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is the ideal option. Of course, taxis and rideshares are easy to find, too.
Those who relish exploring on foot will find plenty to enjoy during their visit. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $10 (€9.63) per person, per day, on local transportation in Riga. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Riga is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$10
€9.63
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center for $54 details
- Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center for $81 details
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan for $46 details
How much does it cost to go to Riga? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Riga will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Riga
You can't miss the fantastic food in Riga. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Riga can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Riga is $60 (€57) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$60
€57
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Riga is around $62 (€57) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $157. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Riga are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Riga has a diverse range of restaurants that offer everything from international cuisine to local Latvian specialties. Latvian cuisine is usually quite hearty and makes use of ingredients such as potatoes, cabbage, beef, pork and fish. The cheapest restaurants in town are the cafeteria style options. You can choose from any number of dishes, most frequently dumplings, and then pay by the weight of your food selection. If you're interested in trying an international restaurant then your options include sushi, Chinese and Indian among others.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Riga, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Riga Medieval Dinner for $107 details
- Medieval Dinner on the 12th Century at Rozengrals for $117 details
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour for $52 details
Below are some standard food costs in Riga, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Riga
It's no surprise that Riga sees many visitors since it offers nightlife, budget-friendly accommodations, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Riga typically cost an average of $14 (€14) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
€14
Most visitors to Riga spend their time in the city's Old Town. Popular sights include Triangula Bastion, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, St. Peter's Church, St. John's Church, the Big Guild, The House of the Black Cat, Riga Cathedral, the Museum of the Barricades of 1991, and Freedom Monument, among many other things.
As a large, cosmopolitan city, there are many activities you can enjoy during your time in Riga. You can see either the opera or ballet at the Latvian National Opera. This is a nice building that is worth checking out. The Latvian National Symphonic Orchestra also has shows occasionally. Another unique experience in the city is to try your hand at bobsledding. You can ride in a professional winter bobsled between the months of November and March. It's a rare experience and one worth trying if you're in the area.
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and historic landmarks are a big part of what makes Riga so popular. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.
Historical Sights:
A significant number of visitors flock to the historic old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Riga. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Honest tour of Riga with the best private guide in town for $139 details
- Group day trip from Riga to Hill of Crosses - 5 hour day tour! For $70 details
- Guided Ebike Tour on Forest Roads and Trails Near Riga for $86 details
Nightlife Budget in Riga
People travel from far and wide to enjoy the world-class nightlife that Riga has to offer. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $21 (€20) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Riga per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$21
€20
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Riga. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide! For $38 details
- Pub Crawl in Riga for $32 details
- Riga Brewery Tour for $53 details
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 22, 2024
Traveling in Riga
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
Riga is also a very affordable destination. It's popular with young travelers because it has a vibrant nightlife and there are many unique and interesting bars and clubs that offer low cost drinks and entertainment. The city's old town also has a lot to offer in the form of interesting architecture, museums, restaurants and tours. There's a very large market near the old town that sells anything and everything from meats, to smoked salmon, to clothes and flowers. It's a great place to people watch or you can pick up some food for a picnic lunch. It's definitely worth a visit while you're in the area.
Riga's climate is humid continental and the coldest months are January and February when the average temperature is around -5 degrees Celsius. During the coldest days it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop as low as -20 or -25 degrees Celsius. Because the city is so close to the ocean it is often damp and foggy during the fall months. Snow is usually on the ground during the winter months and summers are mild and humid. On average the summer temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius, but it sometimes reaches more than 30 degrees Celsius.
Neighborhoods & Around
Riga is split into two areas by the River Daugava. The Old Town is at the center of the city on the east side of the river. Outside of the Old Town is a ring of 19th and 20th century architecture and then further out there are private houses and apartments. As a tourist you'll probably spend most of your time in the Old Town and in the area around the Freedom Monument, which is close by. There are some interesting area's outside of this district though that are often overlooked by tourists. These include Agenskalns and Tornakalns which are just over the Stone Bridge.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.