Riga on a Budget: How I Explored Latvia Without Breaking the Bank
When I found out I’d be spending two weeks in Riga working for AirBaltic, I was excited but also curious about how far my money would go. As a former flight attendant turned full-time traveler, I’ve learned to make every layover or assignment count… without spending a fortune.
The good news? Riga is incredibly budget-friendly, and you don’t need to splurge to enjoy it. Whether you’re a crew member on a tight per diem or a traveler watching your euros, here’s how I explored Riga on a budget without sacrificing experience.
You can also check out my Riga vlog for visuals here!
Affordable Accommodation
I stayed in Hampton by Hilton Riga Airport since this was the hotel my company paid for me to stay close to the airport and perform my flying duties, which was clean, easy accessibility to the city center by bus, and cost about €40–70 per night depending on the time of year you visit. Compared to other European cities, that’s a steal. If you're staying longer, many local Airbnb hosts offer weekly discounts.
Budget-Friendly Food & Drinks
Eating out in Riga doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Here are some of my favorite finds:
Lido: A local chain offering traditional Latvian food buffet-style. You can get a full meal for under €10.
Rocket Bean: Great coffee shop with light meals and cozy, perfect for working or reading.
Central Market snacks: I grabbed smoked cheese, dark rye bread, and berries for just a few euros. Great for DIY lunches!
💡 Bonus tip: Tap water is safe to drink, refill your bottle instead of buying bottled water!
Free (or Cheap) Things to Do
Riga is packed with beauty and culture and many of its best spots are free or very low cost:
Wander the Old Town: It’s like a living museum. Beautiful buildings, cobblestone streets, and photo ops everywhere.
Explore the Art Nouveau District: Completely free to walk and admire.
Bastejkalna Park: A peaceful green escape right in the center of the city.
Freedom Monument & surrounding gardens: A Riga icon.
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia: Free entry, donations encouraged.
Most of these are featured in my vlog if you want a sneak peek!
Getting Around
I walked nearly everywhere! Riga is compact and super pedestrian-friendly. If you need to go further:
Public transport (trams and buses) is cheap: around €1.50 per ride
You can buy multi-ride e-tickets at kiosks or via the Rīgas Satiksme app
Budget Breakdown (Approximate)
Here’s what I averaged per day:
Expense Daily Cost (€)
Food & coffee 10–15
Transport 2–3
Attractions 0–5
Total (excluding accommodation) €15–23
Final Thoughts:
You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Enjoy Riga
Riga proved that beautiful European cities don’t have to come with a high price tag. With charming streets, affordable food, and plenty of free things to do, it’s the perfect destination for budget travelers, digital nomads, or flight attendants like me living in between time zones.
Want to see it all in action? Watch my Riga vlog here!
Got Budget Travel Questions?
Drop them in the comments below or DM me on Instagram!
