The 5 Best Hostels in Riga, Latvia - She is Lost Around the World

Riga has quite a few hostels to choose from, which is great if you’re traveling on a budget, but it can also make it difficult to know where to stay.

I would look at the location first, especially if you’re only spending a few days in Riga. After that, it really comes down to whether you want somewhere social, somewhere in the Old Town, or somewhere a little quieter.

I have stayed in Riga more than once, and Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel is actually where I stayed on my first trip to the city. It’s also my favorite hostel on this list.

In this guide, I’ll share the 5 best hostels in Riga, including the best options for solo travelers, location, budget, and different types of trips.

Best Hostels in Riga: Quick Picks

If you don’t want to read through all five, these are the ones I’d look at first:

Category	Hostel
Best Overall Hostel	Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel
Best for Solo Travelers	Tree House
Best Hostel in Riga Old Town	Blue Bird Boutique Hostel
Best Budget Option	Central Hostel
Best for a Quieter Stay	Lighthouse Hostel & Rooms

The 5 Best Hostels in Riga

Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel

If you’re looking for the best hostel in Riga, Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel would be my first choice.

I actually stayed here on my first trip to Riga, so this isn’t just a random hostel I found online and decided to put at the top of the list. I had a really good experience here and it’s still the hostel I’d recommend first if you’re traveling to Riga alone.

It’s a social hostel, but it’s not the kind of place where you have to party every night. It’s easy to meet other travelers, the staff are helpful, and there is a common area where people actually hang out.

Another big advantage is the location. It’s close to Riga Central Station and within walking distance of the Old Town, so you can easily explore Riga without spending a fortune on transportation.

You also get breakfast, WiFi and lockers, which is always a nice bonus when you’re backpacking.

If I was going back to Riga and wanted a hostel again, this is where I’d stay.

Location: Central Riga
Best for: Overall experience, solo travelers, backpackers, social atmosphere

Book Here: Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel

Blue Bird Boutique Hostel

If you want to stay right in Riga Old Town, Blue Bird Boutique Hostel is one of the first places I’d look at.

The location is probably the biggest advantage. You’re right in the middle of the Old Town, so you can walk out of the hostel and immediately be surrounded by Riga’s historic buildings, restaurants and bars.

It’s also a good option if you want something that feels a little different from a typical backpacker hostel. The boutique-style setup makes it feel a bit more polished while still giving you the option of staying in a dorm.

I would especially consider Blue Bird if you’re only staying in Riga for a short time and want to be as central as possible.

Location: Riga Old Town
Best for: Old Town, location, short trips, travelers who want something a little different

Book Here: Blue Bird Boutique Hostel

Tree House

Tree House is another hostel I’d consider if you’re traveling solo and want somewhere where it’s easy to meet other people.

It’s located very centrally, close to the Old Town, so you can easily explore Riga on foot while still having a hostel atmosphere to come back to.

I like this type of hostel for solo travelers because you’re getting the social side of staying in a hostel without having to sacrifice the convenience of being close to everything.

It’s also one of the better-rated hostels in Riga, so it’s definitely one I’d compare with Cinnamon Sally if you’re deciding between social hostels.

Location: Central Riga
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, social atmosphere, location

Book Here: Tree House

Central Hostel

If you’re mainly looking for cheap hostels in Riga, Central Hostel is one I’d compare.

It’s not right in the middle of the Old Town, but it’s still close enough to the center that you can easily get around Riga from here.

The biggest reason to consider it is simply the price. If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t really care about having the most stylish hostel in the city, saving money on accommodation can make a big difference.

I’d check Central Hostel alongside the other options for your dates because hostel prices can change quite a lot depending on when you’re visiting.

Location: Central Riga
Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, cheap accommodation

Book Here: Central Hostel

Lighthouse Hostel & Rooms

If you don’t want a big social backpacker hostel, Lighthouse Hostel & Rooms is another option worth looking at.

It’s a smaller and more straightforward place to stay, so I’d consider it more if you’re looking for somewhere to sleep and don’t particularly care about having activities and a huge common area.

It’s also in a convenient part of Riga, making it easy enough to explore the city while staying somewhere a little less focused on the social hostel experience.

I’d compare it with the other hostels on this list if you’re traveling as a couple, want a private room, or simply prefer a quieter place to stay.

Location: Central Riga
Best for: Quieter stays, private rooms, couples, travelers who don’t need a social hostel

Book Here: Lighthouse Hostel & Rooms

How to Choose a Hostel in Riga

When choosing between hostels in Riga, I’d start with the location.

If this is your first time in Riga and you only have a few days, staying close to the Old Town or central Riga will make things much easier. Riga is relatively easy to explore on foot, so you don’t necessarily need to stay directly inside the Old Town.

For solo travelers who want to meet people, I’d look at Cinnamon Sally or Tree House first.

If location is your biggest priority, Blue Bird Boutique Hostel puts you right in Riga Old Town.

If you’re trying to spend as little as possible, compare Central Hostel with the other options based on your dates.

And if you don’t really care about the social hostel experience, Lighthouse Hostel & Rooms is worth checking for a quieter stay.

Best Hostels in Riga: Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for hostels in Riga, I would personally start with Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel. I stayed there on my first trip to Riga and it’s still my favorite option on this list.

Blue Bird Boutique Hostel is the one I’d choose if staying in the Old Town is your priority, while Tree House is another great option for solo travelers who want a social atmosphere.

If you’re traveling on a budget, compare Central Hostel with the other options, and if you want somewhere quieter, look at Lighthouse Hostel & Rooms.

Ultimately, Riga is a pretty easy city to explore, so you don’t have to overthink where you stay. Pick a hostel that fits your budget and the type of trip you’re having, and you’ll be able to explore most of the city without too much hassle.