Riga Nightlife: The Complete Party Weekend Guide + Bonus

If I were to answer the following question: Which city has the best nightlife in the world?

Riga would be my answer without any doubt. And I know it’s a bold statement. But there are two specific reasons why.

Reason 1:

I’ve lived in Riga for 3 years in my early 20’s. At that time weekends meant parties. And sometimes being the host of party weekends for my friends within a group of 3 to +10 people. All different times of the year, on different occasions.

That resulted in a fair amount of hours and money (and health) invested in researching this particular field.

Reason 2:

I’ve had the pleasure of partying in the majority of Western countries for comparison.

USA (Miami, LA, and New York), and 22 out of the 27 countries within the EU.

That’s a lot of beer! And shots in many not-so-natural colors!

On top of that. In Riga, you can do everything from visiting the beautiful and peaceful churches in Old Riga.

Or low-key shooting grenade launchers and MINIGUNS. And oh, throw a couple of hand grenades too. With the company of an army of midgets or strippers. 

If you’re into those kinds of things of course. I’ll show you how later in the article.

Why You Should Visit Riga Regardless of the Nightlife

The plan is to show you how you’ll have the most action-packed weekend in Riga possible.

But before we go full-throttle on the partying topic. I want to emphasize:

Riga and Latvia, in general, have so much more to offer

If you like good-hearted people. Great food at cheap prices. Beautiful architecture. Old towns. Skiing. Hiking. Outdoor activities. Sovjet history. Eastern Europe, etc.

Then a visit is already set for success.

📌 TIP: Did you know that Latvian women are the tallest on the planet, with an average height of  5' 6" (170 cm)?

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1. Best Places to Stay for Partying in Riga 🤩

First things first.

The best to stay for partying is Old Riga. It’s the best place to stay no matter the reason you’re visiting Riga.

Let’s take a quick look at the best options you have.

🛌 Best Hostel: The Naughty Squirrel

🤩 9.5 out of 10

✅ Book now and secure the best price with Hostelworld.com

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🏨 Best Hotel: Relais Le Chevalier

🤩 9.0 out of 10

✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com

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🤑 Best Luxury Hotel: Grand Hotel Kempinski

🤩 9.5 out of 10

✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com

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2. Transportation Hacks

This is most likely what you’ll be spending your first money on when arriving in Latvia. 

But not the majority of your money.

It’s so cheap, that when I was living there, my business partners and I took a taxi to the office every day. The cost of a car + parking in the center wasn’t worth it.

But it’s necessary to know which taxis to take, and which you should avoid.

Which Taxis to Take (The Good Guys)

1. The Bolt app is what you want. 

Also formerly known as Taxify.

It’s like Uber. But it was founded in the neighboring country Estonia.

Today it runs globally with a €150 Mio revenue in 2019 ($180 Mio).

2. You can also take a taxi on the street – though usually, it will cost you a little bit more.

In that case only go for the green “AirBaltic” taxies, or the red “Red Cab” taxies. They are somewhat similar in price.

Warning

One time I picked up a group of friends at the airport, and we took a large taxi from AirBaltic.

I did notice that the taximeter wasn’t on after driving for 20 min. or so. Aka the driver tried to scam us. 

When I showed him my local AirBaltic membership card he started sweating. Little did he know, that I was living there.

He tried to justify it by saying his taxi was full, even though that did not influence the price.

So still make sure the taximeter is on.

Which Taxis to Avoid (The Bad Guys)

In general any other except the ones from above. 

In desperate times, due to low availability and high demand during night hours.

I’ve had the experience of paying €20-25 for a ride ($30-36). Which should have cost €5-10 ($6-12). 

In other words, you’re getting ripped off. Especially if you’re a foreigner, drunk, or both.

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3. Food n’ Drinks

Try not to arrive too late on your first day. This will give you a better opportunity to spoil yourself with a nice dinner.

Rozengrāls: The Medieval Experience

It’s located on Rozena 1 in Old Riga. In a cellar from 1293. 

That’s a lot of years.

Not far from the entrance, you’ll find a horse caravan. Parked right outside.

The staff is dressed up like in the Middle Ages. There are almost no electronic lights, and swords and armor are hanging on the walls. 

And you won’t even find Coca-Cola on the menu card. The reason is it wouldn’t be immersive in contrast to everything else.

Sometimes there’s even live music. But not of the annoying too-loud kind. We’re talking smooth sounds made by flutes and other historic instruments.

I recommend trying their complimentary bread, grilled pumpkin, and honey beer. 

To be honest, the food is pretty average, but the experience is high quality.

If you’re visiting during the high season (June-August), booking a table is a good idea.

You can check out their website here.

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Gan Bei: Offering the Tastiest Asian Dish I’ve Ever Tried

I’ve been traveling in Asia for around 1 year at the time of writing.

So it’s a little ironic, that the best single Asian dish I’ve ever had I found in Riga. 

The dish I’m referring to is their Homemade cheese with Masala sauce + Spicy Thai-style rice with basil and egg.

That combination is out of this world. All the people I’ve introduced to it have agreed with me so far.

The other food they serve is also pretty tasty.

Also, my favorite beer in the whole wide world is on their menu card. 

The name of the beer is Valmiermuiža (light). It’s so good.

My second favorite Mežpils (light) is also to be found.

Those are local beers that you can buy in most restaurants, shops, supermarkets, etc. 

Though there are several restaurants around the city. The best location is on top of Galleria Riga on Dzirnavu iela 67 in the center. 

The reason being it’s in the center, and on a roof terrace with a nice view.

You can check out their website here.

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Lido: The Local Food Experience

Imagine missing out on the local food of a country you’re visiting.

Only to realize it when you’re on your return flight or back home. When it’s too late. 

Let’s make sure that won’t happen.

And if “Gopnik” or “Life of Boris” rings a bell to you. Then you can’t miss out on trying their Kvass on tap either. 

Kvass is a traditional fermented Slavic and Baltic beverage made from rye bread. I would lie if I said I like it, but it’s an experience. Think dark bread meets Sangria.

You’ll find Lido’s all over Latvia as well. But my favorite one is found on Dzirnavu iela 74/76 in the center.

For this reason being less crowded, more spacey, and with an authentic environment.  

You can check out their website here.

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Junk Food: Early AM Food

Imagine you’re on your way back home from a good old night out.

How does some greasy and salty junk food at a very low-cost sound to you?

It’s less than 50% of the prices compared to Denmark.

If this sounds like the trade of your life, this is for you.

The only place offering food up until 6 am. in Old Riga is the McDonalds on Zigfrīda Annas Meierovica bulvāris 18 at the “main” entrance of Old Riga.

Do notice that it’s closed for 1 hour between 6-7 am.

📌 TIP: Avoid the food from Narvesen. It's so bad. Even if you're drunk, you want to spare your tastebuds. 

It's the shops that seem like a Baltic answer to 7-eleven. Though they aren't open 24/7. You won't miss them. 

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Krejums Chips: The Local King of Chips

These bad boys could take the #1 spot in the “Sour cream and onion” chips league.

You can buy them in most supermarkets or Narvesen shops.

They’re especially tasty if you’re hungover. 

Or could be the perfect souvenir for friends and family at home.

Though it takes up a little space in your luggage of choice. The taste could likely be worth it though, and better than other souvenirs like magnets, etc.

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4. Top 11 Best Bars and Clubs in Riga + Bonus and Secrets

Now that you know what to tell your family when they ask you about your plans. 

And you’ve treated yourself to some tasty food and initial drinks. Then you’re ready for real adventures. 

Let’s finally get into all the juicy stuff!

Including:

• The must-experience bars and clubs (unique stuff)
• The epic DIY pub crawl in Old Riga (7 stops + map route)
• Techno clubs (like in real Techno – not EDM)
• And more…

Top 9 Best Bars and Clubs in Riga by a Local (2024)

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5. Top 9 Things to Do in Riga Sorted by Adrenaline + Bonus

Since you can’t be partying all day.

Or you could. But…

You might want to experience more amazing things that Riga has to offer during daylight.

Including:

• Shooting grenade launchers, miniguns, or throwing hand grenades (but Desert Eagles are fun too)
• Experiencing the Saw simulator escape room. If getting a bag over your head, and handcuffed is your thing (like in the movie “Saw”)
• Visiting waterparks with intense waterslides (with names such as “Kamikaze”)
• The best casino (with free entrance and free bar while playing)
• And more…

Top 9 Things to Do in Riga Sorted by Adrenaline + Bonus (2024)

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6. The Most Important Thing; Have Fun and Collect Those Priceless Memories! But…

Remember to be respectful.

Of course, I assume that you’re a sensible adult. If you’ve read this far already, I mean, then you’re able to focus is above average.

And I only include this chapter because it’s a nightlife guide.

That means I know chances are you’re gonna be intoxicated by more than good experiences. Hint: Alcohol.

This especially applies to larger groups traveling together.

The group mentality can unfortunately creep up on the best of us. And we forget that it’s not always a private party. I’m guilty of that as well!

But before annoying anyone, remember that you’re not only embarrassing yourself. You’re also representing the country you’re from.

I 100% believe that an individual’s actions can’t reflect a whole country, religion, etc. Or the other way around. But people tend to judge this way.

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Bonus: Consider Learning These 5 Simple Latvian Words and Phrases

Getting to know a few words in the country you visit is always a good idea. 

It is a great way to connect more with the locals, show interest in their country, and make friends.

And if you’re a single dude or dudette. Then you won’t appear less charming to the locals if you know yourself around a few Latvian words.

Click the links to hear the pronunciation:

• Hi: Sveiki
• Yes: Jā
• No: Nē
• Thank you: Paldies
• Have a nice day: Jauku dienu
• (Extra) You have nice hair – can I have one?: Jums ir jauki mati, vai man var būt?
  
  If you’re out to flirt and creepy is your style. The last one is for you.
  
  However, do notice this isn’t confirmed by Google, so the safe bet would be to keep it in English (or skip it)…