Enjoy city life in vibrant RIGA

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Only 4 hours away from Vilnius, the capital of Latvia has a lot to offer for every kind of visitor: beautiful boulevards to stroll along, numerous parks for recreation and a large old town for architecture and history freaks. Since Riga is the biggest city in the baltic states, this is the place to get the dose of vibrant city life you need. Definitely a place you should add to your ERASMUS Experience!




How to get there?


The easiest way to go there from Vilnius is by coach. There are regular connections at least every 2 hours operated by Ecolines and LuxExpress. Ecolines scores with somewhat lower fares (11-15 EUR one way with ISIC discount) whereas LuxExpress is more expensive (16-21 EUR one way) but offers a more luxurious journey with plane-like entertainment systems and hot drinks for free.

Important advice
Do not forget to bring your ID card or passport! Although you travel within the EU and there is no regular border control between Lithuania and Latvia, you are supposed to show personal documents when entering the bus. Drivers license or other documents are not accepted.




Where to sleep?


You want it cheap? Check out Smart Hostel! Located near the train and coach station as well as directly in the center, this is the perfect base for your Riga experience. You can get a bed in a 10-12 people dorm for around 5 Euro per night. Tea and Coffee as well as good advice from roommates is for free.

Where to eat?


Directly in the center of the old town you can find ‘Folkklub Ala’. Although rather touristy, this place offers a cozy atmosphere in a historic basement, local food specialities and on some days even live music. Prices are acceptable even with a student’s budget:


                Small beer (0,3 l): 2,00 EUR

                Cheese & bread platter: 3,00 EUR

                Propper meals: 6,00 - 10,00 EUR


Best (free) sights


The best way to get an overview over the main sights quickly is taking one of the FREE city tours. Young, friendly and well informed guides make this tour relaxed and enjoyable. Starting every day in front of the main entrance of St Peter church, there are two tours:

                
10.00 am:
old town tour

12.00 am:
alternative Riga tour, leaving the old town behind, this tour include the central market halls, Moscow district, the Holocaust memorial and much more…

Both tours take approximately 3 hours including a coffee break. 



You want to enjoy the beautiful view over Riga for free? Do not spend your money on entrance fees (St. Peter church: 7,00 EUR, Academy of Sciences: 5,00 EUR)! There is a nice skybar at the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel. It can be entered for free through the hotel lobby and a good coffee for 3,40 EUR is still cheaper.


You want to go to Riga and have more questions? Just ask in the comments! Or you already have had your ERASMUS Experience in Riga and you want to share your advices? Feel free to comment!

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