Experience in Riga, Latvia by Lucie

What is it like to live in Riga? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It is like living in a village with benefit from a Capital city! You can't get bored! Beach is 30 min away from Riga center, forest amlost the same... A lot of shop are open 24 hours, the city never really sleep!

What is the student lifestyle like in Riga?

Awesome!

How much does it cost to live in Riga?

The cost of living in Riga is ok.

The most expensive will be going shopping, they don't have low cost supermarket.

There is only 3 supermarkets brand and no competition to get price lower...

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Riga? Is there any advice you can give?

It is simple to find accomodation, but it is better to be in Riga to get it.

It is complicated to find a flat from your home country, I advice you to stay in a dormitory (residence) for the first month, time to find flatmmates and visit some flats.

Name of dormitory : Green Apple (an hostel in the old town), Kipsala, Rezna and i don't remember the name of the last one (the famous one.. )... sorry!

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Beer, Vodka, Potatoes, Pork, chicken, Soup...

It is ok, you can find cheap restaurant, and also taste some business lunch (Lido, bombardier, shot cafe, berga bazar... )

What places would you recommend visiting in Riga?

Jurmala, the market, and cities around... and if you can go to visit a prison or a bunker!

Open air museum, liberation museum,....

Is it good to eat out in Riga? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Business lunch : Bombardier, Lido, Soul & Chicken, sasliks at mezaparks, and of course : Terrace Riga :)!

Is the nightlife good in Riga? Where is good to go?

As a foreigner in Riga i woulid recommand : French Bar, Ezitis Miglas, Pulkvedis, Soul & Kitchen, kiwi bar, tea house, radio bar, no problem (order at the bar it will be cheaper)!, shot cafe (happy hour from 2 to 3 am), Lenningrad bar, and get some mini card on hotel/ hostel to get disount!

What advice would you give future students headed to Riga?

Just enjoy it! Nothing special more to say....