Experience in Riga, Latvia by Eva

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

If you like big cities that are always in move then yes, you will like it, because in Riga, especially in Riga the centre is big crowd and very loud. I like its beautiful landscapes and fields, I moved to Riga in 2013 and I don't regret it, there are so many attractive and worth people to know and the culture is very nice, the atmosphere also is very nice, because, when you are in Riga, you feel like- everything is possible.

What is the student lifestyle like in Riga?

I am not a student yet, but I know many students who live that student lifestyle. There are two type of students: one of them are people who know what they want and they go for it, they don't go to Old Riga or somewhere else, they always study. Αnd there are other students who love partying, but they also are very good in studying and know their plans for future, what I want to say is that you decide what lifestyle you have in Riga, because there is Old Riga where you can party and dance all night and you can also have a nice place like Krastmala where you can relax and study.

How much does it cost to live in Riga?

If you are lucky and find a nice place to rent and not so expensive, a place to stay will cost you about 130-160 EUR a month, but there are also expensive apartments. You can also live in the university housing and it is not so expensive.

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

Check-in Facebook groups where you can write -dzivokļi, īre, Rīga- something like that, there can be found really nice places to stay and for a very good price.

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

Very nice, really! Some cafes are just fantastic, I am a food lover and I think Riga is a very nice place to get good food. Latvian kitchen is very nice! My favourite is Riviera restaurant, Gan Bei, Burga and Arbooz, where you can buy nice macaron cookies.

What places would you recommend visiting in Riga?

Radison Blue bar, there is a nice panorama up there and also nice cocktails. A lover place is Alberta hotel, that is also nice. First Dacha also is a nice place, this is a night club, but in a very nice place.

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

Yes, but it costs much, I'm not talking about something like McDonald's, but about nice and quality restaurants, if you wanna normally eat out, you pay about 10-15 Eur, but it is worth it. I recommend the street burger if you like burgers with quality meat. Also, I recommend the Riviera restaurant, but the fish restaurants Kalnciema kvartals are also good.

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

Yes, it is very crazy. Folkclub Ala, Rockcafee, Studio69.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Riga?

Go ahead, enjoy your time in Riga because it flies and you have less time to enjoy, meet people, party and don´t be scared, we like other student cultures and we like it if you love living in Riga.