Budget-friendly hostel in excellent Old Town location. Simple, clean accommodations with essential amenities. Ideal base for exploring Riga on a budget. Helpful staff provide local recommendations and arrange tours.
Red Nose Hostel Downtown is a budget hostel located at Audēju iela 16 in Riga's historic Old Town (Vecrīga), Latvia, placing guests in one of the best possible positions for exploring the city on foot. Audēju iela runs through the core of the medieval district, within two to three minutes' walk of Town Hall Square, the House of Blackheads — Riga's most photographed architectural masterpiece — and the Latvian Occupation Museum, one of the Baltic region's most significant historical institutions. St Peter's Church, whose tower provides one of the best panoramic views of Riga for a modest entry fee, is equally close. The Akmens Tilts (Stone Bridge) over the Daugava River and the riverside promenade are accessible within a ten-minute walk.
The hostel offers simple, clean accommodation suited to budget-conscious travellers who prioritise location over luxury and intend to spend most of their time exploring the city. Shared dormitories are the primary option, with limited private rooms available for guests seeking more privacy. Shared bathroom facilities are noted in reviews for consistent cleanliness. The property includes a shared kitchen for self-catering — particularly useful for budget breakfasts — a common room for socialising and trip planning, and laundry facilities for longer-stay guests and backpackers on extended European tours. Free Wi-Fi and luggage storage are standard inclusions.
Staff are frequently praised by guests for their helpfulness and willingness to offer local recommendations, from hidden-gem restaurants in the Old Town to practical advice on reaching the Jūrmala beaches or exploring the Gauja National Park. The tour desk assists with arranging transport, sightseeing tickets, and group excursions. Day trips to Sigulda, Cēsis, and Rundāle Palace — three of Latvia's most rewarding regional destinations — are particularly popular with guests using the hostel as a base.
Prices run from approximately €24–52 per night in low season and €32–68 in high season depending on room type, making Red Nose one of the more affordable options for a genuine Old Town address in Riga. Kalku iela and surrounding Old Town streets offer a wide range of cafes, traditional Latvian restaurants, amber shops, and souvenir markets within moments of the hostel entrance.
Amenities
- shared kitchen
- common room
- free wifi
- luggage storage
- laundry
Location
Audēju iela 16, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
56.9481, 24.1098 View on map
Highlights
- Prime Old Town address steps from Blackheads House and Town Hall Square
- Helpful staff providing local recommendations and tour desk assistance
- Shared kitchen and laundry facilities for longer-stay budget travellers
- One of the most affordable bases for exploring Riga's medieval centre
- Within minutes of the Latvian Occupation Museum and St Peter's Church tower
Tips for visiting
- The St Peter's Church tower lift is a two-minute walk and offers the best Old Town panorama for a small entry fee
- Stock up at the nearby Rimi supermarket on Kalku iela for self-catering breakfast in the shared kitchen
- Ask staff about the free walking tours of Old Town, which typically depart from Town Hall Square daily in summer
- Book in advance for summer weekends — Old Town hostel beds in Riga sell out weeks ahead in July and August
Accessibility
The hostel is located in an older Old Town building and is unlikely to offer full wheelchair accessibility. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel before booking to discuss step access, elevator availability, and suitable room options.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Red Nose Hostel Downtown located?
The hostel is at Audēju iela 16 in Riga's Old Town, within a two-to-three-minute walk of Town Hall Square, the House of Blackheads, and major Old Town museums.
Does Red Nose Hostel have private rooms?
The hostel primarily offers shared dormitories, with limited private rooms available — availability should be confirmed when making a booking.
Can guests do laundry at the hostel?
Yes, laundry facilities are available for guest use; enquire at reception for machine availability and any applicable fees.
Is the hostel close to public transport?
Old Town is primarily a pedestrian zone; tram stops at Kalku iela and Rātslaukums are within five minutes' walk, connecting guests to all main Riga districts.