Unique hostel with integrated pub creating lively social atmosphere. Prime Old Town location in historic building. Mix of dorms and private rooms. Live music and events in pub downstairs. Great for solo travelers seeking nightlife.
Riga Old Town Hostel & Backpackers Pub is a social hostel at Vaļņu iela 43 in the heart of Riga's historic Old Town, Latvia. The property combines hostel accommodation with an integrated pub on the ground floor, creating a social environment that extends naturally from daytime to evening. Vaļņu iela is a central Old Town street that runs close to the Bastejkalns park and the canal promenade marking the boundary between the medieval core and the newer city — the Freedom Monument, one of Riga's most iconic landmarks and a traditional gathering point for locals, is within a ten-minute walk along the boulevard.
The hostel occupies a historic building that reflects the architectural character of the Old Town, with the interior adapted to provide functional hostel accommodation across a mix of shared dormitory rooms and private rooms. Dormitories are equipped with lockers for securing valuables during daytime and nighttime excursions in the city. Shared bathroom facilities, a shared kitchen for self-catering, and a common room provide the practical infrastructure expected of a well-run backpacker hostel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and a tour desk assists guests with arranging sightseeing, transport, and day trips to other Latvian destinations.
The integrated pub is the defining feature that distinguishes this hostel from others in Riga. The bar operates as a genuine social hub where guests and local visitors mix, with live music events held regularly — particularly on weekends during the summer season. The pub serves as the natural gathering point and starting pistol for evenings exploring the broader bar and club scene of the Old Town, which is centred within easy walking distance on the surrounding streets.
Solo travellers consistently cite the pub as the primary reason for choosing this hostel, as it eliminates the awkwardness of walking into unknown bars alone. The Jēkabs Baracks entertainment complex and numerous other live music venues are nearby. Prices range from approximately €26–55 in low season and €34–70 in high season. Riga Central Station is accessible by tram in approximately ten minutes from stops on nearby Kalku iela.
Amenities
- pub
- shared kitchen
- common room
- free wifi
- lockers
- tour desk
Location
Vaļņu iela 43, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
56.9499, 24.1121 View on map
Highlights
- Integrated backpackers pub with live music events — a natural social gathering point
- Prime Old Town location on Vaļņu iela near Bastejkalns park and the Freedom Monument
- Mix of shared dormitories and private rooms for different budget levels
- Tour desk for sightseeing, day trips, and transport arrangements
- Ideal base for exploring Riga's Old Town bar and nightlife scene on foot
Tips for visiting
- Lower-floor rooms closest to the pub will experience the most noise — request an upper-floor room if travelling as a lighter sleeper
- Check the pub's event board on arrival for live music nights during the stay, especially on weekends in summer
- The Freedom Monument is a ten-minute walk — a traditional gathering point for locals and a key spot on Latvia's Independence Day celebrations
- Riga's Old Town is compact and walkable from the hostel; virtually all major sights are reachable within fifteen minutes on foot
Accessibility
The hostel is located in a historic Old Town building and is unlikely to provide full wheelchair accessibility throughout. The cobblestone streets of the surrounding Old Town may present additional challenges for guests with mobility impairments. Guests with specific requirements should contact the hostel before booking.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What makes Riga Old Town Hostel & Backpackers Pub different from other Riga hostels?
The property has an integrated pub with live music events, making it a natural social hub for solo travellers and backpackers who want an active nightlife experience in the Old Town without leaving the building first.
Are private rooms available at the hostel?
Yes, private rooms are available alongside shared dormitories, offering slightly more privacy while maintaining access to all common hostel and pub facilities.
Is the hostel well-located for exploring Riga?
Yes — the Old Town location on Vaļņu iela puts guests within walking distance of almost all major Riga sights, including the Freedom Monument, Dome Cathedral, Blackheads House, and the Bastejkalns park.
Is there noise from the pub in the rooms above?
Rooms near the pub on lower floors may experience noise during busy pub nights and live music events. Lighter sleepers should request upper-floor rooms or use earplugs on weekends.