Riga
A quiet and understated Baltic city.
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Latvia's capital, harmoniously combines old and new elements.
Its varied architecture, historic Old Town, and food culture define it as a notable Baltic destination.
Not enough happening in the town to justify a month-long stay, but sufficient for a weekend city break or a tour of cities in the Baltics. One week is ample.
Not enough happening in the town to justify a month-long stay, but sufficient for a weekend city break or a tour of cities in the Baltics. One week is ample.
Not enough happening in the town to justify a month-long stay, but sufficient for a weekend city break or a tour of cities in the Baltics. One week is ample.
Not enough happening in the town to justify a month-long stay, but sufficient for a weekend city break or a tour of cities in the Baltics. One week is ample.
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Summary
A friend's wedding in Stockholm prompted a visit to Northern Europe, with some cheap flights to Latvia providing a good excuse to visit a new country and spend a couple of weeks before heading West.
Accommodation
No shortage of accommodation options around the city centre and old town. Prices were reasonable, if nothing special.
Places to work
Riga has no shortage of coworking options, with spaces dotted around the east side of the city. The Workland chain
Value
Eating out is good value, with lots of options available across the city.
Working hours
Latvia operates in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone, which aligns well with typical European working hours.
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
Whilst it is a relatively modest city in size, you'd be best off close to one of these areas.
Vecrīga
Avoti
Where to work
Workland Telegraph
The Workland chain has several outfits across the city, with this one being situated right in the heart of the Old Town. As well as an ideal location, it has a top quality fit out, with a well equipped kitchen with a decent coffee machine.
There's plenty of private spaces available for calls and it was a hassle free process to get set up. At the time of visiting, it was particularly quiet (I believe in due to the holiday season) so whilst it was incredibly peaceful, it certainly wasn't a hub of activity.
Would certainly return to this branch or any other in the chain on a subsequent visit to the Baltics.
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Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
The Latvian government has introduced a digital nomad visa that allows internationals to stay in Latvia for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for another year, while working remotely. This visa aims to promote immigration of qualified individuals who can contribute to Latvia's business industry and economic sector. Authorities believe it will also boost the tourism sector by attracting remote workers. Although not available yet, the digital nomad visa is undergoing final approvals and changes before being officially launched for digital nomads. Updates on requirements and availability will be provided once finalized.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
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Explore the Old Town
The main draw to the city. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, featuring Gothic spires, vibrant facades, and charming squares. it get's particularly busy over the weekends and is the home to much of the areas nightlife.
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Day trip to Jurmala
Only a 30 minute train away from the centre of Riga, Jurmala is famed for its long sand beaches, tranquil pine forests, and charming wooden architecture. If you are a cyclist, there is a great path taking you directly there from the city.
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Get lunch at the Central Market
Housed in five colossal former Zeppelin hangars, the market's diverse stalls showcase the essence of Latvian culture and culinary traditions. Best visited on the weekend when the stalls open early for breakfast.
Duration & season
Late August brought with it a real mix of weather, some lingering hot days from summer combined with some horrendous thunderstorms. The temperatures begin to really drop off coming into Autumn with long, cold winters ahead. I wouldn't be in a rush to head back there to experience the winters, when the accessibility to the great outdoor surroundings may be hindered.
Food & drink
People
Throughout the duration of my stay, the Old Town was a consistent hive of activity with international tourists flooding the streets over the weekends. I wouldn't expect to find many remote workers setting up permenant camp there year round but I did meet a couple of people in the coworking space I was in.
Given there close historical ties to Russia, there's been a significant influx of Russians to the city as a result of the recent turmoil.
Exercise
Bastejkalna Park
Cycle to Jurmala
Coastal Cycle
Verdict
Positives
- A small and manageable city.You'll feel like you know it like the back of your hand within a week.
- Surprisingly warm weather in summer.Whilst not a stereotypical summer destination, there's sufficient heat to head to the beach.
- Good value for money.Still cheaper than other major European capitals.
- Visible tech scene.Latvia like the rest of the Baltics, Riga has a vibrant tech scene making it a suitable place for networking.
Negatives
- Not very exciting.It doesn't feel like there's an awful lot going on, even in the centre of the city. If you are looking for a bustling working environment, I would look elsewhere.
- There seems to be a severe alcohol problem in the city.I can't remember visiting somewhere with so many heavily inebriated people visible on the streets. All of them harmless but by no means a beneficial addition.
- Long, cold winters.Whilst the Baltics capitals can make for a great winter city break, I'd have little interest in spending a prolonged period working there throughout the winter months.
Tips
- I would consider visitng as part of a wider tour of the Baltic cities. I was quite happy to to depart after 2 weeks which felt like more than enough time. Travel between Riga, Vilnius and Tallin is relatively easy and inexpensive.
- Download Bolt before arriving.Taxi's are relatively inexpensive to the city centre from the airport.
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