Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a vibrant city known for its art nouveau architecture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 632,614 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | up to 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; major banks include Swedbank, SEB, and Luminor. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like LMT and Tele2 offer competitive mobile data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, TransferWise, and local banks are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnbs, hostels, and serviced apartments. Average prices for long-term rentals: €400-€800/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Talisman and Red Nose Hostel are good budget options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town (Vecrīga) is the historical heart of the city. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The City Center and quieter neighborhoods like Āgenskalns offer good amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Fabrika and Teikums are popular coworking spaces with good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Rocket Bean Roastery offers great coffee and a good work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are held regularly through platforms like Meetup.com, especially in tech. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Riga Expats Facebook Group organizes regular meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used for rides in Riga. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Juuve and Circ offer bike and e-scooter rentals around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jūrmala Beach, about 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | airBaltic is the primary carrier serving the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and KLM operate frequent flights from Riga. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A1 highway connects Riga to other major Latvian cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Riga Central Station is the main transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Riga Card offers unlimited access to public transport, starting at €20/week. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available to get to nearby towns like Sigulda and Cēsis. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Riga East Clinical University Hospital for comprehensive healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Riga offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym24 and MyFitness offer various fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries like Wash & Go are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Bolt Food are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Grey Peas with Bacon, a traditional Latvian dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan and Vegetarian places like Raw Garden and Alla Pugačova. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try popular bakeries like Saldais Rūķis for delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market for fresh produce, meats, and traditional foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplace with options include 220.lv and VaruNoRiga.lv. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rimi and Maxima have delivery options available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Miera iela neighborhood is popular for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Aldaris Brewery for local beer tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Try Vīna Studija for a variety of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food festivals occur regularly; look for trucks in the city center. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Lido offer local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Riga Old Town, House of Blackheads, and the Freedom Monument. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Latvian National Museum of Art showcases local talent. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Riga Castle and St. Peter's Church are key historical attractions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Stunning Riga Cathedral is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Riga City Festival occurs every August, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kalnciema Street is known for its cultural vibe and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Latvian National Theater is renowned for its performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy live music at venues like Palladium and Daile Theater. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the street art in the Miera iela area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offered by various local chefs can be found on platforms like Airbnb Experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerija A4 and Art Museum offer unique exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Dome Cathedral is known for its historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrate Latvian traditions through festivals and events in the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kemeri National Park is a great place for hiking and nature exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gauja National Park is just an hour from Riga and perfect for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many paths along the Daugava River offer great views and leisurely walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The rooftop of St. Peter's Church provides panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bioring in Ķemeri is an excellent spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many parks like Mežaparks allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Latvijas Pasts are reliable for courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair cafés and shops like Fixit offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language donations are available through various local institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Latvia is an excellent place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Riga's community centers offer cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out the events at various e-sport venues in Riga. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Olympic Casino and other establishments offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat tax system of 20% on personal income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to residency and business income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1.5% annual tax rate on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign income is generally not taxed if not residing in Latvia. |