2 level apartments in Old Town

2 level apartments in Old Town sits on 4 Torņa iela, right in the heart of Riga’s cobblestoned Old Town—just a stone’s throw from the iconic Riga Cathedral and the bustling Vīķe-Ferīces Street. When I first walked up the narrow, lantern-lit steps, I felt like I’d stepped back into a postcard. The front desk was a small, charming wooden counter; the staff were friendly but no doubt pressed for time during the summer rush. Check‑in was quick—just a few minutes of paperwork—and they handed me a keycard that opens the front door and the elevator that takes you up to your apartment. I was a bit surprised to find a small, well‑kept shared lounge on the ground floor, perfect for a quick coffee from the local café, Torņa Kafija, which is literally across the street.

The apartment itself is a cozy two‑level flat, a layout that’s actually handy for travelers who want privacy from the city’s nighttime buzz. The first floor hosts a kitchenette that’s surprisingly spacious, complete with a dishwasher, a decent stove, and a small fridge. I left my groceries in the fridge and you’ll notice the fridge door has a little sticker from the local “Rīgas Rievi” bakery that keeps it smelling sweetly of rye. The living area on the second floor has a fold‑out sofa that turns into a bed—great for an extra guest or a late‑night nap after a long day exploring the old town’s medieval lanes. The décor is a mix of modern minimalism and rustic touches; the walls have canvas prints of Riga’s skyline at sunset, and the windows look out onto the whisper‑quiet streets of Torņa iela—no city traffic noise, just the occasional murmur of tourists and the distant bells from St. Peter’s Church. The bathroom is small but functional, with a shower that’s a little steamy—perfect for rinsing off after a day of walking on cobbles.

What really pulls you in is how the place feels like an insider’s tip rather than a tourist trap. I found a small, handwritten map on the wall listing the nearest bus stops and the best way to catch the tram that loops around the Old Town—bus 14 or the tram 2, depending on the season. Speaking of seasons, I stayed in late spring, so the streets were bustling with locals and the market stalls were full of fresh produce. There’s a small, family‑run bakery on Pils Street—just a ten‑minute walk—where you can grab a fresh rye bread and a cup of strong Latvian coffee before heading out. The only downside I noticed was that the elevator sometimes makes a little squeak when it stops, but honestly, it’s a minor quirk in an otherwise smooth experience.

Parking is a bit of a challenge—there’s no dedicated parking for the building, so if you’re driving, you’ll need to find a street‑side spot on Lielā Street or one of the pays and park garages a block away. I ended up using the garage at 15 Lielā Street, which was a quick 60‑second drive and very affordable. The noise level is surprisingly low for an Old Town property; the sound of the city is muffled by the stone walls and the building’s old timber frame. In the evenings, you can hear the faint clink of glasses from the nearby tavern, “Brauerei Riga,” but it doesn’t disturb the peaceful vibe inside the apartment.

If you’re planning a trip, I’d suggest booking during the shoulder season—late April to early June or late September to October. The hotel is less crowded, and you’ll avoid the tourist crowds that fill the streets of Old Town during July and August. The staff are usually more relaxed then, and you’ll get a better rate. In terms of local vibes, I love that the building feels part of the neighborhood rather than a separate bubble. The small garden on the roof—accessible by a ladder from the second floor—offers a quiet spot to sip your morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the city. It’s a hidden gem that locals use to escape the hustle. All in all, staying at 2 level apartments in Old Town felt less like a hotel stay and more like a short, comfortable home visit, giving me the perfect base to dive into Riga’s history and culture without the tourist‑centric feel. Enjoy your stay, and remember to check out the little cafés and bakeries on the corner of Torņa iela and Pils Street—you’ll find the best local pastries there.