Cosy 2-room apartment near the city centre

Cosy 2-room apartment near the city centre Overview

Cosy 2-room apartment near the city centre sits at 59 Bruņinieku iela, right on the edge of Riga’s old town—so close to the main square that you can practically hear the bells of St. Peter’s Church from the living room. When I first stepped into the building, the concierge handed me a keycard with a friendly smile and a quick rundown: the elevator is a bit old but works fine, and the building’s front door opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. (no 24/7 access, but that’s fine because most of the action happens in the city centre, not in the basement). The apartment itself is a neat two‑room layout—one bedroom with a queen bed and a small walk‑in closet that’s surprisingly roomy for a city flat, and a living area that opens onto a tiny balcony. On a clear day, you can see the spire of Riga Cathedral poking out in the distance, which is pretty cool if you’re into skyline photography.

Honestly, the vibe inside is very laid‑back. The walls are painted a muted olive, and the furnishings are a mix of mid‑century and modern—like a local artist’s studio that’s been repurposed for guests. The kitchenette is practically a dream for someone who likes to cook a quick meal: you’ve got a full-size fridge, a double‑bank stove, a compact fridge‑freezer combo, and a coffee machine that actually makes decent espresso—great for the mornings when you want a quick caffeine fix before heading out to the Central Market. The bathroom is a little cramped but clean, with a rain shower that’s surprisingly gentle and a set of fluffy towels that feel like a hug. I did notice that the fan in the bathroom is a bit loud, so if you’re a light sleeper, you might want to bring earplugs for the first night.

Parking is a bit of a hassle; there’s no dedicated parking lot in the building, so you’ll have to rely on street parking. I parked on the corner of Bruņinieku iela and Āstrītes iela, which is a short walk to the apartment, and the city’s parking meters are straightforward—just a quick tap on your phone. During the busy summer months, you might find it a bit trickier to snag a spot, but in the off‑season, it’s usually a breeze. Noise-wise, the apartment is fairly insulated: the street noise from the tram line is muffled, but you can still hear the occasional honk or the hum of a passing bus. At night, it’s genuinely quiet—perfect for a late‑night Netflix binge or a good book. The only real “noise” I mentioned is the old building’s creaking when the elevator stops, but that’s part of the charm.

The only downside I found was the Wi‑Fi—sometimes the signal hiccups right before you’re about to upload a photo of that stunning balcony view. The provider’s name is “RigaNet,” and they’ve got a decent speed plan, but when I was uploading a photo to Instagram, it froze for a few seconds. If you’re a digital nomad, you might want to double‑check the signal with your laptop before you sign in. Also, the keycard system can be a little confusing if you’re not used to it; the apartment’s door has an electronic lock that requires you to swipe the card, but the instructions are in Latvian, so a quick Google Translate is handy.

What I loved most was how the apartment feels like a home away from home. The host sent a welcome bag with local pastries—thin, flaky rye, and a small jar of honey from a nearby beekeeper—so you could taste a bit of Latvian flavor right away. They also left a list of their favourite cafés and bars nearby: “Vietējās Brāļi” for coffee, “Rīgas Kafija” for a casual brunch, and “Bavārija” for a nightcap if you’re looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The whole experience was warm and relaxed, with just enough local flavor to make you feel like you’re part of the city rather than just visiting it. If you’re planning a trip to Riga and want a cozy, well‑situated spot that’s not too touristy, this place is definitely worth a try.

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