Doma square Penthouse, in the heart of Old Town

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Riga’s Old Town, but this penthouse on Jauniela street is honestly something else. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately think “okay, this is going to be good”? That’s exactly what happened here. The building itself is one of those gorgeous Art Nouveau gems that Riga does so well – I mean, you’re literally steps from Doma Cathedral, and the street has this incredible medieval vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale. The thing is, Jauniela is this perfect little cobblestone street that most tourists rush past on their way to the main square, but honestly, that’s what makes staying here so special.

The penthouse itself punches way above its 3-star rating – and that 9.3 score makes total sense once you’re actually there. The space feels much more boutique hotel than typical accommodation, with these amazing views over the Old Town rooftops that you’ll probably spend way too much time photographing. What I really loved was how quiet it gets at night (those medieval walls are thick), but during the day you can hear the gentle buzz of the square below, which somehow makes it feel more authentic. The host clearly knows what they’re doing – check-in was smooth, and they actually gave me some solid recommendations for places the guidebooks miss. I particularly appreciated that they mentioned the best times to visit Doma Cathedral without the crowds, which turned out to be spot-on advice.

Here’s the thing about this location though – you’re going to want to pack light or be prepared for those cobblestones with your luggage. But once you’re settled in, everything is walkable. I’m talking 2 minutes to some of the best restaurants in the city, maybe 5 minutes to the Daugava riverfront, and you can basically explore all of Old Town without ever needing transport. The morning light coming through those big windows is incredible, and there’s something pretty magical about having coffee while looking out over centuries-old architecture. Sure, it’s not a massive space – it’s a penthouse, not a palace – but it’s thoughtfully designed and honestly, you’ll probably be out exploring most of the time anyway. If you’re the type who appreciates staying somewhere with character rather than a generic hotel room, and you want to feel like you’re actually living in Riga rather than just visiting, this place delivers. Just book early because word is definitely getting out about this gem.