Eksporta Street Quiet Old Riga Apartment

Eksporta Street Quiet Old Riga Apartment sits on a sleepy side lane in the heart of Rīga—just a two‑minute stroll from the main railway station and a quick hop across the bridge to the Old Town. The façade is that classic, weather‑worn brick you see in most 19th‑century Riga buildings, and the flat number 33 is tucked behind a narrow alley that smells faintly of fresh-baked rye bread from the bakery on Lielais Plāksnis. Check‑in was a breeze; the front desk clerk, a friendly young woman with a bright smile, handed over the key card and a handwritten note with the best way to reach the tram stop. There was no long wait, and she pointed out the nearest pharmacy and a coffee shop that serves the best flat‑bread on the corner of Valdemāra iela.

The apartment feels like a homeaway‑from‑home more than a hotel. The living area is bright and airy, with a small, well‑furnished sofa that looks like it could be a throwback to the Soviet era, yet somehow feels modern. The kitchen is fully equipped—there’s a coffee maker that actually works (most places in Riga have the cheap, broken ones), a small refrigerator, and a microwave that sizzles just fine. I spent the afternoon cooking a simple pasta dish using the olive oil from the local supermarket on Pēters Hill, and the aroma of garlic filled the space without overwhelming the senses. The bedroom is centered around a large window that looks out onto a block of apartment buildings; at night the streetlights create a soft, almost lullaby‑like glow. The bathroom is surprisingly spacious, with a rain shower that gives you that satisfying pressurized water feel (no need to wait for the hot water to come on like in some other 3‑star places).

Noise is minimal—Rīga’s traffic hum is almost a background soundtrack, and the building’s thick walls keep the city’s chatter at bay. Parking is a bit of a hunt; there’s a small underground lot a block away, but it’s free for the first hour, which is a lifesaver if you’re in a hurry. In the evenings, the streetlights and the occasional distant laughter from a nearby bar give the area a calm vibe. I visited the local café on Pārdaugava to catch a latte, and it turned out to be a hidden gem—rich, aromatic, and the barista knew how to pull a perfect espresso. For a quick bite, the bakery on Lielais Plāksnis offers rye pastries that are crisp on the outside and chewy inside, a perfect pairing with the cold winter wind. I would recommend staying here if you’re looking for an authentic, unpretentious spot that feels like a slice of everyday Riga life—no “world‑class” fluff, just real, honest comfort and a genuine sense of place.