Ex Factory apartment

Ex Factory apartment Overview

I’ve just come back from a weekend in Riga, and honestly, the first thing that struck me was the quirky vibe of Ex Factory apartment. It’s tucked away on Ģertrūdes iela 44, right where the old factory walls meet the modern cafés on Ķīna Street—so you get a splash of that industrial charm without the whole “warehouse” feel. The building itself is a piece of history: its concrete façade still has that faint smell of old oil, but the inside has been refreshed with local artists’ prints and plenty of natural light. I mean, you can see the whole city from the balcony on the third floor, and at night the lights of the Spīķeri Bridge glow like a second skyline.

When you arrive, the check‑in is surprisingly breezy. The front desk is manned by a friendly Latvian woman who speaks a decent amount of English—she even tossed me a PDF with local tips in both languages. She handed over a keycard that’s surprisingly modern; no old-fashioned lock‑tapping, which is a big win if you’re on a tight schedule. Parking is a bit of a hunt, though. The closest spot is a tiny municipal lot on Āgenskalns, a three‑minute walk away, but it’s usually full around lunch time. If you’re okay with a little adventure, you can park on the street, but you’ll need to watch the meter and the occasional “no parking” sign that pops up during the summer festivals.

The apartment itself is a cozy 40‑square‑meter space, but it’s designed to make every inch count. The living area is an open concept, complete with a sofa that actually folds into a bed—great for those who want to stretch out after a long day of strolling. There’s a small kitchenette, and I’ve already tried the fresh baked rye bread from the local bakery on Brīvības iela—delicious! The bathroom has a rainfall shower that’s surprisingly warm, even in Riga’s chilly spring. The noise level is pretty good; the old factory walls keep the city’s bustle at bay, except for that distant hum of the tram on the 5th line. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want a blackout curtain, but otherwise, it’s peaceful.

One thing that really sets this place apart is the neighborhood. Every morning, the city’s coffee culture wakes up the street—local cafés spill out into the sidewalk, and the scent of espresso mixes with fresh pastries. I walked down Ķīna Street and found a tiny Latvian candy shop that sells something called “Rūže” (a kind of sweet, nutty candy), and I swear the owner gave me a secret tip on where to find the best pierogies in Riga. Late at night, the area gets a bit quieter, but you can still hear the occasional barista closing up or a taxi pulling over for a quick refuel. The location is also great for catching the city’s nightlife, as the bars on Vītola Street are just a 10‑minute walk away, and you can hop over to the old harbor for a sunset stroll.

All in all, staying at Ex Factory apartment was a sweet mix of history, comfort, and local flavor. The place is a little off the beaten path but not hard to find—just look for the sign that says “Ģertrūdes iela”. The only downside was the parking situation, but that’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise stellar experience. If you’re planning a trip to Riga and want a spot that feels like a home away from home, this is definitely worth a try. The staff’s warmth, the unique architecture, and the neighborhood’s charm combine to give you a genuine slice of Riga life—something you won’t find at the big chain hotels. The end of the weekend, I left feeling like a local, with a few new memory markers in my mind and a craving for those rye breads in the mornings.

Hotel in Riga booking should be done early, especially during White Nights season when the city hosts internationally celebrated cultural and music events.

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