Fantastic Studio apartment in the heart of Riga

Fantastic Studio apartment in the heart of Riga Overview

Fantastic Studio apartment in the heart of Riga—you know, when I first walked up to Merkela Street 7, I was instantly struck by how cozy the block feels, even though it’s smack in the middle of the city. The building itself is a classic 1930s brick structure, and the lobby has that old‑world charm with a small café on the ground floor that locals use as a meeting spot. The staff were quick to greet me, but they also took a moment to point out that the elevator is a bit of a relic—so if you’re lugging a lot of luggage, you might want to carry it up a few flights or use the service elevator that runs by the stairwell. Check‑in was smooth, and they handed me a key card that works for the door and also for the shared laundry room on the second floor.

Inside the studio, it’s a neat blend of minimalist Scandinavian décor and practical touches that a frequent traveler will appreciate. The living area opens out onto a small balcony that faces a quiet side street, so you can catch the city’s morning bustle without the noise of the main road. The bed itself is a full‑size with a mattress that feels like a cloud—though the sheets are a touch thin, so I’d recommend bringing a blanket for the first night if you’re sensitive to cold. The kitchenette is surprisingly well-equipped for a one‑room setup: there’s a coffee maker that actually makes a decent espresso (just be careful with the water pressure), a small fridge, a kettle, and a set of basic utensils. I found the microwave to be a lifesaver after a long day of walking; just remember to put a cup of water in it for the popcorn, or you’ll end up with a smoky kitchen. The bathroom is compact but functional, with a rain shower that’s a treat on hot summer days. The only downside I noticed was the tiny window that lets in a draft in the winter, so if you’re staying during the colder months, you’ll want to bring a light jacket or a small fan.

What really makes this place a winner for me is how connected it feels to the neighborhood. From the front door, you can see the colorful façades of the nearby Mežaparks district, and a short walk brings you to Āgenskalns, where the cafés spill onto the sidewalks and the tram whistles past. I stopped by a little bistro called “Rūta” on the corner of Merkela and Pēterija—had a latte that was just the right strength, and the barista gave me a tip on the best pastries to pair with it. If you’re looking for authentic Latvian cuisine, head over to “Bistro Lielais” on Lielā iela. I’ll be honest, the parking is a bit of a hassle if you’re driving; there’s a small paid lot a block away, but it’s usually full during peak festival season. Luckily, the city bike lanes are super clear, and there’s a bike rack right outside the building so you can lock up your ride and explore the city on two wheels. The noise level is generally calm, except for the occasional honking from the main road on Merkela Street, which is just a reminder that you’re in the city center. If you’re a light sleeper, I’d recommend getting up a bit early to avoid the early morning tram traffic, but otherwise, it’s quiet enough for a good night’s rest.

I’d recommend staying here if you want to be in the middle of everything without paying for a high‑end hotel. The price point is reasonable for a 3‑star rating, and the staff’s friendly attitude makes the experience feel more personal than a corporate chain. The only thing you might miss is a larger kitchen if you’re planning to cook a lot, but for a couple of days or a quick stopover, it’s more than sufficient. The location offers easy walking access to the Old Town, the Central Market, and the beautiful Riga Cathedral—all within a 15‑minute stroll. And if you’re staying during the summer, the balcony is a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Daugava River, while in winter you can enjoy the glow of street lamps and the scent of fresh bread from a nearby bakery. Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers who value authenticity, convenience, and a touch of local flavor.

Fantastic Studio apartment in the heart of Riga Accommodations

Reviews of Fantastic Studio apartment in the heart of Riga

• Fantastic apartment, very cossy – Diana from Kenya – 6 July 2025 (8/10)

  The bed was extremely comfortable. Felt like home
  
  What could be improved: Could add an iron box and board

• Great quiet apartment – Ahmad from Malaysia – 29 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great apartment. A small studio, but the space was designed very thoughtfully. We had everything we could think of to make it a great stay. Complete kitchen with all the basic cooking stuffs you need (salt, sugar, pepper, oil, tea, coffee, etc). The kitchen even has a water filter even though the tap water in Riga is safe for drinking. The work desk setup is comfortable. The water pressure in the shower is great. You'd get hot water immediately. Bed is also comfortable. The apartment was very quiet when we stayed there. Location is also fantastic, theres a mall within 5 minutes walk that has Lido, supermarket, gyms etc. Its walking distance to go to the old town, the central bus and train station (we actually just walked to the bus station to leave the city). The wifi was fast and stable. Would love to stay again in the future if back in town.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was a very pleasant stay.

• Exceptional – Mahyar from Netherlands – 11 February 2025 (10/10)

  Good location and perfect studio👍🏼

• It’s a 10+ , AMAZING APARTMENT – Edmondo from Italy – 12 January 2025 (10/10)

  Everything, everytime I am in Riga I will choose this apartment!! So warm and the position is so perfect!
  
  What could be improved: I loved everything

• Exceptional – Deirdre from Netherlands – 22 August 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, small but everything you need, quiet. A comfortable hide away! Good price/quality.

• Comfortable and perfectly located flat – Rishabh from United Kingdom – 8 July 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location, very easy to get to the main sites and also right next to food sources and cafes. Good space with a well equipped kitchen and storage facilities, and a nice bathroom. Host is very responsive and helpful (and friendly!). Bonus: great WiFi + a standing desk – ideal for a working holiday
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Ideal for short solo stay – Katherine from United States – 25 May 2024 (10/10)

  Pretty clean, quiet, and well located to anywhere you probably want to go in Riga, by foot or public transportation. The host replied quickly to my messages. It's great for one or maybe two people. It was really nice to have the streaming services on the TV and the washing machine too.
  
  What could be improved: Like other reviewers have said, I think this apartment could be improved by adding a small microwave.

• Petit studio apartment in the heart of Riga – Nicoleewatts from New Zealand – 3 January 2024 (9/10)

  Great little studio apartment in the heart of Riga. Compact but had a kitchenette and bathroom with washing machine. The bed was really comfortable and there was plenty of storage space to unpack into. Host was great at communicating.
  
  What could be improved: Kitchenette needs more supplies. The frying was only large enough to fry an egg and the pot a cup of water – this is not practical for preparing meals at all. There weren't any utensils to use – we had to purchase our own spatula to use in with the frying pan!
  
  Washing machine was great but there was a load of (presumably) dirty towels in there when we arrived. There was also not really any space for drying the clothes. The drying rack would be better if it was one that could fit into the shower space (and out of the way) so it doesn't have to sit right next to the bed when we were sleeping.

• Exceptional – Jūratė from Lithuania – 12 June 2023 (10/10)

  The photos correspond to reality. Very comfortable bed.
  
  What could be improved: No microwave and iron.

• extraordinary – Anonymous from Estonia – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was nice and cozy
  
  What could be improved: everything was perfect

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