Old Town Apartment

Old Town Apartment sits on Tirgoņu iela 10, right in the middle of Rīga’s bustling heart, just a stone’s throw from the cobbled lanes of Vecrīga and the lively Zvejnieku iela. I walked in on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, the kind of rain that turns the city into a mirror of neon signs and the distant clatter of trams; the smell of fresh rye bread from the bakery on Līdens Street wafted through the doorway. The reception desk was modest but bright, and the staff—two young locals—gave you a friendly “Sveiki” and handed over a key with a casual nod. (Honestly, the check‑in process was a breeze; no long waits, just a quick chat about the apartment layout and a free bottle of water to keep you hydrated while you settle in.)

Inside, the apartment feels more like a home than a hotel. The living area is spacious, with a plush sofa that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday morning coffee, and a small kitchenette equipped with a kettle, a basic set of cookware, and a glass of local wine if you’re up for a spontaneous tasting. The bedroom is cozy, with a king‑size bed that has that quintessential Riga mattress feel—firm but not too hard. I appreciated the blackout curtains, especially if you’re an early riser and want to wake up to the sunrise over the Daugava. The bathroom is spotless, with a rain shower that’s surprisingly refreshing, and the towels have a soft, almost velvety texture that makes you want to stay longer. Parking is a bit of a gamble; there’s a small street parking spot right outside, but on weekends it can be a real scavenger hunt. If you’re okay with a bit of a walk, you’ll find the public parking garages on Pārdaugava and Ķīpsala a short walk away, and they’re usually cheaper than the ones closer to the city center.

Noise-wise, it’s a mixed bag. During the day, the traffic on Tirgoņu iela is moderate, but the real charm comes in the evenings when the streetlights flicker on and you can hear the distant hum of the city—faint conversations, the buzz of a radio from a nearby café, and the occasional laughter spilling from a bar on Līdens Street. The apartment itself is sound‑proof enough that you can read a book without being interrupted by the city’s nightlife. One small critique: the Wi‑Fi signal is spotty in the upper floors, so if you need a reliable connection for work, you might want to test it before booking. All in all, I’d say this place is a solid 3‑star spot that offers real value. The rating of 8.8 on travel sites reflects what I experienced: a comfortable stay, good local vibes, and a touch of Latvia’s unique charm that you just can’t find in a chain hotel. If you’re planning a trip during the summer heat, consider booking early, as the area gets busier around the Summer Festival. On quieter nights or in the winter, you’ll get that serene vibe while still staying close to the best of Rīga’s food, music, and history.