Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Latvia

Accommodation

$12-30 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms, basic private rooms with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Local markets, grocery stores for self-catering, traditional Latvian canteens, street food, bakeries

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public buses, trams, walking, occasional regional buses between cities

Activities

$5-15 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, beaches, some museums on discount days, self-guided exploration

Shop at local markets and supermarkets instead of tourist areas for food - typically 40-60% cheaper than restaurants

Use public transportation exclusively instead of taxis - can save 70-80% on daily transport costs

Visit museums on free or discount days, usually mid-week - often 50% off regular admission prices

Book accommodation outside city centers but near public transport - typically 30-50% cheaper with easy access

Eat your main meal at lunch when many restaurants offer set menus - usually 40-60% less than dinner prices

Purchase city tourist cards for multiple attractions - can provide 20-40% savings on combined entries

Cook some meals if staying in places with kitchen facilities - can reduce food costs by 60-70%

Eating only in Old Town Riga tourist zones instead of local neighborhoods - typically costs 100-150% more

Taking taxis for all transportation instead of learning the public transport system - 4-5x more expensive

Not checking seasonal pricing when booking - can pay 40-60% more during peak summer months

Booking last-minute accommodation during festival periods - often 200-300% higher than advance bookings