Free Stuff in Riga

Thanks to high inflation, Latvia is not as wallet-friendly as it used to be, for visitors and locals alike. Here's roughly what you can expect to pay for some essential items:

• a cup of coffee - 2.50 euros,
• a decent burger and fries (not McDonalds) - 10 euros,
• a pint of local beer - 5 euros,
• a bus ticket to/from the airport - 2 euros,
• a Bolt (Uber-equivalent) to/from the airport - 15 euros
• a return train ticket to Jūrmala - 4 euros

But happily, there are plenty of things to do that cost nothing at all (or are still ridiculously cheap). So, after your tour, here is your penny-pincher's guide to the Latvian capital!

Make sure to also check out What's on in Riga for weekly arts and entertainment info.

Bring some ID to get a visitor's pass (it only takes a minute) and you can wander around the National Library of Latvia free of charge. There are always several exhibitions running, and the views of Riga from inside are spectacular.

Usually, entry to Doma Cathedral costs 5 euros. But you can come inside and hear its famous organ by coming to a church service, Mon-Sat at 8:00, Sun at 12:00 and Thu at 18:00.

Most Catholic and Orthodox churches, including the Orthodox Cathedral, are open to visitors for free.

Housed in the medieval Powder Tower, the War Museum of Latvia  has several floors of absorbing military history. Don't miss the shrapnel-shredded 4WD donated by Latvians to Ukraine.

The first floor of Riga's former KGB Headquarters has a chilling exposition on the building's past. That's free, but don't miss a paid tour of the basement cells.

Many Jewish heritage sites are free of charge, including the "Jews in Latvia" Museum, the Riga Ghetto Museum and the Žanis Lipke Memorial.

The Mežaparks Grand Bandstand and a museum dedicated to the Latvian Song Festivals are open free of charge every day from 08:00-20:00. While in Mežaparks (tram 11 to "Mežaparks"), you can also wander the hiking trails and admire the pre-1914 villas for free. Riga Zoo charges entry but is worth a look.

Riga's cemeteries are fascinating places to discover. Wander round the old tombs of the disused Great Cemetery (tram 11 to "Kazarmu iela), admire the sculptures at the Brothers Cemetery military memorial (tram 11 to Brāļu kapi"), and explore the forest setting and artistic memorials of the huge Meža kapi next door.

Enjoy a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic in Riga's many beautiful parks. Arkādijas Park (tram no. 10 to the stop "Arkādijas parks) has delightful waterfalls and streams. Viesturdārzs (tram no. 7 to "Ausekļa iela" is Riga's oldest park and has a monument to the first Song Festival. The park on Ķīpsala Island (just over the Cable Bridge) boasts a gym, a kid's playground, a beach on the Daugava and spectacular views of Old Riga.

Join me for a daytrip to Ķemeri  National Park, spectacular Sigulda or historic Kurzeme.