Riga International Airport (RIX) (https://www.riga-airport.com/) is located approximately 10 km from the city centre. Participants have two main reliable options for transportation: Public Transport or Taxi services.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT (Bus No. 22)
The most economical way to reach the city centre. The bus stop for bus No. 22 to the city centre is in the P1 car park in the middle between arrival exits E and C.
Route & Duration: Bus No. 22 runs directly from the airport to the Central Station area (Stacijas laukums / Abrenes iela) via the city centre. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses depart every 10–30 minutes.
Official Schedule & Route Info: Live timetables and network mapping
(https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/en/).
Ticket Types & Prices: 90-minute time ticket: 1.50 EUR (allows transfers within 90 minutes, must be registered on every vehicle). 24-hour ticket: 5.00 EUR. 3-day ticket: 8.00 EUR (highly recommended for the conference period). On-board single ticket: 1.81 EUR (bought directly from the bus driver, payable by bank card only).
Where and How to Buy Tickets: Via Mobile Apps – download the official Rīgas satiksme app (https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/en/about-us/public-transport-on-your-phone/) or the widely used Mobilly app (https://www.mobilly.lv/en/ welcome-to-mobilly/). You can purchase “Code tickets” directly in the app and activate them by scanning the QR code inside the bus doors. Physical Tickets available at airport ticket vending machines (located at the bus stop) or at Narvesen kiosks (https://narvesen.lv/) on the 1st and 2nd floors of the terminal.
Note: Physical paper tickets must be inserted into the electronic validators inside the bus immediately upon boarding.
TAXI AND RIDE-HAILING SERVICES
For a direct transfer to your hotel. The journey to the city centre takes around 15–20 minutes.
Official Airport Taxis line up on the first rank right outside the Arrivals Hall exits. Only licensed operators—”XTaxi”, “TaksiLV”, and “Baltic Taxi” are authorized to serve this line.
Pre-paid Vouchers can be bought at the RIX Airport Visitor Centre (Arrivals Hall E) for 33.50 EUR. This voucher covers a single trip for up to 4 passengers with luggage to any hotel within the central Riga zone, regardless of traffic or time.
Metered Ride: You can also pay by the meter inside the cab. Ensure the driver turns on the meter immediately.
Warning: Avoid any unlisted private drivers offering fixed cash prices in the arrivals hall, as they charge exorbitant rates.
Mobile App Ride-Hailing Bolt App: The leading ride-hailing application in Latvia. Download the Bolt app (https://bolt.eu/en-lv/), select your destination, and see the exact price before ordering. A standard ride to the center via Bolt typically costs between 12.00 EUR and 18.00 EUR depending on demand.
Note: Uber is not widely used or officially operating transport fleets in Latvia, Bolt is the primary tool.
Ordering Without the App: If you do not have the app downloaded, you can use the digital Bolt self-service screens located at the E and C arrivals exits. You enter your destination, pay directly on the screen with a bank card, get a receipt with the car’s license plate number, and walk to the pick-up zone.
Pick-up Point: All app-ordered rides (Bolt) pick up passengers exclusively at the designated short-term parking lot P1 area (a short 1-minute walk outside the terminal).
ACCOMMODATION
Participants and delegates are kindly requested to arrange their own hotel accommodation in Riga city centre
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel | Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA | Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA | Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel
Price: 25% off the best available online rate on our website! Code: IFLA26
Validity period: 29.07.2026 – 06.09.2026
Stay period: 01.09.2026 – 10.09.2026
Guests can make reservations via our website: https://www.wellton.com/en or by emailing our central reservations department at: reservations@mogotel.com
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga (Elizabetes Street 55, Riga)
We are pleased to offer your conference participants a non-guaranteed booking link providing a 20% discount on the daily rates for all room categories.
Participants will be able to make reservations: online, using a dedicated booking link (which we will prepare upon your confirmation).
Each participant is solely responsible for making and paying for their reservation, subject to the following terms:
free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to arrival;
if the reservation is cancelled less than 72 hours before arrival or in the event of a no-show, the full cost of the booked stay will be charged. Any changes or cancellations must be made via the booking link.
If you are interested in this offer, please let us know, and we will prepare the booking link for your guests.
We also ask that you provide a preferred booking code (up to 6–7 characters, using letters and/or numbers).
This code can be related to your conference—for example, IFLA26.
FOOD, CAFES AND SHOPPING IN RIGA CENTRE
Riga offers a vibrant food and shopping scene, mostly concentrated within walking distance of the city centre and the Old Town.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON OPENING HOURS:
Restaurant and café opening hours in Riga vary significantly. Many independent and premium restaurants are traditionally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Most kitchens close their orders by 22:00 or 23:00, making late-night dining difficult outside of fast-food chains. Trendy artisan bakeries usually open very early for breakfast (07:30–08:30) but close by late afternoon (17:00–19:00). It is highly recommended to check live opening hours on Google Maps before heading out.
GROCERY STORES & SUPERMARKETS
If you need to buy quick snacks, fresh fruit, drinks, or everyday essentials, look for the two main supermarket chains in Latvia. Most stores in the centre are open daily from 08:00 to 22:00 or 23:00.
If you need to buy quick snacks, fresh fruit, drinks, or everyday essentials, look for the two main supermarket chains in Latvia. Most stores in the centre are open daily from 08:00 to 22:00 or 23:00.
Rimi (Express / Mini / Hyper): The most widespread supermarket chain in the city centre. They offer great salad bars, fresh pastries, and a wide selection of local and international foods.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00–22:00 (Hypermarkets inside malls until 23:00).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4VUB42VepT6opdvD8
Maxima (X / XX): Another major supermarket chain offering competitive prices and all basic daily goods.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00–22:00.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cfUBrb4P2yC62DLF9
Narvesen: Convenience kiosks found on almost every corner, inside stations, and at the airport. Perfect for grabbing a quick coffee, water, sandwiches, or public transport tickets.
MAJOR SHOPPING CENTRES
For fashion, electronics, books, pharmacies, and large food courts, these are the top malls located right in the heart of the city.
Shopping Centre “Origo”: Directly connected to the Riga Central Railway Station. It features a massive Rimi Hypermarket, extensive shopping options, a pharmacy, and a top-floor food court.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–21:00 (Grocery store 07:00–23:00).
Address: Stacijas laukums 4, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Shopping+Centre+Origo+Riga)
Check the official Origo website (https://www.origo.lv/en/).
Shopping Malls “Galerija Centrs”: Located inside the Old Town. This is a beautiful historic undercover shopping street featuring premium shops, a Rimi grocery store, and the unique Burzma food hall on the top floor.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–21:00 (Food hall until 23:00).
Address: Audēju iela 16, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Galerija+Centrs+Audēju+iela+16+Riga)
Check the official Galerija Centrs website (https://www.galerijacentrs.lv/en).
Shopping Centre “Galleria Riga”: Located in the business centre. Known for its excellent selection of fashion brands, a large Rimi store, and a rooftop terrace with restaurants offering panoramic views of Riga.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–21:00 (Rooftop restaurants until 23:00).
Address: Dzirnavu iela 67, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Galleria+Riga+Dzirnavu+iela+67+Riga)
Check the official Galleria Riga website (https://www.galleriariga.lv/en/).
POPULAR CAFÉ & COFFEE CHAINS
For a quick breakfast, a high-quality coffee break between conference sessions, or experiencing Riga’s modern artisan pastry scene.
PRICE LEVEL LEGEND for Cafés, Bakeries & Restaurants:
To help you plan your budget, a classic price indicator system is used throughout the lists below:
€ — Very budget-friendly prices (e.g., coffee and a pastry together up to ~5 EUR / mains up to ~10 EUR).
€€ — Medium prices / modern artisan level (e.g., coffee and a pastry ~5–9 EUR / standard restaurant mains ~12–25 EUR).
€€€ — Premium class / Fine dining (e.g., high-end signature dishes / premium mains above ~25–30 EUR).
MĪKLA bakery (Price: €€): One of the trendiest artisan bakeries in Riga’s quiet center. It is a paradise for sourdough bread lovers and laminated puff pastries.
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun 08:00–17:00 (Closed Mon & Tue).
Address: Dzirnavu iela 42, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mikla+bakery+Dzirnavu+iela+42+Riga)
Check the official Mīkla bakery Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/miklabakery/).
KALVE Espresso Room & Bakery (Price: €€): A highly popular local specialty coffee roastery and bakery. They serve world-class coffee alongside exceptional artisan pastries.
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 07:30–19:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00.
Address: Stabu iela 38, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kalve+Coffee+Stabu+iela+38+Riga)
Check the official Kalve Coffee website (https://kalvecoffee.com/).
Better Bread (Price: €€): The first 100% certified gluten-free artisan bakery in the Baltics. Organic sourdough loaves and gluten-free pastries.
Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 08:30–18:00 (Closed Sun & Mon).
Address: Dzirnavu iela 34a, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Better+Bread+Dzirnavu+iela+34a+Riga)
Check the official Better Bread website (https://betterbread.lv/).
Cruffins (Price: €€): A very stylish bakery near the Old Town, specializing in trendy, flaky “cruffins” with rich pastry cream fillings.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00–20:00.
Address: Valņu iela 26, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cruffins+Valnu+iela+26+Riga)
Check the official Cruffins Wolt menu page (https://wolt.com/en/lva/riga/restaurant/cruffins).
Kūkotava (Price: €€): A chic pastry shop and café popular for high-end cakes, giant croissants, and authentic Latvian honey cake.
Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00, Sun 10:00–18:00.
Address: Tērbatas iela 10/12, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kukotava+Terbatas+iela+10+Riga)
Check the official Kūkotava website (https://www.kukotava.eu/).
Caffeine LV (Price: €): The most widespread local coffee shop chain. Specialty coffee and cozy spaces with free Wi-Fi.
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 07:00–22:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–22:00.
Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 22, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Caffeine+Aspazijas+bulvaris+22+Riga)
Check the official Caffeine website (https://caffeine.lv/).
Mārtiņa Beķereja (Price: €): A traditional, budget-friendly local bakery chain. Perfect for authentic Latvian bacon buns (speķa pīrādziņi).
Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 07:30–19:00 (Closed Sun).
Address: Merķeļa iela 2, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Martina+Bekereja+Merkela+iela+2+Riga)
Check the official Mārtiņa Beķereja website (https://www.bekereja.lv/en/).
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
For lunch or dinner after the conference sessions, here is a curated list of top-rated restaurants in the city centre, Quiet Centre (Art Nouveau district), and Old Town, organized by culinary preference and price level.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON OPENING HOURS:
Restaurant opening hours in Riga vary significantly. Many independent and premium restaurants are traditionally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Most kitchens close their orders by 22:00 or 23:00, making late-night dining difficult outside of fast-food chains. It is highly recommended to check live opening hours on Google Maps before heading out.
Healthy Food & Art Nouveau (Quiet Centre) Hotspots This beautiful district is famous not only for its architecture but also for Riga’s best brunch spots and sophisticated contemporary dining, located just a 10-15 minute walk from the main conference venue.
Mr. Fox (Price: €€): A pioneer of the modern healthy food culture in Riga. It is the absolute “go-to” spot for local professionals seeking balanced, nutrient-dense breakfasts and quick lunches. They offer excellent avocado toasts, shakshuka, customizable Buddha bowls, sugar-free desserts, and great coffee.
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00.
Address: Dzirnavu iela 34a, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mr+Fox+Dzirnavu+iela+34a+Riga)
Check the official Mr. Fox website (https://mrfox.lv/).
Riviera (Price: €€€): If you are looking for a highly elegant Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of the Quiet Centre. Famous for its upscale atmosphere, exceptional seafood, fine meat dishes, and one of the best wine selections in the Baltics. Perfect for business dinners.
Opening Hours: Daily 12:00–23:00.
Address: Dzirnavu iela 31, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Riviera+Dzirnavu+iela+31+Riga)
Check the official Riviera website (https://www.rivierarestorans.lv/en/).
Rossini (Price: €€): A cozy, top-rated Italian restaurant located right in the Art Nouveau hub. They serve authentic, high-quality Italian classic pasta, risotto, and meat courses in a warm and welcoming setting.
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun 12:00–23:00 (Closed Mon & Tue).
Address: Antonijas iela 22, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Rossini+Antonijas+iela+22+Riga)
Check the official Rossini website (http://www.rossini.lv/).
Fish & Seafood Specialities
Zivju Lete (Price: €€–€€€): A highly acclaimed seafood restaurant located in Riga’s beautiful Art Nouveau district. Designed like a modern coastal fish tavern with an open kitchen, it is famous for its exceptionally fresh local and international fish, oysters, seafood platters, and excellent fish soup.
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun 12:00–23:00 (Closed Mon & Tue).
Address: Dzirnavu iela 41, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Zivju+Lete+Dzirnavu+iela+41+Riga)
Check the official Zivju Lete website (https://zivjulete.lv/en/).
Barents (Price: €€€): A premium, high-end fine dining restaurant in the Old Town focusing on fresh, cold-water seafood sourced directly from the Nordic regions. Perfect for an upscale, sophisticated dining experience.
Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 18:00–24:00 (Closed Sun & Mon).
Address: Smilšu iela 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Barents+Smilsu+iela+3+Riga)
Check the official Barents website (https://barents.lv/en/).
Meat Lovers & Contemporary Cuisine
Chef’s Corner (Price: €€€): Located in the quiet centre, this restaurant is widely recognized for serving some of the best premium steaks and meat dishes in the city, alongside an elegant atmosphere and a curated wine list.
Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 12:00–23:00 (Closed Sun & Mon).
Address: Jeruzalemes iela 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Chefs+Corner+Jeruzalemes+iela+1+Riga)
Check the official Chef’s Corner website (https://www.chefscorner.lv/).
Entresol (Price: €€–€€€): A stylish restaurant helmed by one of Latvia’s top chefs, offering contemporary European cuisine with a French twist. They are famous for their unique “knapas” (Latvian-style tapas/appetizers) and outstanding meat and poultry courses.
Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 12:00–23:00 (Closed Sun).
Address: Elizabetes iela 22, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Entresol+Elizabetes+iela+22+Riga)
Check the official Entresol website (https://www.entresol.lv/).
Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs (Price: €–€€): A legendary traditional Latvian folk club and tavern located in a historic 13th-century wine cellar in the Old Town. It is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, live traditional music, over 30 local beers on tap, and very hearty, budget-friendly Latvian cuisine (like grey peas, rye bread desserts, and giant pork knuckles). Perfect for an informal, authentic local evening.
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 16:00–01:00, Fri–Sat 12:00–03:00, Sun 12:00–01:00 (Kitchen closes around 23:00 / 24:00).
Address: Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Folkklubs+ALA+Pagrabs+Peldu+iela+19+Riga)
Check the official Folkklubs ALA website (http://www.folkklubs.lv/).
Vegetarian & Vegan Hotspots
Maza Terapija (Price: €): A very cozy, 100% plant-based vegan café and restaurant located in the centre. They serve delicious, budget-friendly daily lunches, vegan burgers, local rye bread treats, and incredible plant-based cakes.
Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00–21:00 (Closed Sun).
Address: Lāčplēša iela 5, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Maza+Terapija+Lāčplēša+iela+5+Riga)
Check the official Maza Terapija Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/mazaterapija/).
Space Falafel (Price: €€): A super stylish, design-forward Mediterranean restaurant in the Quiet Centre that heavily features plant-based dining. While not strictly 100% vegan, it is highly celebrated for its trendy, upscale Middle Eastern aesthetic and arguably the best crispy falafels, gourmet hummuses, and fire-roasted vegetable plates in town. Perfect for a hip evening dinner with premium cocktails.
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 12:00–23:00, Fri–Sat 12:00–01:00, Sun 12:00–22:00.
Address: Antonijas iela 8, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Space+Falafel+Antonijas+iela+8+Riga)
Check the official Space Falafel website (https://spacefalafel.lv/).
MiiT Coffee (Price: €–€€): A legendary hipster hub in the city centre that perfectly blends specialty third-wave coffee culture with a creative, 100% vegetarian and heavily vegan menu. Known for its industrial-chic interior, it serves incredibly stylish vegan brunch plates, daily gourmet lunches, and modern plant-based desserts (like vegan snickers cakes and matcha tarts).
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 07:30–21:00, Sat 09:00–21:00, Sun 09:00–18:00.
Address: Lāčplēša iela 10, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=MiiT+Coffee+Lacplesa+iela+10+Riga)
Check the official MiiT Coffee Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/miit.coffee/).
Useful Tip for Food Delivery:
If you prefer to dine at your hotel room after a long day of meetings, you can easily order food from almost any restaurant in Riga using the two dominant food delivery mobile applications.
Bolt Food App: Download via the official Bolt Food app store page (https://bolt.eu/en/food/).
Wolt App: Download via the official Wolt website (https://wolt.com/). Both apps accept international credit/debit cards and offer fast, contactless delivery directly to your accommodation address.
SIGHTSEEING: CULTURE, ART & HISTORY IN RIGA
For delegates wishing to explore Riga outside the official conference hours, the city offers a rich tapestry of historic landmarks, world-class art museums, and unique architectural heritage, mostly located in the Old Town and the Quiet Centre.
HISTORY & UNESCO HERITAGE
Riga Old Town – Vecrīga (Price: Free): A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with medieval cobblestone streets, charming squares, and historic buildings like the House of the Blackheads and the Riga Cathedral.
Address: Vecrīga, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Old+Town+Vecriga+Riga)
St. Peter’s Church Tower (Price: €€): The best place for a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city and the Daugava River. An elevator takes visitors up to the 72-meter-high viewing platform of this landmark medieval church.
Address: Reformācijas laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=St+Peters+Church+Reformacijas+laukums+1+Riga)
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (Price: €): A deeply moving and historically significant museum that documents Latvia’s history under Soviet and Nazi totalitarian regimes from 1940 to 1991.
Address: Latviešu strēlnieku laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Museum+of+the+Occupation+of+Latvia+Riga)
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Latvian National Museum of Art – LNMM (Price: €): Housed in a beautifully restored historic building with a modern underground extension. It holds the grandest collection of national art in the country and features a stunning rooftop terrace open to visitors.
Address: Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Latvian+National+Museum+of+Art+Riga)
Art Nouveau District – Quiet Centre (Price: Free): Riga has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture in the world. Walking along Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street reveals exceptionally decorated building facades with gargoyles, sphinxes, and floral motifs.
Address: Alberta iela, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Alberta+iela+Art+Nouveau+Riga)
Art Museum RIGA BOURSE (Price: €): Located inside a magnificent 19th-century Venetian renaissance-style palace in the Dome Square, this museum displays Riga’s premier collection of foreign art, including Egyptian mummies and classic European paintings.
Address: Doma laukums 6, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Art+Museum+Riga+Bourse+Doma+laukums+6+Riga)
CULTURE, MUSIC & ALTERNATIVE SPACES
Latvian National Opera and Ballet – LNOB (Price: €€–€€€): A spectacular 19th-century neo-classical landmark building home to world-class opera and ballet performances. Ticket prices are remarkably accessible compared to Western Europe if booked in advance.
Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Latvian+National+Opera+Aspazijas+bulvaris+3+Riga)
Kalnciema Quarter – Kalnciema Kvartāls (Price: Free): A lively cultural hub located across the river, famous for its beautifully restored 19th-century wooden architecture. It hosts popular open-air crafts and food markets every Saturday, complete with live music and local pop-up cafes.
Address: Kalnciema iela 35, Āgenskalns, Rīga, LV-1046
(https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kalnciema+kvartals+Kalnciema+iela+35+Riga)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION & USEFUL TIPS
To ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable stay in Riga during the 2026 IFLA Europe General Assembly, please review these practical everyday tips and emergency guidelines.
EMERGENCY & HEALTH CARE
General Emergency Number: Dial 112 from any phone (free of charge, available 24/7). This connects you to the fire department, police, and medical ambulance services. Operators generally speak English and Russian alongside Latvian.
Tourist Police: The Riga Municipal Police operates a specialized unit to assist foreign visitors with directions, safety issues, or reporting lost items. Their 24/7 hotline is +371 6718 1818.
24/7 Pharmacy (Aptieka): If you need medicine outside regular business hours, the largest 24-hour pharmacy in the city centre is located just a short ride from the venue: Mēness Aptieka, Brīvības iela 74, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011 (https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Meness+aptieka+Brivibas+74+Riga).
CONNECTIVITY & ELECTRICITY
Free Public Wi-Fi: Riga is well known for its highly accessible internet infrastructure. Free, fast Wi-Fi is widely available in almost all hotels, cafés, restaurants, shopping malls, and even at the Riga International Airport without complex registration.
Mobile SIM Cards: If you travel from a non-EU country (e.g., UK, USA) and wish to avoid high roaming charges, you can easily buy a local prepaid SIM card (brands like Zelta Zivtiņa, LMT, or Bite) at any Narvesen convenience kiosk for around 3.00–5.00 EUR. They include generous data packages.
Power Outlets & Plugs: Latvia uses standard European Type C and Type F electrical plugs (the ones with two round pins). The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Delegates arriving from the UK or overseas should bring a suitable travel adapter.
WATER & LOCAL ETIQUETTE
Tap Water Safety: Tap water in Riga is 100% safe to drink and fully complies with all European Union quality standards. You are highly encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and refill them directly from the tap at your accommodation or the conference venue.
Tipping Culture: Tipping is not strictly mandatory in Latvia, but it is standard practice to leave around 10% of the total bill in sit-down restaurants and taxis if you are satisfied with the service.
Important Note: Most card terminals in restaurants do not allow you to add a tip digitally to the transaction amount. It is highly recommended to carry a few small Euro coins or cash bills if you plan to leave a tip.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TICKETS ETIQUETTE
Validate on Every Ride: If you use public transport (Bus No. 22 or trams/trolleybuses), remember that you must validate your ticket immediately every single time you board a vehicle, even if you have purchased a 24-hour or 3-day (72h) unlimited travel card.
App Tickets: If you use the Rīgas satiksme or Mobilly apps, you must open the app and scan the square QR code sticker located near the bus/tram doors as soon as you step inside. Ticket controllers frequently check vehicles, and failure to validate results in an immediate fine.