Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel
Australian-owned Old Town party hostel with a 24-hour bar and AK-47 shooting trips
Naughty Squirrel has been Riga's headline party hostel since 2007, a three-minute walk from Town Hall Square and home to the 24-hour on-site bar that runs beer pong, trivia and movie nights on rotation. Australian-owned, dog-friendly, and famous for organizing the Latvian Olympic bobsled trip in Sigulda and the AK-47 shooting day at the firing range outside town.
Naughty Squirrel has been on Kalēju iela since 2007 under the same Australian ownership, and it knows exactly what it is. The 24-hour on-site bar runs beer pong Tuesday, trivia Wednesday, Food Nights Thursday, and movie nights when nothing else is booked. Happy hour runs nightly from 8pm to 10pm with Latvian beers at €2.50 — cheaper than the Black Balsam shots the staff will push on you at check-in.
The location is the second reason to come: three minutes on foot to Town Hall Square and the House of the Blackheads, five minutes to St Peter's Church tower, eight to the Central Market. Dorms are 6, 8 and 10-bed with sturdy bunks, reading lights, and under-bed lockers big enough for a 70L backpack. Rooms use smart-card access and there's CCTV in the common areas, which matters because stag parties do rotate through here in summer.
The signature move is the day trips: Australian owner has a long-running deal with the Latvian Olympic bobsled team in Sigulda (€95 including transport and two runs at 80+ km/h down the real Olympic track) and the AK-47 shooting range outside Riga (€60 for 60 rounds). Both need booking at reception 48 hours ahead. The shared kitchen is small but functional, Wi-Fi reaches every dorm, and the free breakfast is cornflakes-and-toast rather than anything to plan around.
- 0124-hour on-site bar with actual event calendar, not just a fridge
- 02Bookable AK-47 shooting day and Olympic bobsled trip in Sigulda
- 03Three-minute walk to Town Hall Square and House of the Blackheads
- 04Smart-card dorm access and under-bed lockers sized for full backpacks
- 05Australian ownership since 2007, consistent standards and staff
- Three-minute walk to Town Hall Square in Riga Old Town
- 24-hour on-site bar with happy hour 8pm to 10pm nightly
- Bookable Sigulda Olympic bobsled run and AK-47 shooting day
- Smart-card dorm access, under-bed lockers fit a 70L pack
“The vibe is unbeatable, the staff are welcoming and you meet travelers from everywhere in the common area. The Sigulda bobsled trip was a highlight of my whole Baltic trip, do not skip it if you can book.”
“Legendary hostel, the bar alone is worth the stay. Happy hour prices are fair, beer pong nights get wild in a good way, and the location means you can walk back from any Old Town bar in two minutes.”
“Ten out of ten for atmosphere. Friendly staff, spotless dorm, and the smart-card entry made it easy to come and go without keys. The Australian owner was on the front desk and gave us real tips for the city.”
- Town Hall Square / House of the Blackheads3 min walk
- St Peter's Church tower4 min walk
- Dome Cathedral6 min walk
- Central Market8 min walk
- Riga Central Station10 min walk
- Airport Bus 22 stop (11 Novembra)4 min walk
