The choice of cafés and open offices in Riga, which are suitable for work
Besides freelance, which has become popular in Riga, as everywhere in the world, more recently, even newer tendency in the field of work and working space organisation is coworking. Coworking literally means working together. It differs from freelance, which does not obligatory assume that a freelancer has a special working place. Coworking is based on interaction of people, who independently work on own projects in a shared space. This allows to decrease the marketing and rental expenses due to larger amount of tenants and their cooperation.
This review presents a choice of cafés and special coworking places in Riga, which might be suitable for independent work or work in a team.
Piens, Aristida Briāna Street, 9a
There is a well known place, which is called Piens, located in the Miera Street district. It functions as a café and a restaurant in a day time, while in the evenings it transforms into bar and club. Piens is distinctive with its realaxed atmosphere, which encourages a creative work. Two spaces are open for visitors here. In the summer time there are also two terraces, one facing the yard, and other at the front entrance. There are several friendly places open in the yard. The interior of Piens is a mixture of contemporarty elements and some vintage items, like wall tiles. There is also a really approachable personnel, and a chilling music. People coming here are mostly the creatives and office workers, who often drop in for a lunch. But usually you will find an empty table at any time except busy weekends. Free WiFi is offered.
Working hours: depending on the day. Check their FB
Wokcafé. Dzirnavu Street, 60
This café located in the heart of the city centre, and it is possible to combine work with lunch here. A stylish interion decorated in light tones, a diverse menu, which includes as drinks, as different dishes, free WiFi, and friendly personnel are the distinctive traits of this place. The visitors are offered to order accodring to two menus – from Wokcafé and the neighbouring restaurant Vairāk Saules.
Working hours: 12:00 – 22:00
A.l.l. Cappuccino. Vilandes Street, 13
This tiny café with just two or three tables inside is hidden in the quiet district of Riga, on Vilandes Street. The personnel of this coffee place is very attentive. People come here to have a cup of coffee inside or to take it away. The place is decorated in the style of Italian espresso bar, furnished with metal tables and chairs. There are old photographs on the walls and some nice graphics. Clients are offered a diverse choice of drinks and free WiFi. There are some snacks served there as well. A.l.l. Cappuccino is pet friendly, and if you come with your four-legged friend, a dish with water will be served for him or her too. This is a charming place where you will definitely find a table for yourself.
Working hours: from the morning till 23:00, morning hours vary according to the day. Check their webpage.
Coffee Inn. Shopping centre Domina. Ieriku Street, 3.
The lovers of a bustling atmosphere will appreciate this rather simple café with modern interior. Different configuration of places suggests that a worker with a laptop is welcomed here. There is free WiFi available in the shopping centre. One of this place’s advantages is a free parking of the shopping mall, and a presence of different shops around.
Working hours: 10:00 – 21:00, all week long.
Costa Coffee. Shopping centre Spice. Lielirbes Street, 29
It is one of the most pleasant cafés by Costa Coffee chain, which is located in Pārdaugava neighbourhood of Riga, in the shopping centre Spice, right on the way to Riga Airport. It has a spacious planning, a lot of tables, and quite a busy atmosphere. Situated on the first floor of Spice, it takes the large area with comfortable sitting places. The assortment includes different kinds of coffee and snacks. They offer croissants in the morning too. Visitors can connect to Spice WiFi or to Costa Coffee WiFI. There is a discount system, which assumes a free coffee for 8 coffee stamps, provided for each purchase.
Working hours: 10:00 – 22:00, every day
Coffee Inn. Shopping centre Olimpia. Azenes, 5
Those who are willing to work in Pārdaugava, can visit shopping centre Olimpia. There is one more Coffee Inn, which is located on the second floor. A spacious area upstairs is shared between various cafés and restaurants. So taking a coffee in one place will allow you to take any table you like. There is free WiFi offered to shopping centre’s clients and a free parking (limited hours).
Working hours: 10:00 – 21:00, 7 days a week.
CoWorking. Artilerijas Street, 3/2
CoWorking Riga is a shared office for work. There is also a photo studio. It is a stylish place for independent creatives or start-ups. It offers workspace on a monthly basis and meeting facilities for rent per hour. The facilities include free WiFi, shared kitchen, and a meeting room. The details are available on their webpage or on the FB page.
Teikums. Gustava Zemgala Street, 78
The newest coworking place in Riga is Teikums. It is located in Jauna Teika district and is the largest coworking space in Riga. There is free WiFi, shared kitchen, meeting rooms, and space for coworking. The information on rates is available on their website. They hold thematic seminars for enterpreneurs as well.