About

Aussie & British owned Backpackers hostel with local and international staff. The largest and most popular hostel in Riga since 2009. An unbeatable location in Old Town. Daily activities, tours and events. On site bar with local and international draft beer, spirits and other drinks. Multiple happy hours every day! SUPER SOCIAL atmosphere, perfect for backpackers, solo travelers and small groups wanting to socialize and party. Great tips, tricks & a FREE city map provided by our local staff.

We have won 25+ awards including:
Top 10 Best Medium Sized Hostel WORLDWIDE in 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015;
No.1 Hostel Eastern Europe 2019, 2012;
No.1 Hostel in Latvia 2026, 2024, 2020, 2019, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 & 2009.

Dorm rooms - clean, secure and spacious 4,6 & 8-bed mixed dorms and 4-bed female dorms with custom made bunks. Each bed has privacy curtains, a small shelf, power sockets and a reading light. Under each bed there are large security lockers that will fit a full size backpack! Bring your own padlock or get one from reception for a cash deposit. The female dorm has a getting ready station with hair straighteners, blow dryers and big mirror with blinding lights! :) FREE towels and earplugs included! Feel free to book as many dorm beds as you need, and we will do our best to ensure you and your mates are together.

Private rooms - twin, triple, 5-bed private, 7-bed private, single, double and en-suite double (private bathroom) available for more privacy and extra comfort. FREE towels and earplugs included!

Comfort - we have 17 bathrooms & showers each with their own dedicated hot water systems. FREE sanitary products, body wash & shampoo provided! Super fast 5G Wi-fi throughout the entire building. FREE luggage storage all day and the option to hang out in our common rooms after check out, and make use of all our facilities.

Security - super secure & safe building, only for our guests! Key card only access, CCTV & 24/7 security. When reception is closed you can reach us by calling - we’ll be there to help you in any emergency!

Amenities - 2 common rooms with FREE table football, Netflix, beer pong, books, games. Fully equipped kitchen for cooking with FREE pasta, rice, cereal, oats, milk, tea, coffee, peanut butter, jams, oil, spices etc. And of course a bar with extra friendly prices and fun drinks!

Daily Activities - AK47 shooting, Pub Crawls, house parties, beer pong tournaments, quiz nights, Latvian beer tastings, Latvian craft gin and rum tastings, free walking tours, beach trips and much more!

The Location - culturally significant & historical building exclusively for our guests in the heart of Riga's Old Town. Everything is super close, amazing bars and restaurants and all the popular sightseeing spots!
A large shopping mall, supermarket, airport bus only 1 min walk away.
Main square, House of Blackheads, St.Peters church - 3 min
Central market, Bus station, Freedom Monument - 5 min
Train station - 8 min

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT:
Check-out: 11:00
Check-in: from 14:00 (you are welcome to arrive anytime after 08:00 and leave your bags in storage).
Reception: 08:00–22:00
24/7 check-in is available ONLY by prior arrangement! Just make sure your email address and phone number is correct so we can contact you!

!!!BOOKING RULES!!!
* NO STAG PARTIES, lads on tour, school groups, sports teams type of bookings.
* NO GUESTS UNDER 18.
* For summer months we have an AGE LIMIT of 45 (May, June, July, August, September).
* Groups of 5+ will be asked to leave a cash security DEPOSIT at check-in.
* We do not offer long term stays.
* This is a hostel for travelers/tourists only.

*** By checking into our hostel you acknowledge and accept the house rules. The hostel reserves the right to cancel a reservation and charge the relevant penalties for breaking the house rules. House rules and penalties are displayed at reception, copies available upon request. ***

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Adaptors
  • Luggage Storage
  • Tours/Travel Desk
View all facilities

Reviews

9.6Superb(7645)
  • Value for Money
    9.6
  • Security
    9.8
  • Atmosphere
    9.6
  • Cleanliness
    9.6
  • Staff
    9.8
  • Location
    9.9
  • Facilities
    9.3
Summary of traveller reviews

The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel in Riga is a top choice for social travellers, praised for its incredibly friendly staff, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent central location. Guests love the organised activities and pub crawls, making it easy to meet new people. Beds are comfortable with privacy curtains, and facilities are generally clean. It's ideal for solo travellers and groups looking for a fun, engaging stay.

Stayed in Jul 2026
10
M
Michelle
Female, 31-40, Australia
One of the best hostels I’ve stayed in. Female only dorms are decked out amazing and so comfortable. Everyone I met was kind, welcoming and fun!
Stayed in Jul 2026
10
D
David
Male, 25-30, Israel
Really cool hostel, nice and clean facilities, good location, the pub crawl and other events with Sofia were great. Would recommend
Stayed in Jul 2026
10
A
Anonymous
Female, 25-30, Slovenia
This is one of the best hostels I have stayed at. The staff is very helpful and always available. The events helped me easily meet new people (the pub crawl is 100% worth it), which is great for a solo traveler. It was very clean, with enough bathrooms and showers.
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Location

50 Kaleju Iela, Old Riga, Riga, Latvia
0.9km from city centre