We were confused by the parking systems in Riga. It’s very difficult to find a parking place near the old town.
There was a underground parking, but very expensive. And I am writing this so that you’ll know there will be different types of parkings (and different rules). It will come in handy if you are under time pressure.
Apparently close to the Old Town, you’d mainly see R-type parking.
https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/en/services/parking-services/parking-services/
R Type : Maybe Resident Only
It will cost you 5 euros for the first hour, and 8 euros for the next hour. However I was told by a local that I shouldn’t park in the restricted zone (not sure why). I was told that only the residents can park in R zone. Maybe it’s good to confirm this information with your car rental company. The payment method was either by card or by phone.
A Type : 2.5-3 Euro per Hour
And then you will see A-type parking. It costs 2.5 euros for the first hour and 3 euros for each subsequent hour. This is more straight forward. And always remember to pay for your parking in advance and place it by the window.
Now the confusing part.
What do you think this will mean?
Right, a meter and working hammers from 8:00-20:00, and then a meter from 9:00-17:00… hmmm…. extremely confusing!
That Means You Get an Hour For Free
The answer is, this shows the timing which you will have to pay for parking. Any time not excluded in these hours means free parking. And while I was in a hurry to catch our opera night in the Latvian Opera House (on a Saturday night), I found someone who explained sestdienas means Saturday in Latvian!
So the interpretation of the sign above is: Pay for parking for 8:00-20:00 during the week and 9:00-17:00 on saturday.
So we parked for free for our entire show!
And remember, this sign shows the timing which you’ll have to pay for your parking, and you’ll find out which zone you’re in by looking at the… parking machine (like above).
Ok, let’s try again, what about this one?
If you think 1 h and working hammers give you any hint… good! Because they do!
But does it mean you can park for 1 hour for free OR does it mean you can park maximum for 1 hour? Hmmm tricky right? Well we saw this in Cesis.
That Means You Get an Hour For Free
And we asked someone and we were told that it means free parking for 1 hour during 8:00-15:00, which you’ll have to pay.
So, if you are parking from 8 a.m to 10 a.m, you’ll need to pay for 9:00-10:00am.
But ask someone whenever you’re in doubt!
The Fine
And this is what you want to avoid! Fine tickets! I saw a bunch of these in the Art Nouveau area , especially close to 7pm. I think the parking was free after 7 pm, so a lot of people didn’t paid enough parking minutes till 7pm while a traffic police showed up close to 7pm.
So yeah, be careful!
Traveling Mega
