EuroBasket 2025 Finals in Riga: Travel Blog for Basketball Fans

Semifinals and finals of EuroBasket 2025 are coming to Riga, Latvia — and fans from Portugal, Estonia, Turkey, and Czechia are getting ready to cheer on their teams! Whether you’re chasing your team to the final or just want to be where the action is, Riga is the place to be this September.

This blog is your go-to fan travel guide — covering travel options from each host country, where to stay, eat, and enjoy your downtime in Latvia’s capital.

Getting to Riga from the Other EuroBasket Host Countries

Portugal (Porto or Lisbon)

• Flight: Direct flights from Lisbon to Riga (airBaltic, Ryanair). If flying from Porto, connect via Madrid or Frankfurt.
  • Approx. 4–6 hours total travel time.

Estonia (Tallinn – Group Phase Host)

• Bus: Lux Express & Ecolines (4–5 hours).
• Car: 4-hour drive down the E67 highway.
• Flight: 50-minute flight; quick but often more expensive than bus.
• Pro Tip: Tallinn–Riga is one of the most scenic Baltic road trips. Consider renting a car.

Turkey (Istanbul or Ankara)

• Flight: Direct flights from Istanbul to Riga (~3 hours).
  • Turkish Airlines and airBaltic offer good options.
• Pro Tip: Watch for layover deals in European hubs if flying from other Turkish cities.

Czechia (Prague – Group Phase Host)

• Flight: Direct flights from Prague to Riga (2 hours).
• Train/Bus: Not recommended due to long travel times (18+ hours).
• Pro Tip: Combine it with a Baltic city stopover (Vilnius or Tallinn).

Where to Stay in Riga for the Finals

️ All semifinal and final games will take place at Arena Riga, so staying in or near the city center is ideal.

Fan-Friendly Hotels

• Radisson Blu Latvija – 10 min from Arena Riga, amazing sky bar for post-game views.
• Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel – Modern rooms, near Old Town, relaxing after the games.
• Ibis Riga Centre – Affordable and close to transport.
• Park Inn by Radisson Valdemara – A short Bolt ride from Arena.

Airbnb Neighborhood Picks

• Old Town (Vecrīga) – For nightlife and historic charm.
• Centrs – Quieter, classy vibe, close to Arena.
• Āgenskalns – Local flavor and budget-friendly.

️ Top 10 Places to Eat in Riga (For Hungry Basketball Fans)

1. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs – Latvian classics + live music.
2. Lido Atputas Centrs – Huge, traditional buffet and beer garden.
3. Street Burgers – Juicy burgers perfect before a match.
4. Vincents – For foodies; fine dining and elegant presentation.
5. Big Bad Bagels – Great for brunch or quick bites.
6. Mākonis – Craft cocktails and stylish dishes.
7. Entresol – Gourmet tapas with Latvian flair.
8. Meat Chef – Steakhouse with fan-pleasing portions.
9. Pagalms – Cozy, good pizza and craft beer.
10. Central Market (Centrāltirgus) – Try smoked fish, pastries, or Latvian street food.

️ What to Do in Riga Between Games

Must-See Attractions:

• Old Town (Vecrīga) – A UNESCO World Heritage site full of charm.
• Art Nouveau Quarter – Over 800 buildings with ornate architecture.
• Riga Castle & House of the Blackheads – Stunning photo ops!

Relax & Recharge:

• Jūrmala Beach – 25-min train from Riga, Baltic Sea breeze and beach cafes.
• ESPA Riga Spa – Luxury sauna, pools, and massages.
• Bastejkalns Park – Chill walk along the canal before tipoff.

Quick Trips for the Adventurous:

• Sigulda – Nature trails, castles, and bobsledding (1-hour train ride).
• Cēsis – Medieval town with ruins and craft breweries.

Where to Celebrate (or Drown Sorrows)

• Aussie Pub Riga – Basketball-friendly screens, expat crowd.
• Paddy Whelan’s – Classic Irish pub with live games.
• Easy Wine – Self-serve wine bar and tapas.
• Coyote Fly – If your team makes the final, this is where the afterparty starts.

Final Riga Tips for Fans

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Latvian, but English is spoken in most tourist areas.
• Transport: Use Bolt app for taxis, or rent an electric scooter.
• Weather in September: Mild (13–18°C); bring layers and a rain jacket.

Tickets & Arena Info

• Venue: Arena Riga (capacity ~10,000).
• Fan Zones: Likely set up in Esplanāde Park or near the Freedom Monument.
• Buy Tickets Early: Especially for semifinals and finals — they will sell out.

Riga Awaits You!

Basketball greatness will collide in Riga this September — and the energy will be unmatched. Whether you’re flying from sunny Lisbon, historic Prague, Istanbul’s chaos, Tallinn’s cool, or anywhere else, Riga will bring fans together like never before.

Basketball is more than a game — it’s a journey. Riga is your final stop.