Travel and Accommodation
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About Riga, Latvia
Ranking among the most student-friendly cities in the world, Riga – the capital of Latvia – lies by the Baltic Sea, in Northern Europe. Its medieval Old Town is named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city's mix of Gothic, Art Nouveau, eclectic and modern architecture is home to a vibrant cultural life that will please even the most demanding culture gourmands. Riga’s compact size makes it ideal for living, but closeness to the Baltic Sea and wild forests – a perfect spot for nature fans. It is also a great starting point for international travel, as it is well-connected with the most popular tourist destinations. Riga is also a regional financial and commercial hotspot. (© Latvia Travel)
About the University of Latvia and the House of Science
Founded in 1919, the University of Latvia (UL) is the leading comprehensive university in the country. Today, UL is developing into the most modern study and research centre in Northern Europe, closely collaborating with industries and political decision-makers. Its alumni are sought-after professionals in the labour market, ranking UL among the top 20 European universities for alumni employment.
The University of Latvia is home to more than 15 000 students from 81 different countries. It offers over 100 study programmes in Humanities, Technologies, Natural, Social and Life Sciences. Study and research processes are organized in six faculties and 20 scientific institutes. Over 30 study programmes of Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level are taught in English. UL also offers international double degree programmes (students are awarded two diplomas – one from each university), joined degree programmes and professional study programmes that allow students to acquire specific professional qualifications (teachers, engineers, IT specialists, nurses, lawyers).
UL evolves dynamically – by the year 2030 we will see establishment of the new study and research centre that will stand among the most modern facilities of Northern Europe – the University new campus in Torņakalns district.
The House of Nature opened its doors to students in 2015, followed by the House of Science in 2019. Five more buildings are on the way. The campus embodies the vision of a ‘green university’, applying ICT solutions to meet sustainability and accessibility goals. It is located on a strip of land on the left bank of the Daugava River. In the coming years, the territory of the Academic Centre will be augmented by the House of Letters, which will be home to the faculties of humanities and social sciences, institutes and the Library. The subsequent plans involve construction of a Technology Centre, hotels, an academic square, as well as state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, car and bicycle parking.
Participants and guests of the WBN Workshop will have the possibility to truly explore the new modern campus buildings as the conference’s main talks will take place at the House of Science. (©Toms Grīnbergs, UL Communication department)
Public transportation
Public transport in Riga is safe, reliable, and easy to use, including buses, trolleybuses, and trams that cover the city and nearby areas. Google Maps works very well with public transport in Riga - just enter your destination, and it will show the right stop, route, and time.
Physical ticket (E-talons)
You can purchase it at different stores and kiosks across the city (Narvesen, Rimi, Maxima, Mego). You can buy:
- 90-minute ticket that allows as many transfers as you want. You have to validate the ticket (scan it at the electronic reader) each time you board a different vehicle.
- The ticket costs 1.50 €
- Day pass costs 5.00 € for 24 hours
Mobile ticket (code ticket)
Purchase via Mobilly or "Rīgas satiksme" apps. Scan the QR code on the transport and register your ticket.
More info here.
Getting to the Venue
The House of Science (Jelgavas iela 3, Riga, Latvia) is part of the University of Latvia’s new campus, located near the city center and easily accessible by public transportation. Google maps location here.
- By tram/bus/trolleybus: Several public transport lines connect the campus with the city center (approx. 10 minutes)
- Bus no. 3, 3a, 4, 7, 8, 10, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 32;
- Tram no. 1, 2, 5, 10;
- Trolleybus no. Nr. 9, 27.
- Stop “Nacionālā bibliotēka” - 700 m walk to Venue
- Bus no. 23
- Stop “LU Akadēmiskais centrs”
From the airport
- Bus No. 22 from Riga International Airport to city center - the easiest and most affordable ways to get to the city center
- Bus stop: outside Arrivals Hall
- Bus runs approx. every 10–15 minutes
- Duration to city center: ~30 minutes
- Main stops: Centrālā stacija, 11. novembra krastmala near Old Town
Taxi and ride apps
Riga offers reliable and convenient taxi options to get around the city.
- Baltic Taxi – call 20 008 500 to book.
We do advise you to call and book the taxi in advance, especially from the airport, to avoid higher rates that apply if you take it directly from the taxi queue and to avoid scammers. - Bolt app – download the Bolt app and create an account, enter your destination and see the estimated fare, confirm your ride and wait for it to arrive!
Other useful information
- Latvia uses the euro (EUR). Most places accept card payments, including contactless. ATMs are widely available. Small local kiosks or markets may prefer cash, so it’s useful to carry a small amount.
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET). Standard time: UTC +2
- Electricity: Type F plugs (European standard, 230V / 50Hz).
- Tap Water is safe to drink in Riga. Commonly served in restaurants or available for refilling bottles.
- General emergency number (police, ambulance, fire): 112
- For groceries visit Rimi, Maxima, or kiosks like Narvesen for food and everyday items. Most stores close at 22:00
- The official language of the Conference is English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.
- Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event and may be used by the organizers for publications and websites. Should you be opposed to your picture being used in this way, please contact the photographer or the organizers onsite.