Riften ( Skyrim ) Riften , referred to as Rifton in earlier records , is a city situated in the southeastern corner of The Rift , at the eastern end of Lake Honrich , with a good portion of the city actually spilling over the water atop large wooden piers . It is the southernmost and easternmost of all the cities in Skyrim . City layout and social dynamic . The entire city is bisected by a large canal that used to serve as access for small cargo boats , but lately has fallen into disrepair , decay and stagnation thanks to the lack of trade during the Civil War . Despite this , Riften remains a bustling center of commerce ; the Black - Briar Meadery has a near monopoly on the sale and distribution of a Nord ' s favorite pastime : drinking . The city is located in the beautiful Autumnal Forest region of Skyrim , and that beauty has encroached upon the city , in the form of wondrous foliage and generally pleasant , if not sometimes overcast weather . But most of Riften ' s structures are wooden , and the city gives off an old and run - down feeling , which often takes visitors by surprise . Not that this bothers the residents , who see Riften for what it truly is — a bustling , energetic city with a strong economy fueled by hard - working fishermen and mead makers . Despite the fact that the current Jarl in office is Laila Law - Giver , the residents understand that the city is , for all intents and purposes , actually owned and operated by Maven Black - Briar , and in order to survive and thrive , one needs to adhere to her rules . Maven ' s hold over the city is so great , that in the event of an Imperial victory , Maven takes the position of Jarl and remarks that it ' s only as a title . Despite the city ' s economic strength , it holds a darker side . The home of the notorious Thieves Guild in Skyrim , Riften also sees much corruption in the form of Maven Black - Briar , especially when dealing with rivals . Many poor residents frequent the less desirable areas , and thieves both Guild and freelance take advantage of the frequent mist , dark alleys and the Canal , preying on travelers and citizens alike . Such conditions reflect on the city ; deaths are common , and people will often fight in the street over dropped items . Dryside . The northern , eastern and southern edges of the city , built on the shore of Lake Honrich , are called Dryside . The bulk of the town ' s residence sits on Dryside , and is split from the western edge known as Plankside , by the Riften canal . Most of the more affluent homes are located on the eastern edge of Dryside , as well as the Temple of Mara , while the southern portion of the city holds the Honorhall Orphanage and Mistveil Keep . Plankside . The western edge of the city is known as Plankside , built on the waters of Lake Honrich , and serves as the city ' s business district . The market , shops , meadery , fish hatchery , and the Bee and Barb Inn are all located on Plankside ; essentially Dryside is residence while Plankside is business . The buildings on Plankside have been built atop of wooden docks , and the district is old and ramshackle . There are three main docks projecting from Plankside onto the lake , one owned completely by the Black - Briar Meadery and the other two used for commerce and fishery . The Riften Canal is the lower level of the city ; small residences and an alchemy shop are built into the moisture ridden stone . Dark and traversed only along rickety catwalks , the canal is avoided by the more affluent citizens of Riften , as it is a common place for muggings and foul play . It also contains the entrance to The Ratway , the city under the city . The Ratway . Riften is notorious for being the home of the Thieves Guild , and residents urge travelers away from the sprawling tunnel system . If successfully navigated , one might find The Ragged Flagon , the headquarters of the Guild . However , that would mean crossing the dark and tight tunnels , and avoiding those too dangerous or outcast not to warrant residency in Riften proper or membership in the Guild . First visit . Upon approaching the city gates , the Riften guards attempt to make the Dragonborn pay a " visitor ' s tax , " which varies according to level . With a high enough Speech skill , however , they can persuade or intimidate the guard . If recognized that " this is obviously a shakedown , " the guard tells the Dragonborn to " keep this quiet , " and go on ahead . It is , however , possible to get into the city without using the main gate , by using the entrance of Black - Briar Meadery on the docks , then going through the meadery into Riften . These guards are suspected to be accomplices of Brynjolf , as he later addresses the Dragonborn with full knowledge of the scam call out . To avoid the situation entirely , one can have themselves arrested and jailed in Riften , or sneak in through the meadery , or by pickpocketing the guard ' s gate key . Also , if a dragon attacks while talking with the guards , they will run to attack the dragon and the Dragonborn can get inside after the fight while the guards are walking back to their post . There are also town guards guarding the docks . These guards can ' t be persuaded or even bribed to be let in , directing the player to the north gate . After entering the city , the Dragonborn will be greeted by Maul , who will say " I don ' t know you , you in Riften lookin ' for trouble ? " If the Dragonborn replies with " I ' m not scared of you , " Maul will tell them " That ' s the wrong answer , " followed by instructions to keep out of the Black - Briar business . Purchasable property . The house in Riften ( Honeyside ) costs 8000 and can be bought from the steward , Anuriel , after Jarl Laila or Maven Black - Briar approves . This approval is gained by performing deeds for Riften ' s citizens .