Is Latvia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Latvia is generally quite safe for solo female travelers. Women report feeling safe walking around both during the day and at night, even in more isolated areas. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded places or on public transportation, so it's wise to always keep a close eye on your belongings. In terms of personal safety, harassment is rarely reported. Remember to stay cautious as per suggestion for all travels. Overall, Latvia provides a secure environment for a solo female traveler, but standard travel precautions should always be applied.

Safety rating

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How safe is Latvia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Latvia, especially Riga, its capital, generally has controlled crime rates. However, during night hours, caution should still be practiced. Tourist areas and city centers are relatively safe, but less populated and dimly lit areas can pose potential risks. Furthermore, it's advisable to avoid public parks at night - they can become gathering places for inebriated individuals. It would be wise to use a taxi service when possible, especially late hours. As with any location, exercising normal safety precautions should always be a top priority.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Latvia has a well-maintained and reliable public transportation system. Be it buses, trams, or trains, they generally run on time. There are also night buses present for late-night travel. The technology for ticketing is also advanced, making it easy for locals and tourists alike. There are occasional reports of pickpocketing, especially in crowded places, but this is not so much frequent. Nonetheless, it is always important to stay alert and watch over your belongings while on transit for your own safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In Latvia, women travelling solo typically report minimal instances of street harassment. It is a relatively safe country where public places and transportation systems are usually secure. Residents are courteous, and respect for personal space is generally upheld. However, it's advisable to be cautious especially during late hours since cases of occasional catcalling or unsolicited comments aren’t unheard of. Despite this, authorities in Latvia are quite strict and responsive in cases of harassment. Yet, as in any country, the context can vary depending on the city, neighborhood, and time.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Latvia, particularly its capital, Riga, is generally safe for solo female travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and vehicle break-ins are the most common. These mostly happen around tourist hotspots and public transportation. As a solo female traveler, being alert to your surroundings and taking necessary precautions like not leaving valuables unattended can significantly reduce risk.

Is Latvia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 37 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Riga, Solo travel

While in Riga I stayed in the Blue Bird Hostel in the old city. The city felt pretty safe to walk around, although I didn't stay out very late. I really recommend the Art Nouveau neighborhood. I'm not aware of any museums since I had no time to visit one but simply walking around is very pleasant

Posted: March 16, 2025Experienced: April, 2022
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Melis

Melis

Turkey

Latvia, Solo travel

I went Latvia for Erasmus and it was the best thing I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never felt safe and peaceful anywhere. You can enjoy the clubs and even after 4 am you can walk to your place ALONE. I’ve done that many times and it’s really safe. The people are really friendly and open to new experiences. I was never bored. The only thing is in the winter it’s always snowing so if you don’t like I wouldn’t recommend but other than that everything was good

Posted: February 21, 2025
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Seda

Seda

Latvia

Riga, Group travel

I felt super safe! A very walkable city, and very few tourists! I stayed in Liberty Hotel, very good place for it's price. Close to McDonalds and the old town. The cakes taste weird 🙃 didn't experince any restaurant that i liked, so just kept to supermarkets

Posted: February 3, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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Ida

Ida

Denmark

Riga, Family travel

I had a lovely time in Riga with my mom and grandma. We felt very safe, wherever we went. We saw the Stalin Tower, the old KGB museum (not for the faint hearted) and just walked around the old city. The city is absolutely beautiful with old architecture and fascinating sculptures. The food is amazing and cheap. Would recommend.

Posted: January 26, 2025Experienced: August, 2024
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Riga, Solo travel

I felt very safe, the people were warm and helpful. They speak English well and most also speak Russian. No one bothered me, I wasn't worried about being robbed (like in Brussels or Barcelona). I recommend it.

Posted: November 12, 2024
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Is Latvia safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 50 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 50 local experiences

Emilija

Emilija

Jelgava

Jelgava is a city for students, there are many festivals and activities happening, it’s lively and bright. People mind their own business, there are many activities to do here and as someone who has live here my entire life I rate it as a very safe city.

Posted: May 25, 2025
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Meet locals in Latvia

Emīlija

Emīlija

About Me

I am a really active girl in creative world, love to be in projects, different creative work fields. I love traveling and my first language is communication ;)

Speaking

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Maria

Maria

About Me

Hey! I’m Maria, a graphic design student from Latvia, currently living my best Erasmus life in Berlin. I love meeting new people, sharing stories, and getting inspired by different cultures. Into art, spontaneous adventures, and long walks with good conversation. Always up for discovering hidden corners of the city — and I’ll never say no to a cozy café or a weird museum🌞

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Latvia

Liene

Liene

Latvia

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Heyy! I’m Liene, I love traveling and right now I'm trying to travel as much as possible while it's still possible for me. I really enjoy meeting new people and be adventures together and I like to learn about different cultures.

Speaking

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Seda

Seda

Rēzekne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello. I am Seda, currently a ESC volunteer in Latvia : ) Very interested in discovering new cities and befriending new people : )

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Latvia

Tanja

Tanja

About Me

Love travelling, meeting people, speaking English, German, Hungarian and a little Russian....currently living in Hamburg

Speaking

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Beatrice

Beatrice

About Me

Hi everyone!! I’m Italian born in Belgium, I currently live in Angola with my family and plan to travel during my holidays. I love music (I like what I like genre doesn’t matter), traveling ofc, colouring and geography quizzes haha.

Speaking

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Safety in Latvia