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 36 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5
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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Riga, Solo travel

Well, I solo traveled to Riga, Latvia in July 2023. As a solo woman traveller, I can say that I had a safe travel experience during my trip. I liked the atmosphere, food, tourist sightseeings, history, and culture very much. I definitely recommend you visiting Riga!

Posted: August 24, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Eilidh

Eilidh

United Kingdom

Riga, Solo travel

I felt extremely safe in Riga city centre, in summer especially. It is a quiet city with wide open streets. So much culture and beautiful architecture. The old town is where most tourists go clubbing, and there are some drunk men who may bother you, but they are generally tourists.

Posted: August 10, 2024
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Latvia, Group travel

Latvia (Riga) was a perfect destination for me and my friend for 3 nights. Just from the start we felt perfectly safe and enjoyed the city’s atmosphere. It is not crowded with turists and you can breathe the history in the air. We even felt very safe going clubbing.

Posted: July 23, 2024
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Nanci

Nanci

United Kingdom

Riga, Solo travel

Solo traveler, I have felt always safe during this trip. I stood at hostels and they were ok too. Early wake ups and late ins, due to the brightness outside! I would go back for sure as it is beautiful and cheap.

Posted: June 2, 2024
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Latvia, Solo travel

I am an exchange student in Latvia so. I had enough time to explore Riga first of all I always felt safe even at nights. Even though as a student my budget was limited I was still afford my needs so Latvia is very economical when compared to other europen countries when it comes ot attractions they have great cathedral church parks (black head aspecially) but what I love most about Latvia is their nature if u like green Latvia is for you.

Posted: May 10, 2024
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Riga, Solo travel

I went solo to Riga I was so pleasantly surprised by everything there. Felt very safe, the architecture was absolutely gorgeous, and the locals were so helpful with everything I needed.

Posted: April 7, 2024
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Is Latvia safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 29 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 29 local experiences

Riga

As in every country there is criminals, but it’s much more peaceful then in bigger countries. At night streets are calm and empty, only old town is crowded on weekends mostly. Not bad place to live in

Posted: February 15, 2025
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Riga

Riga is super safe there is a lot of CCTV in comparison to Germany! There are a lot of streetlights and people are super friendly in most areas and super honest. I lost important things a few times and always got them back.

Posted: February 7, 2025
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Meet locals in Latvia

Seda

Seda

About Me

Hello. I am a ESC volunteer in Latvia. Very interested in chatting, traveling with others, being hosted, exchanging apartments etc

Speaking

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Betül

Betül

About Me

Hi! I’m Betül, these days I am a volunteer in Latvia.When i have time, I am trying to visit new places with my backpack. She (my backpack) is my bestie 💪🏻

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Latvia

Seda

Seda

Rēzekne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello. I am a ESC volunteer in Latvia. Very interested in chatting, traveling with others, being hosted, exchanging apartments etc

Speaking

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Oumaima

Oumaima

Riga

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hello this is Ouma from Tunisia and currently living in Riga:)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Latvia

Malak

Malak

About Me

I'm Malak! 26 yo From Jordan Im an exchange student in Riga.

Speaking

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Safety in Latvia