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

Make travel friends

Meet other female travelers, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 4
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Latvia safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 59 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 59 local experiences

Latvia

I think it’s safe during the day. Since it’s population is not too crowded, i don’t feel like I’ll be kidnapped or robbed. But sometimes random drunk people make me feel worried. I haven’t used public transport in the night so I cannot comment on it but here bolt is commonly used and affordable.

Posted: August 8, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety in Latvia