Is Riga Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Riga overall is considered quite safe for solo female travelers. Just like any other major city, it has areas that are very safe and some areas that one must be careful in, especially at night. The city center is well-lit and usually busy, providing a feeling of safety. Local people are generally friendly and helpful. However, always be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings. There are instances of pickpocketing especially in crowded and touristy areas.

Safety rating

4.7 /5

Based on 33 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.1 /5

Based on 41 experiences from local women

Riga is currently ranked #26 safest place for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.7 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Riga?

Safety at night:Moderate

Riga is a relatively safe city, even at night. It's highly touristic and generally well-policed. However, like any urban area, it does have some crime, particularly in less populated areas or late at night. Therefore, it's always advisable to stay in well-lit areas, avoid walking alone late at night when the streets are less busy, and always be aware of your surroundings. Use of taxis or rideshares is widely available and often recommended for late-night transportation.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Riga is considered rather safe. Both locals and tourists commonly use it for commuting. The city has buses, trams, and trolleybuses that are relatively modern and well-maintained. Stations are also generally safe even at night. Official taxis are properly regulated, reliable and offer services at reasonable rates. It's advised, however, to always be aware of your surroundings as you would in any other city.

Street harassment:Low

Riga, being the capital of Latvia is relatively safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not common and people usually mind their own business. As in any other city worldwide, occasional situations might occur especially during the night time or in less crowded locations, but generally, public spaces are quite safe and respectful. Caution and awareness are always recommended.

Petty crimes:Low

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is generally a welcoming and safe place for solo female travelers. However, like any city, it has its various concerns. One of them is petty crime which mainly revolves around pickpocketing, purse snatching, and minor theft, especially common in crowded places and public transportation. But with common travel sense and vigilance, these can be avoided.

Is Riga worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 33 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

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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Seda

Latvia

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

Denmark

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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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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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

United Kingdom

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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Is Riga safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

Riga is not a criminal city in its simple sense, but if you pay attention to men, you will notice that a very large number of them have been/are in jail for robbery/violence/drug distribution. Everyone has at least one acquaintance who is involved with drugs. It is not very safe to walk alone at night in certain neighborhoods, because that is where the marginalized layer of society gathers. Especially in the summer. Girls need to carefully watch what they drink in clubs and just as carefully watch the behavior of guys in large companies. There are lists of clubs that girls are better off not going to.

Posted: June 15, 2025

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I would say riga is quite safe, there are neighborhoods that are not that pleasant but i wouldn’t worry about. If you are in the old town at Friday or Saturday then maybe I would watch out because of all the drunk people but still the police is patrolling

Posted: June 5, 2025

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