Is Riga Safe for Female Travelers?

Riga is generally considered safe for female travelers. The city is well-policed and has a low crime rate. Women should take the same precautions as they would in any other city, such as avoiding walking alone at night and being aware of their surroundings. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep valuables out of sight. With these precautions in mind, female travelers should have a safe and enjoyable experience in Riga.

Experiences from Riga

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 18 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

5/5

Safety

5/5

Food

4.9/5

Budget-friendly

4.3/5

Solo travel experience

I was in Riga three times for three days each, and only now can I say that I got to know the city. Fantastic Art Nouveau architecture and the Art Nouveau Museum, a charming fashion museum, and plenty of other places.

Posted: September 20, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent 3 nights in Riga and had a lovely time. The weather was kind. I ate and went into bars alone without issue. Highly recommend visiting Riga.

Posted: August 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

Riga is a small and cozy city, one day is enough to view most popular places. Recommend to walk through old Town, it's very beautiful architecture, authentic places, a lot of bars and restaurants, friendly local people. Definitely would go there again!

Posted: June 3, 2023Experienced: October, 2017
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I've been to Riga and absolutely loved it. The history, the free walking tour, architecture, great nightlife, Olympic bobsleigh track, and black balsam. Also budget-friendly. I never felt unsafe.

Posted: April 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

My experience in Riga was wonderful - I didn't encounter any harassment and the locals were incredibly friendly and helpful. One of the highlights was walking along the bog boardwalk in Kemeri National Park. I thoroughly enjoyed the overall atmosphere of the Baltics, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and I would definitely love to return there someday.

Posted: March 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

During my first solo trip abroad, I spent about a week in Riga and was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the city. As someone who had wanted to visit for a long time, I found it to be even better than expected. For those who are considering visiting, here are some of my experiences that may be helpful. One thing that stood out to me was the absence of street harassment, which was a welcome change from my home country. I felt safe walking around alone, even when going to the ATM at 1 am. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and helpful the locals were, despite the reputation for introversion that I had read about. I received assistance with directions from many people, which made navigating the city much easier. I also noticed that there were few homeless people or beggars, and I did not encounter any scams or indecent behavior during my stay. Compared to other cities I've visited, there was less graffiti in central Riga, and while there were not many non-white people, it didn't affect my experience in any way. Public transport and the Bolt app (similar to Uber) were both reasonably priced, making getting around the city and surrounding areas convenient and affordable. I particularly enjoyed exploring the Old Town and the outskirts, as well as taking a train to Jurmala for the beautiful scenery. However, I would caution against spending more than half a day in Jurmala during the off-season, as it got dark quite early. One downside to note was that food, both in restaurants and grocery stores, was more expensive than I had anticipated. However, with a budget of around 300 Euros for food, travel, and souvenirs, I found that I was able to manage my expenses comfortably. Overall, I would highly recommend Riga as a destination for solo female travelers who are looking for a peaceful, immersive experience in a new place. While it may not be the most adventurous destination, it offers a unique charm and a welcoming atmosphere that makes for a truly enjoyable trip.

Posted: March 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I enjoyed the KGB building tour and the old town was definitely the best place in the city. I also took the train to Jurmala beach and did a couple of hikes around there. The town hall square also had some incredible scenery.

Posted: March 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Riga in August, loved it! Stayed for a week so had a chance to see a lot. Took a walk round the beautiful Art Deco district, the buildings were beautiful. Also did two free walking tours, Old Riga and alternative Riga. I also took a train to the coast and spent a day at the blue flag beach at Jurmala. Folkklubs Ala Palagrab was good for traditional cuisine and live music. Stayed in a really good hostel in centre of town called Naughty Squirrel backpackers.

Posted: December 16, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I had a great time in Riga. The old town is just fabulous to walk around exploring, and I recommend the KGB museum just outside the old town, well worth a visit. Went to Ala Pagrabs Folk bar which was fabulous, underground caverns, good food, great beer and a really good live band on a evening.

Posted: November 27, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Riga is one of my favorites cities. I had a great time there. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs is like a Pub/ Restaurant and has a nice atmosphere. Great food, drinks and music. The free walking tour in Riga Old Town is a nice way to explore the place and learn a bit about its history.

Posted: November 19, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Riga

Alexandra

Alexandra

Speaking

About Me

I’m tall kind open-minded girl with smiling eyes in mid twenties, I’m keen on traveling, psychology, reading, dancing, pilates and everything new 🤩 I have degree in electrochemical engineering and looking for have one in psychology 🤓 have organizational skills and wonder cheerful mind, like jokes, doing something crazy and laughing just for life 🤪 I’m full of enthusiasm and seek to meet new friends 😁

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇧🇾 Belarus, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇹🇳 Tunisia, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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DInija

DInija

Speaking

About Me

Hi!, I'm DInija and I'm interested in solo travel, nature, languages, fashion, events & social, food & cuisine, architecture, business and photography

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Raquel

Raquel

Speaking

About Me

Hi! I’m Raquel, Spanish teacher in Riga. I’m new in the country and I have no friends yet so I would love to meet other girls and make plans. I also love travelling on weekends so it would be cool if someone joins me :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

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Stay with locals in Riga

Natalie

Natalie

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

I can host:

1 guest

About me

I work remotely. I like to read fantasy, I am fond of art and photography. I love animals, I live with a kitty

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Victoria

Victoria

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

I can host:

1 guest

About me

Hi, I'm Victoria and I live in Riga

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇼 Kuwait, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

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Katarina

Katarina

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

I can host:

2 guests

About me

hi, i‘m Katarina, very Open-minded for new adventures ✨

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇪🇸 Spain

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Local discussions

Solo travelWhat are some recommendations for things to do, places to see, and where to eat and drink in Riga for a 3-night stay in June?

Visiting Riga for three nights at the beginning of June and would love some recommendations for things to do, places to see, where to eat and drink, etc! Any suggestions are highly welcome.

Posted: May 21, 2023
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Travel Safety in Latvia

Destination rankings

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Frequently asked questions

Is Riga Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Riga is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city is well-policed and has a low crime rate. Women should take the same precautions as they would in any other city, such as avoiding walking alone at night and being aware of their surroundings. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep valuables out of sight. With these precautions in mind, Riga is a great destination for solo female travelers.

Is Riga Safe at Night?

Riga is generally considered safe for female travelers at night. However, as with any city, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. It is best to avoid walking alone at night, and to stick to well-lit and populated areas. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables out of sight.

Is Riga Safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Riga is generally considered safe for LGBTQ+ travellers, however, it is important to be aware that same-sex relationships are not legally recognised in Latvia and there is still some discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Female travellers should take extra caution when travelling alone and be aware of their surroundings. It is recommended to avoid public displays of affection and to research the local laws and customs before travelling.