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

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How safe is Riga?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 29 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

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

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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Nanci

Nanci

United Kingdom

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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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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Group travel

I felt safe, although I have to say that the streets at night were a bit empty, also on the weekend. I really, really recommend taking the free walking tours: especially the one that shows alternative spots. The guide was a young student, and he was brilliant and passionate. Riga is super cool and cheap, I really suggest giving it a try, especially if the flight is not expensive!

Posted: March 12, 2024Experienced: February, 2023
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Solo travel

I went to Riga to learn more about the Baltic and also because i like exploring different places. The old city center is beautiful and i felt very safe. It is relatively small so you can explore it in a day or two max (i stayed 5 days that was too long i felt). I stayed at a hostel which was also very safe and comfortable.

Posted: February 21, 2024
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Solo travel

I was in Riga in February, and I can say that it was incredible. It is a very safe, beautiful city to explore. A very good place to eat in Riga is Lido. It is a chain of restaurants that you can find everywhere. Very fresh and good food.

Posted: December 26, 2023
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Solo travel

If you like museums, I highly recommend the Latvian National Museum of Art, Rīgas Birža Art Museum and the Art Nouveau Museum. It is also nice to visit Zuzeum, where you will find a collection of "Grandmother's" porcelain. If you are a fan of vegan food, be sure to check out MiiT Coffee. I ate there twice and really liked it. I also recommend popping into the Tabu Tea House for tea. The parks and riverside areas amazed me the most.

Posted: October 13, 2023
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Solo travel

I highly recommend visiting Riga. It turned out to be a very charming city, a place about which I absolutely didn't expect anything and almost didn't know anything. For architecture enthusiasts, it will be a very good travel destination. After a walk around the city, you can relax with some very good food.

Posted: September 24, 2023
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Is Riga safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Crime index

1.6 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

In general Riga is a safe city, should avoid neighborhood called Sarkandaugava, but city centre is a safe space, especially if you stick to Old Riga (yes, even at night). Like any other city close to central station and other very public places you might want to keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Posted: July 8, 2024
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Safest place I’ve been, you can leave your computer in a Café and no one will touch it. Walk through a park without proper lights and allow pitch dark? Nothing gonna happen. No street calling, harassment or else it’s life changing.

Posted: July 5, 2024
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Meet locals in Riga

Klara

Klara

About Me

Hi I’m Klara, 30yo i work in education administration. I love to travel, learn about different cultures and languages. I’ve been in Riga for almost two years now (and love it), was in Berlin before that, Marseille, went a couple of month to Miami and a bit on Stockholm as well :) I have traveled to more places but these were I’ve stayed for a bit 😊 Happy to read about you and meet sins of you

Speaking

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Zebiniso

Zebiniso

About Me

Introverted explorer, foodie extraordinaire, and occasional social butterfly. I'm on a mission to discover Europe's hidden gems, one delicious meal and cozy corner at a time.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Riga

Klara

Klara

Riga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I’m Klara, 30yo i work in education administration. I love to travel, learn about different cultures and languages. I’ve been in Riga for almost two years now (and love it), was in Berlin before that, Marseille, went a couple of month to Miami and a bit on Stockholm as well :) I have traveled to more places but these were I’ve stayed for a bit 😊 Happy to read about you and meet sins of you

Speaking

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Kristine

Kristine

Riga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m passionate about meeting new people, exploring new places, and sharing stories and experiences. I work as an English teacher and enjoy connecting with others from different backgrounds. I am excited to meet fellow travelers and create memorable experiences together!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Riga

Hannah

Hannah

About Me

Hey, I'm Hannah from the US. Been living abroad for 11 years now, in South Korea, Czechia, and Croatia. I love to travel, read, hike, and testing the waters for new hobbies!

Speaking

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Safety in Latvia