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 30 experiences from local women

Riga is currently ranked #29 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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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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Is Riga safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

i would say overall it is safe and i do not feel attacked but sometimes, as it is in most countries, i do feel unsafe and uncomfortable but nothing bad has ever happened to me it just more in my head as i am a cautious person

Posted: April 24, 2025

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Alexa

Pretty safe, would recommend walking alone after dark though especially near central market and origo. Old town is pretty safe after dark! The most dangerous neighbourhood is Kengarags so i wouldn’t recommend visiting it when it dark. Overall Riga is pretty safe, I added warnings just for girls to be safe:)

Posted: April 23, 2025

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Meet locals in Riga

Emīlija

About Me

I am a really active girl in creative world, love to be in projects, different creative work fields. I love traveling and my first language is communication ;)

Speaking

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Aziza

About Me

Hii💗 I am doing my masters in Riga, Latvia and working in an iGaming entertainment industry (casino🎀). I am into dancing and singing, and I take very good IG post worthy pictures🤭 I am open to meet up and have fun, since I have not been to many places in Riga yet!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Riga

Zehra

Riga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, My name is Zehra , I’m from Turkey but I’m living Latvia right now. Im 27 years old . I am a graduate of English translation . I’m a musician . I am currently teaching at a school as a volunteer in Riga. I have had the chance to visit 9 countries before. I am very clean and tidy.

Speaking

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Indira

Riga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi there! I'm a 35-year-old adventure enthusiast who is passionate about exploring the world through travel, hiking, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. Sports are a significant part of my life, with volleyball being my absolute favorite game to play, while I enjoy watching a wide range of team sports. My love for nature drives me to seek outdoor experiences that challenge and inspire me, always looking to discover new landscapes. Beyond my active lifestyle, I'm genuinely interested in building meaningful connections, learning from others, and embracing every opportunity for personal growth and exciting experiences.