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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Safety index

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.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Riga, is considered generally safe for consumption. It undergoes a strict water filtration process that eliminates many impurities. However, it is always advisable to use a filtered water bottle if you have one available, or buy bottled water if you're unsure.

Is Riga safe to travel?

4.6 /5

Based on 25 experiences

Solo travel experience

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 experience

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 experience

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 experience

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 experience

I was in Riga and I absolutely loved it there. The history, free city walks, architecture, great nightlife, Olympic bobsleigh track, and black balsam. Additionally, this place is wallet-friendly. I never felt unsafe there.

Posted: April 10, 2023
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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 this city. As someone who had long wanted to visit this place, I found it even better than I expected. For those considering a visit, here are a few of my experiences that might be helpful. One of the things that caught my attention was the lack of harassment on the streets, which was a welcome change compared to my home country. I felt safe walking alone, even when I went to the ATM at 1 in the morning. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly and helpful the locals were, despite the reputation of introverts I had read about. I received help with directions from many people, which made navigating the city easier. I also noticed that there were few homeless people or beggars, and during my stay I did not encounter any scams or inappropriate behavior. Compared to other cities I have visited, there was less graffiti in the center of Riga, and although there were not many non-white people, this did not affect my experiences in any way. Public transportation and the Bolt app (similar to Uber) were both at a relatively affordable price, which made getting around the city and its surroundings easier. I especially enjoyed exploring the Old Town and the outskirts, as well as taking a train trip to Jurmala for the beautiful landscapes. However, I wouldn't recommend spending more than half a day in Jurmala off-season as it got dark quite early. One drawback was that food, both in restaurants and grocery stores, was more expensive than I anticipated. However, with a budget of about 300 euros for food, travel, and souvenirs, I found that I could comfortably manage my expenses. In conclusion, I highly recommend Riga as a destination for solo female travelers who are looking for a peaceful, engaging adventure in a new place. While it may not be the most exciting travel destination, it offers a unique charm and friendly atmosphere, which makes the trip truly enjoyable.

Posted: March 22, 2023
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Freedom Monument - House on the corner - House of the Blackheads - Central Market - St. Peter's Church - National Art Museum - Three Brothers - Secession Safety: I felt completely safe wherever I was, at any time of day or night. Accommodation: Backpackers Cinnamon Sally Hostel. Great hostel, really friendly staff and good atmosphere. I recommend. Recommendations: I've been to Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga. And Riga is definitely the most interesting and beautiful.

Posted: August 6, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To do: Places I visited: - Old Town - Bastejkalna Park - The National Library - Academy of Sciences - Freedom Monument - St. Peter's Church - National Museum of Art Safety: I felt completely safe. Budget: It's cheap, especially if you're coming from larger countries. Accommodation: I stayed at the Naughty Squirrel Backpackers hostel. Great location and friendly staff. Recommendations: Riga is so beautiful, and the food is so delicious.

Posted: July 30, 2022
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Is Riga safe for women?

I would say that Riga is pretty safe, there are no major crimes and you can safely walk home after dark. I would recommend to still be aware of your surroundings as everywhere. Some neighbourhoods like Sarkandaugava and Ķengarags can be more dangerous as others at night, but overall the city is safe

Posted: April 9, 2024
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Nice and safe place for solo travellers and safety for women is high. A lot of opportunities to meet other people and experience the city together. In night hours would be best to stick to the center but even if going further there should not be any problems.

Posted: March 1, 2024
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Is Riga safe right now?

Before your visit to Riga, it's essential to check travel advisories for Latvia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in Latvia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in Latvia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 16, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Latvia overall. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: December 21, 2023

Is Riga worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 25 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Alexandra

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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 😁

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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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Riga

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Hi, I'm Victoria and I live in Riga

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Natalie

Riga

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Alejandra

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Designer who loves to traveling the world. Living in Los Angeles originally from Colombia. Next trip is eastern Europe. Reach out if you want to join, looking for a traveling companion.

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Jo

Jo

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Hi! I'm Jo. I'm 26, and a new traveler. I'm a bit of a nerd, I love Dungeons & Dragons, and board games. I love to meet new people and find new friends. I love discovering new coffee shops, pubs and pretty landscapes. I'm still a uni student doing a bachelor's and taking my sweet time at it. I love pets and all animals, fun fact I've ran infront of a truck to save a turtle on the drive back from my family's cabin once 😅 I love questions so if you have any! Ask away!

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Safety in Latvia