Is Latvia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Latvia is generally quite safe for solo female travelers. Women report feeling safe walking around both during the day and at night, even in more isolated areas. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded places or on public transportation, so it's wise to always keep a close eye on your belongings. In terms of personal safety, harassment is rarely reported. Remember to stay cautious as per suggestion for all travels. Overall, Latvia provides a secure environment for a solo female traveler, but standard travel precautions should always be applied.

Safety rating

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How safe is Latvia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Latvia, especially Riga, its capital, generally has controlled crime rates. However, during night hours, caution should still be practiced. Tourist areas and city centers are relatively safe, but less populated and dimly lit areas can pose potential risks. Furthermore, it's advisable to avoid public parks at night - they can become gathering places for inebriated individuals. It would be wise to use a taxi service when possible, especially late hours. As with any location, exercising normal safety precautions should always be a top priority.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Latvia has a well-maintained and reliable public transportation system. Be it buses, trams, or trains, they generally run on time. There are also night buses present for late-night travel. The technology for ticketing is also advanced, making it easy for locals and tourists alike. There are occasional reports of pickpocketing, especially in crowded places, but this is not so much frequent. Nonetheless, it is always important to stay alert and watch over your belongings while on transit for your own safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In Latvia, women travelling solo typically report minimal instances of street harassment. It is a relatively safe country where public places and transportation systems are usually secure. Residents are courteous, and respect for personal space is generally upheld. However, it's advisable to be cautious especially during late hours since cases of occasional catcalling or unsolicited comments aren’t unheard of. Despite this, authorities in Latvia are quite strict and responsive in cases of harassment. Yet, as in any country, the context can vary depending on the city, neighborhood, and time.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Latvia, particularly its capital, Riga, is generally safe for solo female travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and vehicle break-ins are the most common. These mostly happen around tourist hotspots and public transportation. As a solo female traveler, being alert to your surroundings and taking necessary precautions like not leaving valuables unattended can significantly reduce risk.

Is Latvia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 33 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5
wilda

wilda

Sweden

Riga, Couple travel

The locals was lovely! And was very open hearted and was very polite and friendly. They often give compliments and want to show us around. The food was very good, lovely! And the night life was funny, and it was a lot of France people there for studies.

Posted: January 14, 2025
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Riga, 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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Riga, 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

Riga, 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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Latvia, Group travel

Latvia (Riga) was a perfect destination for me and my friend for 3 nights. Just from the start we felt perfectly safe and enjoyed the city’s atmosphere. It is not crowded with turists and you can breathe the history in the air. We even felt very safe going clubbing.

Posted: July 23, 2024
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Nanci

Nanci

United Kingdom

Riga, 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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Latvia, Solo travel

I am an exchange student in Latvia so. I had enough time to explore Riga first of all I always felt safe even at nights. Even though as a student my budget was limited I was still afford my needs so Latvia is very economical when compared to other europen countries when it comes ot attractions they have great cathedral church parks (black head aspecially) but what I love most about Latvia is their nature if u like green Latvia is for you.

Posted: May 10, 2024
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Riga, 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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Riga, 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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Riga, 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 Latvia safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 21 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 21 local experiences

Riga

In Riga it depends with safety. There are some sketchy places that I wouldn’t go at night (past 10 pm) like Origo shopping centre or surrounding area like the Riga food market but before that it is totally safe because there are lot of people going home from jobs or shopping. I would say I am a bit anxious person so I always overthink and worry to much

Posted: January 3, 2025
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Riga

If you stay in the center side and out of the "sleeping (9-12story residential home)" areas, then you are going to feel fairly safe in Riga 24/7. The public transport and quick car rentals are safe, and there are public transport stops in <5min walking distance. Some old creepy guys catcalling are happening a lot less than 15 years ago. Youth knows English better than Russian as their 2nd or 3rd language choice, so almost everyone is able to help out if you get lost.

Posted: January 2, 2025
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Meet locals in Latvia

Betül

Betül

About Me

Hi! I’m Betül, these days I am a volunteer in Latvia.When i have time, I am trying to visit new places with my backpack. She (my backpack) is my bestie 💪🏻

Speaking

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Sindija

Sindija

About Me

Hey there! I recently graduated from medical school, which means I can officially call myself Dr. (though sometimes it still feels unreal). I’m ambitiously diving into the field of gynaecology and obstetrics and as a natural consequence, I’m currently a volunteer at a family planning and sexual health organization.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Latvia

Laura

Laura

Riga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey! I am 27, i am from Riga,Latvia. I am architect, creative and friendly person who enioys fun. I like to travel and meet new people.

Speaking

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Liene

Liene

Latvia

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Heyy! I’m Liene, I love traveling and right now I'm trying to travel as much as possible while it's still possible for me. I really enjoy meeting new people and be adventures together and I like to learn about different cultures.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Latvia

Monika

Monika

About Me

Monika, 25 yo, corporate rat & video editing in free time. Living in Warsaw (able to host), also with possibility to offer place in Lesser Poland Area.

Speaking

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Safety in Latvia