Latvia is generally safe for travel, with petty crime being relatively low. Pickpocketing is mostly common in larger cities, and some of the most notorious locations for this crime are in Riga, especially in the old part of town, the market area, and around the main railway. The security environment at the Belarusian border could deteriorate at short notice, so it is essential to carry ID at all times and follow local authorities’ advice.
Covid-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Latvia, and there is no need to present a certificate of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or negative test results. Facemasks and normal precautions should be exercised when traveling to Latvia. Riga is a relatively quiet city with beautiful architecture and parks, but there are areas to avoid late at night and scammers at local bars where tourists congregate. Petty crime, particularly bag snatching and pickpocketing, is a greater risk in Riga Old Town, Central Market, and central train and bus stations.
Riga is a small city with low crime levels, and Latvians tend to be friendly but reserved. However, Russian gangs can pose a threat, with about 70 Russians and 30 Latvians in the city. Although Latvians are generally good people, there are no direct threats at the moment.
In summary, Latvia is a relatively safe country for travelers, with petty crime being relatively low. However, there are potential risks, such as gangs and Russian gangs, and it is important to exercise normal precautions and stay informed about the country’s safety and security measures.
📹 48 hours in Riga, Latvia: Low Cost and High-Quality European Life
Olivia and Nathan here! Riga, Latvia is bringing the VIBE in the Baltics! So many great cafes, restaurants, parks, and cool places …
Is it safe to walk around Riga at night?
To ensure safety while traveling, avoid unlit streets and parks at night, stay alert when walking alone, and be cautious of people approaching you. Keep your documents and valuables secure in hotel safes. Be cautious of high drink prices or fraudulent transactions on credit or debit cards, and seek recommendations from trustworthy sources for bars and clubs.
Is Riga, Latvia worth visiting?
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a modern city with a rich history and a variety of natural, culinary, and cultural attractions. Its Old Town, world-class food scene, Art Nouveau architecture, park life, pedestrian-friendly park, wooden architecture, proximity to nature, quirky Soviet heritage, cultural delights, flourishing art scene, exceptional brews, and cool vibe make it a must-visit destination. Explore the best places to visit in Riga to fully appreciate its charms.
Is it safe to travel to Riga right now?
Latvia’s Level 1 travelers should exercise normal precautions, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for travel alerts, follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter, and review the Country Security Report for Latvia.
Is Riga safe for tourists?
Petty crime, including bag snatching, pickpocketing, and muggings, is prevalent in Riga, with hotspots including Old Town, central train stations, Central Market, parks, and major hotel routes.
Is it safe to travel to Latvia because of war?
The situation is currently safe, with no direct threats and no indication of a war on Latvian soil in the near future, as it is difficult to predict the future evolution of the situation.
Is Riga or Tallinn nicer?
If you’re deciding on a Baltic city to visit, it’s important to consider your priorities. Vilnius is the cheapest option, while Tallinn is best for foodies and summer sun seekers. Riga has the best Old Town, and all three cities offer beautiful architecture and fascinating museums. For a festive escape, all three cities have vibrant Christmas markets, and Tallinn has the most reliable snowfall. All three cities offer equal chances of enjoying snow in winter.
Can I speak English in Riga?
After Latvia’s independence in 1990, English has become the most common foreign language to learn, with younger ethnic Latvians often speaking English better than Russian. Fluency in English is essential for those working in the tourist industry and is also popular for trademarks and songs by local bands. Other minority languages include Belarusian, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, and Polish, spoken by 0. 5-1 of the population each.
However, their use is mostly limited to family and a few churches, with youth often speaking Russian or Latvian among themselves. Belarusian, Lithuanian, and Polish have a bigger impact in some villages.
Is it safe to go to Riga Old Town?
Petty theft and robbery have been reported in Riga Old town, Central Market, and central train and bus stations, urging residents to be cautious of pickpockets, avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and be extra cautious when walking alone.
Is Latvia friendly to Russia?
Russia frequently criticizes Latvia for discrimination against the Russian-speaking population and has participated in several cases of complaints against Latvia in the European Court of Human Rights as a third party. These cases dealt with the violation of the rights of the Russian minority in Latvia. In 2004, Latvia expelled Pyotr Uzhumov, the Second Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Rīga, for activities “incompatible with his diplomatic status”.
In March 2018, Latvia expelled a second secretary rank Russian diplomat within the Russian embassy in Rīga, and Russia responded by expelling a Latvian diplomat from Russia. These actions demonstrate Russia’s ongoing stance on Latvia and its relationship with the Russian-speaking population.
How do you say hello in Latvia?
The text suggests a more informal way of seeing a loo, referred to as ciao, which also means goodbye, and is repeated multiple times.
Are Latvians friendly to foreigners?
Latvians are known for their friendly and informal nature, but are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders. They appreciate good table service and round up bills for bartenders and cab drivers. They also collect souvenirs like amber jewelry and ceramics.
📹 A Taste of Riga: Travel Tips for a Day in the Latvian Capital
Explore Riga with DW’s Hannah Hummel! In the Latvian capital for just one day? Hannah lets you in on the not-to-be-missed spots …
As someone who lived whole my life in Riga, I don’t know where you got a couple of facts from but they are totally off, maybe you didn’t get a good tour guide. So just to clarify: House of the Blackheads played an important role in city development because if not for it, we wouldn’t have a city of that size or at all in the first place. It still plays a role as a beautiful place that hosts events and celebrations for higher-ups (or for those who managed to get access), but when there are no events, anyone can visit it (entrance is not free, tho). We didn’t buy zeppelin hangars from Germany, but they are German hangars. During World War 1, the German army established an airport for their airships in Vainode (a small city in Latvia). After Latvia became independent (first time, in 1920) in 1925, those hangars, their top parts, were moved to Riga for them to become a central market. During World War 2, those hangars were taken over by the German army and they became military equipment workshops, after once again becoming a market.
You guys captured Riga in a very nice and lighthearted way. I’ve been running an incoming (corporate) travel business here for over 18 years and I have seen many “influencers” trying to capture the city. You guys done it the most justice, I think. Well done and great filming and editing and narrating! Two thumbs up for me! (Oh, and as a retired skateboarder who hung around California with the big boyz in the mid 90’s it was great to see you captured some of the local heros 🙂 ).
I’m from Finland and I absolutely love Latvia! I visited Riga one time earlier this year and have wanted to go back ever since! The Baltics are truly a hidden gem of Europe, undiscovered by the masses, super friendly and astonishingly beautiful! I loved how international Riga was, similarly to Tallinn, with a large Russian community. I also loved learning about the Jewish history of the Baltics. I spend quite a bit of time in Israel and regularly visit a city called Hadera, which interestingly was founded by a group of Latvian Jews from Riga!
American in Latvia here; married to a Latvian. You’ll find that income is ~40% of other European nations, but the cost of living isn’t significantly lower. Cigarettes and booze are cheaper, but food is roughly the same price; an apartment in Riga is cheaper than an apartment in Paris or Oslo, but still pretty unaffordable for most people here.
Some similarities with Finland and Baltics in public is being respectful of personal space, not making empty small talk, and yeah, people find it odd if you’re walking around smiling 😅- generally it’s leaning towards being slightly stoic, I guess. But, you’ll get friendliness and warmth with genuine interaction. Nice little tour, greetings from Estonia.
As a Latvian who lives in Riga, I like a lot your article. We really like a good coffee. About House of Black Heads – it was rebuild (renov.)on historic cellar after the historical photos and architecture which indicates this building to be not replica but rebuild or renov. Also from Wiki: The cellar is the only original part of the building which survived World War II and the Soviet Occupation. Until 1992 it was buried underground and not visible. The historic cellar is one of the few places where it is possible to walk through an authentic underground of Old Riga, where the remains, wall fragments, floor and wooden stairs, are original, and some of that is dated as far back as the 14th century.
Thank you for the nice article, although you have seen only a very centre Riga. Come to see more, maybe I could help you to know it better next time 🙂 But I am surprised about the guide you had and as a person who knows something about Riga history, I have to say something. First time I hear the explanation about the name of Riga. That it comes from word “ringa” or “ring”. Actually, when I studied guiding to be able to work as a guide in Riga, they teached me (and this is true) that there was a small river which flew through Vecrīga, and the name of the river was Rīdziņa or Rīdzene (like diminutive of word Riga), and this river gave the name to the city. But the name of the river probably came from words “rudzu ceļš” (rye road, rye – rudzi), because ships with grain came in the Rīdziņa harbour (it was a tributary of the Daugava River) to supply the city with food and other stuff. The river flew where now are only streets or squares, and somewhere there was even a small lake (the remains of relatively large vessels have been found during archaeological excavations). Later the harbour was placed on the Daugava shore. Rīdziņa experienced many transformations during centuries and also had a role in protecting the city, and eventually was dammed up in 18th century when fortifications in the protection of cities lost their relevance. In the square Līvu you probably saw the greenery, in a waved shape and also waved benches, this is for the memory of Rīdziņa which flew here for centuries long.
Wife and I were there last September (also Estonia & Lithuania) and loved it. There is lots to see and do in Riga but we really enjoyed the countryside and Jurmala is a really cute little beach town just a couple of trains stops west of the downtown. Cesis and Sigulda were really nice as well. We probably need to go back and just wander around the countryside.
hey! Rīga is awesome, and it seems to be getting more exciting to live in – at least for me with how much everything is developing and changing with Rail Baltica and such. also it’s pronounced “vets-riga”. It’s true latvians are quite excited for tourists – I’m not a Latvian, but my Latvian friends can all confim, the more people that come the happier we all are.
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I’m a latvian who grw up abroad and moved to Riga at 21. I still think it’s amongst the most beautiful cities that I have seen in all my travels and locals growing up here don’t see so much the beauty of it since they’ve seen it all their lives. I really recommend trying to live here. In summer you should visit ‘Tallinas kvartals’ – that’s our to go spot. We don’t spend too much time in Old Riga cause there are a lot pf tourists (I hope this doesn’t become a tourist hot spot 😅). Winters are not THAT brutal 😂 Sometimes it gets pretty cold outside, but the super low minuses usually last only about a week or so. And since we keep our houses and public spaces very warm it gives a great contrast and with the right clothes it’s not a problem 😊 plus if you teach your mind to be able to do ice swimming, you will get used to the cold and enjoy all the winter activities we have here 🫶🤘😁
Looking forward to Rail Baltica. The existing rail networks are physically connected but they slow anyway. The transport authorities haven’t made cross border rail services work at all, which is a shame. Good number of those at power are seemingly playing to the tune of “yaa failed states” tankies. Looks like you explored in depth, and weather was quite nice this year indeed. During the Song and Dance festival there was tons more to see and much larger swarms of people in the central parks. Sound effects and infobox overlays – roughly on point 😀 Going overboard in Lido – par for the course XD
As a Latvian I’m very glad you guys took your time to get to know our history. What russia has done to us will never be forgotten or forgiven. Most Latvian families will have lost parents and grandparents to the mad commie regime. That’s why Latvia is one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine in their fight against the russian invaders. Many young Latvians are critical of how much Latvia is behind some older European countries, but we have a lot of catching up to do. A positive tourist experience is appreciated.
Their is train connection between Baltics but from Tallinn to Riga it is on a ridiculous route which would take way more time then needed and to Vilnius connection could be decent, but Rail Baltic’s is more about connection to Kaunas and Poland in that sense. That and much higher speeds than trains now would give us.
What I can say as Latvian living in Riga for all my life. The main mistake of most tourists coming here is that they go to advertising brochure’s places and mainly staying in Riga what is a big mistake. I’d say that if you’re short of time, then better skip Riga completely. Latvia as a country is not a story about Riga.. it’s a story about nature. And if you like cities, then better visit Kuldiga, Cesis, Sigulda and Ventspils, not Riga However, I’d say that pine forest hike, sea shore with endless and different beaches and natural parks, for sure mystical and calm swamps, eco-tourism without tourists next to you and with pirts (sauna) and good grilled barbecue meat on a cool evening with a glass of beer and philosophical conversations at the same time – this is what you should concentrate on. Latvia is about a meditation outside the civilization.. It will be hard to find hidden gems outside the brochures, but you can always ask me, huh. =)
“We also want to see the Moscow district!” Why? Were you looking to get mugged? The huge sweat-stain on the right at 5:22 made me laugh =D Oh, and what that “tour guide” said about the origins of the name Rīga? Complete BS. To put it simply – there are many theories, nobody knows for sure, and the version he was so confidently peddling, is one of the least popular ones. Why would a Baltic or perhaps a Finno-Ugric tribe call a river loop a ring? So that the idea is easier to sell to an English speaking audience? What nonsense. And of course you had creepy vibes in the Corner House. There’s chambers in the basement where people were tortured and executed by the KGB. That proud legacy of being as inhuman as possible, is today carried on by the KGB’s direct descendant and heir – the FSB of sRussia. Garlic bread pairs the best with a pint of lager, it’s a pub snack, really.
Latvia is one of the world leaders in internet speed 🤣🤣🤣 This was funny AF 🤣🤣🤣 But okay I get it you are tourists I didn’t expect you to know everything. Also compared to our salaries costs are insanely high and kind a average quality life. Talking about famous “Lido” it’s far from what it was back then. The food is fat from what you would expect it to be at least what is was before. The quality has definitely suffered.
Many Latvians are not quite chill for real. Most of the people are really tough on making ends meet here. Salary to salary is classic here. Overall it’s getting better here, but wages are still far off the EU grid while the living expanses for food and household items are same or not more expensive than “historical bullies countries”, read – Germany etc. Yes, apartments for rent and for buying real estate can be found for quite low prices, outside of city center outskirts and in soviet time buildings, obviously. Salary 1/3 of Munich, fuel price minus 0.10eur/l on medium, rent can be same or 1/3 of Munich, food same or +10-30%, household items can be up to 300% from Munich. Wages are struggling big time here, not everybody work in IT… The country is green and not overpopulated, beautiful nature, many forests, many people are very welcoming and country itself is not too overcomplicated.
as a person who lives in latvia the most famous place for grugs is origa because everyone smokes weed there 💀💀💀💀💀💀 but I also would recommend some escape rooms in riga like the slaughterhouse titanic and chrnobyl there is a lot of then nd I would recommend also try the restaurant casanostra its AN ACTUAL ITAIAN PIZZA RESTAURANT UNLIKE THE OTHERS but its very good tho 😀
Great, Just go out about 30 min from the center, or go to any of the sleeping districts and you`ll see all the “beauty” of this city. And for more great experience, do it at night, at some Bolderaya district. From your article, you were about 1-2 km from the center, it was made specially for tourists there. Most of the people don`t leave in the center ( and population there dropped for about 50% for past 10 years ).
Low cost and high quality life??? Live here for a year😅… I agree that our nature and culture ir stunning, but you think that products here are cheap? Compared to other European countries, salaries here are microscopic. People can’t take vacations because they’re afraid they won’t be able to pay taxes and rent. You have to work an insane amount for such a salary that you can’t even afford to eat normally and go to the doctor once a year. The economy of this country is getting you into depression. You can get well-paid jobs only through contacts or with a master’s degree education. So if you don’t have parents to support you while you finish university, you can count on it being impossible to live a normal life here. I won’t even start talking about health care in Latvia…If the waiters and baristas are nice to you and tell you how good and beautiful Latvia is, then most likely they hope to get a tip from you, because for some of us its only possible way to afford to feed yourself and your family… Tourists might think it’s super nice here, but come to live here for a longer time, try our great weather conditions in autumn and spring, when sometimes you can’t stand on your feet because of the wind and the rain even penetrates to your underwear 😁 A lot of us will never have life like you because we we’re born in this “high-quality and love cost country”…Welcome!🤗
I visited Riga 3 weeks ago, after my vacation in Finland. I enjoyed the city a lot. I felt very free and also loved the architecture. There is so much to discover in this city which has many modern and many old aspects at the same time. I loved that there were so many graffiti, Riga seems to have a big graffiti-scene. As a vegan it was pretty easy to avoid animal products and I went to party at the techno club “one one” which was a nice experience. I will come back one day. : )
The city looks beautiful in summer. Wtf, a sideways moving bar propelled with pedals. Let’s see how long before there is demand to remove the black heads… How did they know how much to charge for food that you served yourself? Kvass is like a weak beer if brewed, no similarity to cola other than the dark color. If it is fake, then it’s just flavoring, sugar and citric acid.
somehow algorithm shows me this articles. I am Latvian, and Im kinde sad, that they exploring only Riga, because there many other great cities . But about people, I must to say that I feel big difference between latvians and slavic people, or slavic families. I am from mixed familie, and feel myself more Latvian, slavics seems for me too too loud, too little personal distance, too curious, I like distance. Your next place ar Lithuania, well for me they are like a different culture from Latvians, they are really like slavics. I feel myself better in Estonia and Finland.
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Big notice, mentioning moscow district didn’t made me happy to hear it at all as a ethnical Latvian. We also do not like to hear tourists who greeting us in russian language and it is not only because there is a war on Ukraines soil today, we do not like to hear russian language and history shows why ! P.s. i hope that moscow destrict will be renamed soon !!!! Also we ethnical Latvians like to see tourists that visiting Latvia(except russians) and majority would love to help out tourists who asks for help on streets.
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Riga is not low cost for a latvians, the biggest part of the people who lives in riga is poor – broke people. its low quality country as biggest part will be thinking twice if they need to visit a dentist or other doctors as the prices are very high. im from riga and i know this very well. there is a lot of the drug and alcohol users and a lot of the homless people in the city center – riga is very dirty and i would not reccomend to visit it- unfortunately in the past few years it become very unpleasent country.
Your review is based of your living standards if you are american then obviously as an american you would feel like its really cheap to buy things in Latvia, i bet if you would go to Romania you would say that people give things as gifts to you just because how cheap it is for YOU to buy things. In reality prices in Latvia are like in most of European Union, but salary is on lower end of European Union. If life in Latvia was that great, population wouldnt drop from 2.8million to 1.8 in 32 years.