Riga is generally a safe city for tourists, with a moderate crime rate comparable to other European capitals. While violent crime is rare, visitors should stay vigilant against petty theft (pickpocketing), particularly in crowded areas like the Old Town (Vecriga), Central Market, and transit hubs. Common tourist scams include inflated drink prices and card fraud.
If you're in these areas, carry ID with you at all times and follow the advice of local authorities. Petty crime may occur, particularly in Riga. This includes bag snatching, pickpocketing and muggings. Hotspots include Old Town, the central train and bus stations, the Central Market, parks, and routes to major hotels.
Be sure to exercise good situational awareness, vary routes and times of arrival/departure, and choose well-lit, populated routes -- especially while walking at night. Riga Police have reported an increase in reports of “Drink Spiking” at club and bars, followed by robberies of the victims.
Latvians are friendly. If you need assistance, Latvians will gladly assist you. Hospitality is ingrained in their culture, and they will welcome you with open arms. You don't require a visa to visit Latvia.
You should avoid being careless with belongings in crowded tourist spots like the Old Town, Central Market, and train/bus stations, where pickpicking is common; also, be wary of scams (like petition-signing, inflated taxi fares, card fraud) and drink spiking in bars, especially late at night or in unlit areas, and take Bolt taxis over hailing cabs for safety.
Is Latvia Safe For American Tourists? - Resort 2 Travel
Can I speak English in Riga?
Some citizens speak both languages, some speak both plus English, and some only speak one or the other. Getting along with English depends on where you are. In the center of Riga, most of the youth can speak at least a little English.
The Baltics do live up to their icy reputation in winter - so the best time to visit Latvia is between April and September. Birders will enjoy the spring and autumn migrations, with flocks of ducks, geese and divers, and the autumn foliage is a sight to behold.
Among EU members Latvia stands out as a country with one of the lowest income levels, with the greatest inequality and poverty, and one of the highest emigration rates.
Temperatures often dip between 14°F and 28°F (-10°C to -2°C), bringing crisp, cold air that calls for warm, layered clothing. Expect occasional snowfall and icy winds, so packing insulated coats, thermal wear, sturdy boots, and accessories like gloves and scarves is essential to stay comfortable.
Russian is the mother tongue of 53.5% of the population of the capital city Riga. The share of native Russian speakers is the highest in Latgale region (55.5%), followed by Zemgale (23.8%) and Pieriga (22.4%). Source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, 2019.
The city offers so much, from its historic landmarks and fascinating museums to the incredible food scene. Yes, Latvian food isn't the most famous but it's delicious! Plus, the charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is absolutely worth exploring. Riga's location also makes it perfect for day trips.
What is the currency in Latvia? The currency in Latvia is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you're buying currency for Latvia, look out for the currency code EUR.
Yes. The tap water in Latvia is safe to drink - why not bring a reusable water bottle with you on your trip? This will save you money on bottled water and reduce your plastic footprint, helping to protect the environment in Latvia and beyond.
The 2008 Latvian financial crisis, which stemmed from the 2008 global financial crisis, was a major economic and political crisis in Latvia. The crisis was generated when an easy credit market burst, resulting in an unemployment crisis, along with the bankruptcy of many companies.
In mid-June 1941, on the eve of Hitler's attack on the Soviet Union, 14,000 citizens of Latvia, including several thousand Jews, were deported by the Soviet authorities to Siberia and other parts of Soviet Asia as politically undesirable elements.
The official language in the country is Latvian, but many people in Rīga speak English well, especially in tourist areas so you should find it easy to get by. Most museums provide exhibitions with English translations. Menus and services in cafés, restaurants and bars are typically available in English too.
Currently, there are no ferries running between Riga and Tallinn in Estonia. This may be because of seasonal restrictions or other operational constraints.
If you consider beauty of high importance - every Baltic capital is beautiful in their own right. Tallinn has a beautiful medieval old town, Riga looks the most grand with their art nouveau buildings, while Vilnius has one of the biggest old towns in North and Eastern Europe.
Latvian culture is deeply rooted in ancient customs, modern influences, and respect for nature. When it comes to social etiquette, the locals are reserved and do not express their emotions freely. They do not like small talk and do not speak loudly in public. Latvians consider speaking loudly in public to be rude.
