In Riga, travelers should generally avoid walking alone at night in theMaskavas (Moscow) suburb, Šķirotava, Bolderāja, and certain parts of Avotu iela and Sarkandaugava. Exercise caution around the central train/bus stations and the Central Market, particularly after dark, as these areas are hotspots for pickpocketing and scams.
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.
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.
Safest neighborhoods include Mežaparks, Teika, and residential parts of Jugla, where low population density, family-oriented communities, and minimal nightlife contribute to crime rates well below city averages.
The best area of Riga to stay in if you want easy access to all the attractions and public transport is the old town. You can get better value deals by staying outside of the old town, and use the tram system to reach the city centre easily.
Bachelor Party Capital of Europe - The Don'ts of Visiting Riga & Latvia
Is Riga Old Town walkable?
Visiting Riga will be like reviving the unparalleled history of the city in the best ways of modern society. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument.
In result, Skanste has turned into one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Riga, Latvia and in some instances even in the Baltic States. Therefore, if you enjoy a comfortable living with a touch of excellence the Skanstes is the best place to live and work in the city of 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.
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.
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.
Latvia is an extremely safe destination for solo females, especially within the confines of the Old Town in Riga. Men are generally very respectful, meaning women rarely encounter any catcalling or pestering in the streets.
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.
Profile. Russians constitute by far Latvia's largest ethnic minority group, comprising more than a quarter (25.6 per cent) of the population. Living predominantly in urban areas, Russians have a particularly strong demographic presence in the capital Riga, where they account for close to half of the city's population.
Latvian culture is characterised by reserved behaviour and a preference for handshakes over emotional hugs when greeting each other. Punctuality is highly valued, so it is important to be on time for appointments and meetings, as lateness may be considered disrespectful.
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.
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.
Currently, there are no ferries running between Riga and Tallinn in Estonia. This may be because of seasonal restrictions or other operational constraints.
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.
Estonia. That's right – the small Baltic nation known for its storybook forests, wild beaches and lakeside saunas has beaten Europe's heavy hitters to the top spot.
