Is Riga Safe? Here Are All the Details You Need to Know

Last updated on October 23rd, 2025 at 05:10 pm

Thinking of visiting Riga and wondering if it’s safe?

Well check out all you need to know, plus my experience of visiting with a group and as a solo female traveller, and on a trip myself.

Is Riga Safe? – Riga and London Compared

Riga overall is a safe city to visit, particularly in the main areas that visitors are likely to go.

When compared with London all the metrics are low or moderate, except bribery and corruption.

People report feeling very comfortable walking alone during the daytime and moderately comfortable walking alone at night.

(Bear in mind this data is from a survey rather than statistics)

Latvia overall has a higher murder rate than many other European countries, although Latvia says this is to do with a difference in how the figures are recorded.

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The British Government advises that pickpocketing is more likely in Riga in the old town, around the bus and train station and around the Central Market.

It advises that visitors avoid unlit areas at night.

They also advise that some tourists have been charged high prices for drinks or found unexpected charges on their cards.

Another thing they advise visitors to be aware of is spiking of drinks.

One thing to be mindful of when mentioning alcohol is the fact that it is illegal to drink in parks or the streets and in public spaces.

Reference

Is Riga Safe?

How It Felt Visiting Riga

I’ve visited Riga with a tour group, on my own and with my teenage nephew.

My tour group had plenty of free time to explore the city and no one experienced any issues, whether they were solo travellers, pairs or couples.

They all felt comfortable exploring on their own.

When I visited with my nephew we went a bit further afield to visit the motor museum. We both felt comfortable and safe wherever we went, including the bus station, the market and around the old town.

We also used public transport throughout our stay and had no issues.

Is Riga Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

One of my trips to Riga was as a solo female traveller. Whilst I felt safe walking everywhere I did have an unpleasant experience using the underpass.

I was struggling to climb the steps carrying my suitcase and had a flight bag over my shoulder.

As I headed up the steps a man tried to reach inside my flight bag.

Thankfully I had all my important documents and cash tucked away somewhere more secure so he couldn’t get to much.

As soon as I realised what he was doing I shouted at him and he ran off.

When I got to the hotel nearby to check in I told them what had happened they said it was very common for people using the underpass.

When leaving the hotel I avoided the underpass, even though it involved a much longer route around and I had no problem.

Is Riga Safe? – Conclusion

• Riga is a safe city compared to many others, although standard precautions when travelling are always recommended.
• Riga felt perfectly safe for me as a solo female traveller too.

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Find everything you need to plan your trip in my Riga City Break article

Further Reading