Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, on the Daugava river near the Gulf of Riga. Known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Europe's greatest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, the vast Central Market and a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene, it blends Hanseatic, Swedish, Russian and Soviet layers into one of the Baltics' most walkable capitals.
Riga is a safe European capital with low violent crime against visitors. The US State Department rates Latvia Level 1, exercise normal precautions (advisory issued 1 April 2026). Petty theft, taxi overcharging and nightlife overcharging are the most common problems, and standard city precautions make for a trouble-free visit. The UK government does not advise against travel to Latvia, and notes drone incursions into Latvian airspace linked to Russia's war in Ukraine and restrictions near the Belarus border.
Current safety advisory
Low
Last updated: 2026-10-20
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Riga is generally safe for visitors and violent crime against tourists is uncommon; the main risks are pickpocketing and bag theft in crowded places (Old Town squares, the Central Market, Riga Central Station and bus station, packed trams), overcharging in some Old Town bars and clubs, and taxi overcharging
Emergency numbers: 112 (single emergency number for police, ambulance, fire and rescue; answered in Latvian, English and Russian), 110 (police), 113 (ambulance). Dispatchers never call first, so treat unexpected calls claiming to be emergency services as scams
The Riga Municipal Police tourism unit can be reached on +371 6718 1818 around the clock with information in English and Russian
Carry a phone photo or copy of the passport and keep the original in the hotel safe; police can ask foreigners for identification, and non-Latvian visitors should carry ID when out
Avoid dark side streets, parks and the area around the railway and bus stations late at night, and stay on well-lit streets in the Old Town and Centrs
Use Bolt, another ride-hailing app or a licensed taxi company ordered by phone rather than hailing cars outside the airport, station or Old Town; check the price before getting in
Check menu prices and the bill in Old Town bars and clubs, avoid street promoters who steer tourists into unknown venues, and watch drinks
Latvia borders Russia and Belarus; the border areas, particularly within 2 km of the Belarus border, have restrictions, and a special licence from the Latvian Border Guard is required to enter the Belarus border zone. Riga itself is far from the border and operating normally
Winter pavements and tram stops can be icy from December to March, and the dark hours are long; wear grip-soled footwear and a warm coat
Ticks that carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis are common in forest and grass areas (Mezaparks, Gauja National Park); use repellent, check skin after walks and consider the TBE vaccine for long stays in the countryside
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Overcharging in Old Town bars and clubs
Street promoters in the Old Town invite tourists, often single men, to bars and clubs where drinks are heavily overpriced, minimum spends apply or a very large bill appears at the end
How to avoid: Decline invitations from street promoters, check printed prices before ordering, ask for an itemised bill, and pay by card at the table so the card stays in sight
Taxi overcharging
Unofficial drivers at Riga Airport, Riga Central Station and in the Old Town may quote high flat fares, switch off the meter or take long routes
How to avoid: Order through Bolt or another app, or call a licensed company; check that the rate and meter are shown, pay only the displayed fare and note the plate number. The Riga Municipal Police tourism line is +371 6718 1818
Pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport
Pickpockets work the Old Town squares, the Central Market, the station and crowded trams and buses
How to avoid: Keep bags zipped and worn in front, keep the phone and wallet in inside pockets, and stay alert when boarding and leaving full vehicles
Card skimming and ATM tampering
UK government advice warns of card skimming; ATMs in quiet streets or tourist spots can be tampered with
How to avoid: Use bank-branch ATMs inside or beside banks, cover the keypad, use contactless payment where possible and check statements
Fake charity collectors and distraction thefts
Occasionally someone approaches with a clipboard or petition near busy squares while a partner takes a bag or phone
How to avoid: Do not stop or sign anything on the street, keep valuables in front pockets, and walk on
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are required for entry. Routine vaccines (measles, tetanus, hepatitis A) should be up to date; the TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) vaccine is recommended for anyone spending time in forests and grassy areas in spring to autumn
- Water
- Riga tap water meets drinking-water standards and is safe to drink, though some visitors dislike the chlorine taste or prefer bottled water in older buildings with old pipes
- Food
- Restaurants, cafes and markets are generally safe; wash fruit and vegetables from the Central Market before eating
- Facilities
- Riga has the best medical facilities in Latvia. Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital (Pilsonu iela 13) has a 24-hour emergency department, and Riga East University Hospital has its main emergency site at Hipokrata iela 2. Private clinics treat foreign visitors for cash or card. Pharmacies (aptieka) display a green cross and chains such as Benu Aptieka and Mens aptieka operate across the city. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travellers find Riga easy and friendly, with an active hostel and cafe scene and English widely spoken among younger residents. Use ride-hailing apps at night, avoid empty parks and riverbank paths after dark, keep the phone and wallet in inside pockets in crowds and at the Central Market, and keep a copy of the passport.
Female travellers
Women travelling alone report few serious problems. Expect occasional staring or unwanted attention in nightlife areas; do not leave drinks unattended, take app-booked rides at night and stay in busy, well-lit areas of the Old Town and Centrs.
Families
Riga is family friendly. Watch children near tram lines and cobbled Old Town lanes, keep them away from the Daugava edge and the City Canal, use lifeguarded beaches at Jurmala or Vakarbulli in summer, apply tick protection in forest areas and carry warm layers in winter. Public toilets are limited and usually paid; use cafe and museum facilities.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex activity is legal and partnerships have been recognised since 2024, but same-sex marriage is not legal and social attitudes are conservative. Public displays of affection may draw attention outside welcoming venues; report hate incidents to the police on 110.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Medical
- 113 (ambulance)
- Fire
- 112
- Coast Guard
- 112 (sea rescue is handled through the general emergency number)
- General Emergency
- 112 (works from all phones, even without a SIM)
- Main Hospital
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu iela 13, Riga LV-1002
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Riga: Samnera Velsa iela 1, Riga LV-1010; +371 6703 6200
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Riga: Alunana iela 5, Riga LV-1010; consular contact details at gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-riga