Safety in Riga

dwileflunker

I'm reasonably well travelled so well aware of all the basic streetwise precautions to take when travelling in and around large cities abroad, and I usually try and see if there are any particular known problems in the cities I travel to. I shall be visiting Riga in Latvia at the end of the month for a few days and was wondering if anyone knows if Riga has a bad reputation for street crime (ie muggings, pickpockets etc) or if there are any particular scams that I should be aware of?

jetboy

Hi, I'm just back from Riga. Like all cities there is an element of crime but I'd say less than what you would expect in the UK. I saw nothing untoward in my stay there. There has been drug activity on the mainly across the river but the authorities seem to have it stepped on. The main scams revolve around 'the ladies'. yet again I saw no evidence. Enjoy your stay.

http://www.bigorangeboat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102

dwileflunker

Thank you jetboy, and glad you had a good time, I'll try and do the same. Thanks also for the link and the well written review. Most helpful. I'm staying at the Radisson which is on the opposite side of the river to the old town but assume it's central enough for everything.

maryotuam

I've been to Riga and felt safe. I walked past the Radisson and you only need to walk over a bridge from there to be right in the centre of Riga.

ljonski

went twice last year. ignore the beggars and dont walk home late at night drunk!

martin_noble

I have stayed at the Riga SAS Radisson twice in the last 12 months. Its a great hotel and central to the old town. Its a short 10/15 minute walk across the bridge (over the river) to the Old Town, or use one of the complimentary shuttle buses that are provided free by the hotel (usually every 30 mins)

In terms of safety, I would feel as safe in Riga as I would in a major city in the UK. Take all the usual sensible precautions and should be fine.