Latvia has been a popular Eastern European country to visit ever since it split from the former Soviet Union.
Unfortunately, crime in this region remains fairly high, with a 3.71 rating.
While crime continues to decline in the region, there are certain cities and regions where you just don’t want to go.
The following 10 popular cities are among the most dangerous in Latvia, though you can negate this risk with a few careful steps.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Latvia
Riga
As Latvia’s capital and largest city, Riga is both the most dangerous and safest place to visit.
It’s fairly safe when you’re in the right area, but its crime risk is considered the highest in the nation.
For example, you’re likely to experience pickpockets and very bad traffic in the city.
There’s also a heavy concentration of organized crime among gangs in the city, though these conflicts rarely affect tourists.
That said, it’s best to stay in well-lit areas when you’re out at night and to travel in groups to avoid the danger of being targeted by criminals.
Daugavpils
The second-largest city in Latvia is also a fairly dangerous place to visit.
Its crime level is considered moderate at a 40.34 rating, with home robbery, mugging, and car theft being the most common issue.
Vandalism and theft are also common though violent attacks remain relatively minor.
That said, this city (and most in Latvia) may be fairly intolerant towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
While actual attacks and hate crimes remain rare, insults and even threats are not.
LGBTQ+ travelers in Latvia may want to visit the gay-friendly areas in the city, as there are bars and other areas that serve this community.
Liepāja
Latvia’s third-largest city ranks as “moderate” in most crime levels, with property crimes like vandalism being particularly concerning.
Drug abuse, attacks, car theft, and assault remain particularly problematic in this area.
Like in Riga and elsewhere, LGTBTQ+ individuals may experience some issues.
Racial attacks may also occur more commonly here than in other cities, though these are usually insults and threats rather than actual physical attacks.
You may want to stay in downtown areas near tourist-friendly spots, such as specific hotels with a higher rating, to stay safe.
Jurmala
Jurmala is known primarily for its attractive Art Nouveau homes and beautiful beaches but is also problematic for visitors.
While crime remains fairly low, particularly racial or LGBTQ+ crimes, there are a few moderate risks, like drug dealing and property crimes, to watch.
In fact, much of the crime ratings in Jurmala remain on the fringe of danger, meaning they could worsen with time.
Thankfully, the city has seen a decrease in crimes in recent years and is probably the safest place for LGBTQ+ individuals in the nation.
That said, theft remains a real issue here.
Ventspils
Though fairly small by American standards, Ventspils is one of the bigger cities in Latvia and a very popular vacation destination.
Unfortunately, it’s also known for its heavy political corruption, particularly a scandal with its ex-mayor that rocked the nation.
Beyond this corruption, tourists remain at risk from pickpockets and some violent crimes.
Typically, the worst crimes occur in bars, where residents may pick fights with visitors.
It’s best to avoid these areas or to choose tourist-friendly destinations geared toward visitors.
Rēzekne
Known mostly for its seven sprawling hills and fairly rural environment, Rēzekne is also part of a major Latvian emigration.
The country’s population has dropped by 30%, hitting areas like Rēzekne particularly hard.
Many abandoned buildings are spread throughout these regions.
As a result, petty crimes, particularly drugs and alcohol, remain common in these areas.
Depressed residents may sell or abuse drugs and become violent if confronted.
While rare in Rēzekne, such crimes may occur and make this a problematic place to visit.
Ogre
Ogre is similar to Ventspils in that it’s fairly small and mostly safe beyond its heavy corruption.
A recent Ogre mayor was heavily pursued for his corruption, which made certain areas of the city unsafe.
Surprisingly, criminal groups often move into these small cities and buy off officials.
Unfortunately, that means cities like Ogre may be at risk for dangers like kidnapping and human trafficking.
Though quite rare compared to bigger cities, officials may be easier to pay off in smaller cities, making them a popular target for criminals.
Valmiera
Valmiera has a beautiful city center and is one of the safer of the bigger cities in Latvia.
That said, it makes this list even with just 488 crimes committed per year in recent studies.
That’s because it’s also been the center of various controversies in recent years, including rumors of human trafficking.
That said, Valmiera’s reported crimes are fairly low, which makes it a good place to visit if you’re careful.
Just know that small cities like these are common targets for human trafficking, and do what you can to stay around people you trust to avoid any danger.
Jēkabpils
Though the smallest city on this list, there may be a higher risk of some crimes in this city.
For example, LGBTQ+ visitors often find themselves in greater danger in smaller towns.
Jekabpils is known for some unfortunate violence against members of that community in recent years.
That said, most aggression towards LGBTQ+ tourists is mostly verbal, which will still make most people uncomfortable.
It’s best to avoid areas like these if you’re part of this community and focus more on bigger cities, which often have a better support system for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Marupe
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Latvia, Marupe struggles to provide safe protection for its new residents and visitors.
Theft, bad traffic, and violent crimes have risen heavily in this small city along with its population.
Its heavy population density makes these crimes more obvious, though the actual numbers remain surprisingly low compared to other Latvian cities.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Latvia
1. Keep Your Wallet Close at Hand
The biggest danger in Latvia by var is pickpockets, which hit the streets heavily in areas like Riga’s Old Town and throughout the Autooosta region.
Anytime you’re out and about with your money, try to keep your wallet in a shirt pocket or in your hand to avoid losing it to a pickpocket.
Some even tie their purse or wallet around their waist to keep it safe while in Latvia.
2. Travel in Groups
While Latvian cities aren’t typically overtly threatening to tourists, it’s best for you to stay in groups.
That’s because human trafficking remains a real problem in many Eastern European countries.
Staying close together minimizes your risk of getting kidnapped or attached by others.
It’s particularly important to travel in groups at night when your risk is higher.
3. Watch Out for Scams
Riga, Latvia’s biggest city, is often home to heavy scammers.
These include heavy drink charges or credit card skimming.
Don’t use your debit cards with street vendors but carry cash or traveler’s checks instead.
Even if this scam risk is minimal, there’s no reason to put yourself in danger here.
Traveler’s checks have no risk and cannot be cashed by anyone but you.
4. Know Your LGBTQ+ Friendly Places
While most Latvian residents are friendly to LGBTQ+ individuals, there is a history of violence and intolerance due to the country’s communist history.
Research different LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and restaurants where you’ll feel safe and stay in these neighborhoods.
That doesn’t mean you can’t venture out to other regions but know that some Latvian residents may take offense.
5. Never Take Drinks or Food From Strangers
Striking up a conversation with a local might be a great way to have fun in Latvia.
But never, ever take food or drinks from even the friendliest stranger.
Though they may be harmless, the risk of getting drugged is simply not worth it.
That’s how theft, sexual assault, and trafficking begin.
Even worse, people may poison you and leave you for dead in an area you don’t know.
Latvia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Latvia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is corruption common in Latvia?
Unfortunately, the Latvian government has had an extensive history of corruption.
That doesn’t mean every group within the country will be corrupt, but it’s left a problem with organized crime that still hasn’t been managed effectively.
That makes it important to research corruption before visiting Latvian cities.
Doing so can help you avoid these problem areas more easily.
How common is human trafficking in Latvia?
It’s hard to estimate exact numbers in human trafficking, but Eastern Europe remains a heavy focus for many smugglers.
Latvia itself has a history of this problem that’s been managed, to a degree, by new laws.
As a result, it’s critical to stay close to your friends and family when in Eastern Europe and to avoid going alone anywhere at night.
What protection do I get in Latvia as a tourist?
Latvia has an active police force and embassies that you can utilize if you feel like you’re in danger.
Embassies are particularly useful because you can flee there and stay safe if you run into problems.
Note where these embassies are located, and make sure you know their contact information first.
