Latvians are rude and unfriendly! - Christina. Date of travel: Jul 2008
After spending a week in Riga with my family I totaly agree that Latvins are the most ignorant, rude and unfriendly people I have ever come across. And I have travelled a lot worldwide. They seemed to still be very influenced by the russian attitude = No Service. The porter in the frontdesk at the hotel don't even bother to look at the guests and say "hello". All over unfriendly and rude. Got lots of examples - but now I only look foreward to getting out of Riga.....

Latvia is great! - Vicky. Date of travel: Jun 2008
Latvians are not rude. If you don't bother them and respect them they will be the frendliest people. Don't be smiling and greeting strangers on the street, they will simply think that you are wierd. Get it from me who lived in Riga for 2 years. Tourists come up to people on the street and ask to take pictures with them. Well, what are they - a tourist attraction? Take pictures of buildings, don't bother the girls! Other then that, they are friendly, fun and beer loving people. Go to bars and they love to talk to tourists and get feedback, hear about where we are from. Travel to old castles (Rundales castle, Sigulda, Diklu castle) they are great. Old Riga is fun too. Old buildings, streets, caffes. Food is always fresh and outstanding. And please don't go to tourist trap clubs, they are cheesy and give you a bad impression about Latvian nightlife. Talk to locals - ''Pulkvedis'' is great and other places like that. Good times.

Latvians are rude - Tasha. Date of travel: Mar 2008
I live with Latvians and they are the rudest most ignorant and vile people I have ever come across, both the Polish and Russians are much nicer. The Latvian housemates who live with me in England won't even speak to me because I speak English and if I try to ask them not to shout they slam doors in my face and shout at me in Latvian.

I loved Latvia - Stephen Guest. Date of travel: Jul 2007
I arrived in Latvia and I must say I was suprised by how clean the streets were- But that's where the posotive starts and ends for me- The people here are the most ignorant, vile, rude people I have ever come across. If you need directions - Don't bother. Just take a deep breath and find your own way. Unless you fancy being hissed at or barged out of the way. The big shocker for me was when asking for a pen at the Internet cafe and the rude women at the desk throw me a pen and swore at me in Latvian. So then I asked for a piece of paper and I though she might explode. So take it from me guys - Don't got to latvia! I would rather give my money to Hitler.

Latvia with a smile - BalticExpert. Date of travel: Jul 2007
There are miserable people in every city. Riga wouldn't have a reputation as a party city and weekend break destination if the city wasn't a fun, exciting place to be. Take it from me as an ex-pat who has lived here 10 years - Riga is a great place to live or visit. www.rigaoutthere.com are a great point of reference for first time visitors to the Baltics' most exciting city.

Nice place - James. Date of travel: Jul 2007
I went on holiday to Latvia just a week ago, well yes, I agree it is not as brilliant as many, still if you like good beer, and nice company it can give you a plenty of great moments. The alcohol is real bargain, the old city is full of people and is rather nice nevertheless small. Locations like Jurmala and Riga are worthy of visiting if you like architecture, beach life and all sorts of ancient things. So, generally - recommended. Just note that you gotta know good places to take it to the max.

Riga, Latvia - Julianne. Date of travel: May 2007
I have been to over 30 countries and have never met people so rude as those in Riga. Responses when very politely asking for diretions ranged from people screwing up their faces in irration to totally blanking us. People shouted at us, pushed past without an 'excuse me', tutted, threw their eyes up to heaven, stared, sighed or simply ignored us. Everything had to involve a performance. At first we would smile/greet people when entering a shop but after being completely ignored, we decided it was best not to do this anymore. There was no end to the rudeness. On a night out, a taxi driver nearly killed us in a collision. I went flying forwards in the back of the car but he never said sorry or even checked to see if I was okay. This is only one example of at least 20 over a period of three days. The taxi drivers rip you off and the Old Town is sleazy at night with gangs of drunken men on Stag weekends. There is nice architecture in the old town but because of peoples' rude behaviour, I didn't enjoy it. I was just glad to get home to happy friendly people who are polite. I would not recommend this place to anyone.

Latvia - Diana Wagner. Date of travel: Oct 2006
Respect Latvians & you'll be respected>do not call them Russians & do not talk to them in Russian.I liked the country. Latvians are friendly. Riga>fun city.

I loved Latvia. - Gabe. Date of travel: Sep 2006
Check out the main city. There is lots of fun things to do there. Good food. Friendly people.

Beautiful - Mr Jansons. Date of travel: Jun 2005
Don't talk to Latvians in Russian language and you won't have bad attitude (if you know a little bit of the history of Latvia, you will understand). Prices are good enough to have a good relax out there.

Svetlana Samuels. Date of travel: Feb 2005
Very friendly people (the russians). The Latvians are sorry to say, quite rude. I don't know how many conflicts we got into in Latvia. Otherwise it's a wonderful, obscure place to visit. I think we were the only people in the town (Valmiera) from North America at the time. Getting around is very cheap, one can get between any two points in the country by bus or train for the price of an inner city bus ticket in Canada. One has to watch for tourist pricing in the tourist areas (where the quality of food is also inferior to other areas of town), especially Old Riga where a coffee might set you back twice as much as the bus or train ticket I just mentioned. Tour Operator: Myself