Riga destroyed by English scum - Philip. Date of travel: Feb 2010
Before Latvia joined the EU in 2004, I had visited Riga 5 times. Each visit was a joy. I hardly met another English person and twice I stayed for over a month. The people were like other east Europeans, but the ones I got to know, mainly of Russian origin, were good company. I had some crazy days and nights with Russian girls and wandered around the old town at all times of the night with no problem. It seems to me that the idiot scum from England who go on stags have ruined the place for people like me and the locals. I hope they shoot the scum and keep them in a Latvian prison to rot if not. I am returning to Latvia in February 2010 and will see what the old town is like out of the high tourist season. To my old friends in Latvia, thank you for the great fun, the beautiful girls and the Russian people.

Latvia is not so bad... - Blaq. Date of travel: Nov 2009
I live in Latvia all my life and it's not so bad. This is really funny to read all these comments. In every place there is good people and rude ones. You think your country is perfect? All the people are nice and there are no robbers? And yeah, our police really sucks. That's true! I hate them too. We have many Russians here who rob all the time and swear in every place. But not all Russians are bad. P.S. I'm a real Latvian.

Northern Capital - Riga - George & Tesa . Date of travel: Nov 2009
Riga is a great place to live, study and do business. I love the city, there are plenty of parks all of them nice and clean, the old town is so charming. You can find so many things to keep yourself busy in mornings, daytime as well as night.

Riga was cool..... - Michael. Date of travel: Oct 2009
Before I went to Riga I read the reviews on this site, and I got to be honest, I was absolutely dreading going there.... However my fears were unfounded!! I had a wonderful time, the city is very nice with a great history, albeit quite sad - Latvia has been invaded and colonised for centuries, no wonder they trust no one. The people were very kind and helpful so to those of you who say they only came across thieves and rude people, I must say your pretty unlucky!!! Of course I avoided the Old Town at night, because rip off bars do exist, and I cannot be asked to walk around with a list, checking if bar A or B is ok. Anyhow, I still went out and enjoyed myself and managed some sightseeing during the day. P.S. Riga is not cheap, so don't expect too many bargains! My advice to anyone who wants to go there is go for it, I had a great time!!

Riga - Johnny. Date of travel: Oct 2009
Hi! Will start with saying I'm from Brussels and me and my friends went to Riga. It was fantastic. I can't get it why people say they are rude - have you visited Brussels???? I had more fun in Riga then in London. London was more dirty and yes - more racist then anything I know. You English just think about yourself, how cool you are, but hey - London is one dirty place where you just hate each other, rape each other and yes - kill each other. I you don't like what you see, go to Spain - it's what you do best. You just take over everything - English pubs, English food - you don't care about other cultures so what you expect - fish and chips and everybody speaking English??????? I watch BBC news,and I can see what's going on in your country - how much hate is there - you know, London is dead, london lost its spark... You always say how open minded you are but in same time you are homophobic, racist and BNP party lovers...

Nice! - Peter. Date of travel: May 2009
Riga is a very nice place, If you are nice to them they are much nicer to you! I read some commentary before, it's not like they wrote at all...If you go to bad bar, they will service you badly! If you go to bad girls, who are everywhere, they will treat you badly! For nightlife you should go to Opiums, Scandal there are very good barmen and they will never make you pay more than you offer!

Riga, get out of the Old Town - James . Date of travel: May 2009
In the Old town I hear all kind of horror stories from visitors. However if you actually visit the city itself, the central district or the quiet centre you will find nice places to visit, eat and drink away from an area that is dedicated to getting people drunk. It is a shame that there are a lot of businesses that rip off tourists, this is happening everywhere I go in the world. The problem with Riga is that it is very condensed into one area. The Old town, no matter what people say after 10pm becomes a red light district. Don't stay there! There are so many places in this city to visit. Just because Ryanair gives you a cheap flight does not mean the country at the other end will be perfect for you! Riga, my home. I love it and in some ways I'm glad all the tourists get stuck in the Old Town... at least my district remains peaceful.

Wish I had read this blog before going to Riga... - James. Date of travel: May 2009
Well, I'm not British, nor was I on a stag weekend... but I still managed to get ripped off to the tune of £650 (it would have been over £2,000 if my credit card allowed it!). To be honest, I wasn't even aware Riga was a popular stag destination! After running a marathon during the day, my friends and I felt like we deserved a one or two drinks to celebrate. At a reputable bar we met two local girls who wanted to play pool. After a few games they suggested we go to a more lively bar called 'Puzzle'... BAD MOVE! This is where things went sour. We would have bought maybe 10 drinks at this bar... only to find out that the bill for these drinks came to over £2,000.00! When I challenged the price I was pretty much told to pay up or else. The limit on my credit card didn't allow the transaction, however, they managed to get over £600.00 from the card. They then took me outside and piled me in to a car and drove me to the nearest ATM machine. They stood over me and told me to withdraw the rest of the money from my account. By this stage the bank had recognised that there were irregular transactions on my card so there were blocks on my account. After many threats they eventually believed me that my cards were not going to work and I was allowed to go home.... this was quite an ordeal! Anyway, it is such a shame that this happened on my last night in Riga. Up until this point I had not experienced any of the negative aspects mentioned in this blog. But, unfortunately, the lingering memory I will always have of Riga were these few corrupt characters ruining what was on all other accounts a good holiday... I won't be going back that's for sure.

I am LATVIAN and Riga is nice historical place - Anita. Date of travel: May 2009
I am Latvian female living in UK and working in Gatwick Airport. Actually it does hurt my feelings when people say awful comments and lies about Latvians and Riga. In work all my colleges are Brits and none of them can say negative about me - as a Latvian. The thing is young males can`t expect come to Riga to get DRUNK - cheap and running around in central RIGA half naked. I have seen that myself. You can`t act like that in LONDON, PARIS or N.Y. - you`ll be arrested. But in Riga you seem to don`t care... And those who come to Riga to enjoy stag party - please don`t come. Riga is historical place and not stag party place. It`s not the best night out in club when several drunk people try to hook up with me...I haven`t come to club because of you, I want to enjoy night with my friends. ...And about girls - yes - we are pretty and in amazing good shape and those girls who use tourist for money - well I can`t blame because if you want to be treated with respect, then treat Riga and Latvians with respect. Latvians are nice people, we have too many Russian people who can`t speak Latvian - but obviously not everybody can learn second language. Tourists can`t tell who is Latvian and who is Russian. I know about these "Latvians" in Ireland or U.K. named by Sergej, Vladimir, Valodja, Andruha - they are Russians with Latvian passports. In Riga there are lots of historical places, old building and beautiful nature outside Riga and nice beach side. Best time to visit Riga in June when Latvians celebrate Ligas & John`s day, best place to celebrate is outside Riga - Sigulda, Cesis, Valmiera. July we have Baltic Beach party in Liepaja - For beauty we have very affordable SPA places in Jurmala. Hire boats and go down in Gauja and be amazed by nature. So, do come to see Riga and explore Latvia as a country and don't if you want to get drunk!

Riga - Loved the city, hated Latvians - Travis. Date of travel: May 2009
Riga was great. Beautiful, small, almost clean. But the people were horrible, especially Latvian-speaking people. Before my trip I read that people speak good English in Riga, which is so far from the truth. The service is horrible, and again Russians are much nicer and much more polite than Latvians are, and definitely speak better English (and even German).

Never go to Riga! It does not deserve your custom! - Ignatiuous Horch. Date of travel: Feb 2009
Riga is full of horrible people who are just after your wallet. They are not honest people and they steel from you, and have no respect. I saw a woman getting beaten up in a nightclub for absolutely nothing and they stole my card details and took £850 from my account. DO NOT TRUST THESE PEOPLE THEY HAVE NO RESPECT AND DO NOT GO THERE. Go to another country. Latvia is full of thieves and whores!!!!! This place is a complete joke and avoid the Zig Zag bar as they try and make you pay with violence and intimidation.

Riga ... Dont Make me laugh.. Shambles - Ignatious Horch . Date of travel: Feb 2009
Latvia is not a civilised country... it is still 300 years behind as the people there do not understand how to respect!! Girls... yes they're pretty but a pretty girl can get you badly hurt.. go to Poland or Czech as they are much nicer people with a civilised manner... Riga is an ugly city full of theives and racist wh**es who just try and rob you.. the sooner people stop going there the better and then those animals will realise making money is not about ripping people off or stealing...

Riga - The Wild West - Paul Smith. Date of travel: Feb 2009
Riga Frontier Town..... I have been going to Riga for over 4 years. I go because my girlfriend comes from the City, I met her in my home City in the UK where she works, we visit her family in Riga and stay for a few days at a time because the flat is so small, I stay in a hotel in the City. I’ve seen all the tourist scams over the years and never fell for one! I think of myself as above all this and they won’t get me. As I never go in to a Bar when I can’t see through the windows or when a stranger asks me to come with them and I never walk down badly light road / streets. The scam they use most is a young girl or boy who will chat to you for a time, then they will try and take you to a bar where they over charge you as much as $100.00 to $200.00 for one drink. If you don’t pay you get a beating until you do! All western counties ensure the safety of their visitors but not in Latvia! In Riga the police are no help at all! Even though I know what they're all about, I was shocked at how predatory the scamming has become. All I can say if you are thinking of going to Latvia Riga Don’t! If you are, take care!!.....Don’t forget your Six Shooter for the most lawless town in Europe!!!

Riga is nice weekend getaway - Henrih . Date of travel: Jan 2009
Riga is nice weekend getaway, as the city is small itself, but there are plenty to enjoy. I found good options for hotels online www.bestriga.com, possible to save up to 50 %.

Latvians living in Dublin - Dave. Date of travel: Dec 2008
I have 2 Latvian families living beside me in Dublin and I have never come across more ruder people in my life. They have no respect for the people around them and shout and party all night long. There are about 10 people living in each house and are rude to everyone in the estate. I HATE LATVIANS and if I had my way I would wipe them off the face of the earth.

Visit Riga? - Russian from Latvia. Date of travel: Nov 2008
Dear British people, this message addressed to those who want to visit Riga or who've been there before and had a bad experience there. I am from Latvia, but originally I am Russian. As you know, almost 50% of population in Latvia are Russians. I don`t live in Riga, but in Liepae; a nicer place on seaside. The thing is that I don`t like Riga at all! People there are rude in the way, that they won`t help you or they won`t be friendly with you if you different (class, nationality etc.) But for me - a Russian girl from Latvia - REAL LATVIANS are the worst people ever. I truly hate them for being the stupidest nationalitty and culture in the world, and our president is just a A**hole!!! It is really a nationality problem, Latvians are rude, Latvians are offensive toother nationalities, even us, Russians who lived there for centuries. They really think that with their population of 2.8million they gone be the EMPIRE! Pfft! They gonna disappear from the planet and everybody will be relieved! Another thing about people who come over to UK for free education. Well, not only us doing that, many black/Asian people do that-and I think they are worse. I live in UK for 4 years, doing my final year at Uni. I do respect British, I speak the language and able to read newspapers. And I am not sending money/taxes back to Latvia. Last thing about the girls in clubs. Everybody is saying that they just want to get a free drink and steal or whatever. Well, if you think about British clubs and girls there, don't they do the same thing??? I am sure they do! I got my bag stolen, my credit card stolen so many times by British girls... They fight, they get so drunk, they can`t even walk, they are having sex with anybody! There are good and bad people in every nationality! Probably, the Club is just not the best place to find a Normal Girl. Latvia is a beautiful country, it just has a problem with its aboriginal population! The answer on question, why Latvians tend to hate British...because in a beginning, the first British visitors of Riga, used to use the Riga's statue/old town etc. as a public toilet-that was very rude from your side too, guys...

Riga - don't go! - James. Date of travel: Nov 2008
Latvians hate the English. We had become aware of this before one night we were in a bar and were set upon by thugs who took all our money. No one tried to help. We told the police - they laughed.

RIGA - HELL ON EARTH - Katie Byrne. Date of travel: Sep 2008
Why would anybody go to Riga, I would rather have my fingers nail pulled out than ever go there again! Myself and my daughter went to visit her friend who is based there, we were not looking forward to this visit, and it was worse than we imagined... What foul horrible, dull, dull, people, so rude, rip off prices, full of hookers, robbers and we were just counting down the hours to get back on that plane. The plane was full of Lativans going to Dublin, to collect their dole, and welfare payments, the Polish people are much nicer, warmer people, who also have a sad history. But manners and a smile cost nothing.

They think everyone is stupid and they are clever..3rd world in EU - Antons. Date of travel: Sep 2008
Russians: abuse the advantages of EU membership but hate west.They love Putin and they really dumb... Latvians: they think 10 minutes before they can open their mouth. (also in their own language). And both are racist and do not deserve being apart of Europe.

Great place - Samastankiewicz. Date of travel: Sep 2008
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful weekend in Riga, although not the drunk men around:) We saw a wedding couple tying a lock to the bridge to symbolise unity and they spontaneously gave us a bottle of wine! If you're pissed most the time, people will tend to be rude and steal stuff when they can, so I am not surprised that some lager louts complained in this forum. Go and get pissed and puke in your own countries! We did not expect Lativans (or anyone else for that matter) to scrape the ground because we chose to visit their country. If time is taken to visit the museums, you will see that they have had one hell of a history. I am amazed that they managed to keep their culture alive under oppressive Soviet rule! And as to the first comment on top - Latvians have been here a lot longer than Russians! Politics aside, Riga is a great place to see!

Riga, Paris of the Baltics? I think NOT! - Oswald. Date of travel: Aug 2008
Never have I visited such a degenerate and filthy country as Latvia, and they are two of its better features! There are possibly undiscovered tribes in the Amazon that have developed more manners and personality than that of the Latvian people, and such tribes are probably a lot more welcoming too. Seriously though, I have been living in Riga for 6 weeks now and I can say without a doubt that the people here are rude, miserable and totally unwelcoming. If you are thinking of coming here for a holiday simply DON'T! Save your money and spend it in a country that has at least developed basics of manners and decency. But hey... look on the bright side, the average Latvian person's lifespan is 10 years less than civilised countries of Europe so they don't have to stay unhappy and rude for too long. I am trying to think of something good to say about this degenerate part of the world, but I seriously can't. Oh hang on, a good point: The airport is only a short distance from the city so you can quickly make an exit back to a civilised country, which is something I guarantee you will be praying to do after a few hours here in Riga.

Burn Riga - Hans. Date of travel: Jun 2008
They stole €2912 from my account in Riga. A heavenly trip ended up as a nightmare. I had the intention to go back with some friends but I will advise them to never ever visit Riga. Thanks to nightclub Doll near the Belgian Beer Cafe. A very very disappointed Belgian.

Riga is the Soho of London, only worse - Vantutti. Date of travel: Jun 2008
I have been living in Riga for nearly 4 years and I have to say Latvia is one of the worst countries I have every lived in. The have a real hatred for the British people, in fact anyone from most European countries. They put everyone in the bracket as a Ryanair Sex tourist. I had over 5 mobile phones stolen in 1 year, I had two jackets stolen in my entire stay. The Taxi drivers try and rip you off, In general their are two prices, one for locals and one for visitors and non citizens. I had a good circle of Ex Pat friends that kept me from going insane. 95% of the woman act like hookers and try and rip you off, they are only interested in you buying them drinks and stealing your money or anything they can get their hands on. I saw it time and time again where the girls meet a visitor in a normal club, he is buying her a drink and when his back is turned, she disappears to meet her boyfriend or girl friends. The other trick is they stay with you for an hour and say "Lets go to another club" She does not tell you she works their and you can end up with a bill between 2 to 10 thousand pounds. One Irish man this year had his card put through over 23 times, each transaction was around £120.00. I was a local resident and one bar Coyote Fly wouldn't let me in because I was English, I ended up in 2 fights with Russians because I was an English guy talking to a local girl. They say how bad the English are and yet they are all coming to the UK to work, use are education system, bleed our taxes with pushing up the NHS waiting lists, claiming tax credits for children that have never been born here or lived here. They don't add to the economy in the UK, because they send all their money back, claim back the tax they pay here in the UK, they are creating unemployment for the British worker, this is why would a British worker come off benefits for an extra £50 PW, the employers are taking full advantage of this. They also drive around in their flash cars they brought over from eastern Europe and avoid paying car tax. When I live in Latvia, if I did not work, I had no money, If I had to go and see a doctor I had to pay and the same with hospitals, perhaps we should take a leaf out of their book. I was self employed because they don't employ British people. I also found you always have to pay someone off to get anything done, i.e the counsels, police and government ministers. The minister said in the Latvian National Newspaper The Baltic Times, "All English People are Pigs" Imagine if Tony Blair or Gordon Brown made such a statement? Or if a bar or club refused you in the UK over your nationality? Here is a minister who represents his country saying that about English people, such an example for his country... I also don't understand why we are making such an effort for them with putting newspapers, website etc here in their own language for services in the UK. You could say this is discrimination because they then should do the same for Chinese, Indians, Germans, Italians and so on. If they cant read and write English then they should not be here. I would suggest you never go their and spend your money as they don't deserve it. Latvia is in the Guiness book for world records as the most unhappy people. What I tell you is fact not fiction and I saw it as a resident of Latvia. It is the epitome of filth and I would say save your cash and go somewhere else unless you want your fingers burnt and your body damaged.

Great time in Riga - Joe and Will. Date of travel: Jun 2008
We are two Dutch guys who visited Riga. We had a good time going to the clubs and bars, but also enjoying its buildings, terras and parks. We'd recommend anyone to find an apartment in the 'Old-Town'. It's very close to all the interesting things to see and do in Riga. Luckily we also came across a taxi-driver who brought us all over town to see the good clubs which are also tourist friendly (some clubs rip off tourists). He also showed us the places to visit and see in Riga during the day. We'd recommend everyone to give him a ring when you are in Riga and want to have a good time: Max, 00 371 26333248. Hope you will have as much fun in Riga as we did!

Riga - Peter. Date of travel: May 2008
I'm English and have lived in Riga on and off for five years. I have steadily grown to dislike the Latvian people’s ‘attitude’ intensely; they are racist to everybody non-Latvian and laugh at you if you try to speak their language. The government is as bent as any banana republic, the people are dishonest, rude and frankly don’t deserve your money. Good-bye Latvia.

Dear Brits - Juris. Date of travel: May 2008
Please, do not come to the most terrible place on the Earth called Latvia. Until You started to come here, we thought you are educated and intellectual gentlemen. We were wrong. You would never find any Latvians as annoying as British stags. They come to my country expecting everybody is whore or cheap beer server. But no offence! Be open hearted and hard and selfish Latvian heart will open to you.

Do not like Riga - don't go! - Edward. Date of travel: Apr 2008
I came to Riga thinking it was going to be a place like Prague. Unfortunately it's the worse place on earth I've been too, prices you get ripped off especially at a bar and club. The girls are too pretty like Pamela Anderson but greedy. Never go to Mademoiselle bar this the worse strip bar in the world, expensive ripped off by excess off 2000 pounds. The scenery is pretty in some places on the tour bus. But overall it is just a dump. Definitely would not recommend it to any English speaking people. They are only after your money- sorry! But if you're serious go and make your own opinion and see what you get! Good Bye RIGA for good!!

Riga = fraud - Nicolas. Date of travel: Apr 2008
If I had an advice to give about Latvia, It would be "don't go there". If you travel to Latvia to visit museum or anything else like that you won't have a lot of problems. If you go to Riga because you heard that it was a nice town to have fun. You are wrong. Everything is fraud in this country. Believe me I lost €3000 there and I didn't go there for sex, just to drink with some friends. I thought I was in security because I drank in a pub in the old town but I was wrong.

Riga is the pearl of the baltics - William. Date of travel: Mar 2008
I really enjoyed my week end in Riga. The old town is beautiful and very well preserved. I highly recommend to walk through Alberta street where gems of the Art Nouveau buildings can be seen. I stayed at Dodo Hotel, very nice rooms for very good price (I appreciated the free Wifi, more Western hotel should do the same!)

Spoiled by the sheer rudeness and bad manners of the locals - Raymond. Date of travel: Feb 2008
I was unpleasantly surprised by the rudeness of the locals in Latvia. They were extremely unfriendly to the point of hostility. There is no finesse to their character - they are brutal, with no manners. They are happy to fleece you of your money though, and prices are not much cheaper than the UK for many things. Ruined my trip. I don't think they realise that there are prettier and cheaper places to visit, with much nicer people, so I would not recommend visiting Riga on any level. The old town is actually not that pretty either, it's pock-marked with soviet era monstrosities. The tour guides also don't say that the pollution levels are very high and incidents of TB are at epidemic proportions. DO NOT GO!

Riga was an experience! - Joe. Date of travel: Feb 2008
I visited Riga last weekend with 4 mates, we didn't have the same bad experiences as most seemed to have. It's true they are not the friendliest or most mannerly people, even to each other. But we weren't knifed, shot, beaten up or robbed! We did find that they will try to make a little extra money from you (twice we were told we didn't pay for drinks when we did), but hey it's the same tourist trap everywhere you go!! Also found it good value for money. It's a beautiful city and would have been more so had it not rained most of the time!

I didn't love Latvia - Jimmy. Date of travel: Oct 2007
Riga is a truly beautiful city with a wealth of architecture and history. Unfortunately the reality is the Latvians don't want the British tourist there. I'm middle aged and travelled with my wife, we're both respectable and respect other peoples cultures but have never met a more miserable, ignorant race of people anywhere in the world and believe me, we have travelled. If you are part of a stag or hen party stay away because the police (uniformed thugs) take great delight in beating you up and demanding money. If you venture down by the railway station beware of muggers and pickpockets too, though you can experience this in any major city. One thing that will stay in my memory for ever is the number of very old people begging on the streets, the government has obviously forgotten the years of struggle these people have had or sinply don't care. Would I go to Latvia again? NO! absolutely not.

Latvians really, really, really hate British people - shoogg. Date of travel: Aug 2007
Never met people as unwelcoming as the Latvians. Be prepared to be treated like dog dirt everywhere you go.

Rambo with a Russian lisp - Big Gun Dave. Date of travel: Jul 2007
No visit to Riga is complete without a tour of the big gun shooting, a cocktail of guns in an ex-nuclear bunker in Riga. You can fire Uzis, AK47s, pump action guns, and a Glock 17 - Dirty Harry style! The best shot in your group wins a golden bullet. Riga itself is, of course, totally excellent and ever so slightly bonkers.

Riga with a smile - BalticExpert. Date of travel: Jul 2007
There have been a few negative comments on this site about Latvia and Latvians. Of course there are some moody, ignorant people but if you come here with the attitude that this is what you will find you are bound to end up with a bad experience. If you want to make the most of Riga and Latvia then I suggest you team up with Out-There.eu That way you will only experience the happy, friendly side of the city, which, after all, is the main reason to visit a new country or city in the first place. Check out: www.out-there.eu

Riga - Joe Gallacher. Date of travel: May 2007
I found Riga to be a nice location for a break away. It is unfortunate, however, that there are so many horrible people in the city. I have never felt so unsafe in my life (I am 6ft 2 and 16 stone) due to so many people attempting to rob or beat us up. My friend was held up with a group brandishing a gun, another was held up with a knife, another severly beaten up and to top it all off three of us had our credit cards cloned. We found the people of Riga to be extremely unfriendly and unhelpful. Everywhere we went we were ripped off. Horrible, horrible, horrible place.

Dump and full of very very rude people - Simon. Date of travel: Dec 2006
Hated Riga and will never return. The latvians are extremley rude and obnoxious. You'd have thought this very poor country would enjoy the fact people are starting to visit their country and spend money. Not in the slighest. If you brush past someone, you get the middle finger. Dont try smiling at someone as you'll get a horrible look. If you buy something you'll get the change thrown in your face. Sorry, but I found it overrated, the so called nightlife is ok but I've been to thousands of better places.