Travel tips · Riga · Latvia
Riga travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Latvians are reserved at first and value privacy, punctuality and nature. Folk song traditions run deep, culminating in the Song and Dance Festival held about every five years, and Midsummer (Jāņi) on 23–24 June is the biggest celebration of the year, when cities empty for countryside bonfires. Riga has a large Russian-speaking community, and English is widely spoken by younger people.
Key facts
- Language
- Latvian
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water meets EU standards and is generally safe, though many locals prefer…
- Emergency
- 112 (all emergencies)
Things to know
- Greet with 'Labdien' (good day) when entering shops and restaurants.
- Bring flowers in odd numbers when visiting a home; even numbers are for funerals.
- Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
- Dress modestly in Orthodox churches; women often cover their heads.
- Keep voices down on public transport and in churches.
- Show respect at the Freedom Monument, which is a national symbol with an honour guard.
- Eat your main meal at lunchtime, when business lunches cost far less than dinner.
Tipping
Tipping around 10% for good table service in restaurants is customary but not compulsory; check whether a service charge has been added. In cafés and bars, rounding up is enough.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Labdien | Good day / hello |
| Paldies | Thank you |
| Lūdzu | Please / you're welcome |
| Atvainojiet | Excuse me / sorry |
| Priekā | Cheers |
| Uz redzēšanos | Goodbye |
What to wear
Riga dresses neatly; smart-casual clothes suit restaurants and concerts. Bring flat, grippy shoes for the cobbles and warm, windproof layers from October to April.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water meets EU standards and is generally safe, though many locals prefer filtered or bottled water.
- Emergency number
- 112 (all emergencies)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage and data speeds are good, free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere.
- Time zone
- Europe/Riga
Riga is generally low-risk for visitors, but pickpocketing occurs at the Central Market, the stations and crowded Old Town streets. Inflated-bill scams involving bars and strangers who invite visitors in have been widely reported in Old Riga, so choose your own venues and check prices.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Latvia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Riga?
Tipping around 10% for good table service in restaurants is customary but not compulsory; check whether a service charge has been added. In cafés and bars, rounding up is enough.
+Can you drink the tap water in Riga?
Tap water meets EU standards and is generally safe, though many locals prefer filtered or bottled water.
+What plugs are used in Riga?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Riga?
Latvian.