Riga, Latvia

• Riga is Latvia's capital on the Baltic Sea. The old town has medieval buildings on cobblestone streets, and there's a large concentration of Art Nouveau architecture nearby - over 800 buildings from the early 1900s with elaborate facades. The historic center is a UNESCO site, which brings plenty of tourists in summer.
• People spend a lot of time in cafes here - it's normal to see locals reading or working for hours. Eating alone doesn't stand out. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, though less so outside the center. Learning 'paldies' (thank you) and 'lūdzu' (please) helps.
• Crime rates are lower than Western European capitals, but pickpockets work the Old Town and Central Market areas. Keep your phone and valuables secure in crowded spots. Latvians tend to be reserved - not unfriendly, just not overly chatty with strangers.
• Public transport runs 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM with trams, trolleybuses, and buses. The city center is compact - most areas are within 20-30 minutes walking from Old Town. Bolt taxis are available for late-night trips.

Latvian is the official language. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and among younger people. Tourist Police Unit (+371 6718-1818) has multilingual staff. Emergency service 112 has English-speaking operators.

• Latvians are reserved and value personal space. Small talk with strangers isn't common - people keep to themselves on public transport and in shops. Loud behavior in public stands out.
• Dress smart-casual for restaurants and cultural events. Cover shoulders and knees in churches. If you visit someone's home, take your shoes off. Being late is considered rude.
• If bringing flowers as a gift, use odd numbers - even numbers are for funerals. Restaurants expect about 10% tip for good service. Don't leave food on your plate if someone cooked for you.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (All): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Public transport runs 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily with trams, trolleybuses, and buses. Tickets cost €1.15 from kiosks or €2 from the driver - valid for 90 minutes including transfers. Weekend night buses run hourly from midnight to 4 AM.
• Old Town and the Art Nouveau district are about 3km across and walkable. Most sights are within 20-30 minutes of each other on foot.
• Use Bolt or RedCab instead of hailing taxis from the street to avoid overcharging. The Bolt app gives fixed prices upfront.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Riga with local guides and curated experiences.