 | | "My son went to Club Essential March 2009. He used his credit card to pay for drinks - somehow at the same time he paid for them, almost 5 grand disappeared from his credit card at a nearby club called bar lord (now renamed, I think, and highly notorious!) As if that wasn't bad enough, his credit card wouldn't believe him - a year on, still fighting it, and owing over 6 grand with added interest. I don't know how they did it, but somehow there was a link between the two places so avoid this place and keep your credit cards at home! " | brock
United Kingdom
Jan.26.2010
Overall rating 1/5 |
| | "If you believe in your own strength, you must go there and take what you deserve.
But go there anyway.
Great place, good alcohol, dance until you fall, great girls, good staff!
" | Marios
Greece
Nov.22.2009
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "I have been to Riga on several trips in the past and I liked it so much I have moved here. I've been living in Riga for 3 months now and own a flourishing web design business.
Riga is completely safe and has some of the friendliest people around. Like any where though there are scammers but as long as you don't walk around with your head in the sand you'll be fine!
Cheers
Kris
http://www.kremsoft.com" | Kris
Australia
Nov.10.2009
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "This can be a very dangerous place. I'm not a stag member or sex tourist, and not ill-behaved or obnoxious. Just a quiet private banker who happens to speak fluent Russian. Was there a few months ago and got robbed by the doormen after I returned from an ATM. They took about $200. The drinks for foreigners were about 3x more expensive than for locals. The taxis outside are notorious for thieving. I notice that those who defend this place are locals which is not surprising. Barmen, doormen, and taxis don't dare steal from locals like they do from tourists. " | Stephen
United States
Oct.04.2009
Overall rating 1/5 |
| | "There's many who criticies Riga and Latvians, and i cant agree to this. I have been several times in Riga both with friends and going alone. I have never been in any kind of trouble. The city is great and so is the people as long as you treat them with respect. The only bad experience i have of Riga is the taxi drivers. Since i am a man, they instantly want to drive me to a bordel or a strip club. A few times it have happen that i told them where i am going, and they drives me to bordel anyway. When i then said this is not where i am going, they try to charce me extra for taking me to the right place. Many on this site writes about high taxi prices, one tips for that is to agree on a price with the driver before the trip, in that way you shouldnt get to surpriced. Of course there might be some crimes in Riga (Just like any other cities), but its not any big problems as long as you use your head, dont carry with you to much values, and dont "show off".
About the club : Great place with good music. Nice people and beautiful girls. One of the 3 best places in Riga in my opinion. The only downside is high prices on drinks. A little more expensive than many other places in Riga." | Eilif
Norway
Sep.08.2009
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "will be going to riga this week and maybe check out club essential and la rocca. i can understand why the english ppl get such a bad press, the way a lot act when in other countries. there are 12 of us coming, but i for 1 will treat the city like i do any other. WITH RESPECT. i will report fully once back : )" | Matt
United Kingdom
Jul.06.2009
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "latvian hates everybody anyway how can you justify the local maffia that rips off people by saying "they act like stupid" it is a reason to get agressed maybe? pfff Latvians are pathetic" | latvia rules latvian sucks
Belgium
Jun.16.2009
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "Amazing club. Most beautiful girls everywhere you look. No rip offs, fights whatsoever. Just a great club with different music styles in every room and seriously, the most beautiful girls, everywhere you look!
It's kind of expensive, 5 lats a beer, but totally worth the money.
Friday night is the best night I guess, cuz on saturday is was kind of empty..
Go Riga! Go Essential!" | Thieo
Netherlands
May.30.2009
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "By the way, if you behave well and respect the rules, Riga is not dangerous at all." | Roberto
Spain
Apr.19.2009
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "I am latvian, moved to us 7 years ago,but , sadly, have to admit that service in latvia very poore, when i came back to visit my family 2 years ago I was shocked, prices are over the roof, peaple sad and depressed, good I steel have couple frends left there. Yeah, for a tip , in club dont by shots, get a whole buttle (20-30$), in us they charge 200-300$(they count per shot) " | D
United States
Mar.04.2009
Overall rating 2/5 |
| | "This is not a review, but rather a concern. I want to go to riga for some weeks and take some russian courses to refresh my knowledge. Now I read so many scary stories about Riga and suddenly I am not sure anymore if I want to jump into that journey.
On the other hand, I went several times (alone!) to Minsk and to St. Petersburg to learn russian and have other kind of fun and never got into trouble.
So, is Riga really that dangerous city for a lonely traveler who survived Minsk and St. Petersburg?" | Roberto
Spain
Mar.03.2009
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "Ive been to some of the biggest cities literally all over the World, Paris, Prague, Miami, london, cape town, milan just to list a few. Riga must be the worst major city ive ever been to. Freezing, corrupt, miserable people and no atmosphere whatsoever. Usually poor countrys like this will compensate by having cheap prices but not here. It is seriously more expensive than any of the cities listed above especially for food and drink. If you are unfortunate enough to be going here then make sure you stay in large groups. Take plenty of layers of clothing because its soooo cold. Beware of people trying to refund you in Estonian money because it looks similair to Latvian but is a much weaker currency resulting in you getting ripped off. You seriously should not go there. Its the only place ive been where the people dont even smile?? oh my GOD" | Matthew
United Kingdom
Feb.23.2009
Overall rating 1/5 |
| | "I went ot Riga for 5 days with 4 of my mates, From the start it was a rip off the taxi driver who took us from the airport charged us 15 lats £20 roughly, this was organised by our company and should have been free, we got a refund at the end of the week. Also old town was a 20 min walk away we didn't find this out till day 3 as the taxi drivers use to take us round and round so it felt miles away so try and walk not get a taxi, they charge what they want but haggle as the price can come down. We went to a strip club dolls and they had prices laid on so make sure you know the price before doing anything. Dodge anything with a red sign or lights as these are dodgy places we were told. Essentials was very good. music was great and women amazing, i only took out my money and that was it no cards or phone, the less you have the less you can get stolen. We kept getting approached by groups of men 1 or 2 and they got us to go to bars etc, watch out for these people they are al nice to you ask you for money try and sell you drugs. There was a guy called snakeman and a tall guy with blonde hait with a smaller guy they are out to rob you felt unsafe. don't tell anyone where you are staying or your names etc. stay as a group. Really expensive so it was over there spent a fortune." | Matt
United Kingdom
Feb.19.2009
Overall rating 2/5 |
| | "I am from Latvia, but have lived abroad for several years. Comparing to how it was 5-6 years ago, I think Riga is getting better in a way that sex-entertainment is now in the hands of professionals, the girls who chose to work in sex-business. 5-6 years ago, you could see a lot of beautiful girls in the streets, bars, cafes, clubs etc, who were just looking for some tourists, whom they can "milk". I don't know how it is going to change with the crisis, but hopefully, Riga will not take a step back...
" | Ollini
Denmark
Jan.23.2009
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "Really a great place to be, nice girls, different kind of music, great location. But i think for latvian standard it is very expensive. Bottle Heineken 0,33l for 5 Ls. (7 euro)... In Germany you get a bottle of Heineken for probably 3-4 euros.
Summary: Expensive, but you have to see the club..." | Pascha
Germany
Jan.14.2009
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "Seriously, all these negative comments about Riga makes me sick! I've been living here for about two years now and I've never had any problems with scamming, etc, etc. And I've been going out pretty much every weekend. Sure, I'm in my early 20's and probably the opposite of what the locals would call a sex tourist (I make sure to look good, be polite, not get too drunk and so on)
Anyways, I've read some comments here and some say dont be a pig, some say dont be a dumbass - I say be neither - just act like any normal guy who wants to have a great time! Just follow that simple rule and you will be able to enjoy this fine city =)
About Club Essential I can say that it is a must-place here in Riga, depending on your background - if u've been to some major european clubs this might not be so awesome as most people would like it to sound like =| But it IS the most massive place for parting in Riga!!!
And remember, if the que is too big, u can always use the "VIP" entrance - just give the guard a firm handshake with 10 lats ;)" | G
Sweden
Dec.18.2008
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "I was in Riga in Jan 2006 with my then girlfriend. We had a wonderful time. We went to Club Essential and had a great night. Drinks were priced as I would expect. U should expect to pay more than you would in a normal bar no matter where u go. We had no hasssle expect for one taxi who ripped us off but we put that down to experience. We met a lovely local couple and we spent a great night partying with them in Club Essential. Overall like all cities act like a jerk...you'll be treated like a jerk." | Paul
Ireland
Nov.27.2008
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "I really enjoyed the club, as for the city - the old part of it was magnificent. But when talking about sex tourism - I met one girl there who danced really beautifully thou when me or my friends tried to talk to her she simply avoided by dancing closer for a bit and then skipped away, there was also one that came to our group and asked to get drinks for her and her friends - so I guess latvian girls differ a lot, thou most of them are really good looking." |
Spain
Nov.27.2008
Overall rating 4/5
|
| | "me and my mates we never saw a city like Riga, nice city and the people so genuine and the girls so pretty...I am british and I am proud to be Brit, at the same time I disagree with some of the Brits behaviors and they deserved to be called pigs. So all u scums stay in your local bars in England and leave this city alone
" | Abb
United Kingdom
Nov.11.2008
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "Extraordinary Club!!! Pretty Meet!!
Nice and very good Night Club!!
Good Music and very very good DJ!!
Come on, It's Fantastic!!" | alexandre
France
Oct.25.2008
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "We are going to Riga in Januari for a weekend. Is it really that bad with the UK guys?
Can you recommend some place?
" | Dutchman
Netherlands
Oct.15.2008
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "Just got back from a great weekend with a couple of mates in Riga. Went to Essential Club on Saturday and had a great night, met a local hens night and partied until the early hours on the impressive dancefloors on various levels. Very good club by Euro and UK standards and great house, trance & electro.
Overall impression is a really nice city, friendly but introverted people, everywhere you look around the old town are picture perfect cobbled streets & old buildings - and money. But unfortunately this is where the city has major problems. Capitalism greed is well and truly alive here. They appear to have gone from one extreme to the other from the old repressionist communist days. Perhaps understandably. With time the corruption and greed of this city will be reduced to the normal seedy area found in most capitals, however to everyone going there BE AWARE.
Some tips:
* DO treat the locals and environment with respect.
* DO NOT get too drunk like back home.
* DO NOT get a taxi unless ordered from your hotel/hostel.
* DO NOT use your credit cards in bars.
* DO NOT use the city as your toilet -You will get arrested, or citizen arrested - yes this is true.
And if you want to walk around wearing the same t-shirts as your friends, with one wearing a viking helmet or something just as amazingly hilarious, you will be seen with hatred from the locals and expat workers and you will all be an absolute target.
I was chatting to a guy in a hostel about his friends (a couple) who would not pay the 27lt (30pounds) taxi fare which should have been more like 5lt. They were subsequently locked in the cab, taken to the cabbies mates and bashed. She (yes a female) had her leg broken in 3 places.
My friend had 7000pounds skimmed from his credit card at a bar (he was by himself). He is not a disrespectful person and even bothered to learn some local words.
I don't want to deter people from coming to this beautiful city, but until the greed and corruption is reduced to the usual area within a capital city, you need to be careful AT ALL TIMES.
I suspect most people who have dismissed or put down this entire city or country due to one unfortunate incident, are showing just how ignorant and stupid they really are.
I will be back to the Baltics at the next given chance.
Hope this has helped. Cheers." | Internationalist
Denmark
Aug.25.2008
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "ESPECIALLY ON RUDI DOBSONS COMMENTARY.
Hi, I am Jutta from Germany. Through the years I was working on some project together with Latvian people. I was visiting Latvia at least 5 times a year.
I like Latvian people, they are very kind , intelligent and really nice people. Latvia is beautiful, as well the capital city Riga, as well in the country side. You schould go there (country side) with some local latvian, who could show you so wonderful places, you will be amazed. The nature in Latvia is still untouched per big factories. There are a lot of woods, wild clean lakes and gorgeous beaches.
I can tell only, that when I was reading Rudi Dobson's comentary on Latvia, I got really upset - at least my experience is totally different and Latvia don't deserve to get framed in such a picture like Rudis. Rudi, in case, if that's so terrible there why you don't go to live back in your paradise Great Britan? I think Latvians have a good base to call brits like they did, if they have to do with such a people like Rudi. I can only join Latvian people in their not so very good opinion about the britisch tourists, because when I was in Riga, I saw those very drunk people, shouting on the streets in Old Riga, getting physical toward tresspasents, as well as in one Bar being really rude to a girl which didn't want to communicate with them.
So, all others, be sure, Latvia is a safe place, lot's to see, wonderful food (all over), beatiful nature. Enjoy :-)
" | Jutta
Germany
Jun.26.2008
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "Read the writing of an english fellow (I suposse) complaining about Latvia...well...what to say? we talk as we experience things...where he sees whores I see free-will women, maybe, something that we, males, cannot accept easely. Acting like models? I think they ARE models. Nature is generous in Latvia in that sense. They are beautiful. Corrupt police? don't go to Mexico (where I was born... :), sorry Mexico...). Is Riga a shitty apartments city? I think it's a fascinating place, worth to preserve in many ways, in constant develope withouth losing bind to the treasures of ancient times. Not to mention the Countryside (this week I saw 2 young deers near the city borders!). Are latvians the saddest people in the world? I think it's just precaution after such so many hard times from long ago. Now that I know latvians better I can say the are really warm and generous people. Full of values and proud of traditions and culture, wish my country fellows had the same attitude!, and if the minister said that britons are pigs, well, no merit to go to a host country and pee over a National Symbol like the Freedom Statue. Anyway: "todo es segun el cristal con que se mira". :) " | Vi
Mexico
Jun.18.2008
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "Amazing country, nice club, very polite people and its worth it to visit Latvia!! " | Chris
Cyprus
Jun.14.2008
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "Taking my 4 good friends to riga in july..thought about going to this night club..not quite sure now.we arent going to get drunk(we will as everyone does) and look for sex,just wanna show my country to my friends but by the looks of it all im going to get is emberrasment.Is it really that bad?i havent been in Riga for 3 years now.so any advice?" | Andrejs
United Kingdom
May.26.2008
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "I am from Estonia (country on the north boarder with Latvia). I would like to admit that i like Riga, i always enjoy nightlife there, but would like to admit, that service is hotels is not good enought for the price they charge (was staying in 4 and 5 star hotels); very corrupted country and what's for sure - sex tourism, that is the highest in Baltics. For this reasons, i prefer to stay in Tallinn, that is soo much different. Otherwise, i always liked Riga..." | Mari
Estonia
May.19.2008
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "AVOID!!!! I got completely robbed. Drank 7 euro beers (girls drink for 2 euros), ran out of money and asked security where there was an ATM. Went to an ATM, came back into the bar and security took me into a small closet room and made me strip and took all of my money. Spent the next day at the police station telling my story. Brutal. Text me if you are serious about going here.
Mark" | Ignatius
Czech Republic
May.10.2008
Overall rating 1/5 |
| | "ONLY ONE WORD. SUPERB" | Federico
Italy
Apr.27.2008
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "Essential reminded me a bit of clubs in the UK in the 1990's in terms of the layout. Music was good (house music and commercial R&B), there was a generally good atmosphere, some odd blokes with mullets around but you get that everywhere (minus the mullets, that seems to be Russian thing). Drinks are expensive though, rivals London club prices. And please, not all English people are complete morons." | Bajie
United Kingdom
Apr.14.2008
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "Avoid this horrible club. Good for foreigners, but has a reputation for being laden with whores. " | Valters
United States
Mar.19.2008
Overall rating 2/5 |
| | "AVOID!!! Went there in 2007 with four friends (two Americans and two local girls we met in Riga). We weren't a stag group, just biz associates en route to Russia. After ordering several rounds of beer at 8 euros (note: girls told me they charge foreigners 2x more than locals) I ran out of money so I needed an ATM. Asked a security guard at the door and he pointed outside. Walked out, got my money and entered (after having to pay cover again!) and the same guard grabbed me and put me in a closet with one other guy. They frisked me down, made me strip, stole my money and threw me out of the club. Told the police and they laughed. What a great place! Overall experience of Riga was awful and based on what I saw, if you're a stag group, don't even think about going! " | Alex
Czech Republic
Mar.10.2008
Overall rating 1/5 |
| | "As with any club in Riga, if you don't act like a jerk, be respectful, and don't come in a big group of jerks you'll be fine. The music here is nothing special, but still good to dance to and we had a great time with the local girls!" | Mike
United Kingdom
Mar.03.2008
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "Riga great place. Club Essential was a good night,nearly refused entry due to swaying in the que but explained i had come for a good time & the bouncer let me in. A friend later on had to pay 37 lats to get in, taking advantage of the state he was in!!! The music was good if you like your hard techno/house. I agree some (probably most) English people are dick heads but don't put us all in the same bracket. We had a good time & got alot of advice off our hotel staff. It could be easy to get ripped off there tho,if there is a massive group of you..." | Matt Soden
United Kingdom
Feb.18.2008
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "I went to Riga with a friend and I must say: wauw. The girls alone really make up fr the long trip. the city itself is also beautiful and Club Essential really was THE place to be. It's a shame that most of the Brits there just when to get wasted in the hope they could get lucky with one of the girls there. I met a real sweet girl in the club one night who was funny and very cute by the way :). I hope one day she'll read this, can't remember her name though, could'nt pronounse it either. greetz from the Belgian Airforce pilots" | koen
Belgium
Feb.04.2008
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "Certainly the best place to go in Riga if you want to have a good time where everyone indeed enjoys their time rather than trying to get in fist fights. Well, and regarding Brits...this is just one great nation with few drawbacks...they are bald, loud, rude, arrogant and when they have a chance to get out of jail what Britain currently is they behave like animals but I have to admit that I rather prefer average Briton than Latvian. Unfortunately, we are seeing mostly people from council houses and those living on tax credits, cause Riga very well meets their low income and inability to find a decent girlfriend and money comes in hand here to buy happiness for a few hours." | dd
Latvia
Jan.26.2008
Overall rating 5/5 |
| | "I'm studying in Germany at the moment and wanna take a short trip to visit Riga and some clubs there. I'm asian so I wonder whether any problem I will get there. I don't have any problem in western europe at all but eastern europe who knows.... " | DucAnh
Vietnam
Jan.10.2008
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "To summarize it: Room for improvement! I've been there with two mates on 29th Dec 2007 and found a rather pleasant and civilised crowd there (not one stag party idiot from the UK, but a lot of tourists from other EU-countries), lots of charming local girls. Acceptable music on 3 different floors (R&B, House, Pop/Rock/Mainstream). Interior made/stuck in the 90ies as in many other places in Riga. But: Staff is extremly rude and unfriendly, almost frightening. Nevertheless: Besides that the club is worth a visit, but could be better." | Daniel
Germany
Jan.02.2008
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "Me and a few friends visited Riga back in March and had such an amazing time. The city has so much to offer and should not be missed. The nightlife is pretty special with Club Essential being one of the highlights. The music was good and everyone was there to have a good time. I agree that certain stag groups are ruining Riga but let's not sterotype us Brits with this. The stag groups are only a small minority of our nation and i have come across plenty of idiots from all over the world on my travels. Just be respectful of Riga and it's people and you'll have no problems at all." | Jay
United Kingdom
Dec.29.2007
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "Am not from England and will never be. Looking forward to a great weekend in Riga, never been there..
British in Prague, Bratislava, Polen and as I read in Riga: "fucking specialist"... They have no respect for the girls/women..and the more they are the less respect they have.
I am looking forward to RIGA. Happy NewYear.." | Bert
Norway
Dec.26.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "To all Brittish people: don't go to Riga! It's a corrupt-country and it's not safe! Place stay in England.
To all other people: Riga is really the best place on earth. " | Gert
Netherlands
Dec.23.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "I hate the British tourists also. Last week , I was walking with a latvian girl (no hooker) from Essential to my hotel and some Englishmen were yelling: "I want to fuck" at every girl they see. Latvian girls are really the hottest in Europe, but if are nothing more then a sex-tourist, don't expect from them to be nice to you." | Bart
Belgium
Dec.23.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "It's sad that all these Brits who don't know how to behave and then wonder why they get kicked out or worse have to ruin it for all other visitors to Riga. It's a cool city and Essential Club, once we convinced the bouncers that we're not British, was one of the best we'd been to in Europe. Great party!" | Hannes
Germany
Dec.06.2007
Overall rating 4/5 |
| | "good for Dance and for dirnk. But not the best, i prefer the fashion club" | Luca
Italy
Nov.25.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "was in riga 2 weeks ago,two local girls bought us to a destered strip club instead of fasion nightclub where we were suposed to go and charged us 400 euro for drinks. never again will return to the riga,and will tell everyone i know what a horrible place lativa is.the next lativan person that asks me for help in my country will get a punch in the mouth. " | Mike
Ireland
Nov.15.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "was in riga 2 weeks ago,two local girls bought us to a destered strip club instead of fasion nightclub where we were suposed to go and charged us 400 euro for drinks. never again will return to the riga,and will tell everyone i know what a horrible place lativa is.the next lativan person that asks me for help in my country will get a punch in the mouth. " | Mike
Ireland
Nov.15.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "I read all these things about Latvi and Riga... Hmm... it`s something to think about. I`m feeling sorry for things that had happen to some of you or youre friends, but... things happen and no matter where it is, shit happens...
But however, if you are nice to others, others will bi nice to you (that`s what I`m thinking) is there any more questions??? :))" | Nelle_Beata
Latvia
Nov.02.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "What a rip off!!
Went to Club Essential with 6 mates; only 3 of us were allowed in (including me) and the rest were told to piss off by the bouncers!
The staff inside was rude and the girls minging; no fit birds at all!!!!!
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE" | Rob
United Kingdom
Oct.15.2007
Overall rating 1/5 |
| | "Essential is a cool club; its a shame they let in all those UK stag party fools...i hear stories about english guys being ripped off/beaten up in Riga.....GOOD.....i encourage that, lets hope they never come back and stay on their council estate!!!!!" | Petey
United Kingdom
Oct.08.2007
Overall rating 3/5 |
| | "100 % Danish
But love Latvia and Riga since my first visit 5 years ago...been in Riga more than 40 times since then - both on business trips, weekends and vacations ;o)
Like the city and the people and had several nice romances with local girls..some for short time another for 2 years !
Now Im married (with danish girl)and live back in Denmark ;o) " | Soren
Denmark
Oct.01.2007
Overall rating 5/5 |
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