Party Time!

The perfect city for a stag do. it's perfectly safe unless you look for trouble. If you get smashed off your face in the UK you will get into trouble and this is the rule everywhere including riga so dont believe the bad reviews. The city is beautiful with plenty of history and beautiful buildings everywhere. loads of clubs and pubs, gorgeous women who out number the lads 4 to 1 as well.

Planned to spend two days in Riga - went to strip club, got drunk and they robbed me of passport and $8000 from credit card - avoid this city if you want to party.
Took me 5 days to leave because I was without Canadian Visa.
I went to the police and they basically lectured me and told me drinking was a "sin" - I'll never return.

Hello, I am girl from Latvia and live in Uk. I agree we have some dabgeroys places and strip clubs are not the best thing to do. But why British tourists are such a idiots and acting like jurks? That is why a lot of people in Riga hate them ang they get in trobble and you know...you deserve it!!! You should respect place where you go!

Been here before and some friends with their families wanted me to come with them for a visit here. Thought it could be interesting to see if things had changed in last 7 years. Can say it have. But not in a good way. More organised criminality and so.

This can be a very dangerous city. Went to a place called Essential with two friends. I speak fluent Russian so it's no problem getting around. However, I ordered two drinks and soon discovered they were charging foreigners 2x of what they charged locals. When I ran out of money I went to the security guard and asked where the ATM was. Just outside. When I returned I had to re-pay the entry and as soon as I stepped in two security guys grabbed me, threw me into a closet and took all $200. Avoid, especially if you're a stag group which we weren't.

Ive been and lived in Riga, met locals and even had a child to a local woman, but watch out. At the drop of a hat they can steal all your flat and stuff children and the local police will do nothing effective to help you. As for bars, if you get talking to a girl you get the bill at the end of the night for her "drinks and service" and you WILL be marched by the club heavy and the POLICE to the nearest ATM for them to legally empty your bank account! But if you get to know a local woman or family... beware.. they are good at doing that too! After all "its business!"

I will go to Riga in November and i wanted to know if it's possible to get fun to party during the week or only the week end ? Thank you

It's a quite interesting place, which I believe will gain on one staying a bit longer, like a week or more. Me and my friend met these two girls (sisters) at a pub/cafe and invited them to join us along the evening. They were attractive, helpful and sincere. Since we wanted to experience some of the 'true' local culture they showed us around all night, and took us to places I doubt you will find on your regular tourist map - like underground bars etc.. They were so sweet, when we insisted on dropping by the 'sky bar' they told us they've gone up and down the elevators several times before but never dared to enter the bar itself, figuring it was perhaps only for the elite rich and loaded tourists which is of course 'kinda' true, but I mean c'mon! So we bought them two beers and shattered their prejudices like a thousand pieces of glass. Regarding Brandon from USA:s comment "As for the whole thing about girls coming up to people, taking them to clubs and ripping them off, that happens everywhere, you people heard of gold diggers? Just be nice to them but don't follow them anywhere.." - You, my man, are a fairly confused individual who obviously have no clue what you're mumbling about. 'That happens everywhere' Really!? I've been to most countries in Europe and that has NEVER happened to me, neither have I ever heard of any friend of mine it happened to. Don't know what trash-holes you've been to but it makes you wonder. As for being 'nice' to them (the girls)- you gotta be kidding me! Hey man, ever heard of heard of like - THE LAW, ever heard of like 'organized crime'? I suppose you'd like to ignore the one and encourage the other! Sick. I can't imagine what a brutal experience that would be for the unsuspecting Joe, being set up and robbed like that(and sometime even beaten) Though I'm positive girls like that are FEW indeed, and definately not something you'll bump into everywhere you go, thankfully. "ever heard of gold diggers?" \**/ (you will hear much before your ears fall off) No, Riga is an old, interesting, pretty modern & aspiring city with a lot of personal character, if you ask me. If you go there - go in faith. Cheers

The best is Moon Safari..the others are the same that in our country..Moon Safari is different, not "too much", just simple but great...and girrrrrrrrrrrls are so beautifull and accessibles
go to look, and you will understand

The nightlife was hot, hot HOT!

A bit overrated, but the girls are hot! Shame there are so many drunk Brits making a t*t of themselves, but there you go...

One of the hottest nightlife destinations in Europe - for sure!

I am in Riga now, fine so far good food and beer at OK prices in the Old town. If your coming here as a stag party as we are how you get on all depends what you are looking for and how you behave. We have come as a 40 something group and we are flying the UK flag by being well mannered respectful and not drawing attention to ourselves. However still had a suspect cocktail that we are sure contained no alcohol, and you really need to know prices before yo buy anything at all.

City itself is small and has some great buildings.

If your coming to get pissed up and for for strip joints I can almost guarantee you will have a bad time and experience. Vultures will inmediatley home in on you and do there best to fleece you. And if your inside a strip club with Russian Mafia I can only wish you a safe return home with an empty bank account the least of your worries. I sat across from Babylon last night which looks very enticing but strange how it is empty with the occasional mugs being drawn in. If you want strip joints I recommend you stay in the UK and go to Spearmint Rhino. You really do not want to be in Riga if it was the last place on earth. Expect to be robbed blind if you go in these places is the warning on all the websites and the american embassy even tell you to steer clear of certain bars including the above mentioned.

At the airport there are pocket guides, pick one up and read it from front to back and you will have a good time I think. We are following a guide to recommended bars tonight and I will write again tomorrow as to the results.

Came back from Riga with a dislocated thumb and minus £300 quid courtesy of the local plod. Tossers.

I've been in Riga for a few days now with some buddies and just happened to stumble upon this site and the first thing that struck me is all the complaining. First off, to all the people whining about getting robbed, ask the f..king price of what you're buying before being like "Yo get us 5 beers" and dont be a douche in general. If you're in a small group and you see a large group of sketchballs, why the hell would you walk towards them? As for the whole thing about girls coming up to people, taking them to clubs and ripping them off, that happens everywhere, you people never heard of gold diggers? Just be nice to em but don't follow them anywhere, and if you do, remember to keep a seperate tab and all will be good. So far we've been hanging around Old Town and its been pretty fun, oh and yeah don't piss on monuments, its not just rude, its completely f..ked up and if anyone gets their ass beat after such an incident, you had it coming. One last thing, the green cabs seem to be the most reliable ones so far, the other being the reds which occasionally "forget" to turn on the meter, either way I'd say stick with the green ones. Lookin forward to another 4 days here in Riga, and so far I recommend it to anyone who isn't a jackass, can hold their liquor and can keep their junk in their pants.

I was some time in Riga. Nice cafes, shopping center und nice old and new buildings. I like very much the old jugendstil in Riga.
In nightbars I go never and when I go to a discotek, I go alone, with good friends and so I have no problem.
I like Riga very much, it is a very good culture-city in euro-zone.

Hi guys! The best look of what is going on there: www.facecontrol.lv

How is possible that the government don t close those #clubs and pub#?Even that the people is not looking for sex is quite obvious that everywhere if a girl speaks to a guy like #let s go to a club to have a beer# the guy accept it.I will not accept because I already know this kind of histories but I also never talk to a latvian girl because i am always afraid.

Riga was a super city before Ryanair bought all the stupid cheap boozed up Brits.. what would we think if every night Lats and Russians filled are pubs were sick and pissed everywhere... it was a great place , cheap prices friendly girls until we the Brits f***ed it up..

I live more than 5 years in Ireland and every time when I am home I m enjoing my city,if u will go to nice places as planeta sushi-japaneese food, studio 69-night club, sky line bar u ll never have any problems. but about troublemakers tell u one,i heard loads of talking about Riga that many irish male going to riga just for weekend or just for a lough when they piss on monuments or bulling to latvians just because they r british or irish,tell u just stay at home dont bring your rubbish to latvia.

oh btw kristine.. I cudnt agree more. How can u not know how much money u give for a drink etc. Hilarious.. Seriously its ur own dam fault. Be a little more cautious next time, treat people nicely nd ull get the same in return. Its common sense to check things properly when ur abroad. Nd not to mention before u go. Oh nd before someone asks cos i bet someones thinkin this. How can u say that riga is beautiful and nice when all uve been doin is clubbing. Well ye there was alot of partying. But the first trip was also gettin to know riga. Its amazing how much u can do in 24 hours ;) lets put it this way.. i was exhausted when i came home. We filled our days with stuff to do. We were lucky enough to meet a latvian who had been workin as a guide before. I am personally a huge fan of history and culture. Therefor i felt right at home. It was fascinating walking through the old and new riga. It was like out of a movie nd thats how i felt the first trip. I actually remember thinkin that. So there u have it :)

i was in riga last year. First in june and it was so good me and my friends immediatly booked for 3 months later, in september.i had never been to riga when i came in june but one of my friends had nd she showed us where to go. We're party people so for us this week was perfect. We stayed at a hostel in the old town. Riga hostel which is perfect. Its cheap and nice. If ur hardly gona spend any time at ur room then does it really matter if its not like ur room at home lol anyways we wud always start our day really late cos we were up till the nightclub closed which is round 6 am i think. And then we wud go eat at ex. Fridays. Brilliant food. Nd then walk around little bit buy sum boose at the store which is amazingly cheap. Its ridiculous. Nd then walk back to the hostel, get wasted while gettin ready go out, eat nd then we went to french bar. Its right around the corner from fridays. Its cheap nd brilliant. If ur like us that is. We liked it. U get even more wasted, get to know people. Nd then we went to roxy. Nd then we wud go to mcdonalds which is 500 meters from roxy. Ull see it. Perfect end to a perfect night. Oh btw all this is linked. Meaning the french bar, fridays nd roxy its basicly all on the same street. Kalku iela. Kalku iela is like the main street in the old town. Oh then we have the skyline bar not so far from kalku iela. U just keep walking past the big statue which u can see from kalku iela nd ull get it. Its a tall buiding. Cant miss it. Not that cheap but brilliant. We basicly did this everyday. We really cudnt be bothered checkin out any other places cos we had a brilliant time right where we were. There was this one place tho. Its underground, cant remember the name but again, its near kalku iela. We were there to party so we didnt have the patience to look for anythin else. Except i wud recommend jurmala which is bout 30 min by train from the city center. Which is also not that far from kalku. Lets just put it this way. We didnt ONCE take a cab. We walked all the time which was fine. Anyway jurmala is a spa town. Beeeautiful beach. Cute little main street. Its worth the visit. Smoking is allowed sum places. Like roxy nd sum resturant near fridays. Just for u people who think thats brilliant. Like myself. Nd thats all i had to say really. For u who considered cancelling, dont. Its a beautiful exciting city. Friendly people as far im concerned. I got to know a whole bunch. I had the time of my life for very little money. I did NOT use my credit card anywhere. I only used the cashpoints. Nd i always left my card at the hostel after withdrawing. I never took it with me. If i needed more money our hostel was right around the corner so basicly all in all we didnt have any problems down there. Wasted everyday but we were still in control. U have to have ur passport with u when ur out at night, the police is constantly driving around kalku. Nd they mite stop u nd ask to see it. Even the latvians we hung out with had it with them. Im going back in april nd i cant wait. Riga is absolutely recommended. For both party people nd other type of people ;) enjoy!

the only thing what comes to my mind after reading all these comments is you get what you deserve, ha ha. com'on. you don't have to go to Riga to get robbed if you are a bloody stupid arsehole! been to many different countries. and it works like that - if you don't have your brains in a good working condition you will experience some troubles. how can anybody pay for drinks such a huge amounts mentioned before in few comments??? what were you thinking guys??? you should check your mental health before blaming Latvian people for ripping you off. think what you do. been to Riga many times. nice city. all people I've met are intelligent, polite and friendly. can't get those who say bad things about Latvians. on the other hand again... depends who you are yourself and where you spend your time. if somebody goes to Riga just for sex... don't think anybody should take their reviews for serious. it's just stupid. don't listen to braindead people. just go and see yourself. most of Latvians are much more intelligent than those who left shitty comments here about Riga and its people. Riga is a beautiful city with such a rich culture. but you don't get it if you are not able to grasp it, right? btw, flying to Riga again tonight. looking forward to it. just wanted to check online what's the weather today in Riga and came across this site. just shocked all those negative comments. not all of them, of course, but mostly. so, I just could not leave my comment here. seems to me everything is really to do with - you get what you deserve. how can you expect somebody to be friendly and smiley if you don't have those things in yourself? how can you expect not to be ripped of if you don't take care of your actions? open your eyes and enjoy our time in Riga. lovely place. thanks for reading and sorry if I did pissed off anybody, ha haaaa. take care.

I visited Brilliant club - the best! Girls u.u.u.Nr.1

Riga is a great city, went there already 4 times and never had trouble, to avoid problems with taxi's take the green Air Baltic taxi's they will charge you correctly, if you want to have a central situated hotel take the reval hotel Latvia (best value). Just behave normal in Nightclubs (even essential is ok is you act normal) already met some Latvian girls and believe me not all are looking to rip you off just trust on your feeling. By the way if you want to go to a great Italian restaurant go to Fellini's, really good

spent 1 year in riga. Just spent about 20 minutes reading through all these reviews.

Riga is a wonderful place. I cant express in words the beauty of the land and its people. Nightlife? Yes, for the first 6 months i went out about 4 or 5 times a week. Have i ever hada problem with Latvians? Russians? Once when Latvia played Russia in Hockey there were a few rowdy drunks out on the streets. Hooligans? If you plan on raping women, buying prostitutes, peeing on the freedom monument, or anything else along those lines...i think it is highly justified that you get hurt, robbed, cheated by latvians. Of course, a few innocents may have gotten hurt out there, but i assure you, if you have an intelligent head on your shoulders, or even just a normal person, then you are more than likely going to enjoy yourself. Do visit the French Bar. Do go see Andrejsala. Check out Depo if you like underrground music. Essential is for tourists...roxy is--latvians do not go in Roxy..what makes you think that it is good for tourists to go into? take a hint. If you are uncomfortable with having to take hints, then you should stay in cili pizza until your plane leaves back.

I am proud to have spent a part of my life in Latvia. Reznas iela, you are my alma mater... :)

Anyways, disregard most of the comments on this page and you may find yourself in an unforgettable place.

Also, check out Prata Vetra (brainstorm)
Its not a club lol.

trust me when i say this, complete and utter sh*t hole. me and a few mates went there. people we're horribly unfriendly and try to rip u off all the time. we were at the side of the road, 5 of us, waiting on a taxi. a car pulled up and out jumped 2 blokes with baseball bats. one of the lads got a smack across the leg, the rest of us turned and ran back to the bar. I know some of u are thinking that we must have been drunk, doing stupid things etc but I am honestly telling u, we were standing there minding our own business. we had only 2 drinks each at this stage and were completely sober. Riga is what I imagine hell to be like. I wouldn't go back if somebody paid me a lot of money. I hope nobody goes to there and they realise how horrible they have been and how much they need tourism to boost their economy. I have never had any other trouble in any other cities i've been and have been all over south america and Europe.

Me and a couple of friends of mine are looking to go to Riga very soon and to be honest what we are looking for is a good time (not hooker good time but good dancing and partying without fights or brawls or rude people) I read a review stating that coming to meet Women mand native Latvians angry I don't see why though. I have seen plenty of non-native born Americans come to visit america and go straight for the clubs and women. I personally don't have a problem with this at all. Its the womens choice and you can't be mad at another man because a chick is interested in him and not you. I can completely understand the resepct thing. You don't come to another man's country and disrespect him, but unless your talking to a female that is his girlfriend or sister of something of that nature I just can't see being made of it.

I visited club Traffic - didn't like, Essentials was the best.
tomorrow ill go to Brilliant club

I have been in riga twice and both the times i had one friend with me. the first time i was there i went to a club called - Scandal- and you have to dress well or else you wont get in. i met two russian girls there and they approached us and they liked us and started talking with us. and they were very good looking like all the russian girls. they and til today im still friends with them and one of them came to visit me in my country after one year. Liste: you must know how to behave and choose the right clubs. dont get to drunk and end up in some strange place. always pay cash, no cards. if you like a nice strip club, go to Jockey club- it made for foreigners that want to be safe and dont get ripped of, trust me it good and safe. dont act like idiots and dont trust taxis ;) its a nice country but you must respect them and remember all the things they have been throow. good luck

Hi everybody. I went to Riga with three friends. I agree with those who say "be nice and you would be welcome". I never had any problems.

Get a copy of the guide "Riga in your pocket" on the web or at the tourist informations centers (you can find one at the airport) and you'll find many information about the city.

***ABOUT NIGHT LIFE:
Riga is not less safe than the rest of the european capital cities. I've never walked alone on the streets at night, i've never drunk too much (it's not my habit) and avoided some night clubs: there is a bullettin published on the American embassy website with a black list of night clubs. Also the English embassy has its own online pamphlets. At the moment the black list includes:
"Babylon" (formerly "Roxy Klub"), "Royal" (formerly "Lord’s Pub" and "Groks Pub"), "Saxon", "Foxy Lounge", "Infinity Bars" (formerly "Bar Fly"), "Mary", "Pu**y (ss) Lounge" (formerly "Doll House" and "Zig Zag"), "Puzzle" (formerly "Pink Panther"), "Roxbury" (formerly "Mademoiselle Cigar Club"), "Sakura" (formerly "Nobu Sushi"), "Zephyr Bar", Versace" and "Cognac Bar.
Last month there was a public ordinance to reduce scams in night clubs. Despite some of them were closed more than once, they were re-opened with different names (no wonder about that, it happens everywhere). You can get a copy of "Riga in your pocket" and read that some places have to be avoided like the plague.
---You should always ask for the prices before entering a place or ordering something.

To move with taxis, you should have no problems with those belonging to the main companies; the red ones are quite cheap but they often have their taxi-meter switched off. Ask in advance to turn it on or for the price.

And...About Essential club: although there are many radio advertisements to say it's the coolest place in Riga, each latvian says you'd better don't go, as it's full of prostitutes and most of the girls inside there just want you to pay their (many) drinks. And the free drink ticket is only for simple cocktails but they don't tell you in advice.

***PEOPLE
You won't get a warm welcome. Russians are not so warm with foreigners, but Latvians are even worse for (i think) they suffered decades of foreign occupation; they don't like foreigners too much and tend to be very reserved. You should understand it, so don't expect too much.
If you want to know women, the best thing you can do is to be kind, as they will not like you if you are too "direct" even if you are good looking.

Dear Anna,
Amusing your idea to invent Joe & Derek from USA (see both comments below) to insult tourists and promote one of the video you figure in, but totally fake and stupid. Moreover, I don't think that's the way you'll high up the level of the mentality of the people of your country. Mes hommages

Anna, the video is sorta cool

Last year, I went to Riga for 1 night (transit between Vilnius and Geneva). And I paid 100$ for 2 meals... It was bad food and much more expensive than in fashion places in Geneva.... When we were looking for a restaurant, a taxi man gave us a free ride after having told us "I will not leave people in danger, let's enter and I will drive wherever you want..."....

You can believe me, I have traveled a lot and I have never seen a so bad place than Riga. Hell is a good qualification.

I am reading these coments, and there is no wonder why they are so bad coments. I'll tell you one - 99% of you are going to wrong places :D Listen people, as Latvian I can suggest you - don't go to Essential, Nautilus, Roxy - that is crap. None right-minded will go places like these, only idiots or people with poor information, or those who are looking for trouble. The best places is: Feeling (Old city), Light (Centre), Sarkans (Centre). If you are looking for problems - you'll find them, and if you want to enjoy time - you will. Don't be rude or unpolite, don't show bad attitude and you'll be very welcome!

Hi,
I am going to be visiting Eastern Europe with two friends in September. Would like to visit Riga as well for a couple of days. Can anyone tell me where is the best place to stay and the things to do in such a short period of time? thanks.

my dear friends,
I was in Riga last weekend.if you don't want to be get cheated there then follow my golden tips.

1~ don't use taxi.
2~ don't trust girls.
3~ don't go to bars.
4~ don't use creditcards anywhere.
5~ don't visit essential club and bars on kalko street.
6~ don't visit Riga as a sexual tourist.

I would like to add for safe night life visit amsterdam. I was migrated to this country 12 years before and i am always proud to be Amsterdamer.
~~~~~~TANOLI~~~~~~

Ads, do you want Soviet Union back to Latvia?

Dan, it's jerks like you that are the reason Brits get beat up in the first place. I'm sure some guy didn't beat up your mate for no reason, he was probably being a drunk idiot. And then four of you beat up two guys?!? That's a two to one ratio, you are bullies and you deserved a lot worse than you got!

Thank you for all comments here.I was planning to visit riga in may but not anymore after i read everything about riga here..instead i think i should go to vilnius, any idea?..I went to kracov in poland last month and it was great! People are kind, smiling helpful.. very cheap country..

If you just dont go in if someone offers you a free drink nothing wil happen dont go to stripclubs and you will have an nice time respect them and they will respect you the people there where really nice too us olny 1 guy tried to rip us of. just go the skyline bar and nautulis and essential and you wil have the time of you life.

Reading all the comments, made me reallize one thing, you all believe stereotyopes too much. 1 person tell you that they had a crappy time in Riga, and all the rest believe, just because they remember a few occasions when they were a little nervious. If you wonder about the hostility from people towards foreighners, then know this - if you plan to come here only to pick up the ladies, then be sure to expect some hostility. Wonder how much would you like if people went to your countires and picked up your wimen. And dont think that even if sometimes some ripoffs happen in Riga's bars, that doeset happen in your countries.
And if you think you can come here, trash the local establishments, start fights, and then piss on the freedom monument, then you DO deserve to get a few teeth knocked out. All of the bad attitude towards the foreighners has arisen only because of tourists taking a piss on the freedom monument. Is that any form of respect towards us...?

I've been to Riga in October last year and have read all the comments on this page. To be honest, we were quite worried because we really didn't know what to expect after reading all the negative experiences on this website.

Well, i can be really honest about this: All the people that got bullied or ripped off either have had the wrong attitude or visited the wrong clubs.

We went to several bars, the skyline Loungebar, Club Nautilus and Club Essential and had an absolute great weekend.

I think a successful weekend in Riga purely depends on your attitude and intentions. If you're looking for trouble you will find it, if you're merely there because of your testosterone you'll most likely get into trouble too. If you behave like an ass, people indeed will not be friendly to you. DUH!

I actually experienced the behaviour of an English group of guys and it's true: They behave like PIGS, are continuously looking for trouble and show no respect whatsoever to the Latvian people. If I had worked in that club, I would have thrown them out immediately. I cannot believe that people can actually behave that horrible!

As for ourselves, we had a great time. People treated us kindly and we had great chats with numerous of locals. Most of them even approached us and we haven't experienced any wrong intentions with anyone there, including the people in the bars and clubs.

I think the best advise i can give anyone visiting Riga is: Show them respect and a smile and you'll get the same in return. I'd love to go back again in the near future and can recommend Riga to anyone who understands how to treat other people and be polite.

We were in Riga this weekend. Friday's skilinebar and then to essential. Saturday the same, it was really awesome. We had a great time.
Everyone is really nice and polite.
1 tip, take the red ford taxi's. They are the most cheapest en the safest!

i live in riga almost 6 years, know the city more then 10 years - and i love it. 2006+2007 came to many of the ugly full-drunk british and of the slimy italians - but now they don´t come anymore and live in riga is as good as it was in the old times. prices are ok and girls you can get whenever you want... sorry for all of you who cannot speak russian! :)))))

The trouble is that for westerners and particurlarly English people in eastern europe is realatively cheap. That means those with no class can also travel for cheaper than a night out on a normal weekend in their town.
Personally when I went there with a mate I had a fantastic time. Went to see the monuments and the old town..which was beautiful.
Yes, we did meet some Latvians (in a coffee shop - mixed group) but they didnt try to rob us, didnt expect us to buy them drinks and who took us places where only Latvians people go and introduced us to their friends.
Most people were friendly and nice when they realised we were not on a stag do or there to break things.
Just go there with respect for the people and the place, dont drink yourself to the point where you are not aware and you'll be fine.

it's still eastern europe, guys. i mean, if you really want to have fun and feel safe, go to vegas or some place decent.

If you're going to Riga, never give out any of your credit cards. We got ripped off in a normal bar. One of us had to pay 2.500 Lev another one 4.000 Lev. Too bad that we found out about this when we got back.

If you just want to meet Latvian people- better stay in UK because thats where most of them live and work.

We are planing to visit Riga next month - reading the comments made about the city is a shame in deed, real tourism is a very important income for many families if Riga I am sure. Nevertheless, we plan to visit. Can anyone recommend a friendly hotel well located in the center of town? Thanks :-) see you all soon

Jarek, you're from Poland, you should know that this is much different than just a post-communist mentality. In Poland, even in cities with lots of Brit tourists/stags, you would never get flat out robbed in any nightclub, much less beaten. If ever it happens it's in shady strip bars on the edge of town run by gangsters, but when you go to those types of places you get what you deserve. But you would never get charged 100 quid for a drink in any central Krakow or Warsaw nightclub, and you would never get beated - the worst that could happen is you don't get let in because you have trainers on! Riga has been completely ruined by the sex tourists, and now all tourists suffer, it is a shame.

i am seriously worried about this place, my flight cost 100 quid sounds like thats one drink in this dump of a city. Blow it im telling the lads

I have traveled all over eastern europe and now i've booked to go to Riga with some mates in December and after reading the reviews on here am seriously considering cancelling. Can any locals or visitors tell me some good things ?

Been to Riga and Vilnius.
Thanks for all the advice around here. Avoided all clubs mentioned so didn't get ripped off.
But...
Did not have a good time. People were cold and unfriendly. Nothing to see really. Vilnius was even worse. Guess city is worth visiting for couples and older people. But not for me. And yeah, women are gorgeous indeed, but like women in Belgium more. There nor not really beautiful, but at least they are friendly and nice to hang around with...

I was disappointed by Riga as a whole-I`ve been to Prague, Krakow, Wroclaw and Danzig and enjoyed each of them much more.

We went to Club Essentials a couple of Saturdays ago, when we left a taxi man approached and said 5 Lats to take us home, so we accepted. When we got to the hotel, less than 5 mins away, he demanded 56 Lats!! We refused to pay, the driver then refused to let us out, and drove off with us in the car to a quieter place in Riga where we were confronted by 2 other guys and the driver, we were attacked and pepper sprayed, and lost all our belongings, phone, 2 cameras, 100+ Lat, watch and cards!! The police were not very helpful and I am still waiting for the statement to arrive at home, to make an insurance claim!

I have just spent over a month in the Baltic countries. I am really not impressed with the nightlife in Riga. Bars and clubs- even at the weekend- tend to be mostly frequented by tourists. The locals tend to leave the city at weekends to go clubbing elsewhere. You need to be very careful in the clubs too. Follow the advice of the other reviews and avoid the list of "rip-off" clubs that most people have listed below. And remember, if youŗe a guy looking to meet beautiful women, if a girl approaches you and it seems too good to be true then avoid like the plague!

Where is the First-Club in Riga? Website?

A few helpful tips:

1) Riga is a very pretty city and, once you behave with respect to locals, don't get so drunk you don't know where you are, and stay out of strip clubs you are unlikely to encounter problems.

2) Avoid Groks/Roxy, Mademoiselle Cigar, Mary, the Jockey Club and the Doll House like the plague. If you go to these places drunk and by yourself, you might as well wear a neon sign saying 'I'm a stupid foreigner, rob me!'

3) This does not mean that other seedy clubs will not also try to rip you off. If you insist about going to such places, then always ask the price of drinks before you order, pay for each drink as it arrives and don't buy drinks for women working at the club.

4) Do not bring your credit card with you.

5) If, in a slightly seedy club, a gorgeous woman approaches, who would be unlikely to approach you in Liverpool or Dublin, then use your noggin and realise that an exchange of cash is probably on the cards. If you buy her a drink you may find it costs well over a hundred lats.

6) Do not assume that a woman with a short skirt or stilettos is a prostitute. Similar to Liverpool, such clothes are quite fashionable right now in Latvia.

7) If you encounter problems ring the police.

8) If the police are part of the problem ring your embassy. If you are detained you have the right to see a solicitor and to ask that the police inform your embassy and/or family of your arrest.

9) If you are one of those guys who believe women are commodities and that is the sole reason for your trip to Riga, and if despite this advice you stick to your initial plans, then prepare to be ripped off and beaten up and don't expect much sympathy afterwards.

10) If you are a normal tourist that wants to experience another culture and have an enjoyable weekend, then check out The John Lemon, Pulkevedis and The Cherry Club. But if you're an asshole please don't, as you won't find women in tiny skirts there and your presence will only spoil the atmosphere for the rest of us!

Great! I am going to Riga next month on Erasmus, so I will be studying in college over there until January! After reading the comments on this page I am slightly worried!! Does anyone know what it is like for a female to go over there? I will be looking for somewhere to live shortly and haven't a clue where to start!!????

I booked Riga for three days but I get some strong doubts if this was the right decision if I read all the comments from you guys...
Will be very careful these days.

One friend and I already booked flight tickets to Riga. Thanks to your pieces of advice, we are not going to spend our holiday there. We will just buy flight extension (about 100 EUR = 1 beer in Gorks...lol) and spend our 2 weeks holiday in a correct place. Vilnius might be good. Thanks again.

Is Riga really so bad? No! People in Riga are friendly. Some tourists keep saying that Riga is a horrible place but no one didn't ask u to come here. No one isn't answerable for ur credulity. Girls are prostitutes? No! I have never slept with man for money or for drink! Don't judge all girls or clubs in Riga or Latvia for some specific girls! HAVE A BRAIN! TOTUS MUNDUS AGIT HISTRIONEM

After many visits to Riga, I feel it is only fair to the city to voice my opinion.

Maybe it's because I travel there for work, and not as part of a British stag group, but I find the people in Riga very warm,(not quite as warm and open as in Vilnius, but Vilnius is very special) and have never had a problem. I have been in Groks many times, as I usually rent an apartment in Old Riga whenever I stay. While I have seen examples of extremely drunk men getting stitched up, I feel that they have to bear some of the responsibility themselves. The staff in Groks have always treated me with courtesy and respect, and have never tried to rip me off with price, possibly because I try to always behave to them also in a respectful manner. As for Roxy, there are definitely some 'dodgy' characters about, but no more than in most clubs in my home town of Luton in the UK.

Basically, my advice would be to visit Riga, but to exercise the same degree of caution as you would on a night out in your own country, and try to remember above all that you are a guest in Riga of the Latvian people - they are lovely people once you get to know them.

I WENT TO GROKS A FEW WEEKS AGO AND HAD A GREAT TIME, REALLY FRIENDLY STAFF AND PEOPLE, I DONT KNOW WHY UZE ARE ALL COMPLAINING, WE EVEN GOT A FREE COCKTAIL. GREAT PLACE TO BE, WILL BE BACK THERE SOON.

great city, stupid tourists. all the girls are not prostitutes as you think. they just look and dress good not like your fat and ugly women at home...

In addition to all the other warnings given here:
1) Ask for a price list always. Words are nothing when you are going to the police later.
2) If you are cheated in such kind of a place (there are several of them: Groks, Pink Panter, Mary, Mademoiselle, Nobu, etc), don't pay! These are relationships between customer and service provider, which, here in Latvia, are regulated by civil law. And the only thing that service provider can do - go to civil court, which will never be done by the owners of these places.
3) Call the police. Be sure to ask for Central Police Station. These people know about the place, and know what to do.
4) Be calm, security monkeys can beat you, and you won't be able to do anything because you're probably leaving in couple of days.(Weeks are needed to process the place)
5) Never ever give your card to the staff. Better say, you don't have it at all. Check the amounts they are charging you. Ask for the receipt. Cancel the card as soon as you are out of the place. More money can be charged later.
6) If you are let to go for the money to the hotel and one of the monkeys is following you - stay at the hotel reception, and call the police from there.
7) If you friend is held in the bar, and you should go and bring the money to pay - call the police ASAP, and together with the police go for your friend.

yes,never again Riga!!!
I went in GROKS 3 days ago.
I met some girls there that appeared good people. After 30 minutes they ask me to follow them into a disco-Groks and begun to orders all the thinks ... I order only 2 beers and when understand somethings wrong I wanted to go soon away but they offer an high bill before let me free! 460 euro!!!!!!! for 2 beers... I called the police and I asked 3 time to go to center police but they treated me like a dog and a the end I decided to pay and forget all. But today I made a report to the police station. I met there another person that happen the same story!!!! THAT IS SHAME RIGA!! criminal are free!!!

I@m come to Riga from Berlin one week ago....so very very expensive city (price for coctails in nightclubs from 8 euro.. ...nightclub is ok but not perfect... like only essential good music and good people but also very expensive...and my friend from latvia told me about roxy night club and groks pub it's a very very bad place to go..more of people in roxy and groks russians,prostitute and criminal...maybe i come to riga again ***

i dont know what every one is talking about - riga forever! i had the best time. the girls are stunning, groks is fantastic ! sure i had to pay for the service, but its much cheaper than spain! me and my mate were in groks for couple of hours...met very friendly people (of course, always avoiding the girls you have to pay for and keeping one eye at the survellence camera and the monkeys securities fellows)....
roxy is also a good place to party, notwithstanding the strage people in there...would also suggest dolls or lido for couple of beers and thereafter visit essential club (one tip: try to avoid VIP couches: otherwise you will be kicked out!!!!!! only place we didnt like: skyline bar (full of stag-parties and awfull service). CONCLUSSION: Riga forever!!!!

Hate to say it but Riga as a city is very beautiful indeed while their attitude towards tourists and foreigners is really something you don't want to encounter. Possibly because of all the stag parties etc. have made them feel hatred and racism towards any foreigners the atmosphere you get when you ask a waiter/waitress something is very unpleasant. Surely enough they want to rip off any money they can get from the tourists. We also made the wrong turn of walking into Groks because it started to rain and found ourselves being almost forced into buying drinks for the ladies at ridiculous prices. We quickly then gulped down our beers and chose the rain. And if I had to make a choice between Riga and Vilnius for example, the latter is definitely number 1 in my books now.

is it really that bad? planning to go next 9-12 may ...and honestly was expecting better reviews than these ones...

Stay away from Groks! A mixed group of 14 of us went there on New Years Eve. We paid to go to the 'disco' but on entering the women in our group were immediately assaulted by a group of prostitutes. Groks - a lethal place in an unbelievably dangerous city !

Riga - never again! I wish I'd read some of these reviews before booking our tickets. Expensive place, unfriendly and rude and racist locals all out to rip you off, beggars and prostitutes, crappy restaurants and bars - why bother?

Don't go to Riga its a total rip-off but if you do have to go avoid at all costs a bar called Groks near the square its full of hookers who will try to lure you into the back Disco bar where you will get a hefty bill for whatever drink you buy. This place deserves to be fire-bombed.