It's Party Time!

The Riga nightlife is deservedly considered amongst the best in Eastern Europe - and even on a par with the celebrated Tallinn nightlife. So what is it exactly that makes Riga's party scene worth travelling for? Well the high concentration of pubs, cafes and bars in the Old Town (many with outside seating in summer) is certainly a major draw and newcomers to the city will have plenty of fun if getting the drinks in is a top priority. British style boozers and Irish Pubs rub shoulders with swanky bars and trendy cocktail lounges so you're almost bound to find a place to call home. For our money the Orange Bar is worth a look in, whilst PuPu can be great fun on the right night and the popular Skyline Bar in the Central District is rarely less than heaving. Meanwhile Martini on the main strip of Kalku iela boasts gogo dancers wiggling their botties on the bar. There's usually something going on here if nowhere else, although the manager is clearly aiming to draw in as many drooling stag lads as possible! For a more comprehensive guide to Riga's watering holes check out our nightlife directory.

Of course no nightlife connoisseur will want to leave Riga without first having sampled some of the clubs. There's a decent number and range on offer, although discerning party-goers will have their choices limited by their own good taste. If you are something of a club snob then Nautilus is probably the best bet for you. There are the inevitable posers and hangers-on but underlying is a core of funky youngsters who actually know the difference between house and techno, adding some much-appreciated authenticity to a night out here. Meanwhile Club Essential is a bit bigger and cheesier, but well worth a visit, especially if they've booked a big name DJ. The likes of Deep Dish and Lee Coombs have manned the wheels of steel this summer! Bigger and cheesier still is La Rocca - a favourite with Riga's Russian community. The music policy is a bit more commercial, but you can't turn your nose up at Ferry Corsten who graced the decks there recently. The antidote to all this thumping bass is Pulkvedim Neviens Neraksta. Riga's most reliable nightlife player for 15 odd years, 'The Colonel', as it is affectionately known, has an atmosphere that's hard to beat and stays busy even during the week.

If conventional nightlife holds about as much appeal to you as a dip in the Daugava river in December, then you'll be pleased to know that Riga also has a scattering of hip alternative venues. Kick back and relax at the I Love You cafe or John Lemon bar, amongst fellow bohemians, before jumping up and down in a deranged fashion at the legendary Depo club. Mayhem guaranteed.

Bars galore, clubs rammed with beautiful people, and a small but healthy alternative scene... Are there any downsides to Riga nightlife? There certainly are. With an increasing number of cheap flights making Riga accessible from almost anywhere in Europe, more and more tourists are heading to this Northern gem. Unfortunately for the unsuspecting locals, and possibly you too, a large number of these additional tourists come in the form of British stag groups - drawn by the irresistable double whammy of cheap beer and good-looking women. These guys may just be here for some harmless fun - but class they ain't. If you don't want to spend your night talking to Bazza and his thirty drunken mates you should consider coming to Riga out of season, partying during the week, or at least sticking to the harder to find venues.

Meanwhile the Riga powers that be, who seem happy to speak out against stag tourism in order to appease weary locals, should perhaps think about closing down some of the many strip bars, go go joints and brothels that appeal to 'lads' in the first place - if they don't want their city to become famous for the wrong reasons. As stags bring in a considerable amount of money to the city however, the temptation is always to sell out for the quick buck, without thinking of the long-term ramifications.



Bars and Pubs
Stag Weekends
Annual Festivals
Riga Stags
 


Warsaw Nightlife
Tallinn Nightlife

Moderated page. Comments will be published after editorial review.

add your comments

"I Don't understand people going to strip clubs, paying alot of money for no action. If you go to those places you will be ripped off,big time.I Have had sex with many Russian and Latvian women in Riga,most of whom were prostitutes. Street walkers are as cheap as 50euro for the night but are very likely hiv+ hepatitisis ect, so you must use a condom. Girls in their own apartments are 30-40 lat,but proably less now with Latvia's deep economic decline.I know some good brothels,safe and cheap in centre.If you are not a smart man don't come to Riga, you will be taking a risk with your lifebut if you are lucky you'll just loose alot of money. My advice avoid everything in the Old Town except Mcdonald's.I rent apartment when in Riga, this is much cheaper than a hotel.You can have regular woman from brothel,privately on her days off.Remember usually her madam/pimp takes the money. Also avoid changing money in private exchanges in Old Town, use banks always.there is a late opening bank in the large supermarket at the bottom of Valnu street.I am a thin blonde Irishman and look like a native Latvian so I feel safe walking alone at night.Do not come to Latvia alone if you stick out, do not engage with prosstitutes if you are not smart and careful, never trust people esp women you will be robbed, hide your money in the most secret place, only use credit card for cash withdrawl in the daylight. Finally for most people I wouldn't advise a trip to Riga.There are many other safer places with more outgoing, friendly people. I like Riga alot, but it's very much an aquired taste. "

Fintan
Ireland
Jun.18.2009
rates this page 4/5

"just want to cancel my flight!!!!!!!! should be harare to be like that!!!"

arg!
France
Jun.17.2009
rates this page 5/5

"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 whereever you want...".... You can bealive me, I have traveled a lot and I have never seen a so bad place than Riga. Hell is a good qualification."

Sebastien
Switzerland
Jun.05.2009
rates this page 1/5

"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 whereever you want...".... You can bealive me, I have traveled a lot and I have never seen a so bad place than Riga. Hell is a good qualification."

Sebastien
Switzerland
Jun.05.2009
rates this page 1/5

"I write this again ,Riga want that you go for nice girs there , they envaidit you for that . they look lovely and y must say they are , but don`t think that you gonne speak with one ,because you don`t.I gonne warn the dutch gays in holland now whit my leangwiche,Hoi jongens ga nu echt niet naar riga want er staan prachtige foto`s van mooie meiden en die zijn er ook maar vergeet niet 400 euro voor een half uurtje is niks , ze kijken je niet aan ,willen je niet ,en mij niet maar het hele vliegtuig niet.dat vol zit met met vrijgezellen, het kost alles daar ! en je krijgt niks, en ik ga veel op vakantie ,maar jullie moeten er echt voor werken en als je te eigenwijs bent om toch te gaan ,vergeet me naam niet hotze ,als je terug bent sta je te kotzen. er is niks daar geen sfeer niemand die een mooie let heeft, ze lachen niet 10 euro biertje, ik ben de laatste 8jaar 54 keer op vakantie geweest! en ik ben overal geweest .er zit alleen smaak aan thailand en brazil,niet om te naaien want blijf gewoon in duitsland dat is veel goedkoper ,maar om een gigantische vakantie te hebben met echt een leuke vrouw die gevoel heeft , en wij hebben dat ook ,want het gaat niet om het neuken ,maar om gevoel en dansen lachen naaien ,alles,wij vinden het leuk om hun kinderen te eten te geven, gewoon eens de fam zien,eens kijken hoe hun leven ,als je daar voor openstaat ,zal het me niks verbazen dat je echt de liefde van je leven ontmoet.verder wordt het echt een leuke vakantie ! deur van het vliegtuig dicht ,alles dicht! en ga nooit naar riga ! "

hotze
Netherlands
Jun.03.2009
rates this page 3/5

"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 theese, 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 yoy'll be very welcom!"

Kristine
Latvia
May.31.2009
rates this page 3/5

"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."

Leonardo
Brazil
May.31.2009
rates this page 3/5

"Man from holland (hotze) i was this weekend (25-5-2009) in riga and i coud not believe this site. i though men from other contries that not want that tourist go to riga white this, i tell you the true and i go 7 times a year hollydai believe me !Wath is reating on this site is mostenly not true : the peopel are correc there , taxi drivers no problem,there is no danger on the street, nobody want to fitewhit you !accomondation 100% taxi drivers you say were you want and the say the price no problem. verry good foot .5 min ready I was on a plane from weeze (dusseldorf) many man on board 3 lady`s same as you go to brazil many man ,so y thougt now a,m going to the same many lady`s there how like me,and now ad this time you must good lisning to ME And now you don`t believe me ! and i,m good looking no problem .THERE IS NOT A CINGEL TOURIST ON MY PLANE HO FUCK A LET GIRL becauce let girls don`t like tourist ,and the don`t look you in your eyes want nothing to drink from you,the let peapel donn`t want to tok whit you,they only want you money for nothing ,the don`t smile to easather why do the it too you ? then you feel lonley there .what you do? you gall escort gill.they starter price 400 let,you say 150 they come ,no problem. but believe me you don`t gonne fuck ,firts the bring the monney out of the hotel ,when you not pai the liefe and have verry smoot tok and look nice,you ley down on your bed ,they shower ,you waithing forpepperspay ,not for fuck and you don`t now that because you pai, you lost you`re 250 euro and you have nothing than to think how a get away from this beautyfull sitywhit out feelings ,and don`t forget that when you go there is so most exensif that bring 1000 euro for one weekendwhit out fuck bether look in the neckerman or weekamp then you se nice girls gost you nothing. becauce it`s gonne gost everthing and you get not thing.when you go home than you can not smile annymore like the let peopel ,the never smile ,when you sit on the teras in sunhine there is not a singe tourist ho have a nice let girl. you think you go to the poores sity of europa ,the cars there a like you are in Bazel Geneve Monte Carlo Munchen ,a think you go tho the riches sitis in the world don`t forget that .youre money is nothing there !one beer 10 euro !But when you go there not for girls ,nobody harms you,and then y say nobody !I want to speek to the let peopel and say where is youre hart? then the must say wy like tourist but don`t fuck our girls, then y say ivedet me whit youre sex tourisme what not exist, don`t showme youre girls ,they don`t like tourist "


Netherlands
May.26.2009
rates this page 2/5

"You know guys.. I just feel happy reading this comments.. I' m really near to throw up when i notice how you ugly disgusting sex-tourists look at me on the streets - with your hungry-animal eyes.. The same look like i am stuff at super-market.. You are not polite, you can start shout something about me.. I always ignore you guys, but anyway - it's so bloody offending and i feel myself so unprotected.. This is extremely disgusting.. So now I'm happy to know that you got your punishment at the end of the day :) and pls don't came here, I'm tired to see this sex touristic-human rubbish on the streets.. And normal people welcome :)!"

Girl
Latvia
May.23.2009
rates this page 3/5

"of course,,girsls for money is ewerywhere,, and if in Ltvia they are more cute than anywhere else in Europe, where i have been,,,than why they cannot use their abbilities to get ,money?? iga is nice and welcome place,,so dont give a shit,,never got cheated by card or cash,, Bars are doog,,and service is normal,,maybe could be faster,but its small thing,, after two months again there,,"

Masar
Turkey
May.16.2009
rates this page 3/5

"my dear friends, i was in riga last weekend.if you don't want tobe 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 any where~. 5~ don't visit essential club and bars on kalko street. 6~ don't visit riga as 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~~~~~~"

~~MR...TANOLI~~
Netherlands
May.13.2009
rates this page 3/5

"Very sick country! Nothing more to add.Simple don,t go."

Martin
United Kingdom
May.05.2009
rates this page 3/5

"Dreadful place full of people trying to rip you off. My friends were ripped off in a bar and threatened with violence. They were mature guys, not young, loud, lads. One friend got beaten up badly for walking past a bar, no reason, no warning. It's a hellhole, don't ever go there."

GP
United Kingdom
May.02.2009
rates this page 1/5

"Dreadful place full of people trying to rip you off. My friends were ripped off in a bar and threatened with violence. They were mature guys, not young, loud, lads. One friend got beaten up badly for walking past a bar, no reason, no warning. It's a hellhole, don't ever go there."

GP
United Kingdom
May.02.2009
rates this page 1/5

"Quick message for Hans-Herbert: slimy are you and your sister...."

beppe
United Kingdom
Apr.16.2009
rates this page 4/5

"Ads, do you want Soviet Union back to Latvia?"

Pentti
Finland
Apr.12.2009
rates this page 1/5

"YOU British and others guests(almost men) are very stupid people. If you want sex go to Amsterdam or somewhere else. and scandinavians drink alckohol in your country"

ads
Latvia
Apr.09.2009
rates this page 4/5

"I was in Riga with friends for a week in February. As about nightlife, Essentual was perfect club for me, I guess prices was some higher than for locals, but anyway cheap anough, I had a lot fun there, girls in Riga are amazing! We also visited strip clubs and it was just great!!! All strip clubs in Old Riga are scams, reliable ones are in other parts of Riga. We used service of local stag company named Multilines and we was fully satisfied with our strip party, all girld was model look and prices was ok - for 100lats my friend received full service from girl (if you understand what I mean;)). Our guide was charming girl Nasta. If anyone is interested in safe night tours, I would recommend to drop her email: hansabaltic@multilines.lv She is great guide!"

Paul G.
Sweden
Mar.26.2009
rates this page 4/5

"Hi, I am marriage a Latvian woman and we have an apartment outside of Riga. I have read some of these comments and get smiling about many men’s experience from Riga. Are you going to Riga for sex for money? Go to Amsterdam! Are you out for drinking beer, go to Paha. Never ever go alone out in Riga for sex and drinking! It is just like Hamburg. You get robed for all your money in any bar or club you go inside. Go to Copenhagen in steed! Are you calling a girl who want 20 - 30 Lats for 1 hour in her private apartment on internet, it will cost you 40- 60 Lats when you come inside her door. You are not a Latvian and you have money and if you not have money, go home and use your right hand! Are you really stupid, go to a brothel like Salon La Kenza in Old Town. I know one Norwegian who gets a MasterCard bill on 10000 Lats for 1 hours fucking when he come home. Advise for Riga. Never go out alone, take your wife with you. Never go out alone with credit cards, expensive watch, golden rings and a expensive cell phone with you. Ask for price and pay cash for taxi, drinks and beer.(taxi from airport from 8 to 80 Lats, Bus 22 - 1.20 lats with 1 big suitcase) Never ever get drunk alone in Riga and not pie in park! You will remember it fore ever when the police take you."

Anders Andersen
Norway
Mar.26.2009
rates this page 3/5

"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!"

Mat
United Kingdom
Mar.16.2009
rates this page 5/5

"Riga was a dive and a rip off, we went on a mates stag do and he was beaten up while ordering some drinks. The only positive thing is when we got home four of us beat the living hell out of two latvian dudes and put them in hospital we then robbed them of there cash phones and jewellery, How do you d*cks like it????? Certainly won't be returning."

Dan
United Kingdom
Mar.14.2009
rates this page 1/5

"Ive been 2 riga so many times and Nr.1 talk about price before u take the taxi. I dont understand why the Latvians talk shit about tourists when Latvians come 2 sweden sometimes they even kills people one man and girl took a womans car and kidnapped her they even killed her. Also many Latvians come to steal things in sweden. When we come 2 your country of course we want to meet girls we are no gays. I understand that latvian boys gets angry, we come with nice clothes and style and they have adidas....yes girls want us more. Accept that. And about the sextourists, in the stripclub u dont get any sex. Where else is there sex 2 buy i dident see anywhere only a few in the streets. When i come to riga i spend my money and Latvians must be happy for that without tourist u would not have so many restaurants and coffebars around town. Show us respect and why show u Respect. Same when u come 2 our country dont be criminal here."

Kenta
Sweden
Mar.13.2009
rates this page 4/5

"Thank you for all coments 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.."

mithat
Turkey
Mar.11.2009
rates this page 5/5

"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."

Max Power
Netherlands
Mar.10.2009
rates this page 5/5

"We arrived yesterday in Riga and we were astonished that when we walked at the main street with all the stripclubs, that at least 6 women came to us asking for our company. I dont know about you guys, but going with them is pretty naïve. Women do not do that at your country either, so why would they here? We went back to the hotel and we looked for a backpackershostel to get informed. We got a lot of good tips and asked about the do's and dont's. We already learned a lot about the country by asking and hearing stories from the locals. Today we took a tourist bus tour which is really worth the 10 LAT. You will see that Latvija and Riga have a rough history and people sang for their indepence in a human line that was 600km. With the knowledge that Latvija has been occupied by Germans, Polish, Swedes and Russians it is no wonder that they do not like illbehaving sextourists. Just avoid the stripclubs and you'll do fine. Don't get along with girls on the streets and be careful. Mingle with the local habitants, talk about the country and be interested in the culture. I mean, why are you even coming here if you dont? You can get prostitutes everywhere in the world. Of course its hard to ghet your zipper closed when beautiful women ask for a drink. But I rather dont pay 4000 LAT for a quick blowjob. What about you?"

Tijs
Netherlands
Feb.19.2009
rates this page 5/5

"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...?"

Gusts
Latvia
Feb.19.2009
rates this page 4/5

"Riga is the worst city in the world! They try to rip you off everywhere! Once they have charged about 20 latti's for four casual beers! They try to do it everywhere! When we arrived they tried to get more money from us at the hostel then we have arranged with them on hostelworld! We where very suspicious all the time because of this site. When we didnt be so suspicious they have ripped us of all of the time! It even happened at the market place! They've charged one latti for two mandarines! I even got droven away from my friends and they put a knife on my throat to get my money. I was very lucky that some other people came in the same elevator as i was and then the Latvians where going away. I was really scared. And i am a really manly man that never gets scared. And if you think it's only happened with irritating Dutch or English drunken boys, then you're wrong! We where there with two boys and two cute girls! We haven't seen one normal Latvian! They are as good to others as they are for their own hair! They really need a lot of hair caring products! L'Oreal got a really big market there! They can't live without supervision from the Germans or the Russians! "

Real Dutchman
Netherlands
Jan.24.2009
rates this page 1/5

"I've been to Riga in oktober 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 succesfull weekend in Riga purely depends on your attitude and intentions. If you're lookign for trouble you will find it, if you're merely there because of your testosteron 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 groep 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. Personell 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 personell 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. "

Crazybee
Netherlands
Jan.21.2009
rates this page 4/5

"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!"

Dutchman
Netherlands
Jan.18.2009
rates this page 5/5

"To Hans the German. One world cup and two world wars, do da. do da"

Edward Longshanks
United Kingdom
Jan.14.2009
rates this page 3/5

"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 donīt 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! :)))))"

hans-herbert
Germany
Jan.07.2009
rates this page 5/5

"Hi to all! I am really glad to read all these negative comments about Riga. Yes Riga has became a totally rip off city made from lots Latvians and Russians jerks racists. I have been more than 15 times to Riga and loved it the first years 2000-2003, then the sh*t arrived.... Nothing about Britts citizens, however, due to that increase of Ryanair and Easyjet flights, the problem started. Guys, some of you don't know how stupid and jerks you are when you are in stag groups. You treat all women like pro's, you're vomitting, pissing everyhere and looking for troubles with everyone!! I crossed several time Britt crowds in Riga and have to admit they act same as in Magaluff or Malia. 100% a**holes looking for troubles. Latvians, Russians, YOU should not put all tourists and foreigners in the same pot. Not all tourists want to go to strip bars and take gals as pro's!! Last but not least, please take out the strip bars from your old town centre!!! This would greatly help to improve everything!!!! Put all these nasty night clubs in further areas after Hotel Latvia and keep the Center clean! Cheers, Luigi "

Luigi
Italy
Jan.06.2009
rates this page 4/5

"i just cant believe the last comment. why do all people keep putting down homosexuals like myself. riga is the best for picking up men, i was a right slut the weekend i was there. it took me a week to walk properly, but was worth it"

cian o callaghan
United Kingdom
Jan.05.2009
rates this page 3/5

"I was molested by a gang of lads in the meatpacker bar simply for wearing a stag-related t-shirt. How unfair!"

Clive Brassington
Ireland
Jan.04.2009
rates this page 4/5

"Guys, I am now in Riga and have to tell you this: DON'T TRUST anyone in RIGA and all of LATVIA because they will try to rip you of everywhere if you're a tourist! Especially at Club Roxy where they let in Go-go firls to rip you off. And Also avoid club MARY!! "

Ben
Netherlands
Dec.31.2008
rates this page 3/5

"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. "

Rob
United Kingdom
Dec.19.2008
rates this page 4/5

"Donīt go to Riga!! Stag parties made the locals hate foreigners. Latvia should go back belonging to Russians, they donīt fit in European Union. They donīt like tourists to go there for sex, but in the city cultural book there were brothels and stripclubs advertisements. They like youīre money, but they donīt like you. Iīve been there with some friends. I think itīs normal for three guys to go to a country to meet the cultural and in the process meet some girls. But the truth there is all the girls want youīre money, they will trick you and steall. The amount of Ferrariīs and porscheīs on he street are ridiculous. Donīt go there, but if you go book not more than a weekend to realise the kind of sh*t hole youīre in and head back home. Only after being there I read this comments, f**k. I will go to Prague my 4 time this year, much better than Riga. "

joao
Portugal
Dec.17.2008
rates this page 3/5

"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."

dave
United Kingdom
Nov.26.2008
rates this page 1/5

"If you're going to Riga, never give ot 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."

Mike
Germany
Nov.24.2008
rates this page 3/5

"c`mmon ..Riga is not that bad place, okay we think u all come to meet blonde girls,sex nd to get drunk but not everyone.. im sure there r a lot of peoples who wants to see Town..soo .. dont listen, JUST ENYOJ :) "

Elina
Latvia
Nov.10.2008
rates this page 3/5

"rigas is the best, you can smell the vice and corruption in the air"

geor
France
Nov.08.2008
rates this page 3/5

"Latvians see tourists as "stupid for commining here" and therefore targets to be ripped off. Latvians class every visitor as a sex tourist, even if you've genuinely gone to see the city and the monuments. The thing all would-be visitors to Riga should remember is that the latvians are geared up to take ALL your money in one go. Bar bills at the ripoff clubs are on average around 1200 Lev (Ģ1400), but can be easily run up to 4000 or 5000 Lev. If you call the Police they will take YOU into court and insist you pay the Bill. If you can't then they will order you to REMAIN in Latvia until you've paid it off. Don't belive anything written here by Latvians, and feel free to look at other websites to corroborate what I'm saying here!"

Tracer_dj
United Kingdom
Oct.21.2008
rates this page 5/5

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

Franklin James
United Kingdom
Oct.20.2008
rates this page 2/5

"Is it still fun to go? I'm going in januari!"

Johan
Netherlands
Oct.16.2008
rates this page 3/5

"Just got back to today and its all true. If I did not have my wits about me would have had my head cracked on 2 occasions. I am a traveller of 49 countries now and was not looking for sex in anyway or form. The trouble will come to you. I can still see that big fat russian bloke seething - luckily I was in with a big enough group on that night. Passed Roxys this morning - big pool of blood outside the door. An ambulance outside another bar."

Al
United States
Oct.04.2008
rates this page 5/5

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

David
Israel
Sep.30.2008
rates this page 4/5

"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."

Anka
Poland
Sep.29.2008
rates this page 5/5

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

cj
United Kingdom
Sep.24.2008
rates this page 4/5

"I have traveled all over eastern euroupe 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 ? hg1jch@hotmail.com"

HoopDog
United Kingdom
Sep.22.2008
rates this page 3/5

"Ummmm I'm new to this city and am honestly not worried even a tiny bit about getting riped off ... I am worried and that's only because I don't know the place as to where I can find good techno, minimal tech or even some tech house, not interested in the cheesy big clubs so if anyone knows of a good underground place he/she can recommend that will be great ! Once I sort that out I'm sure I'm gonna have a great time here in Riga. Oh and by the way to all the cheap sex hunters and disrespectful tourists who f*cks things up for me F*CK YOU !!!"

Alon
Israel
Sep.18.2008
rates this page 3/5

"all you guys have to understand our menatlity, this is not western erupe or america, where you always had freedom. In eastern europe if you ever wnated anything you dont ask persimmion you just go and take it. there are no rules, you have to understand its still a communist menatality, where its liek the wild west, of course these people will try to take advantage of you, they will do anything to try to take your lest dollar you have. our mentality is still about 50 years behind yours, our close , cars etc minght be the same but not how we think. its liek the 1920.1940 in america with the mafia. you just go out and you just take stuff only the strong survive. So yes when you come to eastern europe make sure you have you local there to take you around, otherwise you are at your own risk. You will get hustled in every single way possible. yes the girls are beautiful more beautiful then were you are from, but dont be fooled the girls are just tough as the guys they will play you for little suckers. Avoid the nightclubs, if you are with a local let him order the drinks, dont talk in english, let the local call the girls over. If you act like tourists be prepared to get robbed and spend a lot of money and maybe even assulted. "

jarek
Poland
Sep.16.2008
rates this page 4/5

"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.f*ck off sex tourist."

killer
Russia
Sep.14.2008
rates this page 3/5

"Yours bigest problem, is all you come for sex.Nothing more,but if you come for sex to my city, we latvians f*ck you.sory:)) don,t come in my city for sex,go to amsterdam."

Kiborg
Latvia
Sep.14.2008
rates this page 3/5

"never ever pee on our monuments!!!!"

Anna
Latvia
Sep.05.2008
rates this page 3/5

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0yiq17QiWU check this out!!!!!!!!!"

Anna
Latvia
Sep.05.2008
rates this page 3/5

"guys, why do you think everyone must be friendly with you if we don't know you? we look at life differently, just try to communicate with people in Riga and you will see how intelligent they are... are you looking for friendly peole in the clubs? that's a wrong place to find them...we have a great culture and traditions, maybe you would better come for our great festivals? as i see, all you need from life is a drink and sex:))) sorry, but that's my opinion. about girls...my English is pretty good, but I rarely talk to foreigner in Riga in the club, because of all those talkings about cheap girls in Riga...it's just so...so disgusting...open your eyes wider and you will see real latvians, who love their country... P.S. last month went to essential and met some tourists: "Hi! What's your name?you're so beautiful, please, give me your number" so simply?????sorry....did you forget how to meet a girl in a polite manner?(not just for sex)"

Anna
Latvia
Sep.05.2008
rates this page 3/5

"OH and cheap! :D the french bar somewhere in old town, not far from roxy i think - is brilliant. Seriously cheap for beer nd drinks. Think i paid 2 lats for a glas (huge glas) of bacardi/cola. AH memories. Good times, good times :D I do, believe it or not, have sum complaints tho. The rudeness of these people. Not everyone of course. Its probably got sumthin to do with insecurity. Someone talk english to them nd their not good at it nd they respond in a rude way. English courses shud be optional at every workplace. All im sayin. "

Wouldntyouliketoknow;)
Norway
Sep.01.2008
rates this page 3/5

"Well i personly love Riga. Love the nightlife. Its about knowin how to have fun without being stupid. Didnt get ripped off, got to know alot of great people, had a F-ING GOOD TIME at the nightclubs - all in all EXCELLENT;) Which is why im goin back in 2 weeks. WOO party party "

Wouldntyouliketoknow;)
Norway
Sep.01.2008
rates this page 3/5

"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..."

Bregt Leyman
Belgium
Aug.26.2008
rates this page 4/5

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

Tim jr.
United States
Aug.26.2008
rates this page 1/5

"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!"

paddy
United Kingdom
Aug.26.2008
rates this page 3/5

"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!"

anon
United Kingdom
Aug.18.2008
rates this page 4/5

"Where is the First-Club in Riga? Website? "

Michael Haller
United States
Aug.13.2008
rates this page 3/5

"Don't take my word for it see what the American embassy in Riga has to say about it:- http://www.inyourpocket.com/latvia/riga/ feature/70603-Embassy_warning.html"

Tracer_dj
United Kingdom
Aug.10.2008
rates this page 1/5

"Yes, I got ripped off in the Saxon bar! Dragged in by 2 girls who we met on the street. I bought 4 drinks and ait cost a total of 280 lv. Do not go to Riga the whole city is geared up to rip off tourists. I urge anyone reading this to go to Krakow in Poland or Prague in the Czech Republic. Both those counties ensure the safety of their visitors. In Riga the police are part of the con. "

Tracer_dj
United Kingdom
Aug.10.2008
rates this page 1/5

"F........ you all of you!If you hate it, I mean this city, my city Riga,then why you even go there,idiots, crying like little babys!Everywhere is the same if you drunk and caring money with yourself ofcourse you will be dead anywhere!!!!!! Stu.... idiots!"

Alona
Latvia
Aug.06.2008
rates this page 5/5

"Riga is the worst city in the world and that's exactly the reason i'm going back!!!"

RJ
Netherlands
Aug.04.2008
rates this page 3/5

"The Riga nightlife is propably the worst in Eastern Europe, criminals all over. Avoid!"

Ulf
Norway
Aug.02.2008
rates this page 1/5

"so,all of you say what girls from riga are hookers? but why they ask only about drinks not about sex? there is logic? you cant to find sex in riga and becouse riga for you are shit"

uknown
Latvia
Jul.30.2008
rates this page 3/5

"Please stay away from this country and warn your friends about this awful country. It is utter shame that a country with this much corruption is allowed to be a member of EU. Until they start taking this corruption, robbing and beating tourists seriously, they should receive no money from tourists. Let them rot without money until they start putting criminals in prison. And to all ordinary latvians, I am sory for my hard words for your country. I am sure that most latvians are OK, but as long the criminals operate freely in the bars, things are terribly wrong. You really must do something to this corruption and quickly."

Kari
Finland
Jul.28.2008
rates this page 3/5

" People that have been mistreated in Groks or other shitholes alike, should send some greetings back like a big rock to the window. "

Unkka T. Kumiankka
Finland
Jul.28.2008
rates this page 3/5

"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! "

Jamie
Latvia
Jul.25.2008
rates this page 3/5

"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 somewere to live shortly and haven't a clue where to start!!????"

Samantha
Ireland
Jul.24.2008
rates this page 4/5

"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."

articolo
Switzerland
Jul.22.2008
rates this page 4/5

"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."

Sebastien
Switzerland
Jul.21.2008
rates this page 3/5