Few questions about Latvia/Riga

[michal3141]

I am planning a nice weekend in Riga in the next few weeks. Therefore there are some questions I have regarding Latvia and Latvians in general.

1. What do Latvians think about Poles? Are there any prejudices in Latvia regarding Poles?

2. Is is sufficient to know only English or is some basic Latvian required for survival? ;)

3. How 'Latvian' is Riga? Are there many foreigners?

4. Is it safe to take a stroll at night after having a bear or two?

5. What are the cool places to visit in Riga that are not well known?

[michal3141]

Bump!

[Brás Garcia de Mascarenhas]

I will try to answer to the best of my knowledge. Just like Estonia, I have been to Latvia a few times even though not as extensively.

I do not think that Poles know much about Latvia and neither do Latvians about Poland. I think Latvians overall are pretty neutral towards Poles but beware that nearly 50% of Riga is ethnically Russian and some Russians do have negative feelings towards Poles (doesn't mean however that they will be hostile towards you). If possible just speak in English instead of trying to use Polish or Russian (if you are able to speak some Russian) to avoid misunderstandings. The youngsters know English and the older generation knows Russian but if you address a native Latvian in Russian being yourself a tourist it might be seen as impolite, you better just try to make yourself be understood by using Polish in that case.

Riga is the biggest city in the Baltic Sea and the one that seems to have a more "Soviet vibe" in my opinion, especially the architecture. I have visited only the main attractions so I do not know what else to recommend.

I didn't do night life in Riga but the city didn't strike me as being unsafe as long as you have common sense. Wouldn't surprise me if you are more likely to be mugged in Norway or Sweden than in Latvia nowadays.

[michal3141]

I will try to answer to the best of my knowledge. Just like Estonia, I have been to Latvia a few times even though not as extensively.

I do not think that Poles know much about Latvia and neither do Latvians about Poland. I think Latvians overall are pretty neutral towards Poles but beware that nearly 50% of Riga is ethnically Russian and some Russians do have negative feelings towards Poles (doesn't mean however that they will be hostile towards you). If possible just speak in English instead of trying to use Polish or Russian (if you are able to speak some Russian) to avoid misunderstandings. The youngsters know English and the older generation knows Russian but if you address a native Latvian in Russian being yourself a tourist it might be seen as impolite, you better just try to make yourself be understood by using Polish in that case.

Riga is the biggest city in the Baltic Sea and the one that seems to have a more "Soviet vibe" in my opinion, especially the architecture. I have visited only the main attractions so I do not know what else to recommend.

I didn't do night life in Riga but the city didn't strike me as being unsafe as long as you have common sense. Wouldn't surprise me if you are more likely to be mugged in Norway or Sweden than in Latvia nowadays.

Thanks!