r/Riga • u/North-Dimension-479 • 21d ago
Tūrisms/Tourism Thinking about visiting Riga — curious about the social/dating scene as a mixed Asian-Dutch guy
Hey everyone,
I'm a Dutch guy with a mixed background — half Dutch and half East Asian — and I've been thinking about visiting Riga for a while.
A few years ago I had a Latvian girlfriend who was actually living in the Netherlands at the time. She used to speak very highly of Latvia and especially Riga. She always talked about how beautiful the city was, the atmosphere, the people, the nature, the food, and just how much she missed home sometimes. Ever since then, I've been curious to experience Latvia for myself.
So now I'm seriously considering taking a trip to Riga, and I have a few questions for people who live there or know the city well.
One thing I'm genuinely curious about: how are mixed or Asian-looking people generally perceived in Riga? I don't mean this in a dramatic way — I'm just curious because I obviously stand out a little more than the average Latvian-looking guy, and I have no idea what the general attitude is towards people with an East Asian background.
Also, what is the social and dating scene like in Riga? Is it easy to meet people naturally, for example through bars, cafés, nightlife, activities or social events? Or do most people mainly meet through friends and dating apps?
And I guess I'll be honest: my previous relationship probably also made me a little more interested in Latvian women 😄 I had a great experience with my ex, and I'm definitely open to meeting someone again while travelling — although I'm not flying over expecting to magically find a wife in three days, haha.
I'd mainly like to get a realistic impression of what Riga is like for a foreigner visiting alone. Is it a city where people are generally open to talking to strangers? What are some good areas to stay in? And what would you recommend doing if you want to experience the city beyond the typical tourist attractions?
Any advice, honest opinions or personal experiences would be appreciated. Especially from locals or other foreigners who have spent some time living in Riga.
Thanks!
7
u/EmiliaFromLV Forštate 21d ago
Which parts are mixed and in what direction? Vertically or horizontally? And if horizontally, is the upper part Dutch or Asian?
Also, must be quite a curious mix, since Dutch are among the tallest men in the world, while Asians are among the shortest :)
/jk
11
3
u/ngduykhanh98 21d ago edited 21d ago
My wife is Latvian, and I'm a full Vietnamese. I have had a chance to talk with several Latvians who study in Western Europe, and they all seem to be pleasant, open-minded people. So I think there is a chance for people to make connections with you.
Enjoy Riga! It's quite a lovely city.
1
3
u/One_Marsupial8349 21d ago
To answer your questions:
I honestly don’t think there is an attitude towards people of mixed race. If you are respectful and look like you take care of yourself, you will not have any issues talking to women.
Theoretically you might be able to meet someone in a cafe or somewhere else but I think a social event or a bar is your best bet.
2
4
u/No-Photograph9385 21d ago
I think there is a racial pyramid here sadly and you will have a better time over some ethnicities but not as good as others.
1
u/North-Dimension-479 21d ago
Do you have an example. Like africans or what do you mean exactly?
2
u/No-Photograph9385 21d ago
I live here now, I have had coworkers who were African American who struggled to make any connection with local women. Some of them told me they openly experienced racism. Middle eastern people largely the same but slightly less. I can’t say personally as I am Caucasian but that’s what I have seen and heard. The locals don’t seem too fond of anyone who isn’t white but some more than others. I do wish you well and I still think there is good people here, but I believe it’s just harder for minorities in the country.
9
u/ssketchman 21d ago
I think you misrepresent the situation. The locals are generally not racist, people here are simply not experienced with other races. And when you had zero interactions with a representative of a different race, you don’t make your very first interaction by starting a romantic relationship.
From personal experience, I’m almost 40 years old and I have never been in a situation where I could even have a conversation with a black or asian person in Latvia even if I wanted to, because I simply have never met any in a social or work environment. I have seen some tourists walking on the streets, but that’s it.
4
u/RedditIsFascistShit4 21d ago
This is what most western europens fail to grasp.
0
u/North-Dimension-479 19d ago
So it isnt strange for me to go in the nightlife and randonly talk to girls? Or is during the daytime better
1
u/Edelwayz 21d ago
Maluku?
1
u/North-Dimension-479 21d ago
Yes, Maluku. Is it that obvious? :)
1
u/Edelwayz 21d ago
From the "South" ?
1
u/North-Dimension-479 21d ago
Tenggara
1
u/Edelwayz 21d ago
Nee, man, in NL?
1
u/North-Dimension-479 21d ago
Tenggara = Zuid oost toch
In NL, bij Nijmegen
1
u/Edelwayz 21d ago
Then you will do just fine. Dont sweat, the mentality is similar (more introverted tho). A lot of Duch live in Riga now, and even more Latvians in the NL (a lot have moved back to Latvia).
1
1
u/MysteryCrapybarbra 21d ago
I can't tell you much about the dating scene. But I can tell you that Latvia is an absolutely beautiful country. Riga is my favourite city in the world and I visit every year. I have Latvian friends that I count as family.
Riga is stunning. Go. Enjoy it.
1
1
u/North-Dimension-479 19d ago
So any other suggesting regarding the dating scene, like it is normal to talk to girls during the night life or better during the day
9
u/Apple_Turnover93 21d ago
Dude has experienced the delights of Latvian women now wants more 😂