Your guide to Latvia
Top destinations in Latvia
Riga
Boasting a storybook old town, leafy riverside parks and some of Europe’s finest Art Nouveau architecture, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world discovers this underrated capital.
Daugavpils
Hugged by the Daugava River and watched over by a looming fortress, Daugavpils sits off the usual tourist track. But its melting pot of cultures makes this border town unlike anywhere else in Latvia.
Liepāja
Fine white sand and the Baltic Sea draw visitors to Liepāja. But its fascinating military history, eclectic architecture and vibrant cultural events keep them coming back to Latvia’s music city.
Latvia: fast facts
| Language | Latvian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
Latvia highlights
Nature escapes
With over half the country covered in forests, getting into nature is one of the best things to do in Latvia. You can cycle in summer or ski in winter along the trails of Ogre Blue Hills Nature Park. With the Fairytale Forest and other attractions, Tērvete Nature Park is perfect for young families. Torn between lush forests, marshy bogs or sandy beaches? Slītere National Park has all three.
Architectural delights
Latvia boasts its fair share of stunning architectural sights. You’ll see traces of the medieval era, from the ‘Three Brothers’ in Riga’s Old Town to Gothic Cēsis Castle. Latvia’s signature wooden buildings can be found everywhere — wander around neighbourhoods like Āgenskalns in Riga, Dubulti in Jūrmala and Kuldīga Old Town. Latvia is also a haven for Art Nouveau. Take a walking tour around Liepāja or hit the Riga Art Nouveau Centre.
Sauna culture
More than just a physical cleansing, a traditional Latvian sauna (or ‘pirts’) is a deeply spiritual experience. Once a place to communicate with deities, it’s now a way to reconnect with nature and find inner calm. Guided by a trained sauna master, sessions include birch branch massages, salt scrubs and cold plunges. Formerly a family tradition, this transformative ritual is now widely accessible, offered everywhere from countryside retreats to modern spas.
Things to do in Latvia
Top attractions
Gauja National Park is Latvia’s largest, covering some 920 square kilometres along the Gauja River Valley. Here, you’ll find thick forests, sandstone cliffs and several medieval castles, manors and towns. Riga’s Old Town is both the city’s historical heart and a bustling entertainment district. In southern Latvia, the Baroque Rundāle Palace is one of the grandest buildings in the country, known as the Baltic Versailles.
Family friendly
Swing through the treetops on a series of rope obstacles at Tarzāns Adventure Park in Sigulda. You’ll spot native species like lynx, foxes and deer on the Līgatne nature trails in Gauja National Park. The trails were created as a home for rescued animals that can’t survive in the wild. In Riga, LIDO Recreation Centre combines delicious Latvian cuisine with classic fairground fun.
Beaches
Jūrmala is one of Latvia’s most popular resort cities, beloved for its golden sand and calm, shallow waves. Also a great resort city, Liepāja boasts a gorgeous, eco-certified beach where you can hunt for amber at the water’s edge. Or head north to see ruined fortifications along the Karosta seashore. Quiet Saulkrasti is known for its 18-metre-tall White Dune, with views of the Gulf of Riga.
Nature
Latvia is famous for its forests, but there’s so much more nature to discover. See bogs like Ķemeri National Park, where walkways let you explore while keeping your feet dry. In Gauja National Park, don’t miss the otherworldly Vējiņi underground lakes. In Kuldīga, the Venta Rapid holds the title of Europe’s broadest waterfall — watch fish leap across its wide, rushing span come spring.
Cuisine
Latvian cuisine leans heavy, with plenty of pork and potatoes on the menu. For a filling meal, look no further than the national dish, ‘pelēkie zirņi ar speķi’ (grey peas and bacon). The country’s rye bread, ‘rupjmaize’, is so beloved you’ll find it turned into desserts and even drinks. With its bright pink colour, ‘aukstā zupa’ (cold beet soup) is usually the most eye-catching dish in any restaurant in Latvia.
Culture and museums
Some of the best museums in Latvia are in the capital. Step into traditional Latvian life at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, where artisans bring old-world crafts to life. Or check out the Occupation Museum to grasp the depth of Latvia’s resilience after 50 years of totalitarian rule. The Latvian National Museum of Art celebrates the various artistic movements in the region — a must for art lovers.
Find the best time to visit Latvia
Weather in Latvia
March – May: Spring tends to stay cool, and it’s a great time for nature lovers. Enjoy plenty of birdwatching opportunities and thawing rivers that are perfect for boating.
June – August: Latvia is cloudy year-round, and summer is no exception. But it’s still pleasantly warm most days. Sudden thunderstorms are possible in the second half of the season.
September – November: September is usually warm, while November can see some snow. This is Latvia’s rainiest season, but with all those forests, you’ll see some stunning foliage.
December – February: Expect temperatures below freezing and lots of snow in winter. This is the season to take advantage of the country’s indoor attractions.
Events in Latvia
Midsummer (June): Stay up all night for Latvia’s midsummer celebration, known locally as Jāņi or Līgo. Wear a flower crown and throw yourself into traditional festivities like singing, eating caraway cheese and jumping over a bonfire.
Positivus (July or August): Held in Riga since 2022, this summer music festival hosts a lineup of established international artists as well as emerging Baltic talent. Enjoy a range of genres, from folk to indie rock, plus food and an artists bazaar.
Staro Riga Light Festival (November): Brighten up the dark season as this dazzling festival transforms the capital into an open-air gallery. Bold, interactive installations light up Riga’s historic facades with bursts of colour, motion and imagination.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Latvian culture is generally reserved, so be mindful of personal space, speak softly and don’t expect much small talk. In restaurants, it’s polite to finish your meal and leave your napkin on the table. A few words of Latvian go a long way — locals appreciate the effort. While English is widely spoken, avoid using Russian unless you’re certain it’s welcome, as it can be sensitive, especially outside of Daugavpils.
Health and safety
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in parts of Latvia. Get vaccinated before your trip and use insect repellent while outdoors. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, tetanus and rabies are also recommended. If you’re visiting between October and March, pack plenty of warm clothing, as temperatures drop below freezing. Be aware that spring flooding is also a risk in some areas.
LGBTQ+ travel
Latvia is increasingly becoming more LGBTQ+ friendly, with same-sex civil unions legalised in 2023. Riga has a small gay scene and hosts Baltic Pride every third year. Rural areas tend to be more conservative than cities. And while attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues are mixed, Latvian people tend to be very welcoming of anyone who is interested in their country.
Budget
Latvia can feel like a bargain compared to the rest of Europe. A meal in a simple restaurant is about 12 euros (€), and a domestic beer usually costs under €5. Agree on prices before you set off in a taxi, which is about €6 for a short trip. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. For a budget-friendly visit to Latvia, book accommodation and transport in advance.
Getting around Latvia
Public transport
Buses: Buses are the most convenient way to get around Latvia, with regular routes covering big cities and rural countryside. For routes to nearby countries, Flixbus and Lux Express offer comfortable journeys that are more affordable than flying.
Trains: Operated by Vivi, Latvia’s train network connects Riga with major cities and smaller towns. You can buy your ticket online on Vivi’s website or on the Mobilly App. It’s often more cost-effective to buy your tickets in advance rather than onboard.
Boats: You likely won’t use the ferry to travel within Latvia, but regular routes connect the country to Germany and Sweden.
Domestic flights
Due to the country’s small size, there are no domestic flights in Latvia. But Riga Airport connects to plenty of European cities. It’s the biggest airport in the Baltics, making it popular for people to fly into Latvia before hopping to neighbouring Estonia or Lithuania.
Driving
For more flexibility, consider hiring a car. Roads near cities are generally in good condition, though rural routes can be uneven. Winter driving can also be tricky, with icy roads and reduced visibility. So be sure your car is equipped with winter tyres between December and March.
