Quick Navigation show

Latvia Travel Guide: Baltic Beauty with Medieval Charm

Explore Latvia’s rich heritage, scenic nature, and hidden gems — perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and digital nomads alike.

Top Latvia Tours & Experiences
Book Tours & Activities in Latvia on Viator

Destination Breakdown

Riga – Latvia’s capital, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, Old Town, and lively nightlife.
Jūrmala – A beach resort town with white sand beaches, pine forests, and elegant spas.
Cēsis – A charming medieval town with cobbled streets and castle ruins in the Gauja National Park.
Liepāja – A coastal city blending music culture, history, and wind-swept beaches.
Sigulda – Known as the “Switzerland of Latvia,” a haven for outdoor activities and castle hopping.

Best Time to Visit Latvia

Summer (June–August): Warmest weather, open-air festivals, and long daylight hours. Ideal for sightseeing and the beach.
Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, colorful foliage, fewer crowds, and harvest season charm.
Winter (December–February): Christmas markets in Riga, snowy castles, and cozy cafes.
Spring (April–May): Mild weather and blooming nature, great for hiking and exploring rural areas.

Pro Tip: Visit in late June for the magical Jāņi (Midsummer Festival) — Latvia’s biggest celebration.

Top Things to Do in Latvia

Explore Riga Old Town (Vecrīga): A UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with medieval buildings and vibrant squares.
Gauja National Park: Hike through forests, visit castles, and enjoy adventure parks in Latvia’s largest national park.
Art Nouveau District in Riga: Admire over 800 preserved Art Nouveau buildings.
Jūrmala Beach Day: Relax at the Baltic Sea’s soft-sand beach resorts.
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum: Experience rural life with historic wooden houses and cultural displays.
Liepāja Karosta Prison Tour: Take a dark tourism tour through this eerie former Soviet military prison.

Explore Tours & Activities in Latvia

Culture & History

Latvia’s culture is a fusion of Baltic, Germanic, and Russian influences. Once part of the Hanseatic League, it later fell under Swedish, Polish, and Soviet rule before gaining independence in 1991. Folk songs, pagan traditions, and national festivals play a strong role in Latvian identity.

Don’t miss:

Latvian Song and Dance Festival (held every 5 years, UNESCO listed)
Midsummer’s Night – Jāņi, a magical celebration of solstice and folklore.

Beaches & Nature

Jūrmala Beach – Famous for its long stretch of white sand and peaceful setting.
Cape Kolka – Where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga; wild and windswept.
Kemeri National Park – Boardwalk trails through bog landscapes, birdwatching, and natural springs.
Lake Ķīšezers – A tranquil escape just outside Riga for kayaking and sunset views.
Gauja River Valley – Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Viewpoints & Photo Spots

St. Peter’s Church Tower, Riga: Panoramic city views from the historic spire.
Sigulda Cable Car & Turaida Castle Tower: Scenic vistas over the Gauja Valley.
Cēsis Castle Grounds: Picture-perfect ruins surrounded by manicured parkland.
Jūrmala Observation Tower: Modern lookout over pine forests and coastline.

Where to Eat: Latvian Cuisine

Try these local dishes:

Grey peas with bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) – A national dish.
Rye bread (Rupjmaize) – Deeply loved and used in desserts too.
Smoked fish & Latvian cheeses – Found in local markets like Riga Central Market.

Top spots to eat:

Lido (Riga) – Traditional buffet-style restaurant.
3 Pavāru Restorāns – Fusion fine dining in Riga.
Fazenda Bazārs (Jūrmala & Riga) – Trendy cafes with local flavors.

Transportation Tips

Airports: Riga International Airport (RIX) – Latvia’s main international gateway.
Public Transport: Buses, trams, and trolleybuses operate in most cities. Tickets can be purchased via mobile apps or kiosks.
Train Travel: Reliable and scenic routes between Riga, Sigulda, and Jūrmala.
Car Rental: Ideal for exploring rural Latvia and national parks.
Intercity Buses: Comfortable, affordable, and cover all major towns.

Hidden Gems in Latvia

Kuldīga: A small town with Europe’s widest natural waterfall – Venta Rapid.
Rundāle Palace: Latvia’s version of Versailles, often overlooked.
Āraiši Lake Fortress: A reconstructed Iron Age settlement on the lake.
Dundaga Castle: Remote and surrounded by legends and forests.
Abandoned Soviet Ghost Town – Skrunda-1

Custom Experiences & Safety Tips

Bobsleigh in Sigulda: Try Olympic-level bobsledding during winter.
Bog-shoeing in Kemeri: Walk over ancient peat bogs with special shoes.
Folk Craft Workshops: Learn Latvian weaving, pottery, or amber jewelry crafting.

Safety Tips:

Latvia is safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply.
Tap water is safe to drink.
English is widely spoken in cities but carry basic Latvian phrases for rural areas.

Nearby Destinations

Estonia: Just 4 hours to Tallinn by bus or car.
Lithuania: Visit Vilnius or the Curonian Spit via scenic drive or bus.
Stockholm: Overnight ferry from Riga.
Helsinki: Short flight or via Tallinn.

Local Events Calendar

May – Riga Restaurant Week
June 23–24 – Midsummer Festival (Jāņi)
July – Positivus Music Festival (Salacgrīva)
December – Riga Christmas Market in Dome Square

Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips

Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
Handshakes are formal; eye contact is important.
Quiet, reserved behavior is respected, especially in public.
Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory.

All Latvia Tours & Excursions

From medieval towns to bog boardwalks, Latvia is a captivating mix of heritage and untouched nature. Whether you’re sipping birch sap wine, wandering castle ruins, or lounging on a Baltic beach — Latvia surprises and delights.

Ready to explore Latvia?
Book Top Latvia Tours & Activities Here