Spring
A beautiful time when flowers bloom and festivals begin.
Travel guide
Latvia
Latvia, a hidden gem in the Baltics, offers rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture beyond its capital, Riga. Explore its charming towns, beautiful nature, and unique cuisine.
Marcin Szala http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0- Best monthsMay to September
- AirportsRiga International Airport (RIX), Liepaja Airpor
- TransitPublic transport includes buses, trams, and trai
- Power230V, type C and F plugs
- Tipping10% in restaurants
- LanguageLatvian, English widely spoken
01
When to go
The best time to visit Latvia is during late spring to early autumn when the weather is pleasant and festivals are abundant.
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Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Summer
Warm weather perfect for beach visits and outdoor activities.
Autumn
A colorful season with harvest festivals and cooler temperatures.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Historic charm
Riga Old Town
Experience the historic heart of Riga with its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Can be crowded during peak season.
Beach getaway
Jurmala
Relax in this seaside resort town known for its sandy beaches and wooden architecture.
Best visited in summer.
Cultural experience
Cesis
Discover the medieval castle and charming old town in this picturesque town.
Smaller town, quieter atmosphere.
Artistic vibe
Liepaja
Visit this port city known for its unique architecture and vibrant music scene.
Less touristy than Riga.
Nature escape
Sigulda
Explore the beautiful landscapes and castles in the Gauja National Park.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Family-friendly
Ventspils
Enjoy the family-friendly beaches and colorful city center.
Can be windy at times.
Royal history
Jelgava
Visit the historic Jelgava Palace and explore the surrounding gardens.
Less known, offers a local experience.
Architectural wonder
Rundale
Tour the stunning Rundale Palace, a baroque masterpiece.
Best visited during spring for the gardens.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Riga Black Balsam
Try this herbal liqueur, a traditional Latvian drink, available in many bars.
→ A unique taste of Latvia.
Grey peas with speck
A traditional dish found in local eateries, featuring grey peas and bacon.
→ A hearty local favorite.
Potato pancakes
Enjoy crispy potato pancakes, often served with sour cream, in many restaurants.
→ Perfect for a snack or side dish.
Rye bread
Sample Latvia's famous dark rye bread, available in bakeries across the country.
→ A staple in Latvian cuisine.
Fried fish
Savor fresh fish dishes in coastal towns like Liepaja and Ventspils.
→ Best enjoyed at seaside restaurants.
Sklandrausis
Try this traditional carrot and potato pie, often found at local markets.
→ A sweet and savory treat.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Riga Central Market
One of Europe's largest markets, offering local produce and crafts.
Gauja National Park
Explore the stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and castles.
Jurmala Beach
Relax on the sandy beaches and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Cesis Castle
Visit this well-preserved medieval castle with beautiful views.
Rundale Palace
Marvel at the baroque architecture and beautiful gardens.
Liepaja's Karosta
Explore the former military port and its unique history.
Kuldiga
See the picturesque town with its charming wooden houses and waterfall.
Turaida Castle
Visit this iconic castle with stunning views of the Gauja Valley.
Latvian National Museum of Art
Discover an impressive collection of Latvian and international art.
Sigulda's Cable Car
Take a scenic ride for breathtaking views of the valley.
Riga's Art Nouveau District
Stroll through the streets lined with stunning Art Nouveau buildings.
Daugavpils Fortress
Explore one of the largest fortresses in Europe, rich in history.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Air Travel
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the main gateway, with connections to major cities.
RIXRiga International Airport
LPXLiepaja Airport
Train Services
Latvia has an extensive train network connecting major cities and towns.
Bus Travel
Buses are a reliable way to travel between cities and regions.
Car Rentals
Renting a car provides flexibility to explore rural areas and national parks.
Bicycle Rentals
Many cities offer bicycle rentals for a fun and eco-friendly way to explore.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
Latvia uses type C and F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.
Cash
While cards are widely accepted, it's good to have some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants and cafes.
Language
Latvian is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip duration
A week is ideal to explore the main attractions and regions.