Latvia Travel Guide
Latvia is one of those places that quietly wins you over. It’s got a proper mix of old-world charm and wild nature, all packed into a country that’s easy to explore without feeling rushed. Think medieval streets, Art Nouveau façades, pine forests that seem to go on forever, and a long Baltic coastline where you can walk for ages with just sea air and sand dunes for company 🌲🌊
Latvia sits in the Baltics in northern Europe, alongside Estonia and Lithuania. Its capital, Riga, is the star attraction, and honestly it’s a brilliant one. The Old Town is all cobbles, spires, and cosy corners, while the city’s Art Nouveau district is so pretty it feels slightly unfair. But Latvia’s magic isn’t just Riga. You can escape to Gauja National Park for castles, rivers, and forest hikes, visit the beach town of Jūrmala for wide sands and wooden villas, or head to smaller cities like Cēsis and Kuldīga for a slower pace and postcard streets.
Whether you’re into history, hiking, architecture, food markets, or just want a European trip that feels a bit different from the usual crowd, Latvia has got you covered.
Best Time To Visit
Latvia is no stranger to proper seasonal mood swings. One minute it’s crisp blue skies over the Baltic, the next it’s misty forests and a light drizzle that makes Riga look even more cinematic. But that’s part of the appeal. Latvia feels different in every season, and you can plan your trip around the vibe you want.
Summer (June to August) is generally the best time to visit Latvia if you’re after long daylight hours, warm-ish temperatures, and beach days that actually make sense. Riga is buzzing, Jūrmala is in full seaside mode, and Gauja National Park is perfect for hiking, kayaking, and castle exploring. It’s peak season though, so prices and crowds rise, especially in July.
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the sweet spot for a lot of travellers. You still get decent weather, the city feels calmer, and it’s ideal for wandering Riga, day trips, and forest walks without the summer rush. September can be especially lovely with softer light and early autumn colours.
Winter (December to February) is cold and cosy, with snow-dusted streets, festive markets in Riga, and that Baltic “wrap up and lean into it” energy. It’s brilliant for a city break if you don’t mind short days and proper layers.
What To Expect
Capital: Riga
Language: Latvian is the official language. English is widely spoken in Riga and other touristy spots, and you’ll usually get by fine in cafés, hotels, and museums. In smaller towns, English can be hit or miss, but people are generally helpful. A couple of easy wins: “Sveiki” (hello), “Paldies” (thank you), “Jā” (yes), “Nē” (no), “Atvainojiet” (sorry/excuse me). You’ll often see English menus in Riga, especially in the Old Town.
Currency: The Euro (€). Handy ballpark maths if you’re converting: €10 ≈ £8–£9 and €10 ≈ $10–$11 (rates wobble, so a quick currency app check before you go saves guesswork).
Cash Machines & ATMs: Easy to find in Riga and larger towns. Latvia is very card-friendly and contactless is common in shops, supermarkets, and public transport ticket machines. Cash is still useful for small markets, rural areas, and the odd old-school café, so having a little on you is a smart move.
Plugs: Types C and F (two round pins). Standard voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. A standard European adapter will do the job.
Safety: Latvia is generally safe for travellers. Standard city common sense applies: keep an eye on your stuff in busy areas and around transport hubs, and don’t leave valuables in cars. In winter, pavements can get icy, so decent boots are genuinely worth packing. If you’re heading into forests or national parks, plan routes and daylight properly, especially in the darker months.
Never ever: Don’t treat Riga’s cobbles like they’re smooth pavement. They are not your friend in slippery shoes, and they will humble you fast 😅. Also, be respectful in churches and memorial sites, and avoid unlicensed taxis late at night.
Travel Guides
City Guides
Itineraries + Map
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit (City Specific)
Latvia Travel Tips and Advice
Everything Else
Search for your Accommodation
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book tours and purchase tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Latvia
1. Getting Lost in Riga’s Old Town and Art Nouveau Streets
Riga is the kind of city where you start with a “quick wander” and suddenly it’s three hours later and you’ve taken 47 photos of doorways. The Old Town is all cobbles, spires, cosy courtyards, and little cafés tucked into side streets. Then you wander into the Art Nouveau district and it’s basically architectural showboating, ornate façades, faces carved into buildings, and details you only notice when you stop to stare like a tourist (because you are). Add a stop at the Central Market for snacks and people-watching and you’ve got a perfect Riga day 🏙️🥐
2. Hiking and Castle-Spotting in Gauja National Park
Gauja is Latvia’s great outdoors flex. It’s got forest trails, river views, sandstone cliffs, and actual castles you can wander around like you’ve accidentally stepped into a medieval film set. Base yourself around Sigulda or Cēsis and you’ll find easy hikes, longer routes, and plenty of “stop here for a photo” viewpoints. It’s especially gorgeous in autumn when the forests go all fiery and dramatic. Pack layers, because the Baltic air can turn nippy fast 🌲🏰
3. Beach Days and Pine Forest Air in Jūrmala
If you want sea air without a full-on island mission, Jūrmala is the easy win. It’s a long stretch of sandy beach, backed by pine forests and wooden villas that feel very “old-school seaside in the best way”. In summer it’s all swims and sunbathing, but even out of season it’s brilliant for a blustery walk with a hot drink afterwards. The vibe is relaxed, not flashy, and Riga is close enough that you can do it as a simple day trip 🌊🌿
4. Chasing Waterfalls and Small-Town Charm in Kuldīga
Kuldīga is one of Latvia’s prettiest little towns, and it’s got a proper quirky claim to fame: Ventas Rumba, one of Europe’s widest waterfalls. It’s not a massive drop, but it’s wide and photogenic and it looks extra good after rain when the water really gets going. The town itself is all cute streets, bridges, and old buildings that make you slow down and just enjoy being there. It’s a great “get out of the city” stop if you want something calmer and more local 💦🏘️
5. Taking a Day Trip to the Hill of Crosses and Beyond
If you’re up for a meaningful day out, you can hop across the border and visit the Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania. It’s one of those places that’s hard to describe until you’re standing there, thousands of crosses, quiet atmosphere, and a lot of history packed into one spot. You can pair it with a broader countryside day, a small-town stop, and a good lunch on the way back. It’s a solid add-on if you’re doing Latvia as part of a Baltics trip ✝️🚌
Latvia Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – £12–£25 / $15–$32 / €14–€29
- Hostel Private Rooms – £30–£60 / $38–$76 / €35–€70
- Budget Hotels – £35–£80 / $45–$102 / €40–€93
- Airbnb Private Rooms – £25–£55 / $32–$70 / €29–€64
- Airbnb Apartments – £45–£110 / $58–$140 / €52–€128
- Campsites – £8–£20 / $10–$26 / €9–€23
Transportation
- Local Bus or Tram (single ticket) – £1–£2 / $1.25–$2.50 / €1.20–€2.30
- Intercity Bus – £4–£15 / $5–$19 / €5–€17
- Train (advance tickets) – £3–£12 / $4–$15 / €4–€14
- Taxi (per km) – £0.60–£1.20 / $0.75–$1.50 / €0.70–€1.40
- Car Rental (per day) – £25–£55 / $32–$70 / €29–€64
Food
- Budget Meal – £6–£12 / $8–$15 / €7–€14
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – £12–£25 / $15–$32 / €14–€29
- Coffee – £2–£4 / $2.50–$5 / €2.30–€4.70
- Beer – £2.50–£5 / $3–$6.50 / €3–€6
Activities
- Museum Entry – £4–£10 / $5–$13 / €5–€12
- Guided Tours – £12–£45 / $15–$58 / €14–€52
- Theatre Tickets – £12–£70 / $15–$90 / €14–€82
- Day Trips – £25–£80 / $32–$102 / €29–€93
Latvia Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – €35–€70 per day (≈ £30–£60 / $38–$76)
Latvia is very kind to budget travellers. Think hostel dorms in Riga or a smaller city like Cēsis, lots of walking, and cheap local buses when your feet give up. Food can stay low if you mix supermarket snacks, bakery stops, and simple Latvian canteen style lunches. Many of the best things cost nothing, Old Town wandering, beach walks in Jūrmala, and hikes in Gauja National Park. Add a museum ticket or two and a couple of beers and you’re still doing fine.
Midrange – €80–€140 per day (≈ £70–£120 / $88–$154)
This is the comfy sweet spot in Latvia. You can stay in a nice hotel or guesthouse, eat proper sit-down meals, and still have money for museums, castle visits, and day trips without doing constant budget maths. Trains and buses fit easily here, and you can add guided walking tours in Riga, a Gauja National Park adventure day, or a chilled beach day with lunch and coffees without flinching at the bill.
Upscale – €170+ per day (≈ £145+ / $185+)
Now you’re in boutique hotel territory, great restaurants, and the kind of trip where you say “yes” to the nice room and the dessert. In Riga, that can mean stylish stays, spa time, private guides, and fancy dinners. Outside the capital, it’s countryside retreats, upgraded beach hotels in Jūrmala, and more tailored experiences like private transport for day trips. Latvia still feels good value here, you’re levelling up without the eye-watering price tag you’d get in some other parts of Europe.
Latvia Money-Saving Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle – Latvia’s tap water is generally safe to drink, especially in cities like Riga, so you can top up at your accommodation and skip buying bottles all day 💧
Use public transport smartly – Riga’s trams and buses are cheap, but it still pays to grab the right ticket option if you’re doing lots of rides. For day trips, trains and intercity buses are usually great value.
Travel off-peak – Midweek and outside school holidays means cheaper rooms and a calmer Old Town. Summer weekends can push prices up, especially in Riga and Jūrmala.
Stay in budget digs – Hostels, simple hotels, and apartments can be excellent value in Latvia. If Riga prices feel higher, stay a little outside the Old Town and use public transport to hop in.
Cook a few meals – Supermarkets like Rimi, Maxima, and Lidl are your best mates. Grab breakfast stuff, picnic bits, and a couple of easy dinners, then spend your money on one genuinely nice meal out.
Join free walking tours – Riga has tip-based walking tours that are perfect for getting your bearings and hearing the good local stories without paying a fixed fee.
Hunt discounts and combo tickets – Museums and attractions often have student rates, family tickets, or combined entry deals. Always ask at the counter, worst case you get a polite “no”.
Prioritise free nature – Latvia’s best value is outdoors. Gauja National Park hikes, beach walks, forest trails, and riverside viewpoints cost nothing and feel like you’re getting away with something.
Skip overpriced “experiences” when DIY works – You can do Jūrmala by train and walk the beach for pennies, or explore Gauja with public transport and self-guided trails instead of paying for a packaged tour.
Book popular stays early – Summer in Riga and Jūrmala can book up fast. Early booking usually gets you better prices and better locations.
Use cards, but keep a little cash – Cards and contactless are common, but small cash is handy for markets, tiny cafés, and rural spots. Also useful for tips and small entry fees.
Aim for shoulder season – May, early June, and September are the sweet spot for decent weather, fewer crowds, and better accommodation deals, especially in Riga.
How to Get Around in Latvia
Getting Around Latvia: The Basics
Latvia is easy to travel, especially if you base yourself in Riga and branch out. Distances are manageable, public transport is affordable, and you can reach beaches, forests, and small towns without much drama. The only real wildcard is winter, when snow and ice can slow things down a bit, but it’s still very doable.
Walking
Riga is very walkable, particularly the Old Town and the central districts, but expect cobbles and the occasional slippery patch in colder months. Smaller towns like Cēsis and Kuldīga are also great for wandering on foot, with most sights packed into compact centres. For nature walks, Latvia’s forests and parks are well set up, just keep an eye on daylight in winter because it gets dark early.
Public Transportation
Public transport is solid in Riga, with trams, buses, and trolleybuses covering the city well. Outside Riga, buses do most of the heavy lifting between towns.
Tickets: Buy via apps, machines, kiosks, or from the driver depending on the route.
Riga transport: Trams are a great way to get around central areas quickly.
Day tickets: Worth considering if you’re doing lots of rides in a day.
Airport Transfers
Main gateway is Riga International Airport (RIX).
Riga: Buses connect the airport with the centre and main transport hubs.
Private transfers: Handy if you arrive late, have loads of luggage, or want the easiest door-to-door option.
Trains
Latvia’s trains are a good budget option for certain routes, especially from Riga to nearby towns.
Useful for trips to places like Sigulda (for Gauja National Park) and other easy day trip stops.
Timetables can be less frequent than big Western European networks, so check times before you plan your day around them.
Buses and Coaches
Buses are often the best way to get around Latvia beyond Riga. They connect cities, towns, and smaller places that trains do not reach as easily.
Great for routes to Cēsis, Kuldīga, and coastal areas.
Tickets are typically bought at stations, online, or sometimes on board for regional services.
Weekend schedules can be lighter, especially in rural areas.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available in Riga and larger towns, but prices can vary.
Use official taxi ranks or reputable apps where possible.
If you’re on a budget, public transport is usually better value, especially in Riga.
Car Rental
A car is brilliant if you want to explore beyond the usual day trips, especially for countryside routes, remote beaches, and smaller towns on your own schedule.
Drive on the right.
Winter driving can be icy, so take it seriously and check conditions if you’re heading outside cities.
Parking in central Riga can be paid and limited, but outside the capital it’s usually straightforward.
Cycling
Cycling is a nice option in warmer months, especially in Riga’s flatter areas and along coastal paths. It’s not as cycle-obsessed as Denmark, but it’s still a good way to explore when the weather behaves.
Bike rentals are easiest to find in Riga and touristy areas.
In winter, cycling is possible but best left to locals with studs, confidence, and no fear 😅
Apps to Use
Google Maps is great for planning. Local transport and ticket apps can help in Riga, and train and bus websites or apps are useful for timetables and booking longer trips.
Money & Tickets
Latvia is very card and contactless friendly in cities, but cash is still useful for markets, small cafés, and rural areas. Keep a physical card as backup in case your phone dies at the worst possible moment.
Tips for Smooth Travel
In winter, give yourself extra time for travel days, snow and ice can cause delays.
Check weekend and holiday timetables for buses and trains, services can run less often.
Book accommodation early for summer weekends in Riga and Jūrmala.
Wear decent shoes for Riga’s cobbles, especially if it’s wet or icy.
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