Latvia: Europe's Best-Kept Baltic Secret
Art Nouveau streets, ancient forests, and a capital city that punches well above its weight.
Latvia is the kind of place that catches you off guard. You go expecting “a smaller, quieter bit of Europe” and you get Riga, which has one of the best Art Nouveau districts on the continent and a food scene that’s genuinely underrated. Then there’s Gauja National Park with its river valleys and crumbling castles, the wide empty beaches of Jūrmala backed by pine forests, and smaller towns like Cēsis and Kuldīga where life moves at a pace that makes you wonder why you rush so much at home. It’s cheap compared to Western Europe, easy to get around, and still relatively under the radar. This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip there.
2.5–3 hrs
From the UK
May–Sep
Best time
Latvian
Main language
EUR (€)
Currency
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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
14°C
- Temperature
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.
Latvia Travel Guides
From Riga’s spires to Gauja’s forests. Here’s everything we’ve written about Latvia so far.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Latvia Cost?
Latvia is one of the best-value destinations in Europe. Here’s what to actually expect.
🎒
Backpacker
~€35–€70/day (≈ £30–£60 / $40–$80)
- Hostel dorms from €14/night
- Supermarket meals and bakery stops
- Local buses and lots of walking
- Free Old Town wandering, beach days, park hikes
🍜
Mid-Range
~€80–€140/day (≈ £70–£120 / $90–$160)
- Nice hotels and guesthouses
- Sit-down restaurants and coffee stops
- Museum tickets, guided tours, day trips
- Trains and buses between towns
🏨
Upscale
~€170+/day (≈ £145+ / $195+)
- Boutique hotels and seafront villas
- Fine dining and tasting menus
- Private boat tours and car rental
- VIP island experiences, wine tours
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: €14–€29/night (£12–£25 / $16–$33)
- Airbnb apartment: €52–€128/night (£45–£110 / $60–$147)
- Campsite: €9–€23/night (£8–£20 / $10–$26)
Mid–Luxury
- Boutique hotel: €93–€175/night (£80–£150 / $107–$200)
- Budget hotel: €40–€93/night (£35–£80 / $46–$107)
- Luxury/spa hotel: €200+/night (£172+ / $230+)
City Travel
- Bus/tram single ticket: €1.20–€2.30 (£1–£2 / $1.40–$2.65)
- Intercity bus: €5–€17 (£4–£15 / $5.75–$19.50)
- Day ticket (Riga): ~€5 (£4.30 / $5.75)
Long Distance
- Train (advance): €4–€14 (£3.45–£12 / $4.60–$16)
- Taxi per km: €0.70–€1.40 (£0.60–£1.20 / $0.80–$1.60)
- Car rental per day: €29–€64 (£25–£55 / $33–$74)
Eat Cheap
- Budget meal: €7–€14 (£6–£12 / $8–$16)
- Mid-range restaurant: €14–€29 (£12–£25 / $16–$33)
- Supermarket meal prep: €3–€6 (£2.60–£5.15 / $3.45–$6.90)
Eating Out
- Seafood/fine dining: €30–€55 (£26–£47 / $34.50–$63)
- Coffee (flat white): €2.30–€4.70 (£2–£4 / $2.65–$5.40)
- Beer (pub): €3–€6 (£2.60–£5.15 / $3.45–$6.90)
Budget Fun
- Museum entry: €5–€12 (£4.30–£10.30 / $5.75–$13.80)
- Guided walking tour: €14–€52 (£12–£45 / $16–$60)
- National park trails: Free
Big Experiences
- Theatre tickets: €14–€82 (£12–£70 / $16–$94)
- Beach day (Jūrmala): Free
- Day trip (guided): €29–€93 (£25–£80 / $33–$107)
Tips for Saving Money in Latvia
💧 Drink the tap water. Latvia’s tap water is safe in cities. Bring a reusable bottle and skip buying plastic ones.
🚌 Use public transport smartly. Riga’s trams and buses are cheap. Day tickets save money if you’re doing lots of rides.
📅 Travel off-peak. Midweek and shoulder season (May, September) means cheaper rooms and calmer streets.
🏠 Stay outside the Old Town. Accommodation even 10 minutes out in Riga is noticeably cheaper. Trams get you in fast.
🛒 Cook a few meals. Rimi, Maxima, and Lidl are everywhere. Grab breakfast bits and picnic supplies, then spend on one proper meal out.
🚶 Join free walking tours. Riga has tip-based walking tours that cover the highlights without a fixed fee. Great way to get your bearings.
🎟️ Ask about combo tickets. Museums and attractions often have student rates, family deals, or joint entry offers. Always worth asking.
🌲 Prioritise free nature. Gauja National Park, Jūrmala beach, forest trails. Latvia’s best stuff costs nothing.
🚂 Book trains in advance. Online prices for intercity routes are usually cheaper than buying at the station.
☀️ Visit in shoulder season. May, early June, and September have decent weather, fewer crowds, and better prices across the board.
Getting Around Latvia
Latvia is compact and easy to travel. Riga is your base, and everything else is a short bus, train, or drive away.
Public Transport
Best for getting around Riga. Trams, buses, and trolleybuses cover the city well.
✅ Cheap with day tickets available
✅ Contactless payment on most routes
❌ Not useful for travel between towns
Car Rental
Best for countryside routes, remote beaches, and exploring at your own pace beyond the main towns.
✅ Total freedom, especially outside Riga
✅ Easy to park outside the capital
❌ Winter driving needs care (ice and snow are real)
Taxis & Rides
Best for airport transfers and late-night trips. Use apps over street hails for reliable pricing.
✅ Widely available in Riga
✅ Bolt app works well here
❌ More expensive than public transport for regular use
Trains
Best for easy day trips from Riga. Sigulda, Jūrmala, and other stops on the suburban network.
✅ Cheap and scenic for short distances
✅ Advance tickets even cheaper online
❌ Limited network compared to Western Europe
Intercity Bus
Best for getting between towns. Buses connect Riga to Cēsis, Kuldīga, Sigulda, and more.
✅ Good coverage across the country
✅ Budget-friendly from €5
❌ Weekend schedules can be lighter in rural areas
Walking
Best for Riga’s Old Town, Art Nouveau district, and smaller towns like Cēsis and Kuldīga.
✅ Free, and Riga is very walkable
✅ Compact town centres make it easy
❌ Cobblestones + ice in winter = bring proper shoes
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring Riga
Walk + tram. You won’t need anything else.
Day trips from Riga
Train to Sigulda/Jūrmala, bus to Cēsis/Kuldīga
Full country loop
Rent a car. Freedom to stop wherever you want.
Tight budget
Buses everywhere. Cheap and covers the whole country.
Quick Tips
📅
Book Trains Online
Advance prices are cheaper than buying at the station
❄️
Watch Winter Roads
Snow and ice are normal. If driving, take it seriously.
🚕
Use Bolt for Taxis
The app gives you upfront pricing and avoids unlicensed cabs
🥾
Wear Proper Shoes
Riga’s cobbles are charming until they’re wet or icy. Then they’re an enemy.
Book Tours & Tickets
Related Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Latvia?
If you’re a UK, EU, US, Canadian, or Australian passport holder, no. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date and issued within the last 10 years. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out across Schengen borders during 2026, so expect digital fingerprint checks at entry. Always double-check the latest requirements on the UK government’s Latvia travel advice page before you go.
Is Latvia safe for tourists?
Yes. Latvia is generally very safe for travellers. Crime rates are low and Riga feels comfortable to walk around, even at night in the central areas. Standard city sense applies: keep an eye on your stuff around busy spots and transport hubs, and don’t leave valuables visible in parked cars. The main non-crime risk is winter weather. Pavements get icy, temperatures drop well below zero, and daylight hours shrink significantly from November through February. Good boots and layers are worth more than any guidebook tip.
What currency does Latvia use?
The Euro (€). Latvia adopted the Euro in 2014. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Riga and larger towns, including shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transport ticket machines. ATMs are easy to find. Cash is still useful for smaller markets, rural areas, and the occasional old-school café. Rough conversion guide: €10 ≈ £8.60 / $11.50 (rates move, so check before you go).
How long should I spend in Latvia?
Three to five days is enough for a solid first visit. That gives you two or three days in Riga (Old Town, Art Nouveau district, Central Market, cafés) plus a day trip or two to places like Sigulda, Gauja National Park, Jūrmala, or Cēsis. If you want to explore more of the country, including Kuldīga, the coast, and the countryside, a full week is better. Latvia also works well as part of a wider Baltics trip combining Estonia and Lithuania.
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
Summer (June to August) gives you the longest days, warmest weather, and the most going on. Riga buzzes, Jūrmala beach is in full swing, and Gauja National Park is perfect for hiking. May and September are the sweet spot for fewer crowds, decent weather, and better prices. Winter (December to February) is cold but has its own appeal: snow-dusted Riga, Christmas markets, and a proper cosy Baltic atmosphere. Avoid late October to November if you’re not a fan of grey skies and rain.
Is Latvia expensive?
Not by Western European standards. It’s one of the better-value destinations in Europe, especially for accommodation, food, and public transport. Budget travellers can manage on €35–€70/day (£30–£60 / $40–$80). Mid-range comfort sits around €80–€140/day (£70–£120 / $90–$160). Even the higher end feels reasonable compared to cities like Paris or Amsterdam. The biggest costs are usually accommodation in peak summer and any guided tours or bigger experiences.
Do I need travel insurance for Latvia?
Yes, and don’t skip it. While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as locals, it doesn’t cover everything. Medical repatriation, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and private healthcare are not included. A proper travel insurance policy is always worth it. Compare options in our Travel Insurance hub.
Can I drink the tap water in Latvia?
Yes. Tap water is safe to drink in Latvian cities, including Riga. Bring a reusable bottle, fill up at your accommodation, and save yourself the pointless expense of buying bottled water every day.
What language do they speak in Latvia?
Latvian is the official language. English is widely spoken in Riga and other tourist-facing areas. You’ll get by fine in hotels, cafés, museums, and restaurants in the capital. In smaller towns and rural areas, English can be patchier, but people are generally helpful. A few easy phrases: “Sveiki” (hello), “Paldies” (thank you), “Jā” (yes), “Nē” (no).
How do I get to Latvia from the UK?
Direct flights from London to Riga take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Ryanair flies from Stansted, airBaltic from Gatwick, and British Airways from Heathrow. Flights are often surprisingly cheap, especially if you book 6–8 weeks ahead and travel midweek. Riga International Airport (RIX) is about 10km from the city centre, and buses connect the airport to central Riga cheaply and quickly.
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