Latvia Travel Guide & Tourism (2025)

Latvia Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 2-5 days for exploring Riga, Jurmala, and Sigulda; longer for a more leisurely exploration of the coastal regions and historical towns

Best Time: Mid April - Mid September Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD): Dorm bed: $10-20
Budget: $30-60
Mid-range: $80-120
Luxury: $150 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $10-20
Mid-range: $30-50

Visa Policy for Indians: Schengen Visa required

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Schengen Visa for many countries allowing visa-free travel for visitors from the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia for up to 90 days.

Getting In Latvia: Riga International Airport (RIX) Read More

Getting Around Latvia: Trams, buses, taxis, rental cars Read More

"Baltic Charms, Untold Stories"

Latvia Tourism

Latvia, a small country in Northern Europe along the Baltic Sea, is known for its beautiful forests, sandy beaches, and rich history. The capital, Riga, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. The city’s Old Town is full of medieval streets, historic churches, and lively markets, making it a must-visit for history and culture lovers. Beyond Riga, Latvia offers stunning natural landscapes, including Gauja National Park, which is famous for its castles, caves, and hiking trails. The country also has over 500 km of coastline, with beautiful beaches like Jurmala, where visitors can relax by the sea.

Latvia has a deep connection to its traditions, especially music and folklore. The country hosts one of the world’s largest Song and Dance Festivals, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate Latvian heritage. The food is simple but delicious, featuring dishes like grey peas with bacon, smoked fish, and rye bread. Latvia is also known for its wooden architecture, traditional saunas, and untouched countryside, where travelers can explore quiet lakes and forests.

Tourist Places to Visit In Latvia

Riga

Jurmala

Sigulda

Gauja National Park

Cesis

Kuldiga

All Tourist Places In Latvia

Must Know Before You Travel to Latvia

Shops Close Early on Sundays: Many stores close by 3-5 PM on Sundays.
Alcohol Sales Restrictions: No alcohol sales after 10 PM on weekdays, after 8 PM on Saturdays and after 3 PM on Sundays, but bars serve late.

Best time to visit Latvia

The best time to visit Latvia is from mid-April to mid-September, when temperatures range between 12–25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying Latvia’s forests, medieval towns, and Baltic beaches. This period offers the longest daylight hours, comfortable weather, and v... (Read More)

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Latvia

What's Great about Travelling to Latvia?

Art Nouveau architecture, charming Baltic Sea coastline, and vibrant cities.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Latvia?

Cold Climate, Limited English, Crowded Tourist Spots

Who should Travel to Latvia?

Architecture Enthusiasts. Foodies. Nature Lovers. Music and Arts Fans.

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Nightlife in Latvia

Latvia’s nightlife is vibrant, with a mix of trendy bars, underground clubs, and historic pubs. Riga, the capital, is the nightlife hub, offering stylish cocktail bars in the Old Town, energetic dance clubs like One One, and traditional Latvian beer halls. Jurmala, a coastal resort town, has lively beach bars and summer parties. Liepaja, known for its music scene, hosts rock and jazz performances in pubs and clubs. Daugavpils offers a more relaxed nightlife with cozy lounges and local bars.

Shopping in Latvia

Shopping in Latvia blends modern malls with traditional markets and artisan crafts. Riga is the top shopping destination, with Galerija Centrs and Spice offering international brands, while the Central Market is great for local produce, smoked fish, and Latvian delicacies. Jurmala has boutique shops selling amber jewelry and beachwear. Liepaja is known for handcrafted textiles and musical souvenirs. Must-buys include Baltic amber, linen products, wooden crafts, Riga Black Balsam (a herbal liqueur), and traditional ceramics.

Food in Latvia

Latvian cuisine is hearty and influenced by seasonal ingredients, offering a mix of traditional and Baltic flavors. Rye bread (Rupjmaize) is a staple, often served with butter, cheese, or smoked fish. Grey peas with bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) is a national dish, enjoyed especially in winter. Sklandrausis, a sweet rye pastry filled with carrot and potato, is a unique Latvian treat. Smoked fish, particularly herring and sprats, is popular along the coast. Cold beet soup (Aukstā zupa) is a refreshing summer dish made with beets, kefir, and herbs. For drinks, Riga Black Balsam, a traditional herbal liqueur, is a must-try.

Festivals in Latvia

Latvia hosts a variety of cultural and traditional festivals that attract both locals and tourists. Jāņi (Midsummer Festival, June 23-24) is the most important celebration, featuring bonfires, folk songs, flower crowns, and beer drinking. Riga City Festival (August, Riga) fills the capital with concerts, street performances, and fireworks. Positivus Festival (July, Salacgrīva) is the largest music festival in the Baltics, bringing international and local artists. Latvian Song and Dance Festival (every five years, next in 2028) is a UNESCO-recognized event showcasing traditional choral music and folk dancing. Staro Rīga (November, Riga) transforms the city with mesmerizing light installations.

Photos of Latvia

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FAQs on Latvia

Is Latvia worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, Latvia is a great destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, nature, and affordability. The capital, Riga, is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, medieval Old Town, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond Riga, Latvia offers beautiful national parks, historic castles, and stunning beaches along the Baltic coast, making it an underrated European gem.

Is it safe to travel to Latvia right now?

Yes, Latvia is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, like any destination, it’s best to stay cautious in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets. Travelers should also check for any government travel advisories before their trip.

Is Latvia a budget-friendly destination?

Yes, Latvia is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Food, transport, and accommodation are much cheaper than in Western Europe. Budget travelers can manage on €40-60 per day, while mid-range travelers spend around €80-120 per day.

Is Riga a card-friendly city?

Yes, Riga is very card-friendly, and most businesses, including restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and public transport, accept credit and debit cards. Contactless payments and mobile payment apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay are widely used. However, carrying a small amount of cash for smaller shops or markets is recommended.

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Latvia Travel Guide