Best in May
Latvia
Riga
Cool
From $85 /day
Latvia
Latvia is a Baltic treasure where pristine nature and sophisticated urban life coexist in quiet harmony. You can explore the cobblestone alleys of Riga’s medieval Old Town before discovering the city world-renowned collection of Art Nouveau architecture. Beyond the capital, over half the country is covered in dense forest (about 55%), offering endless opportunities for hiking and birdwatching in places like Gauja National Park. The coastline stretches for ~494km, featuring white sand beaches and charming fishing villages that feel frozen in time. With its unique blend of ancient pagan traditions and modern digital connectivity, Latvia provides a restorative and culturally rich escape for any traveler.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$85 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Riga
Languages
Latvian
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+371
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 in summer)
Emergency
112 (all services); also 110 (Fire), 113 (Police)
Why Visit Latvia
Art Nouveau Heritage
Riga contains one of the world's most impressive collections of Art Nouveau buildings, turning the city center into an open-air museum of intricate facades and sculptures. Walking along Alberta iela allows you to admire architectural masterpieces that are uniquely well-preserved.
Pristine Baltic Coastline
From the lively resort of Jūrmala to the rugged beauty of Cape Kolka, Latvia’s beaches offer fine white sand and refreshing sea breezes. Unlike many European beaches, these stretches of coast remain uncrowded and are often surrounded by fragrant pine forests.
Medieval History
Ancient stone castles in towns like Cēsis and Sigulda allow you to step back into the era of the Livonian Order. Many of these sites are set against dramatic landscapes, offering both historical insight and breathtaking views of rolling river valleys.
Sustainable Nature
As one of Europe's greenest nations, Latvia features four expansive national parks where nature remains largely untouched. You can participate in the local tradition of foraging for wild berries and mushrooms or explore vast networks of well-marked hiking trails.
Ancient Folk Traditions
Latvia’s culture is deeply rooted in folklore, most notably during the Midsummer celebrations where locals wear flower crowns and sing traditional songs. These vibrant customs provide a window into a culture that has preserved its identity through centuries of change.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Latvia
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Riga
The cosmopolitan capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval heart, vibrant Central Market, and world-class collection of Art Nouveau architecture. It serves as the primary gateway to the country and offers a rich blend of historic charm and modern creative quarters.
Vidzeme
Located north of Riga, this region is the scenic heartland of Latvia and home to the Gauja National Park. It is the best destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring rolling hills, medieval ruins in Sigulda, and the picturesque Hanseatic town of Cēsis.
Kurzeme
The western coastal region is famous for its historic seafaring heritage and the long stretches of the Baltic shore. Visitors can explore the charming town of Kuldīga with Europe's widest waterfall or visit the unique, wind-swept dunes of Cape Kolka.
Zemgale
Known as the fertile breadbasket of the nation, this southern region is characterized by flat plains and grand aristocratic architecture. Its crown jewel is the Rundāle Palace, a magnificent Baroque estate designed by the same architect who built the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg.
Latgale
The easternmost region is known as the Land of Blue Lakes and is famous for its distinct Catholic traditions and pottery heritage. It offers a more remote and peaceful travel experience, centered around the Aglona Basilica and the city of Daugavpils.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Latvia is from late May to early September for mild weather and long daylight hours. December is also popular for traditional Christmas markets in Riga's Old Town.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
Summer offers the warmest temperatures, averaging 20–25°C (68–77°F), and the liveliest atmosphere with numerous festivals. However, this is also the most expensive period with the highest tourist crowds in Riga and Jūrmala.
Shoulder Season
May, Sep
Late spring and early autumn provide pleasant temperatures of 10–15°C (50–59°F) and vibrant natural colors. These months are perfect for hiking in Gauja National Park without summer crowds.
Off-Peak
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Winters are cold and dark, with temperatures often between -7°C and 0°C (19–32°F). Apart from the festive December peak, this season offers the lowest accommodation prices and quietest attractions.
Getting Around
Latvia has a compact and efficient transport network centered in Riga, making it easy to traverse by train or bus. Modern infrastructure connects all major cities and neighboring Baltic states.
Train
The national rail service, Vivi, connects Riga with regional hubs such as Daugavpils and Liepāja. International rail connections between Riga and Estonia/Lithuania are available via coordinated services with transfers (commonly at Valga).
Bus
Intercity buses operated by Lux Express and Ecolines are frequent and comfortable for long-distance travel. In Riga, Rīgas Satiksme manages an extensive network of trams, trolleybuses, and buses where smartphones are increasingly used as e-tickets.
Car
Car rentals are ideal for exploring rural areas. Foreign licences are accepted under Latvia's rules (EU/EFTA/UK licences and certain other licences); if your licence is not in Latin letters you may need a notarised Latvian translation. In the dark on roads that are not sufficiently lit, pedestrians on the roadway/shoulder must wear reflective clothing; cyclists must use required lights/reflectors.
Food & Drink
Latvian cuisine is hearty, seasonal, and deeply connected to the land, with a heavy emphasis on rye bread, pork, and forest-foraged ingredients. Meals are designed to be comforting and filling, often featuring fermented dairy products and fresh herbs like dill.
Must Try
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi
The national dish consisting of local grey peas boiled and then fried with onions and smoked fatty bacon, usually served with kefir.
Rupjmaize
A dense, dark, and slightly sweet sourdough rye bread that is an essential staple of Latvian life and is often used in both savory meals and desserts.
Aukstā zupa
A vibrant, bright pink cold beet soup made with kefir, radishes, cucumbers, and hard-boiled eggs, heavily seasoned with fresh dill.
Karbonāde
A classic breaded pork cutlet that is a favorite comfort food, typically served with a rich mushroom sauce and boiled potatoes.
Rasols
A festive potato salad layered with meat, eggs, pickles, and mayonnaise, which is a centerpiece of any local holiday or celebration.
Sklandrausis
A traditional sweet pie with a rye flour crust filled with layers of mashed carrots and potatoes, often flavored with caraway seeds.
Rīgas Melnais Balzams
A potent and bitter herbal liqueur made from 24 secret ingredients, frequently enjoyed in coffee, cocktails, or as a restorative shot.
Money & Costs
Latvia offers excellent value, with an average daily traveler budget of ~$85 / €72. Prices for dining and accommodation are generally lower than in Western Europe, though they rise during the summer peak.
Tipping
Tipping is common but not mandatory; 5–10% is standard in restaurants for good service. For taxis, it is customary to round up the fare to the nearest Euro.
Cards
Card acceptance is very high in cities and tourist areas, but cash is recommended for small vendors, local markets, and rural regions.
ATMs
ATMs are widespread throughout the country and accept most international cards. Since January 2025, national law ensures minimum requirements for cash access, though some ATMs may charge fees for foreign cards.
Culture & Etiquette
Latvians are generally reserved and value personal space, though they are deeply hospitable and sincere once a connection is established. Respect for the natural environment and local traditions is highly regarded in all social interactions.
✓
Remove your shoes when entering a private home, as it is a common sign of respect for the cleanliness of the household.
✓
Bring an odd number of flowers if giving them as a gift, as even numbers are strictly reserved for funerals and mourning.
✕
Do not whistle while indoors, as local superstition suggests this invites bad luck or unwanted spirits into the home.
✓
Maintain steady eye contact when clinking glasses during a toast to show sincerity and respect toward your companions.
✕
Avoid being loud or boisterous on public transport or in museums, as Latvians appreciate a quiet and reserved public atmosphere.
✓
Dress up slightly for performances at the opera or theater, as these are considered formal and respectful cultural occasions.
✕
Do not address a stranger by their first name unless invited to do so; using formal address is considered polite and proper.
✓
Respect the clearly marked bike lanes in Riga, as they are used frequently by locals and walking in them can be dangerous.
Safety & Health
Latvia is generally very safe for tourists (Level 1), though petty crimes like pickpocketing occur in Riga's Old Town and transit hubs. Exercise caution in nightclubs where reports of drugged drinks and inflated prices have been noted.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is recommended for travelers with extensive tick exposure (e.g., significant outdoor activities); routine vaccinations should be up to date.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Inflated drink prices in Old Town bars where tourists are charged exorbitant amounts.
- ⚠ Drugged drinks or food in nightclubs followed by theft or assault.
- ⚠ Credit card fraud where transactions are not completed in your presence or PINs are skimmed.
- ⚠ Street vendors or unsolicited offers in crowded transit hubs like the Central Market.
Public tap water meets EU safety standards and is safe to drink. While medical professionals are highly trained, some hospitals may lack advanced Western resources, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Language
Latvian is the sole official language and a source of national pride. English is widely spoken by younger generations and in Riga's tourist sector, while Russian is also frequently heard among the older population.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Sveiki | sveh-kee |
| Thank you | Paldies | pahl-dyes |
| Please / You're welcome | Lūdzu | loo-dzoo |
| Yes | Jā | yaah |
| No | Nē | neh |
| How much is it? | Cik tas maksā? | tsik tahs mak-saa |
| Goodbye | Uz redzēšanos | oos red-ze-shah-nos |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Atvainojiet | aht-vye-noy-yet |
Visa & Entry
As a member of the Schengen Area, Latvia follows standard EU entry rules for short stays. Travelers must be able to prove they have at least $16 / €14 per day for stays up to 30 days.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
Valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the EU/Schengen and issued within the last 10 years
Visa-free for
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Hong Kong, Brazil
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Latvia safe for solo travelers?
How expensive is a trip to Latvia?
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
Do I need a visa for Latvia?
Is English widely spoken in Latvia?
What is the best way to get around Latvia?
What should I eat in Latvia?
Can I drink tap water in Latvia?
How do I get from Riga Airport to the city center?
Is tipping common in Latvia?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Latvia?
Browse our 1 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.