Latvia: our guide to the Baltic’s hidden gem

Nestled between Estonia and Lithuania in northern Europe, Latvia remains one of the continent’s most captivating yet underexplored destinations. This Baltic state offers an extraordinary blend of pristine nature, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vibrant cultural experiences that rival any major European capital—all at a fraction of the cost.

From Riga’s stunning art nouveau architecture to 500 kilometres of unspoiled Baltic Sea coastline, Latvia surprises visitors with its rich history, authentic traditions, and exceptional value. 

Whether you’re drawn to medieval castles, dense forests covering over half the country, or the warmth of Latvian hospitality, this comprehensive guide will help you discover everything this remarkable nation has to offer.

TL;DR

• Latvia is a Baltic country offering pristine nature, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vibrant cultural experiences
• Riga, the capital city, features stunning Art Nouveau architecture and a medieval old town.
• The country boasts 500kilometress of Baltic coastline with white-sand beaches.
• Latvia offers excellent value for money with authentic travel experiences
• Best visited from May to September for optimal weather and outdoor activities

Geography and location

Latvia occupies a strategic position in the Baltic region of northern Europe, situated between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. The country is bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west, providing 500 kilometres of pristine coastline that attracts visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Covering 64,589 square kilometres, Latvia surprises many travellers with its diverse landscapes. Vast forests blanket 54% of the territory, making it one of Europe’s greenest countries. The land is dotted with over 12,000 rivers and 3,000 small lakes throughout the country, creating a network of waterways that support rich ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The country is divided into four distinct historical regions, each offering unique attractions and cultural experiences:

• Vidzeme (central region): Features rolling hills and the capital city
• Latgale (eastern region): Known for its lakes and diverse cultural heritage
• Kurzeme (western region): Encompasses much of the Baltic coastline
• Zemgale (southern region):  Characterised by fertile plains and agricultural landscapes

This geographical diversity means visitors can experience coastal beaches, dense forests, historic towns, and modern cities all within a relatively compact area—perfect for a comprehensive trip to the Baltics.

Capital city – Riga

Latvia’s capital serves as the beating heart of the Baltic states, home to over 600,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in the region. Riga masterfully combines medieval charm with modern sophistication, offering visitors a perfect introduction to Latvian culture and history.

The city straddles the Daugava River, with most major attractions concentrated in the historic city centre. This compact layout makes visiting Riga particularly rewarding, as you can easily walk between major sights while discovering hidden gems along cobblestone streets.

UNESCO World Heritage Old Town

Riga’s Old Town, locally known as Vecrīga, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 for its exceptional collection of medieval and Hanseatic architecture. Walking through these historic streets feels like stepping back through centuries of European history.

Key highlights include:

• Freedom Monument: Standing 42.7 meters high as a symbol of independence
• St. Peter’s Church: Offers panoramic city views from its Gothic spire
• Riga Cathedral: Dating back to 1211, featuring a massive pipe organ
• House of Blackheads: A reconstructed medieval guild building that survived wartime destruction

The old town’s narrow streets and squares come alive with restaurants, bars, and shops housed in buildings that have witnessed Latvia’s complex history through various occupations and its eventual independence.

Art Nouveau architecture

Riga’s most distinctive feature is its unparalleled collection of art nouveau buildings—over 800 structures that represent the world’s largest concentration of this architectural style. Alberta Street showcases the finest examples, where ornate facades designed by architects like Mikhail Eisenstein create an outdoor museum of early 20th-century creativity.

Remarkably, one-third of Riga’s city centre buildings represent this architectural style, a legacy of the city’s golden age when it was one of the Russian Empire’s most prosperous ports. The buildings feature intricate decorations, mythological figures, and geometric patterns that make simply walking through the centre a visual feast.

The Art Nouveau district demonstrates Latvia’s European connections and cultural sophistication during a period when the country was experiencing rapid economic growth and urban development.

Cultural hub and modern attractions

Beyond its historical significance, Riga pulses with contemporary culture. The Latvian National Opera hosts world-class performances, while numerous museums showcase a diverse range of exhibits, from local art to maritime history. The Latvian National Museum provides comprehensive insights into the country’s cultural development.

Riga central market, housed in five historic Zeppelin hangars from the 1930s, offers one of Europe’s most characterful shopping experiences. Here, visitors can savour fresh local produce, sample traditional dishes, and engage with Latvians in an authentic setting that reflects the country’s rich agricultural heritage.

The city’s nightlife scene caters to all tastes, from sophisticated cocktail bars to energetic clubs, while the restaurant scene increasingly emphasises farm-to-table cuisine featuring local ingredients.

Top attractions and destinations

Beyond Riga, Latvia offers a diverse range of attractions that showcase the country’s natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness. Each destination provides unique insights into different aspects of Latvian life and heritage.

Gauja National Park

Latvia’s oldest and largest national park protects a stunning landscape of sandstone cliffs, medieval castles, and pristine forests. The park centres around the medieval Turaida castle, where visitors can explore 13th-century ruins while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

The park offers excellent hiking and cycling trails that wind through ancient forests and along the Gauja River. Adventure seekers can try kayaking, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous archaeological sites and folk architecture scattered throughout the protected area.

Jurmala: Baltic beach paradise

This 33-kilometre resort town stretches along the Baltic Sea coast, offering some of northern Europe’s finest beaches. Jurmala combines pristine white sand with distinctive wooden architecture that reflects the area’s development as a 19th-century spa destination.

The town’s pine forests provide a natural backdrop for relaxation, while the beaches offer excellent swimming, windsurfing, and kitesurfing opportunities during the warm summer months. The pedestrian-friendly Jomas Street features shops, restaurants, and cafes that cater to both international visitors and Latvian families.

Rundāle Palace

Often called the “Versailles of Latvia,” this baroque masterpiece was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the same architect who created St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace. The palace showcases aristocratic life during Latvia’s incorporation into the Russian Empire, with lavishly decorated rooms and manicured gardens that transport visitors to the 18th century.

The palace complex includes both the main building and extensive formal gardens that change dramatically with the seasons, making it worthwhile to visit multiple times throughout the year.

Historic towns and cities

• Cēsis represents one of Latvia’s best-preserved medieval towns, featuring 13th-century castle ruins and cobbled streets that evoke the country’s connections to the Hanseatic League. The town serves as a gateway to Gauja National Park while offering charming accommodations and restaurants.
• Ventspils combines historical significance as a port city with modern attractions, including an adventure park and a state-of-the-art digital centre. The city’s beaches and family-friendly attractions make it particularly appealing for travellers with children.
• Daugavpils, Latvia’s second-largest city, is home to a vast 19th-century fortress complex and the renowned Mark Rothko Art Centre, which celebrates the famous painter’s Latvian heritage. The town reflects the country’s multicultural heritage and provides insights into Latvia’s more recent history.

Culture and heritage

Latvia’s cultural identity runs deeper than many visitors expect, rooted in ancient folk traditions that have survived centuries of foreign rule and modern globalisation. This cultural resilience creates authentic experiences that distinguish Latvia from more commercialised European destinations.

Folk song tradition

Latvia holds a unique place in world culture through its collection of over 1.2 million documented folk songs, known as dainas—the largest per capita collection of its kind globally. These songs preserve ancient wisdom, seasonal celebrations, and community values that continue to influence modern Latvian identity.

The tradition culminates in the Song and Dance Festival, held every five years and recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage. This extraordinary event attracts 40,000 performers and hundreds of thousands of spectators, creating one of the world’s largest choral celebrations.

Traditional crafts and arts

Latvian artisans maintain centuries-old traditions in amber jewellery, ceramics, and woven textiles. These crafts are particularly vibrant in rural areas where visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase authentic pieces directly from creators.

Amber, known as “Baltic gold,” holds special significance as Latvia sits along ancient trade routes that carried this fossilised resin throughout Europe. Modern Latvian designers continue to innovate with amber, creating contemporary jewellery that honours traditional techniques.

Religious and cultural diversity

Latvia’s religious landscape reflects its complex history, with Lutheran, Catholic, and Orthodox communities coexisting peacefully. This diversity is particularly evident in the Latgale region, where different faith traditions have created a unique cultural blend.

The ancient Midsummer celebration (Jāņi), held on June 23-24, represents Latvia’s most beloved festival. Citizens gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs, weave herbal wreaths, and observe folk customs that celebrate the summer solstice. This celebration offers visitors a unique opportunity to gain authentic insights into Latvian values and community spirit.

Cuisine and local food

Latvian cuisine reflects the country’s geographical position and agricultural heritage, emphasising seasonal ingredients harvested from forests, farms, and the Baltic Sea. The food culture strikes a balance between hearty traditional dishes and modern culinary innovations that showcase local produce.

Traditional dishes and staples

The foundation of Latvian cooking rests on ingredients that sustained communities through long winters and economic hardships. Grey peas with bacon represent the national dish, combining protein-rich legumes with smoked pork in a satisfying meal that reflects the country’s agricultural traditions.

Dark rye bread serves as another cornerstone, baked using techniques passed down through generations. This dense, flavorful bread pairs well with most meals and reflects Latvia’s Northern European influences. Potato pancakes, prepared in numerous regional variations, showcase the versatility of this fundamental crop.

Baltic Sea specialities

Latvia’s extensive coastline offers an abundance of seafood that features prominently in the local cuisine. Smoked salmon, herring, and the unique lamprey offer tastes directly connected to the waters of the Baltic Sea. These fish are often prepared using traditional smoking techniques that preserve flavour while extending shelf life—a necessity developed over centuries of coastal living.

Local restaurants increasingly emphasise these maritime connections, serving fresh catches prepared with modern techniques while honouring traditional flavours.

Forest-to-table movement

Latvia’s vast forests yield mushrooms, berries, and wild herbs, creating a natural farm-to-table movement. Autumn brings mushroom foraging expeditions, while summer offers abundant berries that appear in both sweet and savoury preparations.

This connection to wild ingredients reflects Latvians’ deep relationship with their natural environment and provides visitors with flavours unavailable in more urbanised countries.

Beverages and local specialities

Riga Black Balsam stands as Latvia’s most famous beverage export—a bitter herbal liqueur with a 250-year history that combines 24 herbs, roots, berries, and spices. Created as medicine, it’s now enjoyed as a digestif or mixed in cocktails.

Latvia’s craft beer scene has undergone significant evolution, with local breweries experimenting with traditional techniques and indigenous ingredients. These beers often incorporate honey, herbs, or other local flavours that create distinctly Latvian tastes.

Outdoor activities and nature

Latvia’s diverse landscapes and relatively untouched natural areas provide exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the year. The country’s commitment to environmental protection has preserved ecosystems that support both wildlife and sustainable tourism.

Forest and park activities

Gauja National Park serves as Latvia’s premier destination for hiking and cycling, offering well-marked trails that wind through sandstone cliffs, ancient forests, and along pristine rivers. The park’s infrastructure includes overnight huts and camping areas that allow for multi-day adventures.

Cycling enthusiasts will find Latvia particularly welcoming, with dedicated bike paths connecting major cities and natural areas. The relatively flat terrain and scenic routes make cycling accessible to riders of all skill levels.

Baltic Coast recreation

The Baltic Sea coastline offers excellent opportunities for water sports during the warm months, from June to August. Swimming conditions are ideal, with water temperatures reaching comfortable levels and beaches offering both developed resort areas and wild, undeveloped stretches.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing have gained popularity, particularly around Jurmala and other coastal towns where equipment rental and instruction are readily available. The consistent winds and relatively shallow waters near shore create ideal learning conditions.

Birdwatching and wildlife

Kemeri National Park, part of the EU Natura 2000 network, protects crucial wetland habitats that support 271 bird species. This makes Latvia an increasingly important destination for birdwatchers, particularly during spring and autumn migration periods.

The country’s low population density and extensive protected areas support wildlife populations that have declined elsewhere in Europe. Visitors may encounter elk, wild boar, lynx, and numerous bird species in their natural habitats.

Winter activities

Winter transforms Latvia into a serene landscape perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The country’s northern latitude means reliable snow cover from December through March, while temperatures remain moderate enough for comfortable outdoor activities.

Cross-country skiing trails are maintained throughout the country, offering a range of options from gentle routes suitable for beginners to challenging courses for experienced skiers. Many trails connect with accommodation options, making it possible for ski touring adventures.

Practical travel information

Planning a trip to Latvia requires understanding several practical considerations that will enhance your experience and help you make the most of your visit to this Baltic gem.

Currency and costs

Latvia adopted the euro in 2014, making transactions simple for visitors from other EU countries. The country offers exceptional value compared to Western Europe, with affordable accommodation, dining, and transportation costs that enable travellers to experience high-quality services without incurring premium prices.

Average daily costs for budget travellers range from €30 to €50, while mid-range visitors can expect to spend €50 to €80 per day, including accommodation, meals, and activities. Luxury travellers will find excellent options at prices significantly lower than comparable Western European destinations.

Language and communication

Latvian serves as the official language, a Baltic language most closely related to Lithuanian. However, communication rarely poses problems for international visitors, as English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, particularly among younger Latvians.

Russian is also commonly understood due to historical connections, while German may be helpful in some business contexts. Most tourist information, menus, and signage in major destinations are available in English translations.

Transportation networks

Latvia’s compact size and well-developed transportation infrastructure make exploring the country straightforward and affordable. An extensive bus network connects all major cities and towns, with modern vehicles and reliable schedules.

Train services operate between major cities, offering comfortable and scenic routes that showcase the countryside. For ultimate flexibility, rental cars provide access to remote natural areas and small towns that showcase authentic Latvian life.

Domestic flights connect Riga with major European cities, while the centrally located Riga International Airport serves as the primary entry point for international visitors.

Accommodation options

Accommodation in Latvia ranges from luxury international hotels in Riga to charming countryside guesthouses that offer authentic local experiences. Many rural properties are family-owned and operated, offering personal service and insights into Latvian culture that enrich the travel experience.

Urban areas offer a full spectrum of modern accommodations, while rural regions specialise in unique experiences, such as farm stays, forest lodges, and historic manor houses converted into boutique hotels.

Best time to visit

Latvia’s temperate climate creates distinct seasons that each offer unique advantages for different types of travellers and activities.

Summer Season (June-August)

Summer represents peak season with the most favourable weather conditions. Temperatures average 20-25°C, providing ideal conditions for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor festivals. This period features the famous white nights phenomenon, where darkness barely falls during midsummer.

July and August offer the warmest weather and most festival activities, but also bring the largest crowds and the highest prices. June provides an excellent compromise with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-October)

Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, creating exceptional conditions for hiking and sightseeing. The countryside awakens with wildflowers and migrating birds, while cities become more comfortable for walking and outdoor dining.

Autumn offers some of Latvia’s most spectacular scenery as forests transform into brilliant displays of yellow, orange, and red foliage. September and October provide comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, while harvest festivals showcase local food and traditions.

Winter Season (December-February)

Winter attracts visitors seeking authentic Northern European experiences, including Christmas markets, traditional celebrations, and potential sightings of the Northern Lights. Whilst temperatures can reach -10°C, proper clothing makes outdoor activities enjoyable.

This season offers the most affordable prices and the smallest crowds, providing intimate experiences with local culture and traditions. Winter sports enthusiasts will find excellent cross-country skiing and other snow-based activities.

Seasons to avoid

March and April are generally best avoided due to unpredictable weather patterns that can create muddy conditions and variable temperatures. Road conditions may be challenging, and many seasonal attractions operate on reduced schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Latvia expensive to visit?

Latvia offers excellent value compared to Western Europe, with affordable accommodation, dining, and transportation costs. Budget travellers can comfortably explore the country for €30-50 per day, while mid-range visitors enjoy quality experiences for €50-80 daily.

Do people speak English in Latvia?

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, especially among younger Latvians. Most tourist information and major attractions provide English-language materials and services.

How many days do you need in Latvia?

A minimum of 4-5 days allows visitors to explore Riga and one additional region effectively. For a comprehensive exploration, including multiple cities, natural areas, and cultural experiences, plan 7-10 days.

Is Latvia safe for tourists?

Latvia maintains very low crime rates and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, making it highly safe for international visitors. Standard travel precautions are sufficient for a worry-free experience.

What is Latvia famous for?

Latvia is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, pristine natural environments, rich folk song traditions, amber craftsmanship, and successful basketball teams. The country has also gained recognition for its digital governance innovations and environmental protection efforts.

Can you drink tap water in Latvia?

Yes, tap water throughout Latvia is safe to drink and meets strict EU standards. This applies to all major cities and towns, making bottled water unnecessary due to health concerns.

Latvia represents one of Europe’s most rewarding, yet undiscovered, destinations, combining a rich cultural heritage with pristine natural beauty and exceptional value. From Riga’s architectural treasures to the country’s extensive forests and Baltic coastline, Latvia offers authentic European experiences that are off the beaten tourist path. Whether you’re drawn to medieval history, outdoor adventures, or cultural immersion, this Baltic nation provides memories that will last long after your return home.

Plan your Latvian adventure today and discover why this remarkable country is quickly gaining recognition as Northern Europe’s hidden gem. The warmth of Latvian hospitality, combined with the country’s diverse attractions and affordable prices, creates the perfect foundation for an unforgettable European journey.