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Latvia
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Latvia

Baltic Beauty and Art Nouveau Grandeur

Capital
Riga
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Latvian
Best Time
May–Sep
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3)
Flag of Latvia
👋 Overview

Welcome to Latvia

Welcome to Latvia, a Baltic country where a beautifully preserved medieval capital meets vast forests and sandy coastline. Riga's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe alongside Gothic spires and cobblestone streets. Latvia's coastline along the Baltic Sea offers wide sandy beaches, particularly in the resort town of Jūrmala. Gauja National Park reveals dense forests, sandstone cliffs, and medieval castles along a scenic river valley.

Traditional midsummer celebrations, filled with bonfires and folk songs, reflect Latvia's deep connection to nature and seasonal ritual. The country's small size makes it easy to explore charming towns, forests, and coastline within a short trip. Latvian amber, harvested along the Baltic shore, has been treasured and traded for thousands of years. Latvia invites travelers to discover a quiet Baltic gem rich in architecture and natural beauty.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Riga

Riga’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is packed with Gothic spires, Art Nouveau facades, and cobblestone squares that make it one of the best-preserved medieval centers in the Baltics. The House of the Blackheads and St.

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Peter’s Church tower over Town Hall Square. Riga Central Market, housed partly in converted Zeppelin hangars, is one of the largest markets in Europe and a good place to sample Latvian smoked fish and rye bread. The Art Nouveau district along Alberta Street features some of the finest ornamental facades in Europe. The Freedom Monument and the nearby Bastion Hill park provide a green, reflective counterpoint to the busy Old Town streets. Riga’s dense mix of architecture and history makes it easy to explore almost entirely on foot.

02

Jurmala

Jurmala stretches along a wide sandy beach on the Baltic coast, its wooden villas dating from the nineteenth century when it became a fashionable spa resort. The pedestrian street of Jomas iela is lined with restaurants and shops just steps from the sand.

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Kemeri National Park, on the edge of town, protects a bog landscape crossed by wooden boardwalks that make for an easy, atmospheric walk. The town’s mineral spas continue a tradition of wellness tourism that stretches back over a century. Jurmala’s pine forests and quiet dunes offer a relaxed contrast to Riga, just a short train ride away. It remains the Baltic region’s most popular seaside escape.

03

Sigulda

Sigulda sits in the Gauja River valley, often called Latvian Switzerland for its forested hills and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Turaida Castle, rebuilt in vivid red brick, overlooks the valley alongside a museum reserve tracing centuries of regional history.

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The ruins of Sigulda Medieval Castle sit across the valley from Turaida, connected by a cable car that offers sweeping views of the gorge below. Gutmanis Cave, the largest in the Baltics, is etched with centuries of visitor inscriptions. In winter, Sigulda’s bobsled track, built for the Soviet Olympic team, still operates and offers visitors a chance to ride it. Sigulda makes an easy day trip from Riga for travelers wanting nature alongside medieval history.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Latvia's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Grey Peas with Bacon

Grey Peas with Bacon is a signature Latvia specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Sklandrausis

This popular Latvia dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Rupjmaize

A well-loved part of Latvia cuisine, Rupjmaize reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Piragi

Piragi is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Latvia.

Cold Beet Soup

Visitors often seek out Cold Beet Soup for an authentic taste of Latvia's everyday cooking and food culture.

Potato Pancakes

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Latvia.

Smoked Fish

Smoked Fish is widely recognized in Latvia and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Debesmanna

A memorable choice for travelers, Debesmanna offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Latvia.

Rye Bread Soup

This classic food is an important part of Latvia's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Latvia is one of the Baltic nations and is known for its vast forests, pristine lakes, sandy beaches, and charming medieval towns. More than half of the country is covered by forests, providing habitat for elk, lynx, wolves, beavers, and countless bird species. Latvia's coastline stretches for nearly 310 miles along the Baltic Sea, where wide beaches and rolling sand dunes create some of Northern Europe's most peaceful coastal scenery.

2

The capital city of Riga is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Old Town and one of the world's finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. Cobblestone streets, medieval churches, historic guild halls, and elegant buildings reflect centuries of Hanseatic trading history. Latvia is also home to Gauja National Park, often called the "Switzerland of Latvia," where sandstone cliffs, caves, castles, and forests surround the winding Gauja River.

3

Latvian traditions remain deeply connected to nature and folklore. The country's famous Song and Dance Festival, held every five years, brings together tens of thousands of performers in one of the world's largest choral celebrations and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultural traditions, Latvia offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the heart of the Baltic region.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

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Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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