A beginner's guide to Latvia

For many first-time travelers, whether exploring the three Baltic States on a capital-hopping adventure or simply seeking an affordable weekend escape, Latvia means Rīga. Long regarded as the most cosmopolitan city in the Baltics, the capital is famous for its beautiful Old Town as well as its vibrant and budget-friendly nightlife.

However, for many Latvians, the ideal getaway contrasts sharply with city breaks. Nature is at the heart of this nation. Popular activities include foraging for berries, birch sap, and mushrooms in pristine forests, swimming in the Baltic Sea (regardless of the weather) on picturesque beaches, and enjoying traditional bathhouse rituals. With fewer than two million residents in a country that's roughly half covered by forests, finding your own peaceful retreat is never far away.

With its historic castles, stunning trails along secluded coastlines, and an often-overlooked cultural scene, Latvia offers numerous reasons to visit. Here’s our guide to planning your perfect first trip.

When is the best time to visit Latvia?

If you’re interested in Rīga’s stunning architecture and museums, there’s really no bad time to visit Latvia. Just make sure to dress appropriately. Summer brings warmer weather and longer days, creating a lively outdoor atmosphere (and higher prices) in the city. In December, the focus shifts to cozy cafes and enchanting Christmas markets, often with a dusting of fresh snow. However, you might want to avoid the coldest and darkest days in January and February—despite low prices—unless you’re keen on ice swimming, cross-country skiing, or Latvia’s winter sports.

For milder outdoor adventures, plan your visit to the national parks between late spring and early autumn when camping is enjoyable, locals are often out foraging, and the weather is typically great for hiking, kayaking, or cycling. October is also stunning as the forests turn golden with fall colors. If you’re drawn to the Baltic Sea beaches, July and August are your best choices for consistent blue skies and a packed events schedule, including major festivals like Liepaja’s Summer Sound. Plan your visit for June 23 to partake in the Līgo and Jāņi midsummer celebrations. During these two days honoring the summer solstice, you’ll witness pagan traditions, flower crowns, all-night festivities, and perhaps even jump over a bonfire.

How long should I stay in Latvia?

If you’re only in Latvia for a weekend, it’s best to spend both days exploring Rīga. Alternatively, consider a quick tour of the Old Town and then unwind at the beach resort of Jūrmala (just a 35-minute train ride to Dubulti station), or visit the enchanting castles and museums in Sigulda within Gauja National Park. Even without venturing far into the countryside, you can experience traditional Latvia at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum located on the outskirts of the city.

For an even richer experience, take a few extra days to include Cēsis Castle or Rundāle Palace in your travel plans. With a week, you can truly immerse yourself in Latvian culture. Enjoy calming hikes along scenic trails, spend nights in secluded cabins, and partake in a traditional Latvian bathhouse experience, featuring gentle brushes with branches and herbs in a pirts (sauna). Discover some of the most stunning coastal areas like the pine-fringed and windswept Cape Kolka. Stay longer, and you’ll have time to soak up all that Latvia has to offer, from attending thrilling basketball or ice hockey games to exploring the lesser-known east, including Daugavpils and the Mark Rothko Art Centre.

Is getting around Latvia easy?

Rīga Airport, the largest in the Baltic States and located just 30–40 minutes from the Old Town, offers extensive connections to European cities, making Latvia the most accessible of the three Baltic nations. If you're traveling overland, you can find international coach services like Lux Express—which features a complimentary coffee machine on board—or FlixBus to Vilnius (4 hours), Tallinn (4.5 hours), and Warsaw (11 hours). There's also a daily train service linking Rīga to Vilnius (4.25 hours), with rail connections to Estonia requiring a change at the border town of Valka/Valga.

Getting around Latvia is a breeze, whether you're planning a road trip through the Baltic States or relying on public transportation. Latvian Railways connects major cities and traverses Gauja National Park (tickets available on Vivi), while regional and local buses offer better access to smaller towns.

For checking timetables and purchasing tickets, the transport sections of 1188 and Mobilly are invaluable resources. Many small rural buses now accept card payments, but buying tickets from the driver can sometimes be pricier. In certain cities, it's necessary to purchase tickets in advance from machines or convenience stores like Narvesen. On longer journeys, keep some change handy for luggage fees, which may apply when boarding. Prefer to walk? You're in luck—Latvia is relatively flat and boasts a wide network of paths, including the scenic Baltic Trails.

Must-see attractions in Latvia

Explore Rīga’s diverse architectural landscape

Rīga captivates with its blend of cosmopolitan, classical, and eclectic architecture, showcasing an array of styles shaped by various rulers and occupiers over the years. From old moats transformed into canals to Zeppelin hangars that now house Europe’s largest market, and the bold design of the National Library of Latvia, wandering through Rīga on foot reveals delightful surprises at every turn.

In the enchanting Old Town, Vecrīga, medieval wonders abound. The grand Rīga Cathedral, the renovated Rīga Castle, and the iconic Three Brothers—the oldest houses in the city—are visual treasures. Don’t miss the show-stopping House of the Black Heads, which features stunning Renaissance interiors after its reconstruction. Venture further along Alberta Iela to discover an impressive collection of Art Nouveau buildings, a testament to the city’s industrial boom in the early 1900s.

Explore the timeless castles of Gauja National Park

Latvia boasts a wealth of dense forests, boardwalks over bogs, and inviting lakes within its four national parks and nature reserves. For newcomers, Gauja National Park is often the top choice. With amenities like a cable car, camping options, cozy cabins, and train connections to the Estonian border, it offers accessible nature experiences, making it possible to visit even on a day trip from Rīga or as a convenient stop en route to other Baltic destinations.

Beyond its natural beauty, Gauja is rich in history with its enchanting castles. At Cēsis Castle, you’ll receive a candlelit lamp to navigate the dimly lit ruins of this medieval stronghold, once home to the Livonian Knights and now shared with a charming castle cat. Further along the park’s edge, the forest-surrounded town of Sigulda features its own historical gems within the Sigulda Castle Complex. Lastly, the Turaida Museum Reserve offers a deep dive into Livonian history, showcasing its striking red-brick castle, informative museum, and expansive grounds with various exhibits.

Escape to timeless Kuldīga, Latvia’s newest World Heritage Site

With Europe’s widest waterfall, a flying fish festival, and a maze of sand caves, it’s surprising that Kuldīga took so long to catch UNESCO’s attention. In late 2023, this historic western town finally received World Heritage Status, recognized for its preserved medieval layout and the rich history of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, rather than its more eccentric attractions.

To delve deeper into Kuldīga and the historical significance of the Kurzeme region, visit the Kuldiga County Museum, located in a beautifully preserved wooden villa characteristic of the area, or witness a lively reenactment of historical plagues at the interactive Dzīvais Museum. Afterward, stroll through the charming town towards the Kuldīga Waterfall, known as Ventas Rumba, which boasts the title of the continent’s widest waterfall.

Wander through the luxurious rooms and gardens of Rundāle Palace

Latvia is dotted with numerous manor houses, grand estates, and palaces. Among them, the 14th-century Jaunpils Castle even offers overnight stays. Yet, few can rival the intricate beauty of Rundāle Palace, a grand Baroque masterpiece designed by Francesco Rastrelli for the Duke of Courland in the mid-18th century.

Much of its current splendor results from a meticulous restoration effort. But don’t let that deter you; the stunning gardens, inspired by Versailles and fragrant with spring roses, along with the grand halls adorned with frescoed ceilings and antique furnishings, are breathtaking. Be sure to allocate several hours to explore the palace, as the museum’s collection ranges from private chambers to the basement.

My favorite activity in Latvia

Arriving on foot is a unique experience. Crossing a land border this way feels special, and the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route, one of the two major Baltic Trails, enhances that experience. If you don’t have months to explore, it’s a fantastic introduction to the impressive trails that weave through the three Baltic States.

I absolutely love (and highly recommend) the section between Šventoji in Lithuania and the secluded fishing village of Pape Koņi in Latvia. In just a day or two, you’ll find yourself blissfully disconnected, even while visiting the Vītolnieki museum, which features traditional homesteads and wooden 19th-century buildings that are increasingly rare. Camping at the tranquil Mikjāņu sēta, just steps from the dunes, surrounded by the sounds of wild horses, crackling campfires, and the gentle waves of the Baltic Sea, was an unforgettable experience.

And those beaches? Absolutely stunning! There’s something profoundly healing about the Baltic Coast’s endless stretches of pristine sands, especially here, far removed from the busy beach resorts of Liepāja or Ventspils. Can any shoreline walk surpass the joy of sweeping views of dunes and pine forests, the occasional wave to a fellow hiker, and the freedom to swim or relax on the soft sands whenever you please? I think not. This is untouched Latvia at its finest.

What’s the budget for a trip to Latvia?

While Rīga is still fairly affordable compared to some other European capitals, it has been moving away from its budget backpacker reputation in recent years. Due to rising inflation and a surge in international tourism, food and drink prices in Vecrīga are notably higher than in other regions of the country. Venture beyond the Old Town to discover more reasonably priced local eateries.

In general, Latvia offers great value for your money. You’ll discover fairly priced meals, drinks, and accommodations in less-frequented areas. Prices for lodging do increase during late June, July, August, and around Christmas, but you can usually find an affordable guesthouse or campsite along the rural coast or in the countryside. With so much of Latvia’s appeal rooted in its stunning nature, planning a budget-friendly, offbeat adventure is always an option.

Here are some typical daily expenses you can expect:

• Basic campsite: €0–10

• Hostel dormitory: starting at €15–30

• Basic double room: starting at €25

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting at €40

• Public transport ticket in Rīga: €1.50

• Train fare from Rīga to Cēsis: €4.40

• Long-distance bus ticket from Rīga to Tallinn or Vilnius: €14–19

• Coffee: €1–4

• Pint of beer: €2–5

• Traditional and budget-friendly dinner for two: €30

• Museum and attraction entry fees: €2–20

Is wild camping allowed in Latvia?

Wild camping is one of the true delights of Latvia. However, there are restrictions on where you can set up camp, especially near protected areas, dunes, non-rural beaches, and private forests. Planning your overnight spots in advance can help you avoid complications. The Dabas Türisms app is a great tool for locating free and paid rest areas, along with maps recommended by the Baltic Trails website.

What items should I bring for my trip to Latvia?

Your packing list for Latvia will change significantly depending on the season. Even in summer, it's wise to include a light rain jacket and warm layers, particularly if you'll be near the breezy Baltic Sea. Comfortable hiking boots suitable for various terrains, including sandy paths, are essential for cross-country trails.

Is it customary to tip in Latvia?

In Latvia, tipping is a gesture of appreciation rather than a requirement. It's common to round up or leave a euro or two, while a tip of 5–10% in sit-down restaurants, particularly in Rīga, is becoming more usual.

Is it safe to travel in Latvia?

Latvia is generally a safe and inviting destination for travelers, including those journeying alone. Rīga boasts a vibrant Couchsurfing community led by women, offering various meet-ups and events. However, while Rīga is fairly progressive, LGBTIQ+ travelers should remember that rural areas may not share the same level of social acceptance.

Which languages are commonly spoken?

In Rīga, English is widely spoken, especially among the youth and in tourist-friendly areas. However, picking up a few basic phrases in Latvian, the official language, is both useful and courteous. Over a quarter of Latvia's population speaks Russian as their first language, and as you travel east towards Daugavpils, Russian becomes more dominant. Given the historical context of Russian and Soviet occupations, along with the ongoing situation in Ukraine, it’s wise to be cautious when discussing sensitive topics or choosing the language to start a conversation. While some former Soviet and Nazi sites, like the Karosta Prison Hotel, may be presented as entertainment for tourists, not all locals are comfortable with the lighter take on their country's difficult history.