When tourists think of Europe, they often dream of Paris, Rome or Prague. But there is a hidden treasure hidden on the shores of the Baltic Sea that is waiting for the exploration – Latvia. This Latvia Travel Guide will teach you everything you need to know to experience less valuable gems like this local – from medieval cities to bog trails and secret beaches.
Let’s see what refreshing Latvia is to stay away from the bad ways of Europe.
📍 Where is Latvia in Europe?
Latvia is one of the three Baltic countries, whose borders are surrounded by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and the Baltic Sea. Despite its small size, it is rich in variety – more than 12,000 rivers, 3,000 small lakes and forests covering more than half of the country.
- Capital: Riga
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Latvian (English widely spoken in cities)
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (GMT+2)
- EU Member: Yes
Explore more about Latvia’s history and culture
✈️ Getting to Latvia
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the largest in the Baltics and connects to major European cities via low-cost and full-service carriers.
Other ways to get there:
- Train: From Russia or Belarus (limited routes)
- Bus: Lux Express connects Latvia to Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland affordably
- Ferry: Direct ferries from Sweden and Germany to Riga and Liepāja
🏙️ Riga – Latvia’s Cultural Powerhouse
No Latvia travel guide is complete without Riga, the capital city and beating heart of Latvian culture.
🎨 What to See in Riga:
- Old Town (Vecrīga) – A maze of cobbled streets, churches, and Gothic architecture
- House of the Blackheads – Iconic landmark with fascinating merchant history
- Art Nouveau District – Over 800 ornate buildings, the largest collection in Europe
- Riga Central Market – Located in old Zeppelin hangars, perfect for foodies
- Bastejkalns Park – Urban green space for picnics and canal boat rides
🌿 Natural Beauty: Latvia’s Forests, Lakes & Coastlines
Latvia is often called “The Land That Sings”, but it could easily be “The Land of Forests” too.
🏞️ Top Natural Spots to Explore:
| Destination | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gauja National Park | Medieval castles, caves, rivers | Hiking, kayaking |
| Kemeri National Park | Wooden bog boardwalks, birdwatching | Photography, nature walks |
| Cape Kolka | Where the Gulf of Riga meets the Baltic Sea | Beach lovers, solitude |
| Ķemeri Bog Trail | Sunrise mist, wooden trails | Morning hikes, Instagram shots |
| Jūrmala | Seaside resort town with white beaches | Relaxation, spas |
Did you know? Over 20% of Latvia is protected by national parks and reserves.
🧭 Hidden Towns Worth Visiting
If you are ready to go out of the capital, here are some fantastic Latvian cities:
🏰 Kuldīga
Venta Rapid’s house, the wide waterfall in Europe, and the old wooden architecture that takes you to the past.
🏞️ Cēsis
The Gauja is located in the National Park with the restoring medieval fort and art galleries.
🧡 Liepāja
The city of Soviet history, music festivals and beaches – a developing creative attraction.
🍽️ What to Eat in Latvia
Latvian cuisine is simple, hearty, and seasonal. It draws influences from German, Russian, and Scandinavian traditions.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Grey peas with bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi)
- Smoked sprats
- Cold beet soup (Aukstā zupa)
- Rye bread (Rupjmaize)
- Kvass – a fermented rye drink
Try modern Latvian cuisine at Entresol or Restorāns 3 in Riga.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Latvia
Latvia offers accommodation for every budget—hostels, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and countryside guesthouses.
| Category | Options | Price Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Riga Hostel, Tree House | €10–€30 per night |
| Mid-range | Wellton Hotels, Neiburgs | €40–€90 per night |
| Luxury | Grand Poet Hotel, Kempinski Riga | €100+ per night |
Book early during summer and festival seasons.
🧳 Travel Tips for Latvia
Weather: Summer (May–September) is mild (18–25°C), but winters are snowy and beautiful too.
Transport: Public buses and trains are reliable but infrequent in rural areas—rent a car for flexibility.
Safety: Very safe, even for solo travelers. Just take standard precautions.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi in most urban areas.
🔁 Check real-time train/bus routes here
🧠 Local Experiences You’ll Love
🧙 Visit Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum for rural heritage
🌸 Attend Jāņi, the Midsummer Festival (June 23–24)
🎻 Catch a concert at Latvian National Opera
🚴♂️ Cycle through Sigulda, Latvia’s adventure capital
💬 Final Thoughts: Why Latvia is Europe’s Quiet Giant
This Latvia Travel Guide proves you don’t need to chase the crowds for an unforgettable adventure. Whether it’s castle ruins, moss-covered trails, quiet cafés, or coastal sunrises—Latvia offers peace, discovery, and authenticity.
For the traveler who values culture, nature, and soul over selfies, Latvia is the real deal
Been to Latvia or planning your first Baltic trip?
👇 Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments!
📌 Want more Baltic travel guides? Explore Estonia here.
