Latvia Travel Guide: Baltic Forests, Castles & Culture

Intro to Latvia Travel Guide

Latvia is where dense pine forests meet medieval towns and Art Nouveau cities. Sitting at the crossroads of Baltic and Nordic cultures, this small but diverse country offers wild nature, seaside serenity, and a strong creative pulse in its capital.

Start planning your trip with our complete Latvia tour guide — featuring must-see cities, coastal escapes, historic landmarks, and expert travel insights.

Latvia by Region – Where to Go

Explore Latvia’s contrasting regions, from cosmopolitan Riga to rural castles and remote beach villages.

Riga & Central Latvia

Riga, the capital, is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings, bustling markets, and riverfront cafés. Just outside the city, Sigulda offers castle ruins, river hikes, and ziplining in Gauja National Park.

Kurzeme (Western Latvia)

This coastal region features Liepāja, a rock-and-roll port city, and Kuldīga, known for Europe’s widest waterfall. Cape Kolka marks the dramatic meeting point of two seas.

Vidzeme (Northeastern Latvia)

Latvia’s heartland is home to Gauja Valley cliffs, sandstone caves, and scenic train rides. Stop in Cēsis for its medieval castle and charming town square.

Latgale (Eastern Latvia)

Remote and deeply traditional, Latgale is known for its lakes, wooden churches, and Russian Old Believer communities. Visit Rēzekne for local culture and lakeside retreats.

Zemgale (Southern Latvia)

Flat and agricultural, Zemgale is home to the impressive Rundāle Palace and vast rural landscapes. Ideal for day trips from Riga.

Top Places to Visit in Latvia

These top destinations reveal Latvia’s mix of history, art, and raw nature.

Cultural Highlights

• Riga Old Town – Cobblestone lanes, church spires, and the House of the Blackheads.
• Cēsis – Medieval architecture, castle ruins, and hip cafés in Vidzeme.

Coastal Getaways

• Jūrmala – Spa town with white sand beaches and wooden villas.
• Liepāja – Music festivals, Soviet-era relics, and beachside bunkers.

Nature Escapes

• Gauja National Park – Forests, caves, and outdoor adventures.
• Cape Kolka – Where the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga collide.

Historic Sites

• Rundāle Palace – Baroque grandeur surrounded by manicured gardens.
• Turaida Castle – Hilltop fortress with views over the Gauja River.

How to Choose Where to Go in Latvia

Latvia’s diversity makes it easy to tailor a trip to your interests.

• For history and architecture: Start in Riga, then explore Cēsis and Turaida.
• For beaches and relaxation: Head to Jūrmala, Liepāja, or Cape Kolka.
• For nature and hiking: Focus on Gauja National Park and Vidzeme.
• For culture and tradition: Visit Rēzekne or Preiļi in Latgale.

A well-rounded itinerary pairs Riga + Gauja National Park + Western Coast.

How to Get Around Latvia

Getting around Latvia is simple, thanks to its compact size and solid transport links.

• Trains: Scenic and efficient, connecting Riga with major towns like Sigulda, Cēsis, and Jelgava.
• Buses: Frequent routes to nearly all cities and small towns.
• Car Rental: Ideal for remote regions like Latgale or coastal drives.
• Bikes: Popular in Riga and Jūrmala, with designated paths and rentals.

Google Maps, 1188.lv, and Mobilly app help with public transport and parking.

Travel Budget & Costs in Latvia

Latvia offers great value, especially outside peak season.

Average Daily Costs

• Budget: $30–45 USD (hostels, buses, market food)
• Mid-range: $60–90 USD (hotels, car rental, museums)
• Luxury: $120+ USD (spa hotels, guided tours, gourmet dining)

Sample Prices

• Coffee: $2–3
• Museum ticket: $4–8
• Local lunch: $6–10
• Intercity bus: $5–12
• Boutique hotel in Riga: ~$80

Lower travel cost in Latvia by booking trains early and dining at local bistros.

Best Time to Visit Latvia

Latvia’s seasons shape your experience — from snow-covered castles to summer music fests.

• Summer (June–August): Best time to visit Latvia for festivals, beach weather, and long daylight.
• Autumn (Sept–Oct): Fewer crowds, colorful forests, ideal for hiking.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Cozy cities, snowy landscapes, and Christmas markets.
• Spring (March–May): Emerging greenery, mild weather, and fewer tourists.

Avoid late fall if you dislike gray skies and damp weather.

Must-See Experiences in Latvia

Beyond castles and cities, these immersive things to do in Latvia make your trip unforgettable.

• Wander Riga’s Central Market — Europe’s largest, inside old Zeppelin hangars.
• Canoe through Gauja River Valley — forested cliffs and riverside castles.
• Relax at a Latvian sauna (pirts) — a deeply traditional ritual.
• Visit a summer solstice festival (Jāņi) — fire dancing, folk songs, and wildflowers.
• Cycle through seaside Jūrmala — pine forests, dunes, and spa culture.
• Walk across Venta Rapid in Kuldīga — the widest waterfall in Europe.
• Explore Karosta Prison in Liepāja — tour a Soviet-era military jail.

Book immersive Latvia tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Latvia — from medieval castles and sauna rituals to forest trails and Baltic beaches.

Best Travel Itineraries in Latvia

Choose a route that blends culture, coast, and countryside.

7-Day Highlights Route

• Day 1–2: Riga (Old Town, Central Market, museums)
• Day 3: Sigulda & Turaida (day trip to Gauja Park)
• Day 4–5: Cēsis (castle, hikes, Gauja River)
• Day 6–7: Jūrmala or Kuldīga (spa or nature finale)

10-Day Nature & Culture Trail

• Adds Liepāja, Cape Kolka, and rural stays in Latgale.

5-Day Short Escape

• Riga base with day trips to Sigulda and Jūrmala.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Latvian food is seasonal, hearty, and deeply tied to forest and farm traditions.

Must-Try Dishes

• Grey peas with bacon – National dish, humble and delicious.
• Rye bread – Dense and sour, served with every meal.
• Cold beet soup (aukstā zupa) – A summer staple with kefir and dill.
• Smoked fish – Especially along the Kurzeme coast.
• Sklandrausis – Sweet carrot-potato pie from the west.

Unique Experiences

• Open-air markets in Riga and Liepāja
• Beer tastings and bread workshops
• Foraging tours for mushrooms and wild berries

Taste your way through Latvia with countryside feasts, street snacks, and cozy cafés.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Latvia

Latvia is one of the safest destinations in Europe.

• Safety: Low crime; standard urban precautions suffice.
• Etiquette: Quiet politeness is valued. Avoid loud public behavior.
• Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated, not mandatory.
• Language: Latvian is official, but many speak English in cities.
• Respect: Learn a few phrases (like Paldies = Thank you) and avoid Soviet-era political jokes.

Win local smiles with simple politeness and patience.

Where to Go Next – Pair Latvia with These Destinations

• Estonia: Just a few hours north by bus or train. Great for extending your Baltic trip.
• Lithuania: Easy rail or road access. Visit Vilnius for another blend of baroque and hip.
• Finland: Ferry via Tallinn or flight from Riga.
• Sweden: Night ferry to Stockholm for a Nordic contrast.

Related Guides:
Estonia Travel Guide
Lithuania Travel Guide
Finland Travel Guide
Sweden Travel Guide

Final Planning Checklist for Latvia

• Map your route: Riga, countryside, and coast or castles
• Book summer stays early, especially in Jūrmala or Kuldīga
• Download 1188.lv, Bolt, and Latvian Phrasebook apps
• Check Schengen visa status and passport validity
• Bring layers — even summer nights can be chilly
• Get SIM cards at Riga airport or major malls
• Reserve train or bus tickets online in advance
• Learn cultural dos and don’ts for respectful travel

Explore Latvia with confidence using our trusted tips, local insights, and region-by-region planning tools.