Latvia Travel Guide

If you’re looking for a European destination that blends fascinating history, natural beauty and quirky charm, Latvia deserves a top spot on your list. This Baltic beauty is still under the radar for many travelers, which means fewer crowds, more authentic experiences and an incredible mix of things to do.

Wander Through Historic Cities

Start your journey in Riga, Latvia’s vibrant capital. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the Old Town, climb to the top of St. Peter’s Church for sweeping views, and snap pics of the city’s famous Art Nouveau architecture. Don’t miss the House of the Blackheads, Freedom Monument, and the bustling Riga Central Market, housed in old Zeppelin hangars.

A quick train ride away, Sigulda in Gauja National Park offers fairytale vibes with castles, forests, and even a cable car soaring over the Gauja River valley. History lovers will also enjoy Turaida and Cēsis Castles, each with a story to tell (and a resident cat or two).

Dive into Nature

Latvia’s national parks are ideal for scenic hikes, bird watching, or peaceful picnics. Ķemeri is perfect for bog walks and birdlife, while the Daugava River and Jūrmala Beach provide stunning spots to relax and unwind. Love the coast? Latvia has miles of white sand beaches, charming seaside villages, and some truly epic sunsets.

Soak in the Culture

From traditional if (you don’t mind running around nude) Latvian bathhouses (pirts) to the Laima Chocolate Museum, open-air folk museums, and the Latvian National Opera, there’s a rich and welcoming culture to explore.

Whether you’re trekking coastal trails, marveling at palaces, or sipping coffee in medieval squares, Latvia is full of delightful surprises. Trust me, this little country packs a big travel punch.

Coastal Beauty That Calms the Soul

Latvia’s stunning 531 km coastline is a total hidden gem of the Baltics. Think wide sandy beaches, soft dunes, rugged cliffs, and calm waters, especially along the protected Gulf of Riga. The cape at Kolka is a jaw dropping spot where two seas meet, and the charming coastal town of Kuldīga is home to the widest waterfall in Europe, yes, really.

Flatlands, Hills, and Uplands, Oh My!

Nature lovers, rejoice. About half the country is covered in lush forest, pine, birch, spruce, you name it. Latvia is also dotted with 4,000 lakes, especially in the gorgeous lake-district region of Latgale. Wild boar, deer, and even the elusive lynx call these woods home.

Lakes, Forests, and Wild Things

Nature lovers, rejoice. About half the country is covered in lush forest, pine, birch, spruce, you name it. Latvia is also dotted with 4,000 lakes, especially in the gorgeous lake-district region of Latgale. Wild boar, deer, and even the elusive lynx call these woods home.

Four Unique Regions to Explore

• Zemgale: Riga’s home, packed with culture & Art Nouveau
• Kurzeme: Rural charm + windswept coast
• Vidzeme: Castles, Gauja National Park & hill country
• Latgale: Lake district magic & peaceful village life

Italy’s climate offers something for every traveller. Summer weather in Italy (June–August) sizzles with sunshine, perfect for beach days, hiking, or enjoying lively festivals. While the crowds peak, so does the energy, don’t miss Ferragosto on August 15th, a day of beach parties and feasting. Temperatures often reach 30°C (86°F), so a gelato break is a must.  Average temperature is 22–29°C (71.6–84°F)

Summer (June–August)

This is Latvia in full bloom, long sunny days, green forests, and beachy bliss along the Baltic coast. We love hitting the sand at Jurmala and catching an open air concert in Riga. It’s festival season, and every medieval town seems to come alive with dancing, crafts, and grilled things on sticks. Expect warm temps (20–22°C), but don’t forget a rain jacket, showers do pop in uninvited.

Autumn (September–October)

Oh, the golden glow of Latvian forests. It’s mushroom foraging, castle exploring, hot cider drinking heaven. We once wandered through Sigulda in early October and honestly thought we were in a painting. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and some of the best hiking views of the year.

Winter (November–March)

Winter turns Latvia into a snow globe. We bundled up and ice skated in Riga’s old town square (felt like extras in a Christmas movie). Go for the markets, the fairy lights, and a proper mug of black balsam. Just bring thermals, you’ll need ‘em.

Spring (April–May)

Quiet, peaceful, and all about the bloom. We love this time for nature walks, birdwatching, and soaking up café culture without the summer crowds. The countryside bursts into life and it’s all yours to explore.

The Latvian Personality: Quiet but Kind

Latvians are like the forests they love, peaceful, quietly resilient, and full of layers. While they might not beam at you on the street or strike up a chat in line for coffee, don’t mistake their reserved nature for coldness. Once you earn a Latvian’s trust, you’ve got a friend for life (probably one who knows how to forage mushrooms and sing ancient folk songs).

A Culture Rooted in Song and Story

Latvian culture is steeped in tradition, think centuries old melodies, bonfire lit celebrations, and midsummer nights filled with flower wreaths and fern flower legends. We stayed up all night for Līgo (their magical Midsummer festival)… the beer, cheese, and herbal crown making helped. It’s hand down one of the most enchanting things we’ve ever experienced.

Nature is Everything

Nature isn’t just scenery here, it’s sacred. With over half the country covered in forest, it’s no surprise that locals retreat to countryside cottages on weekends. Hiking, wildflower gathering, and swimming in icy lakes? That’s just your average Latvian Saturday.

A Blend of Old Beliefs

Ancient pagan customs live on alongside Lutheran and Orthodox traditions. And yes, nearly everyone speaks at least three languages like it’s no big deal.

How to Connect with Latvians

Skip the small talk. Learn a few Latvian phrases, bring your curiosity (and maybe a flower crown), and let Latvia slowly reveal its magic, on its own, quiet terms.

What Language Do They Speak in Latvia?

The official language of Latvia is Latvian, but it’s not quite that simple. There are actually two forms: Modern Latvian, spoken in the west and central parts of the country, and Latgalian, spoken in the eastern region of Latgale. The two are mutually intelligible, but Latgalian preserves some older words and expressions not found in standard Latvian.

Latvian is a Baltic language closely related to Lithuanian and is spoken by the ethnic population known as Letts, who make up about 59% of the population. Since regaining independence in 1991, Latvian has been firmly re-established as the sole official language, and all public signage reflects that.

Although spoken by just 1.5 million people worldwide, Latvians take great pride in their language and they love it when visitors make the effort to speak a few words. A little “Paldies” (thank you) can go a long way.

Let’s be honest, Latvia probably isn’t the first country that pops into your head when you think “easy European travel.” But that’s exactly why it’s such a gem. This little Baltic beauty is refreshingly well connected, both within its borders and to its Baltic buddies Estonia and Lithuania. Riga, the lively capital, is the main hub and your best launchpad, whether you’re heading to a medieval town, a windswept beach, or a mossy forest straight out of a fairytale.

Here’s how to get around once you’re here:

Trains

Latvia’s trains, operated by VIVI, are great for scenic trips between major spots like Riga, Jurmala, and Daugavpils. They’re comfy, cheap, and perfect for watching the countryside roll by with a pastry in hand. Downsides? Not every place has a train station, and service can be sparse outside main routes.

Buses

This is Latvia’s real MVP. Buses go everywhere, including the nooks and crannies trains skip. They’re affordable, fairly punctual, and available in English, but with many operators, finding schedules can take a bit of online sleuthing.

Ferries

Fancy a breezy Baltic crossing? Ferries run between Latvia and Sweden or other Baltic ports. Great for longer trips or a car-free border hop. Within Latvia, though, not super practical. We use Ferryhopper app all over Europe and have never had a problem (even when I booked a trip for the wrong day and they kindly changed the booking for us).

Car Hire

If you’re chasing castles in the woods or coastal cliffs, renting a car is the way to go. GetRentacar.com are super easy to deal with and as an added bonus they also hire bikes, for a bit of fun. Remember to have your international drivers licence as well as your local drivers licence. They are often both asked for when hiring a car.

Bikes

Latvia is mostly flat (yay, legs!), so cycling is a fab way to explore national parks or seaside towns. Rentals are easy to find in touristy areas, give BikesBooking.com a go if you’re in the gorgeous coastal town of Saulkvasti.

What Tourists Should Know About Healthcare in Latvia

Latvia has a long tradition as a medical tourism destination, thanks to its natural healing resources, like mineral springs and therapeutic mud and its reputation for skilled doctors. Since the 18th century, Latvia’s health resorts and medical facilities have attracted visitors seeking both preventive care and treatment. We use SafetyWing insurance for all our travel insurance needs, it’s affordable, reliable, and making a claim is refreshingly simple when the unexpected happens.

If you looking at getting a little nip and tuck done, while on holiday do you research. I know nothing about this topic, so look at the reviews. I don’t know if I would chance it in a foreign country, you’re so far from home if anything goes wrong.

Emergency medical care

This is available to all visitors, even without insurance. Just dial 113 or 112 in case of an emergency. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can receive urgent care at public hospitals, but you’ll still need to pay a patient fee.

For non-emergency or specialist care, expect to pay out of pocket or through private insurance. While healthcare is not free for tourists, services are generally more affordable compared to those in Western Europe. Remember, if you can’t afford insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

In short, Latvia offers reliable healthcare for visitors, just come prepared.

What’s The Famous Food of Latvia?

Latvia might be small, but its food scene is packed with hearty comfort and surprising flavors. With influences from neighboring countries like Russia, Germany, Sweden, and its Baltic sisters, Latvian cuisine blends rustic ingredients with warm hospitality. Whether you’re into smoky meats, cozy soups, or dark rye everything, there’s something here to fall in love with.

Home Cooked Comfort: Latvian Staples

Let’s start with the basics: kotletes (Latvian meatballs). These juicy, pan-fried meat patties often come with potatoes and sauerkraut, simple, satisfying, and seriously good. Another must try, Pelmeni, little dumplings filled with meat, mushrooms, or fish, served in broth or fried, always with a dollop of sour cream.

Latvia’s Love Affair with Rye

Latvians are wild about rupjmaize their signature dark rye bread. It’s not just for sandwiches. Try kvass, a fizzy, slightly alcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread, or indulge your sweet tooth with maizes zupa, a creamy dessert soup made from sweetened rye and dried fruit. For something fancier, rupjmaizes kārtojums layers rye bread with cream and fruit, like a Baltic trifle.

Cozy Bowls for Cold Days

Craving something warm? Order skābu kāpostu zupa, Latvia’s take on cabbage soup. Made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and groats (sometimes with bacon), it’s perfect winter fare. Bonus points if it’s served in a hollowed out loaf of bread.

Who would have thought you would see calzone in Latvia, but we did and it was delicious.

Sides & Surprises

Potato pancakes are another favorite crispy, golden, and often topped with smoked salmon or sour cream. And don’t skip the sauerkraut, a popular side dish that shows up all over Latvia, especially in colder months.

Latvian food is all about seasonal ingredients, hearty traditions, and a few unexpected twists. If you’re visiting, don’t just sightsee, make time to taste your way through the country. From cozy soups to quirky desserts, the flavors of Latvia are bound to leave a lasting impression.

What’s the Cost of Living in Latvia? A Practical Guide for Long-Term Visitors

If you’re planning an extended stay in Europe and considering Latvia as your home base, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful Baltic country offers a rich cultural experience, a walkable capital city, and some of the most budget friendly prices in the EU. But how much does it actually cost to live here, especially in Riga or for a long-term traveler? Let’s break it down.

1. Online Platforms for Short-Term and Mid-Term Rentals

For digital nomads or slow travelers planning to stay a few weeks or months, short term rental platforms are your best starting point. Websites like Spotahome, HousingAnywhere and Cozycozy offer furnished apartments in Riga starting around €400 per month, though it’s not uncommon to see prices closer to €600–€800 for something central and modern.

Platforms like Trip.com, Vrbo and Booking.com are also widely used, though daily rates tend to be higher but I always approach the owner for a discount for a longer stay.

2. Local Real Estate Websites for Longer Stays

If you’re staying more than a few months, consider looking at local listings through Estate Latvia, where you’ll find a variety of apartments with local pricing. Expect to pay anywhere between €300 to €800 depending on size, condition, and location. Rentals in rural areas or smaller towns can be significantly cheaper than Riga.

3. Affordability and the Cost of Living in Latvia

Latvia is generally more affordable than most Western European countries. Outside of tourist heavy months, Riga offers good value for money.

• Utilities (for an 85 m² apartment): between €123 and €250, with an average around €165/month.
• Groceries are affordable, with local markets selling fresh produce, dairy, and meat for far less than what you’d pay in France or Germany.
• Public transportation is efficient and cheap, around €1.50 for a single ride and monthly passes available at discounted rates.

Outside the capital, your budget stretches further. In smaller cities or the countryside, you’ll find lower housing costs and local eateries where meals cost under €10. Remember the country is fairly flat, so riding a bike everywhere is easy and cheap.

4. Other Useful Resources for Budget Planning

To help with your cost projections, keep these resources handy:
 

• Reddit forums (like r/Latvia) offer real-world pricing and rental advice

• LiveRiga provides helpful insights on neighborhoods and rental trends.

You might find it amusing to include the cost of a Big Mac when discussing the cost of living in Latvia, but there’s some economic wisdom behind it. Economists often use the Big Mac as a benchmark for comparing living costs worldwide, a concept both clever and practical. Since McDonald’s exists in nearly every corner of the globe, the price of a Big Mac varies by country, reflecting local purchasing power and affordability. It’s a simple yet effective way to gauge the economic differences between nations, and yes, even in Latvia, the iconic burger plays a role in this global comparison.

When we travel, we like to take a similar approach. Instead of burgers, we pick a popular local dish and compare its price across different restaurants. In Latvia, our go-to benchmark meal was kotletes. Meatballs rolled in bread crumbs and fried, it’s a really hearty meal on a cold day and a perfect way to gauge local dining costs. Plus, it gave us an excuse to indulge in meatballs frequently, purely for research, of course! Whether it was a casual kafejnīca or a high-end restorāni, comparing kotlete prices became a fun and tasty part of ourLatvian adventure.

The Schengen 90 day rule If you’re a non-EU citizen planning to stay in a Schengen country like Italy for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residency permit. The process can be lengthy, so it’s best to start early by checking the requirements on the Latvian Embassy website. The “Schengen Visa” allows tourists to stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period, but this visa is often not required for citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, starting in 2025, visitors from 60 countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver to enter Schengen countries for short stays.

If you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a residency visa, or you could split your time between Schengen and non-Schengen countries like Ireland or Albania. Tracking entry/exit dates is crucial to avoid overstaying your welcome. There are a few app around that allow you track your stay down to the last day, a good one I would recommend is Schengen Cal 90/180. With careful planning and research, you can extend your time in Europe beyond the typical tourist limits

ETIAS: What Travelers Need to Know

Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorization System.  Before entering the Schengen Area. While it’s not a visa, ETIAS adds an extra layer of security by screening visitors in advance through an easy online application. It’s required for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for tourism, business, medical reasons, or transit. The goal is to enhance border security while making travel smoother. If you already need a visa to visit Europe, you won’t need ETIAS.