Latvia travel guide
Latvia Tourism | Latvia Guide
You're Going to Love Latvia
A culturally diverse country with natural unspoiled beauty in the forms of mountains, lakes and coastline, Latvia is waiting to be explored.
What to do in Latvia
1. Hike in Guaja National Park
This is Latvia's biggest park, covering around 340 sq mi. It has a number of hiking trails, with one of the most popular being the 3 mi Līgatne Nature Trail.
2. Visit Rīga
Rīga's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but there is also a rich collection of art nouveau buildings, which are located outside the old town. This is thought to be one of the biggest collections of its kind in the world.
3. Relax in a Spa
Go to Jūrmala, the most popular spa destination in Latvia and indulge in massages and spa treatments or take some time to relax on the beach.
4. Basilica of Aglona
Basilica of Aglona is the destination of Catholic pilgrimages from within Latvia and worldwide. Located near Daugavpils, this white cathedral with its baroque style architecture is worth visiting.
5. Soak up the History in Cēsis
Go back to the 13th century and visit one of the oldest towns in Lativa. Cēsis has winding cobbled streets lined with wooden houses as well as churches and castles to visit.
When to visit Latvia
The summer months of June to September are the best time to visit Latvia as the temperatures are warm, ranging from 63-70°F and daylight hours are long.
How to Get to Latvia
Entry Requirements
Travelers from the US and Canada do not need a visa to visit Slovenia for a period of 90 days in any six month period but will need to have a passport that has been issued in the last ten years and is valid for three months after the end of the trip.
Plane
Rīga International Airport, 6 mi from the city, is the only commercial airport in Latvia and receives flights from carriers such as Wizz Air, Air Baltic and Norwegian Air.
Train
There are rail links into Latvia from major cities in Russia, Estonia, Belarus and Lithuania, with journey times of around 17h from Moscow and three to four hours from Estonia.
Bus
There are daily bus services between Latvia and surrounding countries run by international operators such as Ecolines and Lux Express.
Boat
There are regular ferries, both car and passenger, to Latvia from Sweden, operated by Tallink, and Germany, operated by Stena Line. Latvia is also on the itineraries of several cruise ship companies.
Popular airports in Latvia
Popular airlines serving Latvia
Where to stay in Latvia
Rīga has the widest selection of accommodation with international chains (such as Mercure and Hilton), boutique hotels and family owned guesthouses. There are also a number of hostel companies, such as Youth Hostel International, represented in Rīga and across Latvia.
Where to stay in popular areas of Latvia
Most booked hotels in Latvia
How to Get Around Latvia
Public Transportation
Rīga has an extensive network of trolleybuses, trams and buses while Liepaja has one tramline and a bus network. There are also some shared taxis, but these tend to be more costly than the fixed public transportation routes.
Trains
Latvian Railways operates a rail network that links the capital of Rīga with the other major towns in Latvia, such as Daugavpils in the south east of the country, Liepaja in the west, and Gulbene in the east. For some destinations near Riga, such as Jūrmala or Cēsis, it is better to take a train than a bus.
Bus
Bus is the most popular mode of transport to travel around Latvia and in off-peak times, it is possible to buy a ticket on the bus while boarding. During busier times, such as on weekends, it is advisable to book a ticket in advance.
Car
Major car rental companies, such as Avis, Budget and Europcar, exist at Riga Airport. Headlights need to be on at all times and it is important to note that not all roads in Latvia are paved but main highways are reasonably well-maintained.
The Cost of Living in Latvia
Mastercard, Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, shops and hotels in Latvia and ATMs exist in main cities and towns. A 0.2 gallon of milk and a dozen eggs will cost around €2.50 ($2.80) and eating out at a restaurant will cost around €7 ($8) for a meal per person in a slightly cheaper restaurant.