Things to Do in Latvia

About Latvia

Latvia sits on the Baltic coast, wedged between medieval towers and Soviet-era apartment blocks. Riga has Art Nouveau buildings worth seeing, though the city's real draw is how it mixes old Europe with post-Soviet grit—not always pretty, but honest. Head to Gauja National Park if you want forests and castle ruins without the crowds. The coastline stretches for miles. Sunsets here are orange and pink, best viewed with a beer and no agenda. Traditional folk music still matters in the countryside, where locals take their rye bread seriously. Skip the tourist version of Latvia. Spend time in Old Riga's courtyards, eat at countryside taverns, and accept that this place doesn't perform for visitors. Northern Lights show up in winter if you're patient and lucky. The country can't shake its Soviet past—good. Those concrete relics tell you more about Latvia than any restored church. Modern innovation exists here, mostly quiet and practical rather than flashy. Every lake and weathered building has history, and nobody will force-feed it to you.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase multi-day public transport passes in Riga for excellent value on trams, buses, and trolleybuses. For countryside exploration, rent a car as rural bus services are limited. The efficient Riga-Jūrmala train connects the capital to beach resorts every 30 minutes.

Money: Latvia uses euros with widespread card acceptance in cities. Always carry cash for rural areas, markets, and small cafes. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. ATMs are readily available, and contactless payments are increasingly common in urban areas.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Latvians appreciate personal space and quieter conversation in public. Learn basic greetings in Latvian—locals respond warmly to effort. Avoid comparing Latvia to Russia; emphasize its unique Baltic identity instead.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe throughout Latvia. Try traditional dishes like grey peas with bacon and rye bread at local markets. Restaurants follow EU food safety standards. Sample Riga Black Balsam liqueur and local craft beers, but be cautious with mushroom dishes from unreliable sources.

When to Visit

Latvia's seasons offer distinct experiences for different travelers. Summer (June-August) brings peak tourism with temperatures averaging 20-23°C, minimal rainfall (50-70mm monthly), and endless White Nights. Expect 40-50% higher accommodation prices during this period. The Riga Festival (July) and Positivus Music Festival showcase cultural highlights. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide ideal conditions for budget-conscious travelers, with 25-30% lower prices, comfortable temperatures (10-18°C), and impressive foliage. These shoulder seasons offer moderate rainfall (40-60mm) and fewer crowds. Winter (November-March) transforms Latvia into a Nordic wonderland with temperatures dropping to -5°C to 5°C, perfect for Christmas markets and potential Northern Lights viewing. Accommodation drops 35-45% below peak rates. The Riga Christmas Market (December-January) creates magical atmosphere. Art ensoiasts should visit during Riga's Museum Night (May), while nature lovers will appreciate the midnight sun phenomenon in June-July. Beach ensoiasts should target July-August for warmest sea temperatures, while culture seekers benefit from autumn's theater and concert seasons with pleasant weather and manageable crowds.