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: Riga public transport costs €1.15 ($1.24) per ride with day passes at €5 ($5.41). Trams and trolleys cover most attractions efficiently. Bolt taxi app widely used with rides at €5-15 ($5.41-16.22) across Riga. Intercity buses to Jurmala cost €2-4 ($2.16-4.32) with frequent service. Car rentals through Sixt start at €25 ($27.03) daily. Walking excellent in UNESCO Old Town with cobblestone streets. Train connections to other Baltic cities available.

Money: Euro (EUR) standard currency with SEB and Swedbank ATMs everywhere. Credit cards widely accepted including contactless payments. Budget €40-80 ($43.24-86.49) daily. Digital payments common with mobile banking. Tipping 10% appreciated at restaurants. Cash needed for some markets and small vendors. Tourist tax not applicable in most areas. Currency exchange not needed within eurozone. Keep some coins for public transport and parking meters.

Cultural Respect: Latvian language preferred with Russian also understood but politically sensitive. Handshakes with direct eye contact standard. Lutheran and Catholic heritage with beautiful churches requiring modest dress. Independence from Soviet Union celebrated - avoid Russian cultural references. Midsummer (Jāņi) most important cultural celebration. Baltic identity strong with Estonian and Lithuanian connections. Business punctuality essential. Environmental consciousness high with extensive recycling. Family relationships important but privacy valued.

Food Safety: Traditional restaurants serve grey peas with bacon for €6-12 ($6.49-12.97). Riga Black Balsam herbal liqueur costs €3-5 ($3.24-5.41) per shot. Fresh bread from bakeries costs €1-2 ($1.08-2.16) daily. Smoked fish at Central Market runs €8-15 ($8.65-16.22) per kg. Bottled water costs €1-2 ($1.08-2.16) but tap water excellent quality. All food safety standards very high. Local dairy products exceptional quality. Seasonal berries and mushrooms widely available.

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.