The Best Places to Visit in Latvia
Latvia is a small but beautiful country in Northern Europe, located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Latvia holds a population of about 1.9 million people. The official language is Latvian, though Russian is also widely spoken in many regions of the country. The country is filled with colorful cities and towns, forests, lakes and much more. Latvia has a strong and proud identity stemming from it’s rich history. While most tourists just visit Riga, there is more to see.
Capital: Riga
Currency: Euro
Language: Latvian
When to visit: May to September & December
1) Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital of Latvia and the largest city out of all the Baltic states. The city is filled with gorgeous cobblestone streets and astonishingly colorful buildings which gives the city it’s charm. The city can get quite lively and has somewhat of a youthful energy amongst it. The was founded on 1201 and was built on the Daugava River.
Things to do:
Of course you have to explore Riga’s Old Town (Vecrīga). It’s filled with medieval buildings and streets, and you’ll find countless iconic landmarks, such as Riga Cathedral, House of the Blackheads, and St. Peter’s Church. For shoppers, Riga Central Market is amongst the largest shopping destinations in the continent. Riga has a lot of very cool Art Nouveau architecture, where you can admire the intricate detail in the design and sculptures of the buildings too.
How to get there:
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the cities airport which is well linked to most European countries.
As of recently, train travel between the Baltics has become easier, with Riga now linked by train with Tallinn and Vilnius.
Alternatively, you can always bus from any large cities.
2) Jūrmala
Jūrmala is Latvia’s famous seaside resort town, located just a short drive from Riga along the Gulf of Riga. Known for its long white sand beaches and tranquil pine forests, the town also has famous wooden architecture. Jūrmala has a population of about 50,000 people, though it increases significantly during the summer when tourists come to enjoy its beaches and resorts.
Things to do:
Jūrmala has 33km of coastline which is why it’s such a popular destination. It’s the perfect place to swim and relax, and the town also offers it’s own charm with its carved detailed housing.
How to get there:
You can train from Riga Central Station taking no more than 45 minutes.
3) Sigulda
Sigulda is a picturesque town nestled in the Gauja River Valley in eastern Latvia. It’s known for its medieval castles, it’s a great place for both nature and historical building sites. Sigulda has a population of about 17,000 people; It’s a small town, which gives it a quiet, relaxed vibe.
Things to do:
The greatest sights to see in and around Sigulda are Turaida Castle; a 13th century medieval castle and Gutmanis Cave which is Latvia’s biggest sandstone cave. Across the river is the amazing Krimulda Manor, which boasts some incredible architecture and gardens.
How to get there:
You can take a 1 hour train easily from Riga Central Station.
4) Gauja National Park
Located in Northern Latvia is Gauja National Park. The river spans over an incredible 450km, passing through cliffs, forests and some caves. It is in the proximity of Sigulda, so the castles and hotspots for tourists are found inside here.
What you’ll see:
Besides the sights in and around Sigulda, you’ll see the Ķeizarkrēsli and Ķūķu cliffs, which are cool sandstone cliffs tucked away within the lush forests of the park. You also have opprtunties for zip-lining, canoeing and other adventure activities.
How to get there:
You can find hiking paths and trails straight from Sigulda, which is basically the national park already.