Latvia
What you need to know before you go
Latvia has been a crossroads of Europe for centuries, giving it fascinating history and an exciting future. Half of the country is a beautiful natural landscape of forests, lakes and deep river valleys while the other half is made up of vibrant cities, blending World Heritage sites with modern designs. Along the coast, you’ll find famous spa towns and one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe, bordered by shallow seas containing relatively little salt.
The capital city of Riga is a big highlight of any trip to Latvia. It has a beautiful old town, a vibrant nightlife and some great festivals. Highlights include Riga Castle and St. Peter’s Church, with its stunning views of the old town from the top of its tallest spire. Other places outside of Riga worth checking out include Sigulda, Liepāja and Cesis, which each offer the country’s fantastic combination of history, nature and exciting activities.
Top destinations in Latvia
Where will you go next?
Riga
Read itIn Riga, walk through the historic cobblestone streets of the city’s Old Town. Here, you can explore the stunning architecture of buildings like the House of Blackheads and the impressive art nouveau buildings along the Alberta iela street before finding a place to dine on traditional Latvian delicacies. Travel further east to the City Centre, and you’ll find a colourful nightlife, beautiful parks and a wide range of museums. West of Riga’s centre, Jurmala offers the waterfront bliss of its beaches and the massive, hiking-friendly swamplands of Kemeri National Park.
Trending now in Latvia
Featured stories & fun stuff
10 Best Things to Do in Riga
Read itRiga, the Latvian capital is a young-feeling city with a wealth of culture to explore. It’s a must-visit for architecture buffs, famed as it is for its numerous photogenic Art Nouveau buildings. This makes the city’s streets perfect for casual, slow-paced and self-guided walking tours.
Riga’s lively bar and restaurant scene in its UNESCO-recognised old centre is also worth checking out, and for beach lovers there’s a vast expanse of stunning coast within easy reach of the city.
What are the best things to do in Riga?
