The Best Of Latvia
Don’t let its size fool you, Latvia might be small, but it’s packed with charm, culture, and seriously underrated adventures. Sitting pretty on the Baltic Sea, it’s a mix of golden beaches, pine forests, cobbled streets, and colourful cities. It’s one of those places that surprises you. It’s not super popular just yet, but I’m sure it will be soon!
Riga, the capital, is full of energy and character, think art nouveau buildings, cosy cafes, and a buzzing creative scene. But step outside the city, and you’ll find calm lakes, hidden castles, and endless trails through untouched countryside. If you’re after somewhere fresh, unique, and full of surprises, this European Baltic gem deserves a spot on your travel list.
In this blog, I’ll narrow down the best of Latvia to six key cities you’ll want to add to your travel itinerary. Each destination has the best recommendations for places to stay, fun things to do, and more. You ready?
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Language, Currency & Transport In Latvia
Language: Latvian is the official language, and you’ll hear it everywhere from local markets to city streets. Don’t worry if you don’t speak it; English is widely understood, especially in Riga, tourist areas, and with the younger generation. You’ll also hear Russian quite often, reflecting Latvia’s diverse cultural mix.
Currency: Latvia uses the Euro (€), making it super convenient for travellers coming from other parts of Europe. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s always handy to keep a bit of cash for smaller shops, cafes, or local markets.
Transport: Latvia is easy to explore thanks to its excellent transport links. Trains and buses connect major cities and towns, with affordable fares and regular schedules. If you want more freedom, renting a car is the best way to see Latvia’s countryside, beaches, and hidden gems at your own pace, which is better for your travel itinerary. Roads are well-maintained, and the drives especially along the coast are beautiful.
If you’re looking to take a solo trip but are unsure where to start, the Female Solo Travel Ebook covers all the essentials to ensure an epic solo adventure!
Riga
Riga is one of those cities that instantly pulls you in; it’s bold, colourful, and full of life. The capital of Latvia has a perfect blend of old and modern energy, with cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and a creative buzz that feels like good vibes. From sunrise strolls through the Art Nouveau district to late-night drinks in hidden bars, Riga has a rhythm all its own.
Why visit? Because Riga is the kind of place that surprises you in the best way. It’s beautiful without trying too hard, packed with history at every corner, and friendly enough without being touristy (though those who have travelled to Latvia often have only Riga on their itinerary). Whether you’re into culture, food, or just soaking up good vibes, Riga delivers, and trust me, once you visit, you’ll be wondering why it took you this long to discover it.
Riga boasts beautiful architecture and is a popular destination among visitors.
Areas To Stay In Riga
Old Town (Vecriga). If you want to be right in the heart of the action, Old Town is where you’ll want to stay. It’s full of cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants steps away. You’ll be surrounded by history, yet still close to the city’s best nightlife and attractions, such as Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who love walking everywhere.
🩵 Recommends: The Grand Poet Hotel is a 5-star, affordable hotel offering boujee rooms and a classy stay.
Art Nouveau District. Just outside the Old Town, the Central District offers a more local vibe with a mix of trendy shops, art spaces, and the famous Riga Central Market. It’s slightly quieter but still super convenient, plus, accommodation here is often even more affordable. You’ll find cool boutique hotels, local bakeries, and easy transport links to explore the rest of the city.
🩵 Recommends: Neiburgs Hotel is a stunning 4-star hotel with upscale amenities and good vibes.
Riga’s Top Attractions
Enjoying the HOHO tour and Riga Central Market
Best Tours!
– Riga
Jurmala
Jurmala has an effortlessly cool seaside escape vibe that makes you forget about time. Just a short ride from Riga, this beach town delivers total summer energy with its long stretches of soft white sand, pine trees, and cute wooden houses that are totally iconic on Instagram. It’s calm, fresh, and a great addition to your itinerary.
The best part? Jurmala isn’t just for relaxing; it’s got personality. Think beach cafes with music drifting through the air, sunset walks that turn into nights out, and locals who know how to enjoy every moment. It’s the perfect mix of chill, charm, and coastal magic that’s good for the soul, and if you’re heading to Latvia, you need to add Jurmala to your travel itinerary.
Picturesque beach in Jurmala. Credit: Aerial Film Studio (Adobe)
Areas To Stay In Jurmala
Majori. The heart of Jurmala is where all the action happens. Majori is packed with beach bars, restaurants, boutiques, and that iconic wooden architecture the town is known for. You’ll be just steps from the beach and the famous Jomas Street, so it’s perfect if you want to be in the middle of it all with a fun, social vibe.
🩵 Recommends: Baltic Beach Hotel & Spa is a stunning 5-star beachfront resort offering a gorgeous, relaxing beach vibe and a recharging stay.
Bulduri. Just next door to Majori but a little quieter, Dzintari has a more relaxed, upscale feel. It’s ideal if you want peaceful mornings, beautiful walking trails, and easy access to the sea. Plus, you’re close to the Dzintari Forest Park and concert hall, which is perfect for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
🩵 Recommends: The Cosy Beach House is a beautiful place to stay for those who prefer a more homely vibe to a hotel.
Fun Things To Do In Jurmala
Sigulda
Sigulda is one of those places that instantly makes you stop and go, ‘Wow’. Just an hour from Riga, it’s often called the ‘Switzerland of Latvia’, and for good reason. The landscapes are unreal, think rolling hills, deep river valleys, medieval castles, and forests that burst into colour every autumn. It’s the kind of destination that feels peaceful yet full of adventure, whether you’re hiking, biking, or just taking in the views from a cable car ride over the Gauja River.
Sigulda deserves a spot on every travel itinerary because it’s the perfect mix of nature, history, and thrill. You can explore ancient castles, zip across dramatic valleys, or even try out the famous bobsleigh track if you’re feeling bold. It’s got a freedom vibe, the kind that reminds you how good it feels to be outdoors, surrounded by nature and beauty at every turn.
Unreal views of Sigulda
Areas To Stay In Sigulda
Sigulda Town Centre. Stay right in the heart of Sigulda if you want cafes, restaurants, shops and the town’s lively atmosphere steps away. You’ll be near the train station, enjoy easy access to the main sights like the medieval castle and Walking Stick Park, and be well placed for both day activities and chilled evenings.
🩵 Recommends: Sigulda City Centre Holiday House is a beautiful, clean, and spacious guesthouse within walking distance to everything.
Kirmulda. For a quieter, nature-immersed stay, consider the Krimulda area or somewhere nestled in the surrounding Gauja Valley. Expect forested hills, river views, and that peaceful escape feeling you crave when you travel. Many accommodations here feel like countryside retreats rather than busy hotels.
🩵 Recommends: Krimuldas Muiza is a stunning hostel located in a gorgeous building with unreal views and vibes.
Fun Things To Do In Sigulda
Liepaja
Liepaja isn’t your average Latvian city. Sure, Riga gets all the glory, but Liepaja on the west coast is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! This seaside city on the Baltic coast has a unique mix of beach vibes, creative spirit, and a bit of grit that sets it apart. One moment you’re walking along white sandy shores with the wind in your hair, the next you’re exploring old military forts or soaking up live music in the heart of town. It’s effortlessly authentic!
You’ll want to add Liepaja to your Latvia itinerary for its unbeatable mix of culture and coastline. The beaches are among the best in the country, the sunsets are unreal, and the locals know how to create a good time, from art festivals to seaside bars. Whether you’re into history, photography, or just chilling by the sea with a drink in hand, Liepaja has that offbeat charm that makes you want to stay longer than you had planned on your travel itinerary.
Outdoor Orthodox Cathedral at Liepaja, Latvia. Credit: Smiltena (Adobe)
Areas To Stay In Liepaja
Central Liepaja. If you want to be in the heart of the action, stay in Liepaja’s city centre. You’ll be close to live music venues, art spaces, and the city’s best food spots, all within walking distance of the beach. It’s perfect for travellers who love a mix of culture and convenience, with everything from boutique hotels to modern apartments.
🩵 Recommends: Promenade Hotel Liepaja is a 5-star, super stylish, and elegant hotel with boujee vibes and great rates.
Karosta. For something completely different, base yourself in Karosta, the city’s fascinating former military zone. It’s a raw, atmospheric area filled with history, street art, and dramatic coastal views. You can explore the old prison, walk along the crumbling forts, and catch some incredible sunsets. It’s ideal for travellers looking for something edgy and unique, with a totally different side of Latvia you won’t forget.
🩵 Recommends: Libau Baden Apartment offers a comfortable apartment with raving reviews plus wallet-friendly rates.
Fun Things To Do In Liepaja
Karosta Prison: Most tours are only available via Latvian-English translated sites. You can book things like the Karosta Prison, which can only be seen on a guided tour. This prison is the only military prison in Europe open to tourists. Here, you’ll learn about its history and see the prison cells and solitary confinement space. You can get involved with the available Escape Room, or, if you are feeling brave, a night in a prison cell is quite the experience.
Guided Tour: For more tours, check out Travel Latvia for excursions like the Old City Guided Tour, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at midday. You’ll find the guide waving a red-green flag by the concert hall, Great Amber, for a 2-hour walk in the old city streets. This tour costs approximately 5 Euros.
Other great tours include Segway tours by the beach, culinary tours and music heritage tours.
Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!
Cesis
Cesis is one of those places that instantly wins you over! It’s a small, fairytale-looking town with cobbled streets, colourful houses, and that warm, slow-paced vibe you can’t help but fall into. It’s full of charm, surrounded by forests and rivers, and feels like the kind of spot where time moves differently. You’ll find old castle ruins and locals who always seem to have a smile or a story to share.
If you’re exploring Latvia, make sure Cesis is on your travel itinerary; it’s the perfect mix of history, nature, and creativity. Spend your days wandering the medieval castle, hiking through Gauja National Park, or simply soaking up the town’s peaceful vibes. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and feels like a real slice of authentic Latvia, one you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.
Overlooking Cesis in Latvia. Credit: True Pixel Art (Adobe)
Best Areas To Stay In Cesis
Cesis Old Town. Stay in the heart of Cesis for cobbled streets, colourful historic buildings, and cafes just around the corner, making this area perfect for wandering. You’ll be minutes from the medieval castle, local shops, and charming squares that make the town so magical. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to be right in the action.
🩵 Recommends: Garden View Apartments offers a spacious and convenient stay with well-maintained, clean rooms and plenty of outdoor space to vibe with.
Gauja National Park. If you’re after peace, forests, and fresh air, stay near the edge of Gauja National Park. Trails, rivers, and quiet cottages give you an authentic taste of Latvia’s wild side, all just a short drive from town. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to mix a little adventure with relaxation. Hike, cycle, or sit by the river and unwind; you get the calm countryside feel while still being close enough to pop into Cesis.
🩵 Recommends: Ziedini is a holiday home in a nearby village and offers historic charm with private spa facilities.
Best Activities In Cesis
Kuldiga
Kuldiga is that little gem spot you didn’t know you needed. It’s small, calm, and feels like you’ve hit the jackpot. You’ll find cobbled streets, cute wooden houses, and the sound of the Ventas River flowing through the middle of it all, with an easy-going and charming atmosphere. Locals cycle past, and the whole place has this warm, welcoming energy that makes you slow down and take it all in.
What makes Kuldiga special is how effortlessly it blends nature with history. You’ve got Europe’s widest waterfall right in town, an old red-brick bridge that’s perfect for golden-hour walks, and plenty of little spots to grab a coffee or local treat by the river. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and full of those ‘I can stay here forever’ moments. If you’re exploring Latvia, make sure to add Kuldiga to your travel itinerary!
Rapid brook in the old centre of Kuldiga City, Latvia. Credit: Sergei_fish13 (Adobe)
Areas To Stay In Kuldiga
Kuldiga Old Town. This is where you’ll feel the heart of Kuldiga with its cobbled streets, historic wooden houses, and charming boutique shops. Staying here means you’re steps from the iconic Ventas Rumba waterfall and the Old Brick Bridge. Choose this area if you want convenience, atmosphere, and to wake up right in the mix of things.
🩵 Recommends: Boutique Hotel Virkas Muiza is an extremely beautiful 4-star stay with gorgeous decor, a great vibe, and affordable rates.
Venta Riverbank. If you want peaceful views and nature right at your doorstep in Kuldiga, staying by the river near the Venta Rapid Waterfall is a winner. You’ll hear the river’s flow, watch gulls dive for fish, and enjoy quieter evenings after a busy day exploring. It’s ideal for travellers who want both a slice of town life and nature’s calm.
🩵 Recommends: Hotel Gothards is a stunning 4-star stay with upscale vibes. It’s just 10-15 minutes away from the Venta Rapid Waterfall.
Fun Activities In Kuldiga
That’s A Wrap!
And that’s a wrap for your Latvian adventure itinerary. What a gem of a country, right? From the charm of Kuldiga’s cobbled streets to the energy of Riga, and the calm of Jurmala’s coastline, Latvia has a way of making you slow down and smile. It’s that perfect mix of everything you could want and will have you thinking about it long after you’ve left.
So, if you’ve been craving somewhere a little different, somewhere real, raw, and full of character, Latvia has your name all over it. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or just wandering with no plan at all, you’ll find magic here. Until next time… keep living fully, exploring boldly, and saying yes to places that make your soul feel alive. Go!
