Traveling to Latvia: a complete guide for your trip
Latvia is a fascinating destination in Northern Europe, perfect for travelers looking for historic cities, unspoiled nature, authentic traditions and excellent local cuisine. This guide provides useful information on what to see, where to go, what to eat and how to travel around the country.
What to see in Latvia
Riga
Riga, the capital city, is Latvia’s main cultural and tourist hub. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture.
- Old Town (Vecrīga)
- Riga Cathedral
- House of the Black Heads
- Riga Central Market
Jūrmala
Jūrmala is Latvia’s most popular seaside resort, known for its long sandy beaches, pine forests and traditional wooden houses.
Gauja National Park
Gauja National Park is one of the most important natural areas in Latvia, ideal for hiking, cycling and visiting medieval castles surrounded by nature.
Where to go in Latvia
Beyond the capital, Latvia offers many interesting destinations:
- Cēsis – historic town with an impressive medieval castle
- Sigulda – perfect for outdoor activities and nature tourism
- Liepāja – coastal city with a vibrant cultural scene
What to eat in Latvia
Latvian cuisine is based on simple, seasonal ingredients such as grains, potatoes, meat, fish and vegetables.
- Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi – grey peas with bacon
- Rupjmaize – traditional dark rye bread
- Sklandrausis – traditional savory pie made with potatoes and carrots
- Traditional soups made with meat or vegetables
Popular local drinks include craft beers and the well-known Riga Black Balsam.
Road rules in Latvia
Renting a car is a convenient way to explore Latvia. Here are some important road rules to keep in mind:
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 90 km/h
- Highways: up to 110 km/h
- Headlights must be on at all times
- Legal blood alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l
Road conditions are generally good, but extra caution is advised in rural areas and during winter months.
General information about Latvia
- Capital: Riga
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Official language: Latvian
- Other widely spoken languages: English and Russian
- Time zone: UTC +2 (UTC +3 during daylight saving time)
- Travel documents: Valid passport or national ID card
The best time to visit Latvia is from May to September, when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer.