Historic Centre of Riga
Region: Riga
Cultural heritage
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Old Town and Art Nouveau cityscape
Tourism in Latvia
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Rundale Palace
Region: Near Bauska
Baroque architecture
"18th-century palace and French-style garden known as the "Versailles of the Baltics""
Sigulda and Gauja National Park
Region: Vidzeme region
Nature
Latvia''s oldest national park popular for autumn foliage and castle ruins
Jūrmala Beach
Region: Along the Gulf of Riga
Resort
Baltic Sea beach resort with 33km of white sand and pine forests
Kuldīga Old Town and Ventas Rumba
Region: Kuldīga
Culture & Nature
Enjoy medieval townscape and Europe''s widest waterfall
Cēsis Castle
Region: Cēsis
Medieval ruins
13th-century Livonian Order fortress ruins
Karosta Military Port District
Region: Liepāja
Modern ruins
Former Soviet submarine base available for guided tours
Struve Geodetic Arc Latvia Observation Point
Region: Jāņkalns
World Heritage
Part of the triangulation chain used to measure Earth''s size
Cape Kolka
Region: Tip of Kurzeme Peninsula
Nature
Scenic spot where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga, bird-watching location
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
Region: Outskirts of Riga
Museum
Expansive outdoor museum with relocated farmhouses and watermills from the 17th-20th centuries
Suggested itineraries
Baltic Urban Culture and Nature 3 Days
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Riga Old Town, Sigulda Castle Ruins, Jūrmala Beach
Classic course based in Riga, enjoying history, nature, and resort experiences on day trips
Western Kurzeme Exploration 5 Days
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Kuldīga, Ventas Rumba, Karosta Military Port, Cape Kolka
Tour the Baltic coastline and medieval towns by bus and rental car
Travel tips
- Winter days are short with sub-zero temperatures, warm clothing essential
- E-ticket cards are convenient for Riga''s public transport
- Restaurant service charges are included, but 5-10% extra is common for good service
- Tap water is potable but hard water, so some prefer mineral water
- Currency exchange at ATMs is safe and offers good rates
- English is widely spoken among younger people, but simple Latvian greetings make a good impression
- Many shops close during summer solstice period, check in advance
- For forest hiking, wear long sleeves and use insect repellent for tick prevention
- Credit card usage is high, but carry cash for small markets
- Non-slip boots recommended when walking on frozen surfaces
- Downtown areas are relatively safe, but be cautious around the Central Market at night
- Black Balsam is 45% alcohol, start with small tastings