4.8
Riga Old Town
Cobbled medieval lanes, guild halls and the House of the Blackheads.
About Latvia
Art Nouveau Riga, castle valleys and white Baltic beaches
Latvia centres on Riga, the grand 'Paris of the North' — a UNESCO old town of guild halls and church spires wrapped in the world's greatest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture.
Beyond the capital lie the castle-crowned forests of the Gauja valley, the long white beaches of Jūrmala, and a deep folk tradition of song — a green, soulful and underrated Baltic nation.
Local Culture
Latvian culture is rooted in nature, folklore and song — the vast Song and Dance Festival is UNESCO-listed. Midsummer (Jāņi) is sacred, the forest and amber are treasured, and Riga's Art Nouveau reflects a flourishing, design-loving spirit.
Travel Highlights
- Riga's UNESCO old town
- World-class Art Nouveau
- Gauja valley & Turaida Castle
- Jūrmala's white beaches
- House of the Blackheads
- Region
- Northern Europe
- Language
- Latvian
- Currency
- EUR
Popular Attractions
Unmissable sights
The landmarks and natural wonders that define Latvia.
4.7
Riga Skyline
Spires and the Daugava river across the 'Paris of the North'.
4.7
Riga Cathedral & Spires
Soaring churches and Art Nouveau facades.
4.7
Turaida Castle
A red-brick medieval castle in the forested Gauja valley.
4.6
Art Nouveau Riga
The world's densest collection of Jugendstil architecture.
4.6
Gauja Valley
Castles, caves and forest trails in Latvia's 'Switzerland'.
Things To Do
Experiences & adventures
Curated activities to make your Latvia story your own.
Old Town & Art Nouveau
Guild halls, spires and Jugendstil facades.
Gauja Valley
Turaida Castle, caves and forest trails.
Jūrmala Beach
White sand and wooden villas on the Baltic.
Central Market
Vast market halls in old Zeppelin hangars.
Song & Folk
Discover Latvia's UNESCO song tradition.
Rundāle Palace
A baroque 'Versailles of Latvia' and gardens.
Best Time To Visit
When to go to Latvia
Seasonal weather at a glance to help you plan the perfect window.
Summer
Jun – Aug
17–24°C
Warm, leafy and long-lit — beach season.
Autumn
Sep – Oct
7–15°C
Golden parks and crisp air.
Winter
Nov – Mar
-5–2°C
Snowy old town and festive markets.
Spring
Apr – May
5–16°C
Blossom and reawakening forests.
Food & Cuisine
A taste of Latvia
Signature dishes and where to savour them.
Grey Peas & Bacon
Latvia's hearty national dish of peas with smoked bacon.
Smoked Fish
Baltic herring and salmon, smoked the traditional way.
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Rye Bread & Cheese
Dark sourdough rye with local cheeses and cured meats.
Baltic Seafood
Fresh fish and shellfish from the cold Baltic Sea.
Modern Latvian
3 Pavāru, Riga
Theatrical tasting menus by three chefs.
Latvian
Milda, Riga
Cosy spot for grandmother's recipes.
Fine dining
Vincents, Riga
Long-celebrated haute Baltic cuisine.
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before travelling to Latvia.
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