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LATVIA
DESTINATION GUIDE
As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Latvia in a way like no other. Tucked between the Baltic States in northern Europe, Latvia is a small yet exquisite land of vibrant architecture, untouched countryside and wild sandy beaches. With more than half the country covered by forests and hundreds of kilometres of powdery white coastline, this is a place to connect with the earth. The laidback Latvians will show you how to Live the Good Life in nature, with Midsummer festivals, freshly foraged foods, and the famous Black Balsam, a strong herbal liqueur. When you visit Latvia, we'll show you a country steeped in tradition, where the fields, farmsteads and villages have changed little over the decades, and even the capital city is a historical legacy. Trafalgar’s Latvia travel experiences will take you touring through the maze of medieval streets in Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, with one of the world’s largest collections of art nouveau buildings, a hub of superb museums, and a swathe of spires rising over the skyline.Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.
"Apart from the Medieval old town, Riga can be called one of the world’s greatest Art Nouveau galleries consisting of 800 buildings. Alberta street is almost entirely created by Art Nouveau genius Mikhail Eisenstein. I am always excited to share this architectural kaleidoscope with our guests"
Silvija,
Travel Director
Latvia at a
glance
Currency
Euro
Winter avg temp
-3°C
Summer avg temp
17°C
Time Zone
GMT +3
Capital City
Riga
Language
Latvian
Good Morning
Labrīt
Good evening
Labvakar
An unspoilt coastline, medieval façades and even a secret military town, Latvia is an understated gem on the Balkan Sea which has largely escaped travellers’ attention, but promises a memorable encounter with centuries-old trading history and cosmopolitan experiences.
Our top 3 things to do in Latvia
From discovering Riga from a canal boat, to admiring the panoramic views from St Peter’s church, we show you the endless ways to enjoy Latvia’s treasures.
Stroll through medieval streets of Riga's Old Town
Exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the best things to do in Riga, and our Local Specialists will bring it to life with first-hand knowledge and personal anecdotes. See one of the world’s finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings, a Hanseatic trade history, and Gothic and Baroque churches like Riga Cathedral.
Enjoy Riga from the comfort of a canal boat
We’ll take your Riga sightseeing to the water, with a wonderful cruise in a canal boat. You’ll glide along the River Daugava and Riga Canal, which encircle the city’s Old Town and pass many famous landmarks including Riga Castle, Kronvalda Park, the Freedom Monument, and the Latvian National Opera.
Chill on the banks of the Jugla Lake
The beautiful Jugla Lake is wonderful in any season, with beaches in summer and ice fishing in winter. We’ll also take you to the Bergi Open Air Museum, an ethnographic museum in a pine forest on the banks of Jugla Lake. You’ll explore traditional buildings rebuilt here, including windmills, farmhouses and fishermen’s houses.
Best museums in Latvia
A tour of Riga’s museums will take you from a vast collection of Latvian and international art, to a moving commemoration of the former occupations of Latvia. Our Travel Directors can tell you where to find the museum that suits your interests.
Latvian National Museum of Art
With 52,000 pieces spread across four museums, the Latvian National Museum of Art is the largest collection of art in Latvia. Located in a historic building constructed in 1905, you’ll discover both Latvian and international paintings, sculpture and decorative design.
Latvian Museum of Foreign Art
From the only Egyptian wood mummy sarcophagus in Latvia, to a wide collection of paintings from the likes of Claude Monet, the Latvian Museum of Foreign Art is home to the largest collection of foreign art in the Baltic States.
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia was established to commemorate Latvia’s turbulent past, with occupations by both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany lasting from 1940 until 1991. We’ll show you around more than 60,000 items from documentary films to video testimonials of the victims of the occupations.
Best food in Latvia
We know that sampling the local cuisine is an integral part of understanding the local culture. Influenced by neighboring Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, Latvian food is a delicious blend of dumplings, potatoes, rye bread, sauerkraut, hearty soups and smoked fish. Here are some of the tastes you'll enjoy on our trips to Latvia.
Dry-curd cottage cheese
One of Latvia’s most versatile ingredients, dry-curd cottage cheese is a traditional staple. Our Local Specialists will show you every way to enjoy it - mix it with jam and sour cream, eat it with herring and potatoes, or use it to make pancakes, dumplings and biezpienmaize, a classic Latvian cheesecake.
Stewed sauerkraut
A classic Latvian staple, stewed sauerkraut is a popular ingredient in soups and dumplings and also as a side dish. We’ll take you to different traditional restaurants where you can try recipes with various additions like bacon, garlic, carrots, honey, apples and barley.
Rye bread pudding
Be sure to make room for rye bread pudding (maizes zupa), a traditional Latvian dessert made from apples, raisins, cinnamon, cranberries, plums and sweetened rye bread. Top with whipped cream, and enjoy this creamy treat.
Warm clothes
With sub-zero temperatures in winter and a typical maximum of 20°C in summer, warm layers are essential for a trip to Latvia.
An adaptor plug
Voltage in Latvia is 230V and the sockets are of Type F, with standard European 2-pin plugs.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun in summer and the gleaming white snow in winter with a pair of UV protected sunglasses.
Waterproof coat
Latvia experiences rain for almost half of the year, so pack a reliable raincoat or small umbrella to keep you dry.
A good book
With plenty of peaceful lakes and hidden courtyards, there will be ample opportunity to immerse yourself in a good book and watch the world go by.
What to pack for Latvia
Other things to know before you go
Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.
Road Trip Adventures
Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!
Guide to Latvia Visa Application
Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Latvia and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.
This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.
Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience!