Your Last BordersTHINGS TO DO IN LATVIA
Latvia is a small country in the Baltics surrounded by the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus. With a population of 1.8 million inhabitants, Latvia offers tranquil towns, a beautiful seaside, and wonderful natural parks. There’s flights to Riga Latvia from all major European cities and things to see in Latvia to satisfy every travelers. This post on the best things to do in Latvia summarises them all to help tailor your ideal Latvia itinerary.
This post has everything you need to make the most of Latvia tourism. From hiking in Latvia to beaches in Latvia, spas, food, and festivals in Latvia. Ancient castles, stunning valleys and cool urban sights complete the list of what to do in Latvia. Along with some cool medieval, art nouveau and Soviet remanants. Pack those bags and get ready for some wonderful Latvia sightseeing.
Things to do in Latvia’s Cities
There’s lots of interesting cities in Latvia to explore. From Riga, the biggest city in Latvia, to way smaller urban hubs. Make sure to include some towns in your holidays to Latvia as these host plenty of Latvia tourist attractions. The following towns should be in every list of Latvia places to visit.
1. Explore Riga’s Old Town
Riga is the biggest city in Latvia and all of the Baltics. Yet, it has a town vibe irresistible to visitors. Especially around its Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along its cobbled streets, shopping in its traditional stores and sampling local woodies is one of the best things to do in Latvia.
Riga attractions include the Town Hall Square, the city’s cathedral, and the Power Tower. Along with museums such as the KGB cells and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. the Freedom Monument and the Latvian Academy of Sciences are also Riga must see spots. When preparing your Riga itinerary, check out this post on the best things to do in Riga.
The country’s capital hosts the biggest among Airports in Latvia and there’s so many flights to Latvia coming into Riga every day. Thus, it’s an excellent entry point for your holidays in Latvia and a cool stop on a Baltic from Tallinn in Estonia to Vilnius in Lithuania.
2. Kuldiga
Kuldiga is a charming medieval city in Latvia, 2 hours west of Riga, nicknamed Latvian Venice. Yet, instead of tiny canals what runs through the city between homes and across many streets is a proper river. It even has a 240-meter-wide waterfall, which makes it Europe’s widest.
Walking through its tiny streets home to beautiful timber wooden houses is one of the best things to do in Latvia. And so are enjoying Kuldiga’s cozy cafes and tasty restaurants serving some fo the best foods in Latvia.
Make sure to check out the 19th century brick bridge and the Baroque St Catherine’s Church. Oh, and if you come in spring, go see the salmon jumping over the waterfall and locals trying to catch it.
3. Cesis
Cesis, at the heart of Gauja National Park, is one of the oldest cities in Latvia. A medieval town famous for its cobblestone streets, painted timber homes, and castles. Yes, in plural. The city hosts 13th century Cesis Castle, now mostly in ruins, and the 18th century New Cesis Castle.
Cesis attractions also include St John’s Church and Rozu Square. Along with local bakeries selling delicious treats. The place keeps it’s vibrant ambiance and its location by the woods makes it on of the most special places to visit in Latvia.
4. Take in the views at Sigulda
Sigulda is a beautiful historical town surrounded by stunning mountains. Some call it the Switzerland of Latvia, and it somehow resembles Bran in Romania. Sigulda lies at the Gauja River Valley, about an hour north of Riga, and by Gauja National Park. There’s plenty of buses and trains coming here and the city is also accessible by guided tours so it makes a great day trip from Riga.
Things to do in Sigulda include plenty of outdoors sports such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and even skiing. Yet, besides its beautiful mountain scenery, the town is famous for its wonderful architecture. Especially the 13th century Livonian castle, the Neo-Gothic Sigulda Castle, and the 19th century Turaida Castle.
5. Feel the Russian vibe at Daugavpils
Daugavpils, by the Daugava river and with 80,000 inhabitants, is Latvia’s second largest city. You’ll find it three hours south of Riga, close to the borders with Lithuania and Belarus. Most of the population here speaks Russian and some of its nicest buildings were built by St Petersburg.
The city is home to one of the most impressives castles in Latvia, Daugavpils fortress. This 19th century fortress has survived almost unchanged Napoleon’s invasion, WWI, and WWII. Nowadays, it hosts a culture center dedicated to the Latvian abstract impressionist Mark Rothko.
Additionally, Daugavpils highlights include art nouveau residences, traditional workshops, Soviet-style houses, and churches of the Russian Orthodox, Old Believers, Catholics, and Lutherans. Nowhere else you’ll find so many different churches in Latvia.
Things to do in Latvia’s Baltic Coast
Latvia is surrounded by the Baltic Sea and features over 500km of sandy beaches. I can’t promise these are the warmest and most pristine beaches you’ll even see. At the end of the day, Latvia is not Zanzibar nor the Maldives. Yet, its beautiful and there’s lots of amazing things to do in Latvia’s Baltic Coast. The following are my favourite.
6. Enjoy the pier at Ventspils
Ventspils is a wonderful seaside town about 200 km northwest of Riga. It makes one of the best cities to visit in Latvia thanks to its wide sandy beaches of clean waters and interesting architecture. The city’s port is one of the busiest in the Baltic and walking along its South Pier taking in the views is one of the best things to do in Latvia.
The city is also home to a medieval castle, a vibrant marketplace, some historical homes, and a former soviet radio station now turned an astronomy installation. The seaside open air museum and the traditional fishing huts are also a must see in Ventspils.
7. Sunbathe at Jurmala
Jurmala is Latvia’s most famous seaside resort. That’s because it stands at the heart of the Gulf of Riga, only 20 minutes from the country’s capital. Plus it hosts one of the largest sandy beaches in Northern Europe, which also has a blue flag.
Things to do in Jurmala include sunbathing and swimming, of course. Yet, tourists will also enjoy its mud spa and massages, modern restaurants, art nouveau villas, and charming wooden cottages. N0 wonder it’s one of the most popular beach destinations on the Baltic Sea.
8. Explore secret Liepaja
Liepaja is an interesting Latvian coastal town 3 hours west of Riga and 1.5 hours north of Klaipeda, in Lithuania. Liepaja is home to spectacular white sand beaches such as Vecliepaja and Dienvidrietumi. Yet, it wasn’t always a cool seaside resort as the place was once a secret Russian military town.
Nowadays, visitors will find two different cities within Liepaja. One is its traditional centre, with beautiful art nouveau houses, historic churches, and the beach. The other is its northern district, with Soviet brutalist buildings, decaying bunkers, naval bases, and a prison. It’s such an interesting combination that Liepaja is one of the best places to visit in Latvia.
Things to do in Latvia’s Historical and Natural wonders
Latvia things to do expand well beyond the country’s cities and coastline. There’s Latvia attractions in the middle of the countryside that are well worth a visit. Both natural and man-made. The following are the best things to do in Latvia’s historical and natural wonders.
9. Admire Rundale Palace
Rundale Palace is one of the major tourist attractions in Latvia and a highlight of the history of Latvia. To the point it’s nicknamed the Baltic Versailles. Which should come as no surprise as it’s from the same architect as the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. No wonder this is in the tentative list to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace stands 80 km south of Riga, so it’s a great day trip from the capital. It dates back to the 18th century, featuring Baroque and Rococo styles. It was a gift from the Russian empress Catherine the Great to local dukes.
The palace has 138 rooms with parquet floors, ceiling frescoes, and gilded decorations work of painters from Germany and Italy. It also hosts large gardens surrounded by roses. Despite being partly destroyed during WWII, it was extensively renovated in 2014 and looks as stunning as before. Nowadays it hosts classical music concerts and temporary exhibitions, and is open to visitors daily from 10am to 6pm for $12.
10. Hike at Gauja National Park
Gauja is Latvia’s longest river and by its banks extends Gauja National Park, one of the greatest forests in Latvia. It hosts medieval castles, caves, rock formations, cliffs, and plenty fo hiking trails. Thus, it’s a great place for trekking, kayaking, white waters rafting, and cycling.
Additionally, there’s plenty of campsites along the river and many places to enjoy a picnic. All while admiring the park’s diverse flora and fauna. The best entry points to the National Park are Sigulda, Cesis and Valmiera.
Recap on the best things to do in Latvia
I hope this post on the best things to do in Latvia has encouraged you to go on that Latvian trip. Flying to Latvia from Europe is very easy and so is taking a road trip along the country, or the Baltics as a whole.
Just make sure to include cities as Riga, Kuldiga, and Sigulda into your Latvia itinerary. Along with coastal towns such as Wentspils, Jurmala, or Liepaja. Additionally, admiring Rundale Palace and relaxing by Gauja National Park will enhance your time in Latvia.
Leave a comment below with any questions on Latvia. Or reach out via my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages if you need any additional inside information. Have a wonderful trip.
