Perched on the Baltic Sea between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia is a country consisting of a sprawling Baltic coastline, mosaic landscapes, and the beautiful city of Riga. Explore this fascinating country on one of our Baltic tours that visits Latvia.
Head to Latvia for wild Baltic landscapes and small, charming cities. The country has a plethora of natural sites for hiking and cycling, from dense forests, lakes, to white-sand dunes. The capital city, Riga, is known for its wooden and art nouveau architecture, medieval Old Town, and many museums and art galleries. Outside the city, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum includes reconstructed buildings from the 17th-20th centuries, artisan crafts and food markets, and hosts cultural events and concerts. Continue your Latvia tour and see countryside dotted with many castles and palaces from rule under the Lithuanian, Swedish and Russian Empires, as well as during the Soviet era.
The best time to visit Latvia is from late spring to early autumn (May–September), when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring cities, coastlines, and national parks. Summer is especially lively with festivals and long daylight hours. Winter offers a cozy, festive atmosphere, especially in Riga.
Top destinations in Latvia include Riga, Jurmala Beach, the medieval town of Cēsis, and the scenic Kuldīga with its charming old town and Europe’s widest waterfall.
We recommend spending 5-7 days in Latvia to enjoy Riga’s rich culture, relax by the Baltic Sea, and explore the countryside or nearby castles and parks.
Hungary uses the Euro (EUR). While credit cards are widely accepted, it's helpful to carry cash for small purchases and local markets. Check out this article on exchange rates and using credit cards abroad.
The voltage is generally 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. It's advisable to carry a universal adapter. Check out this article on using adapters and converters in Europe.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for travel to Latvia, but it’s always good to be up to date on routine vaccinations.
Must-see attractions include Riga, Jurmala Beach, the medieval town of Cēsis, Gauja National Park, and the scenic Kuldīga with its charming old town and Europe’s widest waterfall.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities like Riga, though less so in rural regions.
Packing depends on the season and destination, but general travel essentials include comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, a power adapter, weather-appropriate attire, and attire appropriate for visiting religious sites, which can also double as a nice outfit for a night out!. For more tips, visit our guide on What to Pack for a Guided Tour.
Certain sites have dress codes, such as covering shoulders and knees. For a detailed guide, check What to Wear When Visiting Religious Sites.
Visa requirements vary by country and nationality. U.S. travelers can check the latest visa and entry regulations with our easy-to-use Visa and Passport Requirements Tool.
Most destinations accept major credit cards, but having some local currency can be helpful for small purchases. Learn more about exchanging money in our Guide to Currency Exchange and Payments While Traveling.
Tipping customs vary by destination. To avoid confusion, check our comprehensive Tipping Guide for International Travel.
Understanding local etiquette can enhance your experience. Read our Guide to Cultural Customs and Etiquette Abroad.
Travel insurance provides peace of mind for unexpected situations like trip cancellations or medical emergencies. Learn why it’s recommended in our Travel Insurance Guide.
Many destinations offer Wi-Fi, but you may need a local SIM card or an international phone plan. For more details, visit our guide on How to Stay Connected While Traveling.
Staying aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure is always wise. Read our Essential Safety Tips for Travelers.
We recommend planning trips to Latvia 4–10 months in advance, especially for peak seasons like summer and the holiday markets in December. Airlines don’t publish fares much further out than 10-11 months. Off-peak (April–May, October–November), you can book for better deals 3–6 months in advance. Luckily, we take care of all of that for you! If travelers want to go for a special anniversary or event, they’ll call us years ahead of time to book so they know they are set and we're handling the details for them. While we love a great last-minute getaway, always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after you plan to return to the States. Keep current with country entry restrictions, and ensure you have any visas you’ll need to travel. Planning earlier allows you plenty of time to renew your passport or apply for a visa if required.
Hungary is considered a safe country for tourists. Like any other country, staying aware of your surroundings and following standard travel safety practices is important.
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