Why Latvia belongs on your map
Latvia packs a lot into a small country: a UNESCO-listed capital, pine-fringed beaches, medieval castles and some of the wildest forest in Europe. Here are the experiences worth planning a trip around.
Wander Riga's Old Town and Art Nouveau district
Riga is the largest city in the Baltics and its Old Town (Vecriga) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobbled lanes lead to the House of the Blackheads, Riga Cathedral and the medieval St Peter's Church, whose tower lift gives the best rooftop view. Don't miss Alberta iela, one of the densest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
Climb the Latvian Academy of Sciences
Locals call this Stalinist tower the "Stalin's birthday cake." Its open-air observation deck (around 5 EUR) offers a sweeping panorama over Riga's rooftops and the Daugava river.
Relax on Jurmala beach
A 25-minute train ride from Riga, Jurmala is a 30-km stretch of soft white sand backed by pine forest and wooden summer villas. Stroll Jomas iela, the pedestrian promenade lined with cafes and ice-cream stands.
See Europe's widest waterfall at Kuldiga
Ventas Rumba in Kuldiga is, at around 240 metres wide, the broadest waterfall in Europe. In spring you can watch fish leap upstream. Nearby, the old brick bridge over the Venta is one of the longest of its kind on the continent.
Explore Gauja National Park and Sigulda
Latvia's oldest national park is a green valley of sandstone cliffs and castles. Turaida Castle with its red-brick tower, the clifftop Sigulda Castle ruins and the Gutmanis Cave are all reachable on a day trip, often dubbed the "Switzerland of Latvia."
Tour Rundale Palace
Designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect of St Petersburg's Winter Palace, Rundale is a Baroque masterpiece with gilded halls and formal French gardens that bloom spectacularly in summer.
Visit Cesis and its medieval castle
The charming town of Cesis has one of the best-preserved castle ruins in Latvia. Explore the dark towers by candle-lantern, then enjoy the cobbled old town and local craft beer.
Walk the Cape Kolka wilderness
Where the Gulf of Riga meets the open Baltic, Cape Kolka (Kolkasrags) sits at the edge of remote Slitere National Park, home to the Livonian coast and brilliant sunsets.
Browse Riga Central Market
Housed in former Zeppelin hangars, this is one of Europe's largest markets. Sample smoked fish, rye bread, black balsam liqueur and fresh berries.
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