Latvia is a Northern European country located on the Baltic Sea, between Lithuania and Estonia. It is known for its long sandy beaches, vast forests, and beautiful natural landscapes. The capital city, Riga, is famous for its impressive Art Nouveau and wooden architecture, a lively Central Market, and a charming medieval Old Town crowned by St. Peter’s Church. Among its many attractions, Riga also boasts the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, where visitors can experience traditional crafts, cuisine, and local music.

Key Facts About Latvia

  • Territory: 64,589 km²

  • Government: Parliamentary Republic

  • Official Language: Latvian

  • Population: 1,8 million

Riga – The Capital

  • Population: 692,000

Major Cities

Riga, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jūrmala, Liepāja, Rēzekne, Ventspils

Useful Information

  • Currency: Euro (EUR), adopted on January 1, 2014

  • Time Zone: GMT +2 (winter), GMT +3 (summer)

  • International Calling Code: +371

  • Borders With: Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and the Baltic Sea

Latvia sits at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe, nestled along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Easily accessible and full of charm, the country borders Estonia, Russia, Belarus, and Lithuania, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the Baltic region.

Latvia is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty — from endless pine forests to serene national parks and one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines. Travelers can discover miles of soft, white sandy beaches ideal for summer holidays, as well as dramatic rocky shores near Tūja that are perfect for photography and peaceful seaside walks.

Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing break, Latvia offers a safe, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are often surprised by how clean, calm, and secure the country feels, making it an excellent destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Discover Latvia — a hidden gem of the Baltics, where nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences come together.

Latvia is situated in a unique geographical zone that allows visitors to fully experience all four distinct seasons — something that is not as common in many other parts of Europe. Each season brings its own charm, transforming the landscape and offering a variety of activities throughout the year.

Summer in Latvia is pleasantly warm, with average temperatures around 17°C, occasionally rising to 30°C. The long days, sandy beaches, and lush forests make it a perfect time for outdoor adventures.

Spring and autumn are mild yet unpredictable. These seasons are generally humid, with average temperatures of about 10°C. Autumn, in particular, is loved by nature enthusiasts for its vibrant colors as forests turn golden, red, and orange.

Winter typically begins in mid-December and lasts until mid-March. Expect an average temperature of around –6°C, although it can sometimes drop to –25°C. Snow-covered landscapes create a magical atmosphere, ideal for winter sports, cozy getaways, and festive celebrations.

Latvia is exceptionally green — and for a good reason: it rains quite a bit throughout the year. Visitors are advised to bring a sturdy umbrella, waterproof boots, and warm clothing from September to April to stay comfortable in any weather.

Public Transport in Riga

Getting around Riga is easy and convenient thanks to its network of trams, trolleybuses, buses, and even city trains. Public transport runs roughly from 5:30 to 23:30, and most routes take you quickly to the main sights, neighborhoods, and the Old Town.

Tickets & Prices
You can use one e-ticket for all trams, buses, and trolleys. A single ride costs around €1.50 if bought in advance, and it’s cheaper than buying from the driver. You can purchase tickets at kiosks, some shops, vending machines, or via official apps. Just tap your e-ticket when you board — easy!

Airport to the City
Bus No. 22 takes you straight from Riga International Airport to the city center — a simple and budget-friendly option for travelers.

Good to Know

  • Clear signs and English information make travel simple

  • Trams are great for sightseeing — many routes go through historic areas

  • Trains are handy if you want to explore beyond central Riga

Theatre in Latvia

Theatre is very popular in Latvia, and every major city has at least one. Whether you love opera, ballet, or drama, there’s something for everyone!

  • Latvian National Opera – Famous for opera and ballet, with over 200 performances each season. Tickets & info

  • New Riga Theatre – Modern drama with award-winning performances and festival shows. Tickets & info

  • National Theatre – Historic theatre offering a wide range of shows for all audiences. Tickets & info

Enjoy a night out and experience Latvia’s vibrant performing arts scene!

LATVIAN CUISINE

  1. Valter`s Restaurant is the first in Latvia which boasts a contemporary Latvian cuisine based only on Latvian rural products such as milk, vegetables, meat, fish, fruit and game coming from local farms.The restaurant`s interior with Latvian landscapes recalls the simple but elegant country manor where every visitor can feel not as a customer but a long-awaited visitor. Address:Miesnieku iela 8   Telephone:+371 29 529 200
  2.  Pie Kristapa kunga – a wonderful two-storey restaurant in the medieval style. Try Latvian cuisine and traditional dishes and orginal way of cooking. A special offer from our chef, cooked of yourseasonal Latvian food-stuff, is provided for you each month. Any dish of your choice can be cooked if ordered in advance. Address:Baznīcas iela 27/29  Telephone:+371 29512052
  3. Zvejnieka dēls – restaurant offers vast menu of fish dishes every day — you can try both Latvian and classical fish cuisine. For example, from fish dishes characteristic to Latvian cuisine, our chef recommends “Bouillabaisse” of Latvian river fish with blanched tomatoes and saffron, or over-baked sturgeon fillet with cheese and caper berries, served with new potatoes with dill. Address:Kaļķu iela 2   Telephone:+371 67227505
  4. Zilā govs – the restaurant is named after a special cow species inLatvia— the blue cow. Here you can try blue cow steak,Argentinaroast beef, veal saddle, and other beef meals. Taste also the brilliant fish meals, like, grilled catfish fillet with vegetables and yogurt sauce, or zander fillet prepared in greens’ butter and served with carrot-potatoes mash and wild mushrooms sauce. Restaurant offers also meals that are made of products delivered by Latvian organic farms, for example, lamb basket with potatoes-cranberries strudel, black lentil and juniper berry sauce. Address:Meistaru iela 21, Rīga   Telephone:+371 67223307

EUROPEAN CUISINE

  1. The three chefs restaurant „Tam labam būs augt” (The good must grow – Eng.) is a restaurant with the open kitchen, beloved by citizens and admired by guests of our city. It was founded in September 2011 by two famous Latvian chefs, Mārtiņš Sirmais and Ēriks Dreibants. Very fast the restaurant earned popularity and was acknowledged among the highest ranking restaurants in Riga. Despite rocket fast success, we remain accessible, friendly and open to everybody. We love our clients and will provide perfect service even under the most complicated circumstances. Address: Torņa iela 4   Telephone:+ 371 20370537
  2. Vincents – since it opened in 1994, Vincents has become the prime destination for all those passionate about good food and fine wine. Vincents is located in one of the most picturesque parts of Riga, just a 15 minute walk from the Old City. The restaurant offers menus that can be specially designed for any specific occasion. Its dining rooms and outdoor patio can also be arranged and decorated for birthday, wedding and other celebrations. Restaurant chef Martins Ritins maintains a close relationship with many of Latvia’s small-scale organic farmers, and purchases the recipe ingredients for Vincents’ menu directly from the farmers whenever possible.Address: Elizabetes iela 19   Telephone:+371 67332830
  3. Muusu -Restaurant Muusu is a story of values developed through years of experience. We praise beauty and comfort; every detail counts. The Nordic interior – clean lines, raw brick walls, linen fabrics and wood in combination with metal is an exquisite background for that which is essential – the food and our emotions. The strength of Muusu restaurants is our chef, Kaspars Jansons. We are not afraid to claim that he is one of the best chefs in the city. The ascetic pottery of Muusu, which was made by the Rauna brickyard, is very much like a canvas to paint on. Stable culinary values are at the basis of our menu. These are the classics of contemporary Europe, leaving space for bright interpretations and seasonal accents, while reserving respect for everything that is fresh and of local origin. Address:Skārņu iela 6 Telephone:+371 25772552

    FAST FOOD

    1. Big Bad Bagels are open since april 2015. We are the first and only bagel place in Latvia. We love bagels! We take great pleasure in running this place, baking our own bagels and filling them with the most awesome stuff. We bake our bagels right there in our little shop – every morning you can get a fresh bagel which is baked in accordance to the decades old traditions of NY artisan bakeries. No shortcuts! Our bagels are hand-shaped after a long and unforced proofing/retarding process. Adress: Baznīcas street 8

MAP OF LATVIA