Travel Tips
Latvia
Art Nouveau Riga, long Baltic beaches and quiet forests make Latvia an easy, good-value trip.
- Capital
- Riga
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- Latvian
- Best overall
- May to September
- Emergency
- 112
- Electricity
- 230V, plug types C and F
This country is in the Schengen Area. Many visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, while others need a Schengen visa. Check the current rules for your passport, including the EES and ETIAS entry systems. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
Summer is warm with long days. Winters are cold and snowy, with a pretty old town at Christmas.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Riga
An old town and streets of remarkable Art Nouveau buildings.
Jurmala
A long sandy beach and wooden resort houses near Riga.
Sigulda
Castles, caves and the Gauja River valley.
Cesis
A small medieval town with a castle ruin.
Rundale Palace
A baroque palace with formal gardens.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 3 Riga
- Day 4 Jurmala
- Days 5 to 6 Sigulda and Cesis
- Day 7 Rundale Palace on the way south
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Trains and buses link Riga with nearby towns.
- A car helps for castles and countryside.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Cards work widely, but carry some cash for markets.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Dark rye bread.
- Grey peas with bacon.
- Riga Black Balsam, a strong herbal liqueur.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Latvia is generally safe. Check bar prices first in Riga's tourist areas.
- Bring repellent for summer forests.
Planning a trip to Latvia?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.