Travel to Latvia to discover the beauty of the Baltic

Latvia is snuggly sandwiched between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. Whether you take to the Baltic beaches or explore the green, green tree tops of the Gauja Valley, Russian influence abounds on all sides. That's not to say that this country doesn't have a beating heart and swinging soul all of its very own. Riga positively sizzles with Baltic beauty and cosmopolitan charm, a true mish-mash of art-nouveau architecture, enchanting old-town lanes and a thumping club scene.
  • Latvia
    © iStockphoto.com / Leonardo Patrizi
  • Latvia
    © pat138241/123RF
Amy Adejokun
Amy Adejokun Expert destination Latvia
Latvia: the key figures

Surface area : 64589.0 km2

Population : 2306400 inhabitants

Time difference :

Latvia is 2 hours ahead of the UK.

  • A visit to the town of Jurmala is a must!
  • Riga, the capital, which is not very well known.
  • The unspoilt Baltic coast.
  • Efforts need to be made to make the country more attractive to tourists.
  • The quality of hotels and restaurants varies.

Latvia: what to visit?

Landscapes

Coasts

Arts and culture

Monuments

Latvia: what to buy?

Latvia is famous for its baltic amber, along with traditional handicrafts, pottery and basketwork. Hand-made woollen garments are also easy to lay your hands on, as is traditional folk music - played with gusto wherever you go.

Latvia: what to eat?

Smoked fish is very popular in Latvia, whilst cabbage soup and sausages are traditional dishes. Amongst the many Latvian specialities, piragi is a must - a little onion and bacon turnover - as well as the raspberry or cranberry-filled alexander torte. As for speciality beers, there are a good number of locally-made stout and light ale beers which have become very well known.

Latvia: main cities

Latvia: travel tips

Latvia is a vast expanse of greens and blues just waiting to be explored. The countryside remains pleasant throughout the year, especially during the solstices and equinoxes when the country celebrates its ancestral roots. The winter solstice (Ziemassvetki) coincides with Christmas, but the most important of all these celebrations is summer solstice when huge crowds take part in never-ending feasts around enormous bonfires.

Latvia: Latest hotel reviews
  • 8.2 /10
    Rated by Easyvoyage
    Europa Royale Riga
    Riga - Latvia
    Europa Royale Riga
    Hotel 4 Etoile(s)

    This is one of the biggest hotels in Riga; a building dating ...

  • 7.7 /10
    Rated by Easyvoyage
    Domina Inn
    Riga - Latvia
    Domina Inn
    Hotel 4 Etoile(s)

    This is a stylish hotel in a building with an art nouveau facade, ...

  • 7.45 /10
    Rated by Easyvoyage
    Reval Riga
    Riga - Latvia
    Reval Riga
    Hotel 4 Etoile(s)

    If you are touring or taking a combined holiday in the Baltic ...

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Latvia : Holidays
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