Getting around Latvia is easy
It is easy to move on foot in Riga. The city center is small, so by walking you can best experience the local atmosphere and see the main sights of the old town, such as the Cathedral and the Town Hall Square.
The length of distances does not become a problem in Latvia and traveling within the country is quite easy at all. There are good bus and train connections from Riga to the rest of the country. For example, Jurmala is ridden by train in just over half an hour.
If you are staying longer in Latvia, you should also consider renting a car , which will make it easier to explore the countryside.
Short for LVA by abbreviationfinder, Latvia is a country located in northern Europe defined by countryaah. The beaches of Jurmala are the most famous in the Baltic region, and for good reason.
City break in Riga
The capital of Latvia, Riga, has a population of about 800,000 and is the largest city in the Baltics. During its history, the almost 800-year-old Riga has seen a lot, from crusaders to Soviet conquerors.
Riga is known for its architecture. The Art Nouveau buildings are plentiful and are particularly artistic and original. The unique medieval buildings of the old town have been well preserved for centuries and have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition to the Cathedral and the Town Hall Square, the most famous sights of Riga include St. Peter’s Cathedral and Riga Castle. For those interested in history, the Occupation Museum is an interesting experience.
Riga is also a great travel destination for the culture-hungry traveler. The Latvian National Opera and Ballet are world famous.
The city has top-class restaurants and modern bars. During the summer, beer terraces and street cafés wake up and bring more life to the city.
Jurmala is a Latvian beach paradise
Latvia has about 500 kilometers of white sandy beach on the Baltic Sea. The seaside town of Jurmala is less than an hour away from Riga, and the best place to enjoy the city is the white sandy beach of Latvia, which continues beyond the reach of the naked eye.
The popular spa town of Jurmala has been around since the 19th century. Still tourists come to this beautiful beach town to relax and take care of its beauty.
The city center with its wooden buildings is also pleasant. There are many good restaurants and shops along the pedestrian street in the city center, which can be explored by a shopper or a friend.
Liepāja, rough diamonds
Liepāja is the third largest city in Latvia, charming with its centuries-old history and cultural offerings.
Liepāja, in particular, is the music capital of Latvia, with many music festivals worth visiting. The big names in country music can be explored at the Latvian Music Hall of Fame in the city.
You can relax on the Blue Flag-certified beach and experience the past in the city’s fortress. Otherwise, you should throw yourself in to take away the urban atmosphere of Liepāja.
Liepāja is still a rough diamond, but the city has been on a sharp rise in recent years. Liepāja is located about 200 kilometers from Riga and is a good day trip destination.
Gauja National Park
There are several national parks in Latvia, the most popular of which is the Gaujajoki National Park. The less than 100-kilometer section follows the river landscape and offers good opportunities for boat trips, for example. Founded in the 70s, the national park is the oldest in Latvia.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, the national park is also of cultural and historical significance: there are more than 500 monuments in the area, from churches to windmills, monuments and mansions.
Accommodation in Latvia
Accommodation in Latvia is diverse and hotels are usually affordable. It is most advantageous to stay outside Riga, while in the capital the prices are slightly higher and vary between about 30 and 100 euros per night.
For the budget traveler, there are numerous hostels where you can get a room for up to ten euros per night. The routes of low-cost airlines have made Riga a particularly popular destination among backpackers.
THE BEST OF LATVIA
Gauja National Park diversifies holiday views with a Latvian natural landscape.
The best travel destinations
- Riga
- Jurmala
- Liepaja
- Gauja National Park
- Cape Kolka
Experience these in Latvia
- Spend a city break in historic Riga
- Rest on the long sandy beach of Jurmala
- Rent a car and explore the Latvian countryside
- Visit the national parks
- Treat yourself to local delicacies and spa treatments
Latvia’s disadvantages
- During the summer months, tourist-favored Riga can be congested.