Latvia Holidays

How to reach Latvia

• Flight time: Direct flights to Latvia from London typically take between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours. From other major airports, flights usually involve a stopover in Europe and take around 5 hours.

• Transfer time: Riga International Airport is the main gateway for international travellers and is about 10km from the capital's centre. Bus No. 22 (40 minutes) or the Lux Express Shuttle (25 minutes) are the most common ways to get into Riga. Taxis are quicker, taking roughly 20 minutes, but it all depends on traffic.

• Price: Tickets for the city bus are ‚€2 while the shuttle costs ‚€8, and all can be bought from the driver. A taxi to the city centre costs ‚€20–‚€33 (pre-booked). Rideshare services like Bolt can be cheaper.

Best time to visit Latvia

Deciding the best time for your Latvia holidays depends largely on what you want to experience.

• July to August is the high season and one of the best times to visit. With temperatures averaging 25°C and long, sunny days, these months are perfect for exploring Latvia's beaches, national parks and festivals.

• September to November offers a quieter, more serene experience as the summer crowds dissipate. The autumn foliage is stunning in the city's parks. Average temperatures are around 10 to 15°C, with moderate rain.

• December to February is the time to enjoy winter sports or Christmas markets. The weather can be pretty cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 3°C and short days, and snowfall is common. Riga's festive markets are a highlight during this period.

• March to June sees the thawing of winter and the arrival of spring blossoms and is a great time for outdoor activities or sightseeing without the summer rush. Temperatures range from 5 to 15°C, but some months can be rainy, especially June.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Latvian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in Riga and other tourist areas. However, locals will appreciate you learning a few basic Latvian phrases.

• Local habits and customs: Latvians are generally reserved but friendly, and greeting people with a handshake is customary. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory – 10 percent is standard in restaurants with good service.

• Health and safety: Latvia is generally safe for tourists, and tap water is fine to drink. Healthcare isn't the best, and travel insurance is recommended. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 112.

• Currency: The currency in Latvia is the euro (‚€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's helpful to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets and rural areas.

• Getting around: While the centre of Riga is easily accessible on foot, public transport in the rest of the city includes buses, trams and trolleybuses. Single tickets cost ‚€2 onboard or are slightly cheaper if purchasing e-tickets in advance. There are also bike rental services and a growing network of cycle paths. For regional travel, trains and buses are efficient and affordable.

• Electricity and plug types: Latvia uses the standard European two round-pin plugs (type C or F) with a voltage of 230V. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Latvia operates on Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT, and daylight saving time is observed.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers only need a valid passport to enter Latvia. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.

Best things to do in Latvia

Latvia's main attractions are the lively capital of Riga – the most exciting city in the Baltics – and the country's stunning unspoilt countryside, with countless pristine beaches, many rivers and lakes and an attractive interior scattered with national parks, forests, hillforts and palaces. Here's a guide to the best things to do on holidays to Latvia:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• St Peter's Church, Riga: The tower of this Gothic church has some of the best panoramic views of Riga's Old Town and the Daugava River.

• Gaizi≈Ükalns: Latvia's highest hill (312m) offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, lakes and forests.

The best districts

• Old Town, Riga: Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets, marvel at the ornate architecture and take in the atmosphere of the vibrant squares in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Art Nouveau District, Riga: Admire the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in the world, particularly along Alberta Street.

Parks and gardens

• Bastejkalna Park, Riga: A picturesque park with a canal and bridges, sculptures and plenty of green spaces for a relaxing stroll.

• Vermanes Garden, Riga: One of the oldest public gardens in Riga, featuring beautiful flower beds and fountains.

Historical monuments

• Riga Castle: Located on the riverside, this medieval castle is now the residence of the President of Latvia and a must-see landmark in Riga.

• Freedom Monument, Riga: An iconic national symbol commemorating Latvia's independence and freedom.

• RundƒÅle Palace: Often called the Versailles of Latvia, this stunning Baroque palace is a masterpiece of architecture with vast gardens.

Day trips in the area

• Sigulda: Just 1 hour from Riga, Sigulda is where you can visit one of the most spectacular places in Latvia – the Gauja National Park, as well as Turaida Castle and Gutmanis Cave.

• J≈´rmala: A 30-minute drive west of Riga, this seaside town is one of the most famous resorts in the Baltics, with clean, sandy beaches, charming wooden villas and good spa facilities.

• Cƒìsis: Surrounded by nature, Cƒìsis is one of Lativa's major centres for year-round outdoor activities. A charming town with plenty to see and do, including the popular medieval Cƒìsis Castle and the history museum.

Activities for families in Latvia

Latvia offers a great range of family-friendly activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained:

• Museums: The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum just outside Riga provides a hands-on experience of traditional Latvian rural life, while the wide-ranging exhibits at the Museum of the History of Rƒ´ga and Navigation offer the best historical collection in the Baltics.

• Central Market, Riga: Located in five old Zeppelin hangars, this bustling market is the largest in Europe. Offering a taste of local life with fresh produce, meats, cheeses and traditional Latvian foods, it's a must for food lovers.

• Historical monuments and sites: Take a family-friendly tour of Turaida Castle in Sigulda, where children can learn about medieval history through interactive exhibits and storytelling.

• Theme parks and adventure: The large TarzƒÅns Adventure Park in Sigulda offers zip lines, rope courses and other fun outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

Free things to do in Latvia

Enjoying Latvia doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some great free activities:

• Free events: Latvia's cultural calendar is packed with free events, including open-air concerts, festivals, Christmas markets and traditional celebrations like the Midsummer Solstice (JƒÅ≈Üi).

• Nature walks: Enjoy peaceful walks through Latvia's many forests and nature reserves. The Slitere National Park and the Zilie Kalni Nature Park are particularly beautiful.

Wellness in Latvia

• Spas and thermal baths: Jurmala is renowned for its spa resorts, offering a range of treatments, including mud baths and massages. ESPA Riga is a popular choice in the capital for a luxurious spa experience.

• Traditional body care: At traditional Latvian saunas, known as pirts, you can indulge in a variety of treatments that are good for mind and body, using natural ingredients like salt, honey, plants, herbs and birch whisks!

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks: The stunning landscapes of Gauja National Park, Latvia's largest and oldest national park, offer hiking, cycling and canoeing, while Kemeri National Park provides some great wetlands for bird-watching.

• Watersports: Latvia has masses of rivers and lakes that provide plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and multi-day trips. The Baltic Sea coast is ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

• Winter sports: In winter, Latvia transforms into a playground for skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Sigulda is a popular destination, offering slopes for all levels; bobsleighing is even offered year-round on concrete or snow tracks.

Local dishes in Latvia

One of the great delights of holidays to Latvia is indulging in the hearty and diverse food that the country has to offer. From rustic farmhouse fare to contemporary twists on traditional dishes, you're in for a culinary treat. Here's what you should look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Grey peas with bacon (pelƒìkie zir≈Üi ar speƒ∑i): A traditional Latvian dish, especially popular during festive seasons, consisting of grey peas mixed with fried onions and bacon.

• Rye bread (rupjmaize): A staple in Latvian cuisine, this dense and slightly sour bread is often enjoyed with butter, cheese or honey.

• Sklandrausis: A sweet pie made from a rye crust filled with mashed carrots and potatoes, seasoned with caraway seeds.

Meat dishes

• Pork roast (c≈´kas cepe≈°s): A hearty dish of slow-roasted pork, typically served with sauerkraut and potatoes.

• Blood sausage (asinsdesa): A traditional sausage made from pork blood, barley and spices, usually served with lingonberry sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Smoked fish: Particularly popular along the coast, smoked sprats and other local fish are often found in markets and restaurants.

• Herring in cream sauce: A beloved Latvian dish, this features pickled herring served with a creamy dill sauce.

Street food

• Piragi: Small pastries or buns filled with bacon and onions, perfect for a quick snack on the go.

• Kiploku grauzdi≈Üi: Garlic rye bread crisps, often served as a snack with beer.

Sweets and desserts

Latvians have a sweet tooth, and their desserts reflect a rich tradition of baking and confectionery.

• Alexander Torte: A pastry filled with raspberry or strawberry jam, named after Tsar Alexander III.

• Pƒ´rƒÅdzi≈Üi: Small buns filled with sweet or savoury fillings, commonly enjoyed during holidays and celebrations.

Local drinks

• Riga Black Balsam: A traditional Latvian herbal liqueur known for its unique flavour and health benefits, often enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails.

• Kvass: A refreshing, slightly fermented beverage made from rye bread, perfect for quenching your thirst on a warm day.

• Latvian beer: Latvia has a strong beer culture, with many local breweries offering a wide range of beers. Try Aldaris or Valmiermui≈æa for a taste of local brews.