Latvia Travel Guide – Best Things to Do and See in Latvia’s Capital
LATVIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Planning a trip to Latvia, especially Riga? This page covers everything you need to know—what to do in Latvia, why you should visit, how to get to Riga, and essential travel tips. Start your journey here!
OUR LATVIA HIGHLIGHTS
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OUR BOLIVIA TRAVEL GUIDE
WHY TO TRAVEL TO LATVIA
Latvia is a country that surprised us, especially with its beautiful capital, Riga. The mix of history, culture, and affordable prices made it an easy decision for us. We loved walking through the beautiful streets of Riga’s Old Town, with its beautiful architecture and cozy cafes. The Riga Christmas Market was a highlight, offering a perfect mix of local food and festive atmosphere. We also enjoyed trying local delicacies and experiencing the city’s friendly vibe. With lower living costs compared to Western Europe, Riga is the perfect destination for a budget-friendly getaway without compromising on culture and food.
HOW TO GET TO RIGA
We arrived in Riga from Düsseldorf via Warsaw, and during our time there, we also met travelers who were exploring the Baltic countries on a road trip. If you’re wondering how to get to Riga, it’s easy! Ryanair offers flights to Riga from various European cities. Flying is a quick and affordable option for getting to this beautiful city. We used Bolt to get from the airport to our hotel in the city center, and it cost $12.00.
GOOD TO KNOW
Visa
Latvia is part of the European Union (EU), so if you’re traveling from an EU or Schengen Area country, you don’t need a visa to visit. For non-EU citizens, Latvia follows Schengen Area visa policies, which means you can enter Latvia with a valid Schengen visa. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, you may need to apply for a residence permit. Always check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
By Public Bus:
The Route 22 bus provides a convenient connection between Riga Airport and the city center. It operates every 10–20 minutes from 5:25 AM until 00:40 AM. The journey takes around 30–45 minutes, with stops at “11. novembra krastmala” (near Old Town) and “Autoosta” (close to Riga Central Station and the International Bus Station). A ticket costs $1.80 ($1.50 if purchased in advance).
By Lux Express Shuttle Bus:
Lux Express offers a shuttle minibus service between Riga Airport and the city center for just $4.00. Check the full schedule on their website.
By Taxi:
A taxi ride from Riga Airport to the city center takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare ranges from $18.00 to $35.00. You can book a taxi using Red Cab or the Bolt app. We used Bolt and we paid only $12.00.
Latvia’s official language is Latvian. While Latvian is the most commonly spoken language, you’ll also find that many people, especially in Riga, speak English, particularly in tourist areas like restaurants, hotels, and shops. Russian is also widely understood, but it’s less commonly spoken by younger generations.
Currency:
The currency in Latvia is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in Riga and other major cities, and credit cards are commonly accepted in most places. When shopping at markets or smaller local businesses, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, as not all of them may accept cards.
Spring (April to June): This is a great time to visit if you enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Flowers bloom, and the country starts to feel alive after winter.
Summer (July to August): If you love warm weather and outdoor activities, summer is the peak season. It’s perfect for exploring Latvia’s nature, visiting the beaches, and enjoying festivals.
Fall (September to October): The fall months are beautiful, with colorful leaves and cool but comfortable temperatures. It’s a quieter time to explore the cities and countryside.
Winter (November to March): If you love winter activities, such as Christmas markets or snowy landscapes, then winter is ideal. The Riga Christmas Market is especially charming, and the cold weather gives the city a magical atmosphere.
Latvia uses Type F electrical plugs, which are the standard two-pronged round plugs commonly used in most European countries. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type or voltage, you may need a plug adapter or voltage converter to use them in Latvia. Make sure to check your devices before you travel!
In Latvia, tap water is safe to drink and is of high quality, especially in Riga. The water is regularly tested and meets European Union standards. You can confidently drink tap water in your hotel, restaurants, or even from public fountains in most places. If you’re unsure, bottled water is also widely available, but there’s no need to worry about tap water quality in Latvia!
