Latvia Holidays

Located on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea, Latvia sits between Estonia and Lithuania and is known for its medieval cities, forested landscapes, and Art Nouveau architecture, making it a hub for culture, history, and relaxed city breaks.

🇱🇻 Latvia Holiday Highlights 2026

• Riga Old Town – cobbled streets, medieval squares, and colourful merchant houses full of history.

• Art Nouveau architecture – some of the world’s finest examples line the streets of central Riga.

• Central Market – one of Europe’s largest markets, set inside iconic Zeppelin hangars.

• Daugava River views – scenic walks, bridges, and sunset spots across the city.

• Jurmala beaches – sandy Baltic coastline just a short trip from the capital.

☀️ Good to Know

• ☀️ Latvia has warm summers (20–25°C) and cold winters with snow, making it a year-round destination for either sunny city breaks or festive markets.

• 💶 Latvia uses the Euro. Riga is very affordable compared to Western Europe – expect budget-friendly dining, cheap public transport, and great-value hotels.

• 🎵 Riga is incredibly walkable, especially the Old Town, but trams and buses make it easy to explore further neighbourhoods and the coast.

🗣️ Local Lingo – Talk Like a Local 🇱🇻

Latvian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Riga’s tourist areas.

• 👋 “Sveiki” – hello

• 🙏 “Paldies” – thank you

• 😊 “Lūdzu” – please / you’re welcome

• 🍽️ “Cik tas maksā?” – how much is it?

• 😎 “Priekā!” – cheers

🏝️ Best Places to Visit on your Latvia holidays

From medieval streets to seaside escapes, Latvia mixes culture and coastline beautifully.

• Riga Old Town – historic heart of the capital with bars, cafés, and architecture everywhere

• Jurmala – beach resort town with wooden villas and long sandy shores

• Sigulda – castles, forests, and river valley views just outside

• RigaArt Nouveau District – stunning architecture and ornate façades

• Central Market – buzzing local food and craft market in historic hangars

🏨 Where to Stay on your Latvia holidays

💑 For Couples

Old Town Riga – romantic streets, cosy restaurants, and historic charm

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

Central Riga – easy transport, parks, and family-friendly hotels close to attractions

👯‍♂️ For Groups

Riverside & City Centre – nightlife, modern hotels, and easy access to bars and entertainment

🏨 Best Hotels in Latvia

Whether you're after spa luxury, Old Town charm, or budget-friendly city stays, Riga delivers great variety.

💑 For Couples

Wellton Riga Hotel & Spa – stylish spa hotel with a cigar room, indoor pool, and relaxing city-centre atmosphere

Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel – modern riverside stay with a full spa complex and elegant wellness focus

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA – central location with indoor pool and Turkish bath, ideal for exploring Riga together

Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel – traditional stay in the Old Town with Latvian dining and great value

👯‍♂️ For Groups

Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah – stylish, modern hotel near parks and nightlife with a social vibe

OK Hotel – budget-friendly option with kitchen facilities and free parking for flexible group travel

🗺️ Latvia Holidays 2026/2027 Travel Guide

Latvia is one of those destinations that quietly overdelivers. You’ve got fairy-tale old towns, huge forests, wild beaches along the Baltic coast, and a capital, Riga, that mixes medieval streets with cool cafés and Art Nouveau architecture. It’s compact, easy to get around, and ideal for a long weekend or a slower, off-the-radar European escape.

💑 Things to Do in Latvia for Couples

🌇 Sunset strolls through Riga Old Town

Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings and church spires, Riga’s Old Town is made for wandering. Head towards the Daugava River for golden-hour views and quieter corners away from the crowds.

🕯️ Candlelit dining in medieval cellars

Riga has a thing for atmospheric restaurants set in vaulted basements. Think flickering candles, rustic Latvian dishes and proper cosy vibes, especially in winter.

💆 Spa days in Jurmala

Just 30 minutes from Riga, Jurmala is famous for its wooden villas and spa culture. Book a couples’ treatment, sauna session or even a traditional Baltic amber massage.

🌲 Forest walks and nature escapes

Latvia is over 50% forest, so you’re never far from nature. Head to Gauja National Park for castles, river views and peaceful hiking trails, especially beautiful in autumn.

🍸 Riverside cocktails & rooftop bars

Back in Riga, there’s a growing rooftop scene. Sip cocktails overlooking the river or city skyline, low-key but effortlessly romantic.

❄️ Winter magic & Christmas markets

If you’re visiting in December, Riga transforms into a festive dream. Snow-dusted streets, mulled wine and one of Europe’s cosiest Christmas markets in the Old Town square.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to Do in Latvia for Families

🦁 Riga Zoo adventures

Riga Zoo sits by a lakeside setting and is a great half-day activity. Expect everything from big cats to local wildlife, plus plenty of space for kids to roam.

🏖️ Beach days in Jurmala

The beaches in Jurmala are wide, sandy and far less crowded than southern Europe. Perfect for paddling, cycling along the promenade or just letting kids run free.

🧪 Interactive museums in Riga

Places like the Cosmos Illusion Museum and science centres keep things hands-on and engaging, ideal for breaking up sightseeing with something fun.

🚂 Train trips & easy day adventures

Latvia’s rail network is simple and affordable. Short train rides from Riga make it easy to explore castles, countryside and seaside towns without the stress.

🏰 Medieval castles & history

Head to Turaida Castle for a proper step back in time. Towers to climb, stories to learn and loads of space for kids to explore.

🌳 Parks, playgrounds & open space

Riga is surprisingly green, with parks dotted across the city. Perfect for downtime between sightseeing stops.

🍲 Things to Do in Latvia for Foodies

🍞 Rye bread & local staples

Latvian cuisine is hearty and comforting. Dark rye bread is a staple, often served with butter, cheese or smoked meats, simple but seriously good.

🐟 Smoked fish & Baltic flavours

Along the coast and in markets, smoked fish is everywhere, mackerel, sprats and salmon, often served fresh with salads or potatoes.

🥘 Traditional dishes to try

Look out for:

• Grey peas with bacon (a national favourite)

• Hearty meat stews and dumplings

• Potato pancakes with sour cream

It’s proper comfort food, especially in colder months.

☕ Riga’s café culture

Riga has quietly become a hotspot for cool cafés. Expect speciality coffee, brunch spots and Scandi-style interiors, perfect for slow mornings.

🍷 Modern Baltic & Nordic-inspired dining

There’s a growing scene of chefs reworking traditional ingredients into modern dishes. Think seasonal menus, foraged ingredients and minimalist presentation.

🍺 Craft beer & local drinks

Latvia has a strong brewing tradition. Try local craft beers or Riga Black Balsam, a herbal liqueur that’s… an acquired taste, but worth trying at least once.

🌍 More Destinations to Explore

Estonia – digital-forward, medieval Tallinn, and Baltic charm
Lithuania – baroque cities, lakes, and historic Old Towns
Finland – forests, lakes, and Northern Lights magic
Sweden – stylish cities, islands, and Scandinavian design
Poland – vibrant cities, history, and great-value travel