Panoramic view of the Riga old town, Latvia

Things to do in  Latvia

Nature and castles galore

The middle child of Europe’s Baltic states, Latvia sits between Estonia and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea of northern Europe. Interest in Latvia as a travel destination, particularly the capital of Riga, has grown since the restoration of the country’s independence in 1991. A city break in Riga may be one of the most popular things to do in Latvia among travelers, but the country also has forests, castles, waterfalls, beaches, and many other cities and towns full of history and culture to explore.

Learn more

Top 14 attractions in Latvia

#1

Riga Old Town (Vecriga)

star-5401
Riga Old Town (Vecrīga) is the UNESCO World Heritage–listed historical center of Latvia’s capital city. The Old Town sits on the Daugava River and still has some major preserved landmarks from the 13th to 15th centuries. It’s home to cobbled streets, churches, and eclectic architecture, and also serves as Riga’s main entertainment district.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Riga Castle (Rigas Pils)

star-4.518
Standing on the banks of the Daugava River, Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils) is one of the most resilient icons of Latvian heritage. At various points in its 700-year history, the castle has been under Polish, Swedish, and Soviet control. Today it is the official residence of the President of Latvia.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

St Peter's Church

star-5382
A defining fixture of the Riga old town skyline, St. Peter’s Church is one of the city’s most cherished landmarks. This 13th-century church still has many original elements inside, including stone tombs and wooden altars, but the viewing platform atop the church’s 404-foot-high (123-meter) Gothic tower is its main draw.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Riga Town Hall Square (Ratslaukums)

star-5528
Long the center for activity in Riga’s medieval Old Town, the Riga Town Hall Square (Ratslaukums) looks brand new thanks to modern renovations. The square is always lively, as pedestrians mull around the Roland Statue to admire the Gothic architecture of the House of the Blackheads and visit the city’s Christmas tree come winter.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Latvian National Opera (Latvijas Nacionala Opera un Balets)

star-5162
The Latvian National Opera (Latvijas Nacionala Opera un Balets) is a major cultural and architectural landmark in Riga. Gardens and a fountain frame the building’s refined neoclassical exterior, while the inside is full of rich golden detail. Fans of the arts can catch performances of opera and ballet in its four halls.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

Riga Cathedral (Rigas Doms)

star-5323
Making a grand statement with its scale and architectural blend, Riga Cathedral (Rigas Doms) is a cultural highlight of the city. While this Evangelical Lutheran cathedral is a cornerstone of faith in Riga, it’s also long been one of the city’s main concert venues—classical music fans can still enjoy regular organ concerts there today.More
Tours & Tickets
#7

House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju Nams)

star-5169
Built in 1334 for the Brotherhood of Blackheads—a guild for unmarried German merchants in Latvia—the House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju Nams) is one of Riga’s grandest buildings. This Gothic structure, which features an elaborate Renaissance facade, now functions as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and festive events, and the interior is open for visitors to explore.More
Tours & Tickets
#8

Swedish Gate (Zviedru Varti)

star-5187
Tucked away among the old town’s narrow cobblestone streets, the Swedish Gate is the last of Riga’s gates from its days under Swedish rule. Although the 17th-century gate is quite unassuming from the north, it blends in with the quaint character of the buildings along Aldaru Iela to create one of the prettier corners of Riga.More
Tours & Tickets
#9

Albert Street (Alberta Iela)

star-5120
Considered the hub of Riga’s art nouveau obsession, Albert Street is an open-air museum of architectural gems ready to wow passersby. It’s estimated that there are around 800 art nouveau buildings in Riga, but rarely are they as concentrated or grand as on Albert Street, making a walk here a visual treat for tourists.More
Tours & Tickets
#10

Livonian Order Sigulda Castle

star-599
Overlooking the Gauja River and surrounded by forest, the Livonian Order Sigulda Castle is a highlight of Sigulda, a town near Riga. Tucked behind the Sigulda New Castle, it was left to ruin for centuries but has been partly restored in recent years. Today, you can get a glimpse of its past as a crusader stronghold.More
Tours & Tickets
#11

Riga Art Nouveau Museum (Jugendstila Muzejs)

star-518
Go behind Riga’s popular art nouveau façades and see how glamorous they were inside the Riga Art Nouveau Museum. Walk through faithfully recreated rooms from the turn of the century and see how different aspects of life were lived over 100 years ago. However, the star of the show is the building’s exquisite spiral staircase.More
Tours & Tickets
#12

Small Guild (Maza Gilde)

star-526
The dainty white exterior of the Small Guild helps it make an impression among its equally picturesque old town surroundings. However, the exterior pales compared to the mosaics, stained-glass windows, and portraits that cover the interior of this 19th-century guildhouse. Music lovers can enjoy concerts inside this beloved venue.More
Tours & Tickets
#13

Jauniela Street (Jauniela Iela)

star-4.515
While its name may translate as New Street, Jauniela Street (Jauniela) certainly doesn’t look all that new, thanks to the assortment of pastel buildings that line its cobblestones. The street is regarded as one of Riga Old Town’s prettiest, but it’s also one of the city’s liveliest, home to many hotels, bars, and restaurants.More
Tours & Tickets
#14
Classic Car Museum (Retro-Auto Muzejs)

Classic Car Museum (Retro-Auto Muzejs)

star-00
Riga's Classic Car Museum (Retro-Auto Muzejs) was officially established in 2010 but dates back to the Latvian Vintage Car Club, which was founded in 1972. With a motto of "save it from rust," the museum strives to preserve classic automobiles and to familiarize visitors with restoration techniques. More than anything, it brings together car and motorcycle aficionados.More

Explore Latvia by interest

Top activities in Latvia

Try real weapons - Winchester, Glock17, Kalashnikov, Beretta 92FS

Try real weapons - Winchester, Glock17, Kalashnikov, Beretta 92FS

star-5
85
From
$60.46
Trip to the Hill of Crosses & a Charmed Jelgava from Riga

Trip to the Hill of Crosses & a Charmed Jelgava from Riga

star-5
60
From
$126.41
Tour bus from Riga to Vilnius (Guaranteed departure)
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Tour bus from Riga to Vilnius (Guaranteed departure)

star-5
29
From
$87.94
Latvian food tasting tour at Riga Central market

Latvian food tasting tour at Riga Central market

star-4.5
121
From
$42.87
Private day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & more

Private day trip to Rundale Palace, Hill of Crosses & more

star-5
58
From
$150.59
Riga to Tallinn - Sightseeing transfer

Riga to Tallinn - Sightseeing transfer

star-5
6
From
$460.57
per group
Riga Old Town walking tour

Riga Old Town walking tour

star-4.5
162
From
$15.94
Riga to Vilnius - Sightseeing transfer

Riga to Vilnius - Sightseeing transfer

star-5
3
From
$427.60
per group
The best of Riga segway tour

The best of Riga segway tour

star-5
36
From
$82.44
Sunset at Kemeri National Park

Sunset at Kemeri National Park

star-5
12
From
$65.95
Go on a pilgrimage from Riga - visit Siluva and Hill of Crosses!

Go on a pilgrimage from Riga - visit Siluva and Hill of Crosses!

star-5
1
From
$175.88
Full-Day Private Trip to Nuclear Missile Base and Secret Soviet Bunker

Full-Day Private Trip to Nuclear Missile Base and Secret Soviet Bunker

star-5
3
From
$438.59
per group
Riga Curling Experience

Riga Curling Experience

From
$92.33
Private Riga Old Town Walking Tour

Private Riga Old Town Walking Tour

star-5
42
From
$131.91
per group
Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems

star-5
146
From
$65.95
Private Riga Art Nouveau Tour

Private Riga Art Nouveau Tour

star-5
3
From
$131.91
per group
Jurmala Hidden Wonders Tour

Jurmala Hidden Wonders Tour

From
$417.70
per group
Riga Shooting 4 Guns

Riga Shooting 4 Guns

star-5
1
From
$100.03
Full-Day Rundale Palace Tour from Riga

Full-Day Rundale Palace Tour from Riga

star-5
7
From
$84.56
Sunrise at the Hill of Crosses - 2 countries in 1 day

Sunrise at the Hill of Crosses - 2 countries in 1 day

star-5
16
From
$137.40
See all Latvia tours

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Latvia

When to visit

To see Latvia come alive, there’s no better time to visit than during summer. Not only do the months of June, July, and August generate the nicest weather this Baltic nation sees—weather nice enough to actually enjoy Latvia’s splendid beaches—they also host many of the country’s biggest festivals, including the massive Latvian Song and Dance Festival and the Positivus Festival. However, don’t discount fall in Latvia, as places like Gauja National Park look incredible in their fall colors.

Getting around

Public transportation in Latvia extends far enough that travelers should have no trouble getting to most places without a car. Latvia’s train network centers on Riga and spreads to other major cities—including Daugavpils, Liepāja, and Jelgava—and most borders. Likewise, regional buses operate from the country’s cities and large towns out to regional areas. Cycling is another viable way to get around Latvia since the country is relatively flat in most parts.

Traveler tips

Although Rundāle Palace is a popular day trip for travelers in Riga, the town of Bauska has just as much (if not more) to offer visitors. Be sure to visit Bauska Castle and explore the banks of the town’s rivers for pleasant natural scenery. Similarly, Jekabpils to the east also features a castle and riverfront, as well as an unusual UNESCO World Heritage Site—a marker for the Struve Geodetic Arc, used to measure the size and shape of Earth.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
EEST (UTC +3)
Country Code
+371
Language(s)
Latvian
Attractions
14
Tours
411
Reviews
2,047
EN
844816cc-43a8-499d-9b95-3b20981b0c2a
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Latvia famous for?

Latvia is best known for its capital city, Riga, home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town with well-preserved architecture and landmarks. The country is also famous for its proud tradition of folk dance and song, as well as having the widest waterfall in Europe, the Venta Rapid.

...More
Is Latvia good for tourists?

Yes, Latvia is an excellent place for tourists to visit as it has a broad appeal. Visitors are bound to find something that interests them, whether that’s grand castles and national parks or pristine beaches and traditional dishes like bread soup and potato pancakes.

...More
How many days do I need in Latvia?

Five days will be enough time in Latvia to get a taste of the country. In addition to exploring the capital Riga, you can either tack on a day trip (or two) to places like Sigulda and Rundale Palace, or you can spend a couple of days visiting another city such as Liepāja or Daugavpils.

...More
What is typical Latvian food?

Generally quite hearty and humble, Latvian cuisine is similar to that of other Baltic and Nordic nations. Common Latvian dishes are often soups and stews made with ingredients such as peas, buckwheat, red meat, and root vegetables. Rye bread is also a staple of the cuisine.

...More
Is Latvia cheap for tourists?

Latvia may not be the cheapest destination in Europe for travelers, but the country is on the more affordable side of the scale. Of the Baltic countries, Latvia is generally more affordable than Estonia and more expensive than Lithuania, and there are ways for budget travelers to visit without breaking the bank.

...More
Do people in Latvia know English?

Yes, English is one of the most commonly spoken languages in Latvia. Younger generations and people working in tourism are more likely to speak English in Latvia, while older Latvians are much less likely to speak the language.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Latvia?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Latvia?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Latvia?
A:
Check out things to do near Latvia:

More Tours in Latvia