Best Tips For Your Day Trips From Riga – Why Going Outdoors Is Awesome In Latvia
LatviaFeaturing guest writer Rolands Ratfelders from Escaperies Are you looking for new authentic travel destinations? Maybe you are planning...
Notable Places
Discover Latvia
Use the map to discover the stunning nature of Latvia. Start off with a day trip from Riga
Latvia Quick Guide
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Latvian
- Time Zone: EET (UTC+2) / EEST in summer (UTC+3)
- Fun Fact #1: Home to Riga Central Market, Europe’s largest market in repurposed zeppelin hangars.
- Fun Fact #2: The widest waterfall in Europe, Venta Rapid, is in Kuldīga
- Fun Fact #3: Latvia’s Song & Dance Festival—celebrating folk traditions—is UNESCO-listed
- Tipping: 5-10 % in restaurants; rounding up taxi fares customary
- Emergency Number: 112
Where to Stay in Latvia
Latvia offers charming options, from boutique stays in Riga’s UNESCO-preserved Old Town to beachfront villas in Jūrmala, spa resorts near Ķemeri Park, and historical manors in Gauja National Park, blending local hospitality with cultural authenticity.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. Cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around Latvia
Latvia’s public transport is convenient for main routes: commuter trains and buses serve Riga and towns like Sigulda, Cēsis, and Liepāja. Riga’s trams, buses, and subway-like commuter lines get you across the capital; in Jūrmala, local trains run every 15 minutes.
However, a rental car is essential for off-grid exploration – Kuldīga’s waterfall, Rundāle Palace, and regional wine routes are poorly connected by public transport. A car gives freedom to wander hill towns, rural landmarks, and coastal capes.
Must-Visit Places in Latvia
- Riga: Old Town, Art Nouveau districts, Central Market, St. Peter’s Church
- Jūrmala: Baltic beaches, wooden architecture, Līvu Aquapark, Kemeri bog boardwalk
- Sigulda & Gauja: ‘Latvian Switzerland’, Turaida & Krimulda castles, forest trails, bobsled runs
- Cēsis: Medieval charm, Cēsis Castle, sandstone cliffs, nature activities
- Kuldīga: Historic center, Europe’s widest Venta waterfall and longest brick bridge
- Rundāle Palace: Latvia’s Versailles, baroque architecture & gardens
- Liepāja: Baltic sea resort, Art Nouveau, Karosta prison museum
- Ventspils: Port city with sea museum, vibrant public art and beaches
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Latvian Food to Sample
Latvian cuisine is hearty, seasonal, and reflective of Baltic traditions. Here are ten local delicacies:
Rupjmaize (Rye Bread): Dense, dark bread either savory or as the base for desserts like layered rye trifle.
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (Grey Peas & Bacon): National comfort dish – boiled grey peas with bacon and onions.
Aukstā zupa (Cold Beetroot Soup): Refreshing kefir-based soup with beets, cucumber, egg, and dill.
Pīrāgi (Speķrausi): Crescent-shaped buns filled with bacon & onions, served as snacks.
Sklandrausis: Courland rye tart with potato and carrot paste, sweet & earthy.
Jāņi Cheese: Caraway-seeded cheese symbolizing Midsummer, semi-soft and aromatic.
Beetroot Soup (Biešu Zupa): Hearty warm beet soup variant with similar ingredients.
Cold Meat in Jelly (Aukstā gaļa): Pork/jelly meat served with horseradish, part of festive tables.
Potato Pancakes (Kartupeļu pankūkas): Crispy, served with sour cream or berry jam.
Grey Peas with Bacon Alternate: A dumpling style variant in Vidzeme with a regional twist.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Latvia
- Hill of Crosses and Jelgava: Visit the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania on a tour from Riga. Explore this pilgrimage site where over 55,000 crosses decorate a hill.
- Jurmala, Kuldiga, Ragaciems beach, Ķemeri National Park: Explore the Baltics most luxurious beaches, Jūrmala and Regaciem. Next head to the ancient city of Kuldiga to sample local Latvian foods, and visit the stunning Ķemeri National Park, all in an easy day trip!
- Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park: Another great day trip to tick off several places on your Latvia list. Visit castles and manors in these historical towns before exploring Latvian nature in Gauja National Park.
- Ķemeri Bog & Seaside Jūrmala: Take a more relaxed day trip to the beautiful beach town of Jūrmala followed by a visit to walk the Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk, and enjoy forest views, beaches, and local charm.
- Sigulda: Discover the Switzerland of Latvia in this gorgeous mountainous town surrounded by lush green forests.
