Latvia sits quietly between Estonia and Lithuania, often skipped on fast-paced tours of Europe—but those who pause here are rewarded. This Baltic country is small in size, but full of surprises: half of its land is covered in forests, its capital has one of the highest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, and its folk songs—passed down through generations—number in the hundreds of thousands.

Walk the cobblestone streets of Riga, and you’ll feel the city’s rhythm shift between old and new. Around every corner, there’s a piece of history—be it a medieval church, a Soviet-era relic, or a café humming with conversation and cinnamon buns. And just outside the city, nature takes over: sandy beaches stretch along the Baltic Sea, wooden farmhouses dot the countryside, and pine-scented air leads you deep into ancient woods.

Latvians are proud of their roots. They celebrate midsummer by lighting bonfires, leaping over flames, and singing until dawn. They pick mushrooms, forage berries, and craft intricate traditional costumes by hand. This is a country where heritage is alive, and visitors are warmly welcomed to witness—and even take part in—it.

In this guide, we’ll take you through Latvia’s must-see places, traditional dishes, and the easiest way to stay connected as you explore this Baltic gem.

Must-See Places in Latvia

Riga – Where Old Town Meets Art Nouveau

Riga is Latvia’s vibrant capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start in the medieval Old Town, where spired churches and cobbled streets invite slow wandering. Then head to Alberta iela, where pastel Art Nouveau buildings curl with elegant details. Don’t miss the Central Market—it’s set inside old Zeppelin hangars and offers a taste of Latvian life, from smoked fish to fresh rye bread.

Jūrmala – The Seaside Escape

Just 30 minutes from Riga, Jūrmala stretches along white-sand beaches lined with pine trees and wooden villas. It’s a perfect spot for summer swimming, spa treatments, or cycling along peaceful coastal paths. In the off-season, the town becomes a quiet, restorative retreat.

Gauja National Park – Castles and Caves

Known as the "Switzerland of Latvia," Gauja National Park is filled with rolling hills, sandstone cliffs, and medieval ruins. Explore Turaida Castle, take a cable car over the Gauja River, or walk through forests alive with birdsong and folklore. The town of Sigulda is a good base for adventures.

Kuldīga – The Town with a Waterfall

Charming and calm, Kuldīga is home to Ventas Rumba, the widest natural waterfall in Europe. The town’s red-roofed buildings and wooden bridges feel frozen in time. In spring, you might catch flying fish leaping through the falls during spawning season.

Liepāja – Music, Wind, and the Sea

On Latvia’s western coast, Liepāja mixes history with creativity. Visit the old Karosta Prison (now a museum), relax on the beach with its fine, soft sand, or catch a concert in the city known as Latvia’s “rock capital.”

Local Cuisine: What to Eat in Latvia

Grey Peas with Bacon – A Comfort Classic

This hearty dish of dried peas and crispy fried bacon is a national favorite. It’s warm, simple, and full of smoky flavor—perfect after a cold day exploring.

Rye Bread – The Latvian Staple

Latvian rye bread is dense, dark, and often slightly sweet. It’s eaten with everything—soup, cheese, honey, or smoked fish—and is often baked at home or picked up at markets.

Smoked Fish – Straight from the Baltic

Head to the coast and you’ll find freshly smoked herring or sprats, sold from roadside stalls or seaside shacks. Served with boiled potatoes or dark bread, it’s a true taste of Latvia.

Sklandrausis – The Carrot Pie You Didn’t Know You’d Love

This traditional pastry has a rye crust and a filling made from mashed carrots, potatoes, and a bit of sour cream. It’s slightly sweet, earthy, and surprisingly addictive.

Kārums – The Favorite Sweet Cheese Treat

Latvians grow up eating Kārums—chocolate-coated curd snacks with soft, tangy filling. You'll find them in every shop, and yes, you should try more than one flavor.

Essential Travel Tips for Latvia

Money & Payments

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Cards are widely accepted, even at small shops and cafés. But carrying a little cash is still useful for markets and rural stops.

Getting Around

Buses and trains connect all major towns, and they’re comfortable and cheap. Riga has good public transport, but the city is also very walkable. For countryside exploring, renting a car gives you more freedom.

Staying Safe

Latvia is safe and welcoming. Like anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Roads are well maintained, and signage is in both Latvian and English in tourist areas.

Language & Culture

Latvian is the official language, but many people—especially younger ones—speak English. Don’t be surprised if locals seem reserved at first; they open up quickly and are genuinely kind.

Staying Connected in Latvia

Latvia may be old in soul, but it’s modern in service—and staying online here is easy. Cities like Riga and Liepāja offer free public Wi-Fi in parks, buses, and libraries. But as with any open network, it’s not always secure—so avoid logging into sensitive accounts or entering personal information.

If you want reliable mobile data throughout your trip, you can pick up a local SIM card from any major provider. Registration requires a passport and sometimes takes a while, especially if the staff doesn’t speak English.

A simpler solution? Activate your Latvia JetSet eSIM before you land. You’ll have instant access to secure mobile data, no need to visit a store or fiddle with SIM trays. Just scan, connect, and go.

There are no roaming fees, and if you run out of data, just order another eSIM online in seconds.

Stay connected from cobbled streets to forest trails—with JetSet eSIM, Latvia is always in reach.