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π±π»Things to Do in Latvia
From Riga's Art Nouveau streets to the beaches of Jurmala - the essential sights, and how to keep your own record of them.
Travel guide - last updated September 2026
Riga holds the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, concentrated in a few central districts, alongside a medieval old town on the Daugava River. Beyond the capital, Gauja National Park's forests and Jurmala's beach resort town are the two most common additions to a Latvia trip. Here are 6 places worth building a trip around.
Top attractions
The sights most first-time visitors build an itinerary around.
Riga Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage medieval old town on the Daugava River, with the House of the Blackheads and St. Peter's Church's tower offering one of the best views over the rooftops.
π Riga
π Nearest station: Riga Central, a five-minute walk across the park to the Freedom Monument and the old town lanes, with trams 1 and 5 stopping at the same place.
Art Nouveau District, Riga
Alberta Street and the surrounding blocks hold the largest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, with ornate facades designed partly by Mikhail Eisenstein, father of the filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein.
π Riga
π Alberta iela is a 20-minute walk north of the old town or a short ride on trolleybus 11 to Elizabetes iela - the museum at number 12 is the one to go inside.
Gauja National Park
Latvia's largest national park, with sandstone cliffs, cave systems and the medieval Turaida Castle overlooking the Gauja River valley - often called 'Livonian Switzerland' for its scenery.
π Gauja National Park, near Sigulda
π Nearest station: Sigulda, an hour from Riga on the Valga line, with Cesis another 40 minutes on - both are walking distance from the castles and the valley trails.
Jurmala
A beach resort town on the Baltic coast, a short train ride from Riga, known for its wooden architecture, spa culture, and one of the longest sand beaches in the region.
π JΕ«rmala
π Nearest station: Majori, 30 minutes from Riga Central on the frequent commuter train, with Jomas street and the beach a few minutes' walk from the platform.
Rundale Palace
A baroque palace built for the Dukes of Courland in the 18th century, often compared to a smaller Versailles, with restored formal gardens open to the public.
π PilsrundΔle, Zemgale
π There is no railway: buses from Riga's central terminal run to Bauska in about 90 minutes, then a local bus or taxi covers the last 12km to the palace.
Sigulda
A town in Gauja National Park with a bobsleigh track (usable by visitors, not just athletes), medieval castle ruins, and a cable car crossing the river valley.
π Sigulda
π Nearest station: Sigulda, an hour from Riga, then bus or the cable car across the Gauja valley to Krimulda and the Turaida castle on the far side.
Mark Latvia, get the stamp
In MyPassportStory, every country you mark - visited, lived in, or still on the list - becomes a stamp like these in your own travel passport. Add the cities you stopped in, draw the route between them, and turn the whole trip into a shareable passport-style image.
Open MyPassportStoryPlanning questions
How many days do you need in Latvia?
3-4 days covers Riga thoroughly, including a day trip to Sigulda or Jurmala. A week lets you add Gauja National Park and Rundale Palace.
What's the best time to visit Latvia?
May-September has the mildest weather, best for Jurmala's beach and Gauja's forests. Riga's Christmas market runs through December; winters are cold and dark.
Is Latvia good for a first-time visit?
Yes - Riga's old town is compact and walkable, and English is commonly understood in tourist areas, particularly among younger residents.
Do I need a visa to visit Latvia?
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; other nationalities need a Schengen visa arranged in advance. Check the official visa information for your nationality: mfa.gov.lv.
What are some things to do in Latvia on a tight budget?
Walking Riga's old town and Art Nouveau district costs nothing, Jurmala's beach is free beyond the train fare from Riga, and Latvia is generally more affordable than its Nordic neighbors for food and accommodation.
Can I rent a car in Latvia, and what licence do I need?
Yes, though the Riga-Sigulda-Jurmala triangle works well by train alone. EU and EEA licences are valid as issued; other visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside the home licence. Minimum age is usually 21 with a surcharge under 25. Headlights must be on at all times, winter tyres are compulsory from December to March, and Jurmala charges a daily fee for vehicles entering the resort zone, payable online or at machines on the boundary. The Road Traffic Safety Directorate publishes the rules at csdd.lv; cars come from Sixt, Avis and Hertz.