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Introducing Latvia

When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Baltic States is late spring or summer. Spring begins in late April and the countryside takes on a green lushness, drawing horses out from their winter barns. Summers are relatively short (mid-June through August). You may experience a string of hot, dry days during this time, but showers and chilly nights can also be expected.

Temperatures cool down rapidly from September onwards. Autumn can be a beautiful season, as the golden leaves of deciduous trees begin to contrast with dark green pines. The first snowfalls can come as early as mid-November, and by December winter sets in with a vengeance. Average daytime temperatures can remain below freezing until March. That said, winter can also be a magical time, with lakes, rivers and large expanses of the Baltic Sea freezing over, crunchy snow cover adding an air of enchantment to medieval city centers, and plenty of skating rinks and saunas to keep you warm. 

Where should you go?
With its strong German influence and tall historic buildings, Riga feels different than other Baltic capitals. You'll love strolling the web of narrow Old Town streets, with no shortage of sidewalk cafes. From Riga, head to Jurmala, a resort town where the ice-blue waters of the Baltic Sea might be the prettiest of anywhere in the region. There's plenty of entertainment to be found, but unspoiled nature is the main attraction here—come for the sea, white sandy beaches, and shady pine forests. Latvia's other draws include the Baroque style Basilica of the Assumption in Aglona, and the Medieval town of Cesis (home to the oldest brewery in the country).

How many days do you need?
Travelers with 7 days will have enough time to tour Latvia or check out the highlights of the three Baltic capitals—Riga, Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania). With 10 days, you can combine an in-depth Latvia tour with stops in Tallinn and Vilnius, and two weeks is enough to see all three countries, including rural places and hidden gems.

Latvia Travel Insights

Latvia
Map of History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days
History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days

Discover Latvia, from the cobbled streets of its historic capital of Riga to the dense forests and waterfalls of Gauja National Park. After witnessing the famous Art Nouveau architecture of Riga, visit the sandstone caves near the medieval village of Kuldīga followed by a trip to the coastal resort city of Jūrmala. Along the way, you'll tour castle ruins, historic palaces, and discover Latvia's art scene with a visit to an open-air museum with over 150 works of art.

Explore Latvia
Map of Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days
Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days

Over seven days you'll cover the highlights of Latvia, from the medieval capital city of Riga to its gorgeous coastal villages. You'll also stop at unique locales, like abandoned fallout bunkers and former KGB headquarters, that are throwbacks to when Latvia was controlled by Soviet Russia. In between, you'll tour well-preserved castles, cathedrals, and opulent palaces, some of which date back as far as the 13th century.

Riga at Sunset
Riga and the Midsummer Festival - 5 Days

Experience local culture and traditions in Riga by enjoying its annual Midsummer Festival, starting with a walking tour of the historic city center and its renowned architecture. Then participate in traditional songs, dances, and sauna rituals with locals at the festival, sleeping in the tranquility of Gauja National Park. Learn about Baltic culture and traditions with an herbal workshop, a carpentry workshop, and a visit to the open-air ethnographic museum.

Riga
Map of Highlights of the Baltic Capital Cities - 8 Days
Highlights of the Baltic Capital Cities - 8 Days

Discover the capital cities of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on this whirlwind 8-day trip through the Baltic states. As you travel north from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn, you'll learn about each city's rich cultural, historic, and culinary traditions. Visit churches in Vilnius, indulge in a food tour in Riga, and explore the creative hub of Tallinn on this Northern European adventure.

 House of the Blackheads in Riga Old Town
Highlights of Latvia - 5 Days

This trip through Latvia starts in Riga, touring the medieval Old Town, the Central Market, and the Latvian National Opera and Ballet House, and ending with a traditional dinner with folklore dancing. You'll then explore the country's rural landscapes with visits to waterfalls and caves in the town of Kuldīga, as well as the preserved Bauska Castle and the palaces of Rundāle and Jelgava. End your trip in Jūrmala, a seaside resort where you'll ride bikes along the beach and swim in the sea.

Sunset over Riga's Old Town
Map of Ancient Traditions in Latvia & Estonia - 9 Days
Ancient Traditions in Latvia & Estonia - 9 Days

Explore the medieval towns and castle-filled countrysides of Latvia and Estonia on this nine-day itinerary. From the 13th through 16th centuries, the two countries were a unified political entity known as Livonia, and you can explore their shared culture as you travel through the historic cities, ancient river valleys, islands, and Hanseatic towns of the Baltic region.

Latvia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days
History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days
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Map Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days
Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days
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Map Highlights of the Baltic States
Highlights of the Baltic States
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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Latvia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Life changing!
Latvia | Jun 11 - Jun 17, 2023

Catherine
Catherine H.
Highland Springs, VA | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2023
These are the only places on earth where eastern and western architecture can now meet in harmony. The architecture tells a social history translated into excellent English on this tour! The hotels were clean, comfortable, and safe. The food was outstanding as well, I only wish I had more time! Read more

These are the only places on earth where eastern and western architecture can now meet in harmony. The architecture tells a social history translated into excellent English on this tour! The hotels were clean, comfortable, and safe. The food was outstanding as well, I only wish I had more time!

Hotel Reviews
Grand Palace Hotel
Riga

This hotel was clean, comfortable and safe. The staff were very friendly, accessible and helpful. The food at the restaurant was truly enjoyable. The location cannot be beat and overall this hotel is definitely a fabulous deal for the money.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Neringa Hotel
Vilnius

This hotel was clean, comfortable and safe. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. It's location was a bit far from sites that I was interested in seeing but overall a great deal for the price.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Valdis Čeičs
Valdis
Valdis Čeičs
Local specialist in Riga, Latvia | Replied on Jun 26, 2023

Thank you fAor such a nice review! We are really happy that you enjoyed the trip!

Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania
Latvia | Jul 20 - Jul 29, 2019

Annette
Annette P.
PA | Reviewed on Aug 01, 2019

Overall we had a good trip. The private guides were all amazing! At times things felt a bit disjointed but our trip coordinator Ieva made herself available via WhatsApp so we could coordinate.

Local specialist: Valdis Čeičs