Latvia can be accessed by virtually every means of transportation. Maritime transport links the three main seaports (Riga, Liepaja and Ventspils) with the other Baltic Sea countries, there are good railway links with Russia and Belarus, while coach routes have developed rapidly in recent years to link neighbouring countries as well as more distant major European cities.
Highways lead into Latvia from Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus and Russia.
Air traffic is growing exponentially. Several low cost airlines have found their way to Latvia as well as long haul flights to the USA.
Currently Riga International Airport is the main hub for air traffic, however regional airports at Liepaja and Ventspils have recently been renovated and are already attracting international charters. An initiative has been launched to encourage more internal flights between Riga and these airports.
Getting to Latvia: www.latviatourism.lv
Where to spend the night
When planning your trip to Latvia, be sure to make inquiries about places to stay at during your visit. While in Latvia, stay in one of the numerous hotels. Choose one that suits your needs, as there are various types of hotels, starting with the luxurious upscale hotels to those providing more modest accommodations. Many of them are located near the city center or major tourist sites. For example, if you are planning to visit the Latvian seaside resort town of Jurmala, you can stay in a hotel situated a few minutes walk from the beach. Young and active people will enjoy staying at a camping site or even in a tent.
| Jurmala – source |
If you are planning to stay in the countryside, think about renting a room in a guesthouse, where you will not only have a good rest but will also enjoy the homey atmosphere that the host creates for you. If you decide to spend a night in a tent, there are tent sites, campfire sites, and fresh drinking water at your disposal. Your vehicle will be safe and this excellent recreation will revitalize you for the following day and for new adventures.
Where to go
Clicking on this hyperlink, you will be redirected to the site with interactive map and you can search for places that are nice or interesting to see:
What to do
There are many activities you can do in Latvia. In this section you will find some hyperlinks for activities that are you interested in.
Holiday for families with kids
Interactive tourist shows and excursions
The Most Popular Things To See
Riga Old Town - Established in 1201, the old centre of Riga was encircled by fortifications until the mid 19th century. Here are the oldest buildings in Riga: the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, St. John’s Church, St. Jacob’s Church, the ’Three Brothers’ houses, and Riga Castle, which also houses the Latvian History Museum and the Foreign Art Museum. The centrepiece of Rutslaukums Square is the reconstructed Blackheads’ House, which was destroyed in World War II and is now owned by Riga Council.
Riga-Jugendstil Metropolis - Riga’s Jugendstil buildings amaze everyone both in their quantity and their high quality of workmanship. Although Alberta and Elizabetes Streets are particularly well-known for Jugendstil architecture, these beautiful buildings can be seen in all parts of the city that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Latvian Open-Air Museum - The Latvian Open-Air Museum, established in 1924, is one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe. In this museum can be seen traditional farmsteads, fishermen’s dwellings, and craft workshops from all corners of Latvia. In addition, the museum has two wooden churches, a tavern, windmill, and other rural buildings. There are craft fairs and organ and folk music concerts in the museum during the summer. 18 master craftsmen and artisans work at the museum: weavers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, basket makers, potters, bee-keepers and others.
| Open Air Museum -source |
Pasiene Catholic Church - Pasiene is the easternmost point of Latvia, where visitors can become acquainted with the atmosphere of the European Union’s borderland. Here, in the middle of a quiet rural area, stands the colourful Pasiene Church, built in 1761 in the Polish Baroque style.
Turvete Nature Park - Many natural, historical, and cultural monuments can be seen in this park. Beautiful Turvete river valley, pine forest, bird watching, information trails and the 400 hectare forest that includes a Fairy Tale Forest, wooden sculptures, an arboretum, an ancient castle mound, and the home and memorial museum of author Anna Brigadere can be enjoyed. Nearby is the Kalnamuiža Church (1614) and the only book museum in Latvia.
Daugava Museum - Daugava Museum is located in an 1898 estate house on Dole Island. It tells the history of the River Daugava and about the boatmen, bargemen, fishermen and ferrymen who have all owed their livings to this important waterway. There is an old Daugava fishermen’s farmstead, complete with fishing equipment and everyday items and tools, on display in the former estate park.
Jurkalne’s Steep Coast - One of the most picturesque sections of the Baltic coast in Latvia. It features a quiet and pristine beach and coastal cliffs that reach an impressive 20 m height. Many opportunities exist for both relaxation and active recreation.
| Jurkalne’s Steep Coast - source |
Events
Planning your trip to Latvia, don’t forget to find out which events are going to take place during the time of your visit not only in Riga but also in the regions! Exciting pastime is guaranteed not only at such big events as the Song Festival, but also at the smaller events where you will see how creativity and traditional Latvian culture are merged with modern tendencies. You can choose the events that best suit your taste - visit the National Opera, a dance club, an arts gallery, or battles of the medieval knights.
In this section you will find information about big-scale events, in which a significant number of people are going to participate and about entertainment possibilities as well. You can see if there is some interesting exhibition, you can decide on the nightclub to spend Friday evening! Also pay your attention to holidays and upcoming festivals - visit Song Festival, come and visit us during Traditional Latvian Midsummer Festival Ligo, or visit Latvia during the air-balloon festival. While visiting Latvia during festivities you will gain an unforgettable experience which no other country will give you.
Use the search possibilities to find the events you are interested to see during your stay in Latvia!
If you click this hyperlink, you will find events that are taking place in next few days
The last hyperlink is about „good to know" and about public holidays and remembrance days