Know before you go : Latvia Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Latvia, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Latvia is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. The Baltic Sea is situated to its west.

As one of the Baltic countries, Latvia shares deep cultural and historical ties with its neighbors, Estonia and Lithuania.

The capital is Riga, Latvia’s largest city, located along the Daugava River, near the coast of the Baltic Sea.

As of 2024, Latvia covers approximately 64,589 km² and has a population of around 1.8 million people.

The best time to visit Latvia depends on the experiences you’re seeking. For pleasant weather and extended daylight, summer (June to August) is ideal, with temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C. If you’re interested in seeing the wonderful winter landscapes, it would be best to come between December and February, as there is often snow and Christmas markets around this time of year.

During winter, temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower, so it’s essential to pack warm clothing. While summer offers milder weather, it’s still a good idea to pack layers, as evenings can get chilly, especially near the coast.

I visited in June, and the weather was perfect for enjoying the beautiful landscapes, as well as experiencing extended daylight. Plus in June there are not many tourists, you can visit everything peacefully !

In Latvia, the currency is the Euro (€). The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western European countries. A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs around €10-15, while mid-range dining options usually start at €20-30 per person.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the country, and for ATMs without fees, look for ones at bank branches.

Accommodation options vary widely, from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. Prices for budget hotels and hostels typically start at around €20-40 per night, while mid-range hotels generally range from €60-110 per night for two people in central locations.

To save on accommodation, you might consider booking an Airbnb or a guesthouse slightly outside the city center. For example, you can often find comfortable options for around €50-60 per night for two people, providing a cozy stay in a pleasant neighborhood.

I would definitely recommend Old Riga Plaza Hotel in Riga, quite affordable (51€ a night for 2 people), confortable and perfectly located !

Clothing: Pack layers when visiting Latvia, as temperatures can be cool even in summer. For a visit in July or August, bring a light jacket or sweater. In winter, prepare for chilly weather with thermal layers, gloves, hats, heavy socks, and a warm coat, especially if you plan to explore the countryside. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring on foot or hiking in nature.

Rain gear : Be sure to pack an umbrella and rain jacket, for unpredictable weather in spring and autum.

Adapter: Latvia uses Type C and F power outlets. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter. A power bank is also useful to keep your devices charged on the go.

Latvia offers a variety of unique souvenirs to bring back home!

Food: Bring back a taste of Estonia with black rye bread, kama (a unique Estonian grain blend used in desserts), or local berry jams. Estonian honey and handmade chocolates also make wonderful treats.

Design Goods: Estonia has a growing design scene with an emphasis on simplicity and quality. Consider Estonian ceramics, linen textiles, or sleek wooden home decor items. Hand-carved wooden utensils or locally made jewelry are also great choices for gifts or keepsakes.

Traditional Items: Look for classic Latvian handicrafts, like beautifully woven woolen socks, mittens, or scarves with intricate traditional patterns. You can also find jewellery or decorative objects made from amber (called “Baltic gold”).

Food: Rye bread, smoked fish and herbal teas are great souvenirs to bring back from Latvia. Berry jams and honey are Latvian specialties as well.

Design Goods: Consider bringing back items like handmade ceramics, linen textiles, or wooden home decor made from Latvian birch or oak.

In Lavia, Latvia is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas and major cities.

Here are a few Latvian phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Sveiki [SVEH-ee-kee]

Thank you: Paldies [pahl-DYEHS]

You’re welcome: Nav par ko [NAHV pahr koh]

I (don’t) understand: Es (ne) saprotu [ehs (neh) SAH-proh-too]

Sorry: Atvainojiet [AHT-vah-ee-noh-yet]

My name is…: Mans vārds ir… [mahnz VARDS eer]

Yes / No: Jā / Nē [YAH / NEH]

As we came from Europe, our mobile plan included internet and calls in Latvia, but if you plan on buying one on arrival, you can find LMT, Bite, and Tele2 SIM cards at the airport for around €10.

Latvia’s public transportation is reliable and affordable. Renting a bike is also a popular option for exploring urban areas or coastal paths.

If you’re traveling to more remote areas or want to explore Latvia’s nature, renting a car is a convenient option. As we did a roadtrip from Tallinn to Vilnius, renting a car was the easiest solution and we booked through Europcar. It was both the most financially interesting and practical option.

Be sure to check rental requirements, as credit cards are often needed.

Latvia offers a wealth of nature and sightseeing. Here are some of the best things to do in the country :

That’s it for my Latvia travel tips! To get more detailed information and pictures about these places, be sure to check out my other articles A day in Riga and The top places to see in Latvia.